The Incredible
Journey –
Mount Elgon Challenge
– been, seen and conquered!
When ten people between the ages of 38 -55 signed up to
climb an extinct volcano on the border of Uganda and Kenya – few could have
imagined that they would be pushed to the limit – physically, mentally and
spiritually. That’s exactly what 4,321 metres and 85 kilometres did, but
despite the pain the rewards were amazing!
Onwards and Upwards?
No one can adequately describe the shock of the first day.
After meeting our guides and porters we set off for the foothills.
After passing through villages full of smiling, curious and
supportive locals – Mount Elgon showed some muscle with a vicious gradient and
punishing terrain.
There were a lot of silent doubts and more than a little
intrepidation as we struggled with kit to the “Wall of Death”. The steel ladder
was a goal reached and a tiny sign that we might just make it to the top.
An In-Tents
Experience.
Camping is a challenge at the best of times – but in a rain
forest with endless mud, rain obviously and biting ants, even the most seasoned
survivor might struggle. We battled with wet tents, daily wet wipe washes and
cold. However, with amazing fortitude and always a smile, our guides and porters
cooked for us – lit fires and even dried our clothes.
Our bond with them, and our easy going Welsh leader Jim was going to be the key to unlocking Mount Elgon.
The night before the ascent was like the eve of some
terrible medieval battle. Early nights and early starts did little to prepare
our bodies for the ascent, and Mount Elgon had
an extra treat in store for some of us.
Taking it to the Top.
Summit
day dawned and altitude sickness joined the fray. How can you describe it? Maybe
your worst hangover combined with a hefty dose of sea sickness for starters, add
in the sound of your heart beating out of your chest and in your head. That
doesn’t cover it!
Taking baby steps was the only way some of us could keep
moving – but as Anita so memorably said
“It is amazing how far you can travel just one step at a time.”
And that is how we all got to the top – by taking one step
at a time, one breath at a time, and relying on the patience and support of our
guides and colleagues.
When the summit appeared through the mists – we were on top
of the world! Every pain and doubt just lifted and we knew that we had
fulfilled our promise to our amazing sponsors and proved something to
ourselves.
The descent was a blur – the elation gave way to exhaustion as the adrenalin wore off. It was dawning on us all – Mount Elgon hadn’t finished with us yet. As far as that mountain was concerned it was game on!
No Pain no Gain!
The assumption that it would be “All down hill from here”
could not have been more wrong. Roy
astutely observed
“I didn’t realise I would have to climb so
much to get down a mountain”.
Mount Elgon is a huge crater and we hadn’t even skimmed the surface! The camping got wetter, the clothes got filthier, some of us couldn’t get a hand through our hair!!! (yes that was me!!) But Mount Elgon was about to reward in some style.
We crossed a plain known as the Caldera and suddenly we were
walking in a Jurassic
Park – a prehistoric
landscape unchanged for millions of years. However, this was no ordinary
Caldera – it is the World’s largest Mountain Caldera!
Knowing that we were among a handful of people to have
witnessed this amazing sight was such a privilege.
Ancient plant life, colossal rock formations and a
wilderness that defies description – and an energy born of altitude training!!
Our journey downwards took us through the rain forests, all
of them alive with the sounds of insects, incredible bird life and chattering
monkeys. We walked in ancient bamboo forests and followed in the footsteps of
two ancient tribes who live simply and quietly under the vast canopies.
We entered the secret world of the bats that inhabit an
explored system of caverns hidden behind a water fall – and glimpsed another
time and space.
Unbreakable Bonds.
Twice our guides took off through the forests to track
poachers. Their devotion to their duty – to protect the landscape was so
inspiring.
It is really hard to describe what those guides and porters
meant to us. Some of us exchanged souls with the guides– I know that sounds
strange – but there was an intensity about the bond that really had made the
difference between success and failure, despair and hope and in some cases it
felt like life and death.
The porters supported us and cared for our welfare. We had
no common language except that of understanding and respect, for what each of
us were trying to do. I doubt I will ever experience such humility again.
Job Done!
The final day brought us to Sipi and again the warmth and
welcome of the villagers and especially the children with their joyful
greetings of “How are you?” as they emerged from crop fields with the biggest
smiles.
The goodbyes at the end were painful and heartfelt – but
that’s not how I will remember Mount Elgon.
So it is with thanks and smiles that I remember.
Debbie for taking her
smiles and taking a Tusker beer to the top.
Anita for her
fortitude and bravery and her one step at a time.
Amanda for her grace
under the worst the camping could throw at us.
Alan for his
determination and understanding when the going was almost too tough.
Bruce for the laughs
and never say die attitude 24/7
Roy for the patience and support that comes
with being a natural motivator.
Sharon for her wit,
charm and ready smiles under fire
David for sheer guts
and inspiration.
Izzy for being a
whirlwind and always full of surprises
Jim our guide for
taking us on and guiding his flock to the top.
Our guides their
respect, pride and patience
Our porters for
making our lives better every day we were on the mountain.
The Real Prize.
But – you say – what was it all about really?
That’s easy – children.
Everyone who sponsored the team has made a difference to a
child’s life and to the future of a nation
Meet Claire – she is 6 and lives in the slums of Kampala
with her grandmother. She is one of three sisters.
Thanks to the money raised by you, which in turn enables Fields
of Life to build and fund schools – Claire is clothed, educated and is fed
well. She wants to be a doctor and change the lives of the people around her.
She’s only 6 but she sees a real future and it is an amazing one. Mount Elgon will mean that hundreds of other children
like Claire can get move out poverty and live the life we want for all children
wherever they may be.
You did that!
Thank you.
