Everest Region, Nepal - Gokyo / Parchermo

I arrived in Kathmandu exhausted after 2 night flights and a 12 hour layover at London Heathrow. With just a few hours to meet up with Tom, make final preparations and fit in a few hours sleep before flying to Lukla the next morning I had my work cut out for me.  Tom had been lucky enough to spend a few days in kathmandu acclimatising and getting over his jet lag after a long flight from New Zealand. Happily we landed in Lukla in one piece and made our way slowly up to Namche then looked towards the Gokyo Valley.



When we were in Namche we heard about the terrible crash of a Sita plane. The plane was his by a large bird just outside Kathmandu and crashed trying to return to the airport.  Everyone aboard the plane died. It was quite a shock especially as we were on that plane just 48 hours earlier. It brings home the danger of some of your actions.  As we were in Namche we were able to reassure the many friends and family members who contacted us to check we were ok.  Thank you to everyone for caring and our thoughts are with the families of those involved in the crash.  (For more info: http://www.thebmc.co.uk/seven-britons-confirmed-dead-in-kathmandu-plane-crash)

As Tom and I left the world of easy communication and the hustle and bustle of the EBC trail we turned our thoughts towards Gokyo. As Tom had never been to altitude before I was cautious about our speed of ascent especially as he struggled slightly between Lukla and Namche.  However, true to form Tom became stronger and stronger with every 100 metre of ascent until I was the one struggling to keep step with him.

I on the other hand replicatd my previous trip up the valley.  Last time I was heading towards Machermo, having walked in from Jiri and was feeling strong until I got to Dole.  For the next week I was inflicted with a very upset stomach and only just managed to crawl into the Machermo Rescue Post to get medical attention.  This time a respiratory tract infection hit me in Namche (I beleive it was picked up from a client on my previous Kilimanjaro trip).  By the time we reached Machermo I was unable to talk - luckily the doctor there checked me out and prescribed the right medication for me.

We continued on to the beautiful settlement of Gokyo and while I took a rest day and nursed my aching throat and lungs Tom made his way up Gokyo Ri for some fantastic views of the region.  The next day we headed over the Renjo La - the pass that provides the best views in the area  thanks to its distance from Everest.  We made it to Thame that afternoon which is a long day but well worth the effort.

In Thame we met our camp crew who were to head up the valley towards the Thashi Lapsa with us.  The lack of tea houses up the valley meant a camp crew was indispensable in our attempt to climb Parchermo Peak. We were very well treated by the crew with the usual camping luxuries of tea in bed, hot washing water and a whole array of different foods served up as often as we could possibly desire.

After a night at Thyongbo we headed up to camp at Ngole. Due to rockfall and a landslide we were unable to camp at the expected 5100m and camped 300m lower leaving a longer day to come.  Up to this point we had the luxury of a train of Dzo (hybrid Yak/Cattle) to carry our climbing and camping equipment but they could not negotiate the steep scree slopes of the mountain and from here we carried our own kit - with the help of a few porters.

On reaching 5100m we came to a steep icy section which the porters were not happy about crossing.  With the help of a rope this could be negotiated but Tom, Pemba and I decided to walk further up the mountain to assess the conditions higher up.  The camp site was on the pass and there were some very steep sections which the porters would find difficult and a lot of rockfall. All the factors were taken into consideration and it was decided that this mountain would not be climbed today.  We will come back and attempt it another time under differ circumstances, with helmets and in better conditions.








 The trip up the valley was not a waste as the remoteness of this area is so far removed from the busy Khumbu valley, we didn't see a single other westerner which we were up there and the views were breathtaking.






A rapid descent back to Lukla had us waiting to fly out within a couple of days. By some extraordinary turn of events the tea house we were staying in had a helicopter waiting to return to Kathmandu empty.  We were lucky enough to fill the empty seats at no additional cost and thus avoided another plane ride from Lukla airport whilst benefiting from fantastic views all the way.

A few days in Kathmandu and Tom will start making his way back to Christchurch, NZ while I turn my thoughts back to the Khumbu and another flight to Lukla.    

