Sunday 23 June 2013

Reaching the Top!


Above the Clouds


Hello Everyone,

To fill you in on yesterday, we had a wonderful shabbas dinner on our mountain,  we did everything just right from our beautifully kept chollas  to Alex who read out lynndy levin's words of wisdom and Debra who talked about this weeks parsha, which was very poignant indeed. 
We sang and voices rang out across the whole camp. 

Our briefing by Florence  our local guide, for this morning was strict, today had to run like a military operation, we had to leave camp by 7 am, packed, with breakfast inside us and ready for long walk across what is called the Alpine  Desert.  The day started cold but bright and beautiful sunshine and amazingly we were out and walking  at 7 on the dot. Even our South African rugby neighbours were impressed. We have been sharing our journey with them from the very start. 

The terrain was rocky at first and then as we reached the desert we were able to walk side by side, not something we have been able to do as the trails have always been narrow. 
The scenery was once again breathtaking and we were all doing well, but half way across one of us started to feel unwell, we stopped, laid her down and saffron our doctor and Gwyn were on hand. As friends we kept the humour going and after a short while we were off again.  

The journey was tough today as we reached over 4600 meters our bodies took a beating. For some of us we have not slept for 5 days. Altitude plays Havoc with your sleep pattern and that in itself makes the walking even harder. 

We reached kibo huts which is base camp for tonight by 1.30. We have all tried to rest this afternoon and have prepared our thermals and we have covered our selves in hand warmers and the iPods are charged and ready. 

Sadly, Gwyn our guide and inspiration will not make the summit with us. He  has taken ill with a fever. Gwyn is a professional mountaineer who has climbed kili 6 times, not to mention skiing down Everest! You never know what is going to stop you making it! Florence our local guide who we trust and adore along with Justice and the other porters who we have come love and adore  will lead us up at 11 pm tonight.  

Did I mention that we have more porters than Victoria Beckham and the flatulance on this trip could have powered a 747 across the Sahara desert!  I won't mention any names:). 

So our first stop is Gilimans point which will take us 5 hours. We will grab a cup of tea. And then we move onto Stella point, which basically means you have made, as you are at the rim of the volcano, however to reach the summit -Uhuru- which takes another 3 hours, but its a round trip and brings you back down to Gilimans point.  That is our aim. 

So we are leaving in 30 minutes.  We are nervous, we have seen the challenge of the climb today and are fully aware if what is ahead of us.  

We are quieter than usual and we have all said our prayers. We know that in 12 hours we will be down and heading for our much needed hot baths, which we have been dreaming about for the last 6 days. 

This is what we came here for, in memory of those we love and those we continue to pray for and to keep Chai Going. 


Our view from camp


Dalia



Day 5


Alicia Ani



Please send us your comments. It will really encourage us!
With love,

Chai Altitude Xx

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9 comments:

  1. WHOOO HOOO! Heard you made it to the top!
    Kol Hakavod Ladies.
    AMAZING!!!.... It's; all down hill from here!
    enjoy the 'ride'.( Don't you wish it was that easy.....) Looking fwd to hearing all about it!!!
    XX GINA

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  2. Go on girls, Bon courage. I just wish i was with you. And yessss i do regret not coming, silly me. I have missed the experience of my life. Dalia is that forwnies on the picture? Did you confuse NY with montain and the wild? Can't wait to see you all and hear about it. Missed you and safe journey back home.

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  3. You Girls are so inspiring, thank you for taking the time to keep us updated. This looks ROUGH! What you are accomplishing is truly a testimony of how brave and dedicated you are, you can do ANYTHING you set your hearts to! Sending you virtual hugs and strength from the comfort of my montreal appartment, Jennifer my jefanabi,you are in my heart and mind always, keep on keeping on rockstar.

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  4. We are so, so proud and in awe of you all ! A monumental achievement. There can't be many people who achieve what you wonderful, inspiring ladies have all done. With love from Debra's Mum & Dad. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  5. Very inspiring - to make it this far is a massive achievement, whether or not you reach the summit. Such brave girls . Time to come home now. X Nicole

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  6. Much love and support all the way from Debra's cousins in Canada! Have a safe trip down, and watch your step!

    Your Canadian Fans x x x

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  7. well done ladies!!! Really awesome

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  8. I am reading your blog on Monday morning to jeremy and the nurses in the Oncology unit of the Wellington Platinum. We are all so moved and impressed by what you have done and the reason behind it. Thank you to all of you.

    Hugs and kisses to Lisa B

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  9. Welcome back beautiful ladies!
    I have been following your blogs and feel so proud and excited by the amazing challenge you have undertaken. Cant wait to see you and hear the amazing stories of your climb. Lots of love Muriel Bauer

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