Mountain Trekking

Before I came to Kenya, one of the things I planned to do when living here was to climb Mount Kenya. So, to mark one of the last things I do at 27, and to tick it off the list, a group of us began our climb on Monday.

We were named Haraka Pole pole Moron (fast slow carrot) and the team was great. Lovely mix of characters which meant morale stayed high even though the temperatures didn’t. We trekked through some gorgeous scenery, really diverse and varied and like I’ve never seen before. The first day was relatively easy; we were ahead of time by an hour and feeling good! It became very windy in the evening and so we were advised not to sleep in the tents (Wahay!) but to sleep in the huts. It did us good and we woke ready for a long day’s hike. The altitude began to affect me despite taking tablets and the last few hours I had a bit of a headache (my fingers really swelled up too-very attractive!) I happily slept for a few hours before tea, and then at 7.30 we all headed to bed. Kara was getting something out of her bag which was on the bunk next to mine when a mouse scrambled out. I was so cold, wearing all my clothes, pjs on top, plus then my coat and scarf that I managed to go to sleep consoling myself with the thought that if a mouse did come into my sleeping bag then it would be extra body warmth! I was very cold. I made everyone call mice and rats Care Bears to take away fear! Not sure if it was my eyesight but I fortunately didn’t see any Care Bears the whole trip.

At 2.45 we woke up and started popping pills and rehydration fluids before we began our climb up to the summit. The stars were incredible, they absolutely filled the sky and there was a gorgeous crescent moon, and Jupiter was visible. We were well wrapped up ready for the freezing temperatures and walked one behind each other, staying very close, as the only lights were from our head torches. About twenty minutes in I was really struggling. The air was so thin, and my poor asthmatic lungs, which had had quite a beating over the last few days, were close to giving up. I formulated two strong arguments in my head to give to the members of my group who would encourage me most persuasively to stay, and told them that I was returning to camp. However instead of them arguing for me to stay, they suggested I try going to the front behind our guide and set the pace. I don’t know how or why, but it was then easy. I was still def the runt of the group, asthma pump at hand always, and also the pace slowed, but I felt more in control. The guide, Frances held my hand at times for further encouragement (yes, I did feel about 5, but I also made it!! Whatever it takes…). It was snowy but that was all we could tell really as it was so dark out and our heads were just focused on following the footsteps of the person in front. As the sun began to rise we hit some big rocks. I am so thankful for the Climbing course I did in London, and the bouldering section. We had to proper scramble and it was a bit hairy at times as they were so icy but thankfully we all safely made it and reached the top.

It was incredible to summit. It was a clear morning and the views were stunning.  It was so beautiful, and really surreal to be so high, above the clouds in parts. The Welsh flag came out!

Toby and I, layered up Welshies

The way down was hard. Seeing the slope in the light, and realising how steep and rocky it was, was scary! I couldn’t believe it was the same route that we had walked up earlier. Fortunately another guide took me under his wing and held my hand the whole way down to stop me slipping as the snow and mud often gave way. My team took the mick a bit, but I think they were just jealous as they had to battle alone!! We returned for brekkie and then began the rest of the hike back to the gate, which had taken us a day and a half to climb. This was when I realised that there is a new type of tiredness. The last two hours were really tough. Having to concentrate on footing when walking downhill, as well as having had such an early and physical start left 7 rather tired people! We decided to stay locally for the night. Oh the joys of showering and falling asleep without winter coats and hats on!

We drove back this morning, and crossed the equator back into the southern hemisphere. We stopped to take some pics and watch the water experiment. I was very impressed, and would def recommend it! It is really cool!

I’m waiting for my water tank to heat up now to have a soothing bath, walking like a granny at the mo, reminds me of my post marathon walk-I’m happy to be living in a bungalow! Not sure I am tempted to climb any more mountains. As we were going up to the summit I told the team that I was def not up for Kili and needed to remember the feelings of how much I was not enjoying it so as not to do it again…..but when I went to the front I had to try hard to suppress the enjoyable feelings! As wicked as it was, and as much I would recommend others to do it, altitude and asthma is hard work!! Think I’d like to do Snowdon next. 

Candles and sunglasses

I started learning Swahili this year and am really enjoying it. My friend Slavica and I go, and we have a fab teacher, Jonah, who somehow puts up with our giggles and tangents.

Tonight there was a power cut in the area where our class is, so driving there was a bit of a mission…and in true Hannah form I also struggled to find the place (don’t want to mention how many times I have previously driven there, it doesn’t make me look good). After a few wrong turns and phone calls to Slavica I pulled over to re trace my route. It was then that a car pulled alongside me, beeping and flashing. Then the window went down and I could see an African man motioning to me. I was so scared, believing this was a car jack! Hahahaha brave African Hannah you see?!  It took Slavica to call me to tell me it was her and Jonah, who were out to find me, for me to calm down and follow them! Oh how we laughed and laughed and laughed. In the school we had a lesson by candlelight in true African style. It was so hard to read the board, especially as I had left my glasses at a friend’s house so was trying to make do with my prescription sunnies, which in my defence would have worked fine if there was lighting (I have had to wear them to watch a few rugby games here when I have forgotten my glasses so they are tried and tested for evening wear when needed!) but in a very dim room with just a couple of small candles it was a nightmare! I pulled my desk right to the front too, but to little avail. And today we started on Swahili grammar…..it was hard going! Slavica and I kept remembering the car jacking or sunglasses wearing and so the giggles continued. Poor Jonah, he kept asking what was so funny, and didn’t seem to see how we were still finding the evening’s events so amusing.

I am happy to be home and with electricity, but will leave Swahili study for tomorrow…..