Tanzania - Kilimanjaro (Lemosho Glades)

An early start found me standing at Manchester airport at 4am waiting for Amber and Jess. They were easy to spot, not just thanks to their large red Jagged Globe bags, but also the fact they are identical twins. Identical rucksacks too, except that Amber's is blue and Jess' is green - although it took quite a while to work that out because Amber's hat is green and Jess' is blue. Luckily they both respond to either name and are very easy going about the numerous mistakes the team made throughout the week. 

The three of us made our way to Amsterdam where we met the rest of the team - except Juan who was already busy relaxing in Tanzania after flying out early from Costa Rica. A delay in the flights meant arriving in the middle of the night.  Luckily the excitement of the next day kept us alert and early on Saturday morning the entire team met for the first time to prepare for departure into the Kilimanjaro National Park.

A 3 hour drive had us arriving at the Landorossi Gate for lunch and a talk about altitude.  We eventually started making our way towards Big Tree Camp mid afternoon and the pleasant and gradual climb was an ideal start for an exhausted team of trekkers.  Everyone was going to have to eat and sleep hard in order to regain strength lost by two short nights sleep if we were to have an chance of enjoying ourselves on the mountain. 

Luckily an excellent in country crew provided a fantastic three course meal in a mess tent lit with shiny new black diamond lamps. That, combined with spacious tents and our own private toilet tent made all the difference in making everyone feel comfortable (especially Elaine who was over the moon to see the toilet tent). 

The next morning got even better as everyone was treated to a hot drink I'm bed - to serve as their wake up call - followed by warm washing water and a three course breakfast (porridge, cooked breakfast and fruit along with plenty of hot drinks). This set the team up perfectly for the days walking and the treatment remained as high quality throughout the entire trek. 

The walk across the Shira Plateau took two days with a side trip to Shira Cathedral offering breathtaking views onto the plains below and over to Mount Meru. The path, which started in the forest, first becomes a savannah of tall grasses eventually becoming meadow and then semi desert.  From Shira Camp 2 we can see Kibo Peak clearly for the first time and the reality of what the team have embarked on begins to dawn on them. 

With this new clarity of purpose, it is an excited group that prepares for the long walk to Barranco Camp via the Lava Tower. A long walk up followed by a descent that takes us into a camp so close to Kibo Peak that you can almost touch it. With the Barranco Wall looming down on us, Elaine prepared herself for her toughest day yet.  An incredibly determined woman with a fear of scrambling she clambered up the wall holding onto local guide Davis' hand all the way. 

By this time the team have begun entertaining themselves with various word games and inventions - generally on Johns initiative but with a lot of support from Michael.  Keep your eyes peeled for the forthcoming Stallion drink with specific medicinal properties which John assures us all will soon be on the market.  

With entertainment and moral taken care of by John, we arrive in high spirits at Karanga Camp from where the best views of Mount Meru can be seen. For lunch, we are treated to chicken and chips before resting at 4050m in preparation for the big day tomorrow. 

Finally with no headaches in sight and five days of trekking behind us we make our way to our final and highest camp before attempting to climb to the roof of Africa.  Barafu Camp is situated at 4650m and is a busy camp full of excited people preparing to climb and exhausted people returning from a long night out. 

We arrive for lunch with plenty of time to eat, rehydrate, pack, plan and prepare for our big summit departure. Final checks of summit outfits, removal of all un essential gear from rucksacks and as much sleep as can be obtained when at that altitude and excited about climbing one of the seven summits.

At midnight we quietly eat our porridge and drink as much as possible before walking out into the cold night air to begin the long ascent.  After a number of hours we say goodbye to Roger as he returns to camp.  A few hours after that the team stop for a hot drink.  Constantly checking on the team for cold, exhaustion and signs of AMS, everyone is doing well.  Juan is always "great" but finally, an hour before sunrise I receive the reply "I've downgraded from great to very good". Retaining a sense of humour when undertaking a mountain like this is a must!

Exhausted we arrive at Stella Point at 7:30am taking the time to eat, drink and rest for a short while before saying goodbye to Jess who makes her way back down.  The rest of the team reach Uhuru Peak at 9am with just enough time for a few photos and self congratulation before heading back to camp.

