Today was a simple task: climb 1000m in 6 hours. But if you have been keeping up with our blogs you'd not be surprised to learn that nothing is that straight forward. We were seen out of Mandara huts by two White necked Ravens only for others to join us when we stopped for lunch. We rapidly left the rain forest and entered the bleaker open moorland which was to be the landscape for the remaining walk. Some of us even had the good fortune of listening to a Good Friday service emanating from a small transistor radio that one of the porters was carrying. Clouds occasionally enveloped us but when clear we had a fantastic view of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro's second highest peak but far less accessible for the non-technical mountaineers, us. Ascents were often punishing and it became clear to all of us that it is going to take more than stamina and minimal altitude sickness to conquer Kibo, the ultimate goal of the expedition. Not withstanding the above It is going to be the mental challenge that has to be conquered. We always knew that we would face personal challenges on the mountain and these are starting to manifest themselves. Mild altitude sickness, Kilimanjaro belly and fatigue are surfacing: we look forward to our acclimatisation day tomorrow. We are bonding as a very close team as a result and this will help us through. My hut is like a girls schools dorm as the effects of the Diamox (altitude pills) is rendering some a giggling wreck. In the evening we had a spectacular view back down to Moshi, the African Plains and a top view of some of the lower volcanoes. And then the full moon rose in the clear African sky, the shooting stars gave a display and the southern hemisphere (just) night sky revealed itself and all in the world was fine.
BRIGHT iDEAS has grown from a number of people asking me to do event lighting and some lighting consultancy. If you would like some 'BRIGHT iDEAS' for your event you can contact me via this blog. My blog page will continue with a wide range of topics including Quantum mechanics, beauty in Architecture and show lighting. I look forward to your input. Many thanks, Paul
With you intrepid climbers all the way. Rah,Rah!!!!!
ReplyDeleteFatigue? Giggling wrecks? Girls school dorms? What is this? Remember who you are lads! Remember the words of Churchill: "Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy." And if that is not enough remember 1978: 3-0 down with 15 minutes to go at home to Bolton. Remember 1985: 3-0 down at half-time away at Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup. Remember 1997: 2-0 down at half-time at home to Liverpool in the FA Cup. Did we give up? Did we lose? Remember the spirit of Clive Walker. Of Paul Canoville. Of Mark Hughes. We shall never give in. We shall never surrender. We shall climb, climb and climb again.
ReplyDeleteGo guys, go! The Littleboy clan are all behind you, mentally pushing you up the mountain. We know that you can do it! Happy Easter to everyone on the expedition - I have a Double Decker with youname on it Dalton! Lots of love xxxxx
ReplyDeleteWe are all following your progress avidly back home here. Very best wishes and have a great time on the mountain.
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