Monday 18th February saw Jon Thorpe of acs office solutions, Grant Thornton’s David Watson and his son, web designer, Andrew, face their biggest challenge yet. Joined by golfing fanatic, Andrew Winfield of EMW Law, Redwood Partnership’s Jason Brice and RAF Pilot, Spencer Mitchell, the team set out to climb Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest freestanding mountain.
Accompanied by the tour guides who would ensure the team’s safety, the group’s journey began with a rain forest trek passing giraffes and zebras to 9800ft. By day 3, the team is suffering with everyone feeling a little apprehensive about the days ahead. Now at 11,500ft, Mount Kilimanjaro seems bigger than ever with night reaching a temperature of -10°c.
Another difficult day follows with a long trek to Shira cathedral leaving some of the team struggling with altitude sickness and questioning their strength and ability to continue.
After a cold night’s rest and a steep 6 hour climb in the rain, the group reaches Moira Hut, 13,780ft. Confidence is high with a renewed team spirit bringing hopes of reaching summit in 3 days.
Next stop is Karanga Camp involving the group’s most challenging climb to date - Barranco Wall. It is here that Andrew Winfield, begins to assemble the 3 piece golf club he has commissioned for the trek. Upon summit, both Andrew and Jon will hit a ball in an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of Records for the highest hit golf ball off of the roof of Africa.
Exhaustion hits and the group pitch on the side of the mountain in a bid to save an hour’s walking in the dark. Rising at midnight, the final trek begins.
It is -10°c as the team battle the wind, rocks and sand-like scree, focusing on just 20 steps and rest, 20 steps and rest. Following another tiring trek in the dark, the friends reach the final climb, a narrow corner with a 2000ft sheer drop which sees even the most experienced leaving the single file queue to stop and recover. However, their hard work and determination pays off and after much perseverance, Jason Brice summits followed by Andrew Watson, Jon Thorpe, Andrew Winfield and Spencer Mitchell.
After a few tears of rejoice and relief, a 20 minute rest sees the 5 team members take in the sunrise and the bright white and blue glaciers before attempting their record breaking golf shot. Without energy, the club is assembled with Andrew and Jon hitting the 6 iron into a clear sky before watching the ball fall several thousand feet into the crater below. Have they made the Guinness Book of Records for the highest 6 iron in history? Time will tell when Jason’s video evidence is submitted.
Over the last hill the group spot two familiar figures, David and Richard. Half an hour later, the team is complete, having conquered their greatest challenge-Mount Kilimanjaro. Through exhaustion, the group celebrate their achievement and embark upon the descent to Mweka Gate. Finally, after 9 days trekking they reach the rest lodge situated in a 40 acre coffee plantation with views of Mount Meru-Africa’s third largest mountain and one the group have no plans to climb!
Returning to the airport, the friends reflect on their experiences. Great memories, great achievements and even greater friendships? Yes.
Do it again? Never! |