The views on the way down can be appreciated now and the form of Mawenzi Peak is seen clearly in the distance.  An hour of rest is much appreciated before trying to eat something and making our way down to Millenium Camp for a nights sleep at a lower altitude.

Finally, our last day on the mountain and our last in Tanzania.  We reach the Mweka Gate  by midday have lunch with our guides back at the hotel before indulging in a much deserved shower and heading to the airport.  Jess, Amber and Juan are lucky enough to be staying on for a few extra days of Safari - we are all jealous and can't wait to hear about it.

Congratulations to everyone for putting 100% into the trip. Everyone pushed themselves to the limit and should be proud of their achievements. A special congratulations to Elaine, Irene, Amber, Carl, John, Michael, Juan and Simon for reaching Uruhu Peak.

Well done everyone, a fantastic trip and a lot of fun. 

Leading for Jagged Globe

www.jagged-globe.co.uk

Summer IML Assessment, Switzerland

Aiglon College, Villars-sur-Ollon one of the most expensive boarding schools in Switzerland, educating students from all over the world. This was to be our base for the International Mountain Leader Summer Assessment.  












On the first  morning, meeting the other 10 candidates we were told which area we would be assessed in, sent out to buy maps and make sure our 'mini team' was prepaid with all emergency kit – groups shelter, rope, sling, karabiners, first aid kit, ice axe.


I was lucky enough to be put into an assessment team with Hannah and Sam.  We worked well together, complementing each other with our differing knowledge and experience base.  With each of us taking a different leg of the trip, being leader for that period, we were to navigate, enthuse, interest and entertain our team with our local and general knowledge.

Other tasks involved mini presentations, knowledge of emergency procedures, rope work, language skills, hut etiquette, altitude and general knowledge of leading trip throughout the world.

The three day trip took us through the mountains and over the magnificent Col des Chamois with its steep descent and great exposure.  The Cabane de Plan Névé was very welcoming and the display on the Swiss horn made it an unforgettable experience.  Our thoughts were with the warden who was retiring after spending his entire life running the hut.

The lead assessor, Simon made us feel relaxed and we even enjoyed some of the assessment.  With such a good team, it was unsurprising but a great relief that all three of us everyone passed with flying colours.  We are all looking forward to completing the final part of our IML qualification – the Winter Assessment – as soon as the snow comes.

Congratulations to everyone who passed their Summer IML.

Bring on the winter!

http://www.baiml.org/

Tour des Mouverans, Switzerland

Arriving at Geneva airport, I realised that the journey was only just beginning.  I met John off the plane and we quickly found a train to Aigle, journeying along the beautiful lakeside. A swift change onto a local bus taking us up to the mountain resort of Villars-sur-Ollon.  The next bus took us even further up to Solalex and the final 400 metre of ascent we walked arriving the Refuge Giacomi by the evening. It was a long day of travelling but the views and remote location we had arrived at, in just 12 hours, was well worth it.  What's more, we were sitting on the Tour des Mouverans ready to start the trek early tomorrow morning.

The first day of trekking took us down to Derborence, situated on the impressive Lac de Derborence, site of a tragic avalanche over 250 years ago. Finally, a 1000m ascent takes us up to the Refuge Rambert.  This refuge, situated on the Col has breathtaking views across the mountain range and Chamois living within throwing distance of the hut.  Although the thin walls of the dorm rooms made for quite a disturb night, we were tired enough after our long first day to appreciate anywhere to lay our heads.

The next day we made our way down a perfect glaciated valley identifying alpine flowers and their medicinal uses along the way. Our arrival at lunchtime at the Cabane du Fénestral meant we were able to shelter from the brief rain-shower whilst enjoying a cup of fruit tea and consuming our sandwiches.  Every mouthful eaten was a benefit as it lightened our load.  The logical aim for the day became to eat as much of our lunch food as possible.    

