unt Kilimanjaro? Madness? The current stressful situation in the country? A mid-life crisis? That’s what four women – average age 42 – asked themselves when they formed the Mountain Moms, and started preparations to climb the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
The Bulawayo mothers were set to fly out to Tanzania this week, to make their mark on the Roof of Africa.
The climb coincides with the 65th Anniversary of Whitestone School, which their (combined) 11 children attend, and pupils have been doing ‘Kili’ projects – making paper-maché mountains, studying maps and doing research. Apparently, Grade 7 boys are placing bets on which moms are going to make it.
The mothers will have satellite-signal contact with the children whilst on Kili so that they can call in every morning and give them a ‘sit-rep’ that they will include in their projects.
But, as the mothers’ diaries reveal, the preparation was not all plain sailing … or even plain climbing!
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“The priority on the ‘Kili Agenda’ was training for the big event. The training has involved weekly hikes to the Matopas, with the Moms taking turns in choosing the routes.
“Pomongwe was a great walk up but the gang took a wrong turn at the top and got lost coming down, the girls eventually stumbling out onto the Maleme road, full of cuts and scratches and various bits of shrubbery stuck in their hair!
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“Inungu was next – the big one with a cross on top. A gorgeous climb and the view breathtaking – but again a wrong turn and we emerged once again from the shrubbery at the bottom, but this time 5km away from our vehicle. It’s a good thing that there are guides on Kili!
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“Monday mornings are sacred – they are the Matopas Hike Mornings, set aside as part of the training.
“The sad reality is that it has taken us climbing a mountain in another country to appreciate and explore what is right on our doorstep and, with every single hike and climb, we have sat at the top in awe. Mesmerised, stunned and moved at the same time. There have been times when there have even been a few tears as we sit and quietly contemplate the future of our beloved country and appreciate what we do have, as opposed to winging about what we don’t have. Even the most agnostic person cannot deny that in this special place one is closer to God.
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“We met up with the other teams at the Gordon Park Gate, eager to impress them with our knowledge, skill and preparation for the legendary Trans Matopas. As we exited from our vehicle, our jaws dropped – and so did theirs! They were kitted out minimally compared to our 7kg back packs, in fact they had hardly any kit at all – a Camelpak of water on their backs and a little money-belt contraption containing a sandwich.
“Our 7kg backpacks contained only the ‘bare essentials’ – spare shoes, spare shirt, spare shorts, something warm, first aid kit, deodorant, insect repellent, Rescue Remedy (in case we saw a snake), wet wipes, sunscreen, nail scissors, nail file, water-purification tablets, emergency sewing kit, lip ice, hair brush, spare scrunchies, spare socks, mace spray (for leopards), cell phone, toilet roll, tissues, emergency blanket (in case we have to sleep in a cave), matches, maps, torch, head lamps – and the all important, very macho Leatherman! Not forgetting our food for the day … fruit, scotch eggs, tuna sandwiches, crisps, biscuits, dried fruit, cereal bars, jelly babies, protein bars, protein shakes, energade powder, salami, cheese, crunchies (for fibre!) And last but not least a book, How to Shit in the Bush.
We made our way through unbelievably beautiful bushveld, across gurgling streams and rivers that did not do our pedicures any good, through kraals where the locals were so friendly and happy, oblivious as to what was going on in the towns and cities, and even offering us a lift in their Scotch Cart drawn by four very fat and frisky donkeys! Up and down huge dwalas with views that took our breath away and through shaded and dappled woods and forests that many do not even know exist.
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With only one week to go, the excitement is now bordering hysterical! The girls are ‘fired up’ – excited and nervous at the same time! The Big Adventure has been a year in the planning and all of a sudden – that time is now! Everyone knows just how much fun we have had with the planning, training and preparation, but the one thing not ever mentioned was how interesting and educational the research is on this incredible mountain, just proving that one is never too old to learn.”
Post published in: News