82-Year-Old John with Family at Kilimanjaro Gate John with his son and grandsons at the start of the trek At I Artist Adventure, we believe it’s never too late to chase the extraordinary — and 82-year-old John Thelen just proved it on the roof of Africa. John is a Southern California native who enjoys golf, good food, and time with family. But unlike most retirees, he also has a Mount Kilimanjaro summit under his belt — with no problem. “I didn’t seem to have trouble going up!” John told us upon his return. “I had no symptoms from altitude sickness. I didn’t take anything either. I didn’t have it before and I didn’t have it this time. The going up was great.” John’s last major trek was 40 years ago to Everest Base Camp, and until now, he hadn’t tackled another serious peak. But some people are simply born with mountain lungs — and John is clearly one of them. Still, he credits the support of his son Michael and grandsons Austin and Jason for the summit success. “It was great being with my sons. We helped each other,” John said. “At altitude, everyone needs a little help. The brain is getting too little oxygen. It goes sideways a little. The lack of oxygen is the thing that changes everything. Until you’ve done it, you don’t know how you’ll react.” While some experience nausea or headaches from the altitude, John described a quiet detachment — a sort of dreamy internal drift. “It’s a great introspective experience,” he said.

A Steady Ascent to Uhuru Peak

John found his rhythm, and the Thelen family powered steadily through the last 7,000-foot push to Uhuru Peak — the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This part of the trek is all about discipline and endurance, not speed. Trekkers don’t sprint to the top — they ascend slowly, one careful step at a time, guided by Swahili wisdom: pole pole (slowly, slowly). One step. Breathe. Another step. Breathe. Repeat… Repeat… Repeat — for five hours. I Artist Adventure ensures every client is matched with the region’s best guides, and for the Thelens, that guide was none other than Andrew Kitema, a seasoned leader with over 20 years of mountain experience. “Going up the last day, I was right behind Andrew. When he took a step, I’d take a step. He knows all about altitude and the rest step. I copied him,” John said. “My son was having trouble. I didn’t know this, but he was saying, ‘If my father can take another step, so can I.’ I was saying the same thing about Andrew!”

Gentle Leadership Everyone Appreciated

John credits their success not only to physical preparation but also to the leadership style of Andrew and his three assistant guides, all part of the I Artist Adventure team. “They’re all very aware of the abilities of the trekkers. Everyone felt they were involved in what was happening. None of the leaders walked too fast. Everyone kept up. That was one of the beautiful things I saw on the trek,” John recalled. “Andrew’s leadership was beautiful. We would not have made it or done as well without Andrew. And I have experience here! Andrew was gentle and gave directions in a way everyone enjoyed.” Each night, after dinner, the team gave motivational updates — celebrating progress, checking oxygen levels, and keeping the mood high with support and encouragement.

Safety First — Always

At I Artist Adventure, safety is not a feature — it’s a foundation. John’s memories include more than the summit; they also include the steady hands of the porters and guides who made sure every step was safe. “Coming down, my porter was right behind me, right next to me, and he caught me as I stumbled backward,” John said. “This is big stuff. It’s not kiddy stuff. And we always felt that our safety was the number one priority.” Falls are not uncommon on Kilimanjaro’s rugged descent paths. John’s grandson Jason had a near stumble too — and again, a porter was there to prevent a fall. Other groups weren’t so lucky. John noticed trekkers who rushed early on but later fell behind or had to turn back entirely. The I Artist Adventure approach is rooted in patience, strategy, and watching every step.

A Moving Moment on the Summit

Eventually, the family reached Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. And for John, the summit became more than just a personal triumph — it became a place of reflection. “I noticed on the summit, other trekkers had these little shrines and engraved porcelain. This was very moving for me personally,” he said. “I lost my wife four years ago, and I was touched by that idea.” “It was very fulfilling for me to just sit there and maybe cry a little bit on top of the world. It’s beautiful on top of Kili.” At I Artist Adventure, we’re proud to host moments like this — where adventure meets emotion, and memories are made for life.

What’s Next for the Thelen Family?

John may be 82, but retirement from adventure? Not a chance. “I’d go again! I’ve been back a week, and I’d go again,” he said with a smile. While Kilimanjaro was a major milestone, the family’s next dream? Possibly the Andes or the Camino de Santiago in Spain. “We may do the hike up to Machu Picchu,” John said. “And I’ve always wanted to do the way over to Portugal from Northern Spain [El Camino de Santiago].” Wherever they go, the spirit of Kilimanjaro will stay with them.

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