Once the rain had subsided we made our way to the Cabane Demecre, belonging to the Trotteurs running club.  This delightful hut manned entirely by volunteers was extremely welcoming. The smell of fresh bread being taken out of the oven as we arrived from the rain helped no end with this and the friendly chatter of the volunteers made us feel at home.  Once the rain had stopped the sun warmed the air and we wandered out to admire the view, practice some rope work, identify some more flowers and generally make the most of being in the area.

Day 3 took us along the high route over the Col des Martinets and down the Nant valley to Pont de Nant where we were to stay the night.  The valley was very long and the descent harder than any ascent we'd done while we were there.  However the magnificent views along the way and thoughts of a good meal when we arrived made it possible to drag ourselves on to the Refuge.  Once the typical afternoon storm had passed we visited the local botanical gardens where, once some interesting flowers had been identified, we were lucky enough to see a bat, drying itself on the leaves of a plant. 

The final day completed our Tour des Mouverans and brought us back to Solalex via the Col des Essets.  This circular trip of 70km and 4000m ascent is well worth the effort offering magnificent views and incredible diversity as it works its way round the mountain range.  Many thanks to John for accompanying me and testing my local knowledge along the way.  

http://www.tourdesmuverans.ch/carte-geographique.html

Southern Peru - Ausangate Trek

Inveralmond Community High School Gym, Saturday 16th June, we come together as a team for the first time to embark on our month long expedition to Southern Peru. The day is packed with last minute personal kit checks; distribution of group kit into bulging rucksacks; security briefings; first aid briefings; country briefings; distribution of roles and anything else we can fit into the small window of time we have before jumping on our flight at Edinburgh airport.

Almost 24 hours later, arriving in Lima the high rise buildings, misty skies, and light drizzle remind us reassuringly of home and the team is able to embark on making preparations to leave the security of the big city in relative relaxation.  There is much to do; starting with a meeting with the in country agent and the money man, the purchase of a phone and travel arrangements get sandwiched in the middle and a trip put for pizza to round off the first day in this exciting new country.

Our first bus experience takes us south to Paracas to visit the Islas Ballestas, otherwise known as poor mans Galapagos. A swift boat trip around the island, with birds and guano everywhere, we make it back to shore, pleased that Conor has done his security job properly (check the sea worthiness and safety of the boat).

With Jack becoming team leader, we make it safely onto an overnight bus that takes us further south and we begin our slow ascent to high altitude. Arequipa, the white city shines in the sunlight with the volcano El Misti sitting perfectly on the horizon. This is a short stop but provides a little time for an acclimatisation trek - allowing us to take our first step towards tolerating the heat and the diminishing amounts of oxygen in the the air.

Next we head towards Puno, the capital of Folklore situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. As we visit Urus, one the floating reed islands, the team learns more in an hour of observing this fascinating culture than they could ever dream of by reading a text book.

After Puno we turn towards Cusco, our base for the remaining 2 1/2 weeks of this journey. Having felt the effects of the lower levels of oxygen in the air at Puno, Cusco is warmer and lower.  Our acclimatisation time is spent on day treks from the city taking in the fascinating archeological sites of the surrounding area and honing our fitness for 'the big one'.

 

Finally we embark on the project phase of the expedition. Our goal: to help a local community build a medical centre. Alfredo, a native from the village of Chillipower, guides us for 7 hours over a pass to the community where we will spend the next 5 days.  With Sebastian the project manager guiding us, supported by team leaders Blair, Rachel and Kieran the days are spent splitting bamboo, nailing it to the ceiling and windows, collecting woods and watching with fascination the experts cover our work with plaster at a speed we could only dream of. 

Back in Cusco, we have a days rest which we spend white water rafting before turning our minds to the trek.  Alfredo is back to help our guide Antonio for 7 days, no showers, small tents in a remote mountain area.  We are to trek around Ausangate (6380m), the highest mountain in the area over passes of up to 5100m. A challenging trek with many, many tears but even more rewards. The unusual amounts of snow and high winds make the trek even more challenging but who can forget eating a fully cooked lunch at 4900m with a beautifully prepared table in the snow?  And then hot springs in the snow?

