In the run up to our arrival, I had received lots of advice, and was told many stories from those who had been up the mountain before. The words that stuck with me the most however were given to me along with a hug from Graeme Mitchell, ‘Remember to look up!’.

From the second we got on the bus Saturday morning I had my eyes open, but also my heart open. For two hours we had a beautiful journey making our way to the groups starting point. The sun was beaming down, and I was living an experience beyond anything I could have ever dreamed. Trying to explain the beauty of the walk would be a disservice to the experience.

One of the porters said to me during our walk that he felt he could hear his soul more clearly on the mountain, and those who listened could hear theirs too. He told me the mountain was there for a reason and it was put on this Earth to heal people. It was a moment that brought tears to my eyes because there really is a special sort of feeling in the air, and it was completely indescribable.

After staying over night in Simba camp, Clare and I had always expected a difficult goodbye to the rest of them. Whitey, the head guide, gathered us all before we left and we did some singing and dancing with the group to get us ready for the day and the climbs ahead. The unbridled joy from everyone in the group was so unexpected and genuine, it was a felling of connection and overwhelming happiness mixed with apprehension and determination. I could not have hoped for a better way to leave the incredible family we have become and I imagine them singing songs each morning while experiencing the magic this beautiful mountain has to offer!

Hills xx