Challenge yourself...
October 2011
"Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don't even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the summit of Africa.
Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 metres – to an imperious 5,895 metres (19,336 feet)."
So, what else would you do with a mountain like this? Well.. Climb it!
In my official remission year, to make sure mentally I knew that bowel cancer had NOT beaten me, I want to do something BIG. So found a mountain!
I got myself so excited looking at challenges that my friends Sarah and Clare decided they were going to join me - for what was originally planned as trekking the Inca Trail in Peru (later this happened the Christmas of 2012) changed to climbing Kili due to the organisers not having enough people for Peru. It was very humbling to realise that I have friends that were willing to cross the world, take on a challenge and spend pocket money for a charity that I really believed in. Friends are what makes your life valuable so don't forget them.
It was a very scary prospect, and I remember shaking as I rang my parents to tell them when I had booked it. Mother was a little dissappointed when she realised my big news was not that I was pregnant! The trek took loads of effort & training before we even left the UK - it meant long walks, finding hills and going up and down them repeatedly (there are not that many big hills in Kent) and basically pulling on my hiking boots whenever I had the chance. This did however, lead me to realise that I enjoy walking - it gives me quiet time, time to think, reflect and work through things that in the normal day to day life we may not have time for. Life is so very busy, remember to take time to "stop and smell the roses"
It also wiped out my bank account, but I figured I would have spent an equivalent amount of money on a beach holiday so it was not totally extravagant. It genuinely was one of the hardest physical & mental challenges I have ever experience. But also one of the best things I have ever done in my life, and wouldn't change a thing! Family Kili together created such an amazing life experience.
A group of people from different walks of life, with their own reasons for the challenge, came together as a nervous bunch stood in Heathrow departures, but by dinner time in Africa we were all engaging and getting on well, raring to go the next day to climb the Machame Route
The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days (five nights) on the mountain. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rainforest. The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail. The Machame Route is approximately 62 km/37 miles from gate to gate. It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience. It was tough.
Support came from virtual strangers; we bolstered each other when we struggled. We cuddled each other when we cried. We laughed with each other when we succeeded. Getting to the point when you physically and mentally think you cannot carrying on - but holding hands and keeping on moving created feelings of great satisfaction and achievement. I was also supported by Vicki - who researched the route and wrote me notes to open for every day of the trek. Motivational letters to keep me going and help my morale. Accompanied by a little doggie teddy from Lennon, who was there to look after me. Apparently Postman Pat was too precious to come ;)These were so thoughtful and kind that they took my breath away.
You can achieve most things that you really want to kids, so never be too scared to try. I mean don't try to fly with your arms as wings, that won't happen. But most things are definitely worth a go.
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