Millennium Camp – 28th February
To say we left Stella Point with a renewed energy and enthusiasm would be a slight exaggeration but there was a definite lift that came with the knowledge that there was now a little over 100m height left to gain.
It was hard to appreciate the amazing glaciers whilst
fighting our way towards the summit.
It’s hard to find the words to describe the effect of the altitude but breathing with the lack of oxygen is almost like drinking a very watery soup, the taste is there but it’s just not very satisfying!
Aside from the lingering headache your ability to concentrate is also diminished and even simple tasks require a significant amount of effort.
Confusion reigned supreme as we approached the final climb which is neither particularly long nor steep.
In my training I’d run up trickier hills without too much trouble but confusion reigned supreme as I attempted to reconcile that knowledge with the near insurmountable obstacle that now lay before me.
Our pace by this point was little more than a shuffle and with each of us embroiled in our own battle it was impossible to offer any further support than your own gasping breath and the crunch of your boots on the snow.
Finally we crested the ridge and there it was, a tantalising 300 yards away, was the summit.
Possibly the most welcome sight in the world?
In a burst of adrenaline I forged ahead, almost collapsing on the “step” beneath the sign, watching Jas and Raj making their final, weary but triumphant steps.
Without barely a word being spoken we took a few moments to sit in silence allowing the enormity of our achievement to sink in.
Silence is golden.
Our guide, Emanuel, must have witnessed this moment dozens of times but appeared genuinely thrilled to have shared this journey with us and once again was leading the way but this time with handshakes and photos!
Jas, me and Raj feeling pretty pleased with ourselves!
About 15-20 minutes after our own arrival the next group of Kids Co summiteers, including to my delight, a tearful Nerissa turned up.
With our summit guide Emanuel (and an emotional Nerissa)!
Their arrival was marked by more boisterous celebrations than our own and soon it was time for us to slowly, almost grudgingly, begin our long descent.
Looking towards the crater from Uhuru Peak.
Our delayed start had meant that for almost 20 minutes we had the summit to ourselves allowing us the time to savour our moment in this special place.
Well done!!
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