It was the best of times, it was the worst of times….

Now I’ve been back for nearly two weeks it’s the best times that I remember and the worst times (summit day) no longer seem so bad!

Being with a great bunch of people in such a spectacular setting is something that will stay with me forever.

From leaving the UK until we returned, we didn’t have to worry about a thing (apart from putting one foot in front of the other) so huge thanks to all the team involved in the organization….the support you gave was greatly appreciated.

Summit day, for me, was the toughest day.  I was lucky I didn’t get affected by altitude sickness on the way up (I just struggled getting enough air in) but I was simply exhausted – on summit day itself I remember struggling to actually leave camp!

I left ahead of the rest of the team – I think the theory was that we would all meet at the top and have a wonderful reunion.  That wasn’t to be however as I struggled so much – I had so little energy that although I felt like I was walking for hours – the summit just didn’t seem to get any nearer.

I nearly gave up so many times, but the guides (mainly Whitey) had so much patience and kept me going (very slowly).  The rest of team Twende caught me up – and overtook me.  A few hours later they overtook me again – but this time they were on the way down and I was still trying to get up!

I should say at this point the support from these guys was amazing – the encouragement, kind words, support and hugs (not just on summit day but throughout the trip) was so lovely.  There were so many random acts of kindness as well – such a great bunch of guys and I’m so thankful I got to experience Kilimanjaro with them all.

Eventually (at approx. 4.30 pm) I got to Gilman’s Point (having left camp at 3.30 am) – I was exhausted and collapsed on a rock – I don’t think I took any time to appreciate the view at all – I just needed to sleep (and breathe).

We took the decision to turn back in order to get back to camp before dark – however, I just wanted to sleep – I remember being constantly told to open my eyes….and I remember how comfortable all of the rocks looked as I just wanted to lie down.

The journey back down to camp was hard going…..I had a few guides/porters helping me.  But, suddenly one of the porters collapsed and had to have oxygen – watching the guides/porters rush him down the mountain made me buck my ideas up a bit and I walked unaided for a while.  Once they had the porter down to camp and safe – these guys came back up to help me (I found out the next day I had 16 helping me down – taking it in turns to support me – on my right hand side…Whitey was always there on my left).

By now, it was dark, I was still struggling breathing and we seemed to walk for hours through thick snow.

Actually, it only took 4 hours to get down (it should have only taken 2)….I got back to camp and was so dis-orientated I couldn’t find my tent…Whitey (again) rescued me – got me to my tent, took my boots off – and then I slept – for hours!

The rest of the team were in their tents by the time I got back so the next morning we caught up on the day before.  I was so proud of them all for getting to Uhuru as it was tough for them all (well, apart from Julia who is just superhuman)!

I asked about the snow in camp – and there were just lots of blank faces….there had been no snow – I was either asleep while walking or hallucinating.

So summit day for me was tough – 17 hours to get to Gilman’s Point and back.  At the time I hated every minute of it and didn’t think I’d care if I didn’t make it to Gilman’s.  Now, I’m so glad Whitey made me carry on – I’m so chuffed that I did it.

And, do you know what, given the opportunity there’s a chance I might do it again!