Corporatemonk

The temperature was down to minus 20 when we made the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro in South Africa. At almost 19,350 feet above sea level, the scene was breathtaking — a severe snowstorm and low fog had lifted like a veil to reveal the beauty and power of the mountain. It felt like we had won the trust of the mountain and earned the right to stand on the summit that day.

Shane and I hugged and congratulated each other as we stood on top of the Africa’s highest mountain. We took our summit photos as the bitter cold started to cut through our clothing like a cold knife. We were tired and exhausted, and the sun was starting to set  –  it was time to head back down.

It was two days earlier that we set off for the summit of the mighty Mt Kilimanjaro. This adventure to South Africa was one of apprehension and anxiety. Mt Kilimanjaro was our test of physical and mental strength to continue with our dream of completing the “7 Summits”. If we failed on this mountain, the dream would be over.

You never know how your body is going to react to high altitude conditions. There are many fit and mentally strong people that have succumbed to the effects of altitude sickness on Mt Kilimanjaro. Shane and I were fit and mentally strong, but did we have the genetics and physiology for high altitude climbing? Only time would tell.

On our first day, we made a cracking pace as we headed up the Umbwe Route. It was 1.30pm as we made our way towards our first camp site at 9,350 feet with our guide and small support team. The Umbwe Route is steep and the terrain is difficult – it is one of the most challenging routes up the mountain. Our starting elevation was 4,500 feet, and our packs weighed just over 25kg. The track was wide with little incline, but this was soon going to change. Our spirits were high, but butterflies filled our stomach as we thought about the journey that lay ahead.

Shane and I have shared many adventures as soldiers in the Australian’s Elite Paratrooper Regiment. This was our first major adventure together since our military service. As we headed off, my thoughts drifted back to when we both served in the Army. Our packs felt just as heavy, and we had some challenging walking in front of us, but this time it was very different. We were free of the soldier “fighting” mentality, and we were not carrying weapons and searching for the enemy. We were there – free – as best mates to absorb the magnificent beauty of this mountain. Our only shooting device was a camera. Sure, it was going to be challenging, but the challenge was now on our terms, not the army’s.

As we headed up the track, it became gradually steeper and steeper. I looked across at Shane and a look of pain came over his face. I said “mate, what’s wrong”?

“There is a sharp pain in my knee “, he said”

Shane was carrying an old army injury, a knee injury that has plagued him since tearing it open on a star picket on a grenade assault course. I could see he was in a lot a pain and the thought raced through my mind that our adventure may end as quickly as it stated.

TO BE CONTINUED…..(Make sure you subscribe by email or RSS feed to follow the rest of the series)

If you would like to view more photos from our adventure, please go to the Corporatemonk facebook page http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/corporatemonk/58164569715