Due to the strength of the team, a rest day near the end allowed those with the inclination to do so, to sample a Pacha Manka. This is a local method of cooking meat in the ground and we bought an alpaca for the purpose.  Although Devon, our vegetarian found this an especially difficult event to witness, it was a very special occasion.

Having tasted Ceviche, Alpaca, Lomo Saltado, local trout and many different varieties of potatoes, there remained the final Peruvian delicacy to try before our departure.  Half the team sat at the table around the plates of guinea pig knowing that those who had snuck off to McDonalds were missing out on a once in a life time experience.

With the month having disappeared in the blink of the eye, Lima is unchanged and the misty drizzle prepared us for the long fight back to Scotland via Amsterdam.  


Leading for World Challenge
http://www.world-challenge.co.uk/

Grand Canyon, USA

After a lot of hustle and bustle at Edinburgh airport, the entire group managed to make it onto the plane for a long flight to the USA.  Excitement rippled through the team and even after many hours of travel, some were unable to sleep when we arrived, slightly bedraggled at the hotel in Phoenix.

Despite the lack of sleep we were on our way early the next morning towards Sedona where a short preparation trek got us ready for the descent into the Grand Canyon the next day. At the top of the Canyon, preparations took place; water bottles checked, snacks double checked, boots tightened and rucksacks adjusted.  The anticipation rose as the group readied themselves for the challenge they had set themselves.

While the rest of the team trekked through the heat of the day towards the village of Havasupai (People of the blue-green water), I was lucky enough to see the views from above as I made a speedy descent by helicopter.  I rejoined the team at base camp, a few miles further down the canyon.

Emotions ran high for all the participants as the beauty of the walks, the challenges of descent and memories of the reason they were there hit home.  The trek took place to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care and whether the participants had been directly affected by the illness or not, it was close to everyone’s heart.

Climbing out of the Canyon on the final day was a real challenge with the sun beating down and a climb of about 300m.  Everyone was delighted to reach the rim.  Some wondering why they didn’t take up the offer of a horse as the equestrians gracefully appeared over the rim with not a drop of sweat among them.

A final dash for Las Vegas and after a well earned wash and change of cloths the team was treated to a celebration meal at Hard Rock Café.  Then there were the bars, the casinos and the rest of the night ahead of us…

Well done to all; it was a real challenge for each and everyone, in very different ways.

Leading for Global Adventure Challenges

http://www.globaladventurechallenges.com/

Stok Kangri, India

We met at the airport and identified each other thanks to the distinctive red Jagged Globe bags.  Excitement levels were high and anticipation great as we boarded the plane for Delhi.  Our first task was identifying our missing person.  Ian had become delayed during his transfer from Scotland but once located, the team was complete and everyone was ready to take on the challenge of the next seventeen days.

After recovering in Delhi for a day we flew to Leh.  The views from the flight were breath taking and only helped to increase the sense of excitement that everyone was feeling.  With a few days in Leh, the group which was fast becoming a team, took to the task of acclimatising to the new altitude of 3350m.  With local markets to visit, last minute supplies to stock up on and monasteries to visit, everyone was kept busy.

Finally, six days into the trip, the trek began.  The weather was on our side, as the torrential rains that we had been experiencing since our arrival in Leh cleared and the sun came out.  The first two days were beautiful providing fantastic views and an idea of what we could expect over the next 10 days.  Arid landscapes, mountains as far as the eye could see in every direction and a feeling of being the only people in the world at that time, made the walking even more special.

As we arrived at camp at the end of day two, everyone was breathless.  Not from the altitude but due to the pure beauty of the campsite.  Situated at a convergence of two rivers and raised slightly to provide views of mountain ranges in three directions, the general consensus was that life couldn't get much better.  Those with a little energy to spare joined a local boy of about ten years old in a game of football with a half inflated ball.  Luckily the fantastic spread which is known as dinner called us away before anyone had to admit to defeat by the altitude.

A long walk up across the Shang Pu provided a good work out to 4960m.  The views and sense of achievement at reaching the pass soon swept any memory of the climb out of our minds as we looked down towards the next valley.  When the team eventually reached the campsite after a long hard day of walking, it was the 360^o views rather than the long trek which had everyone breathless. Margaret, never far from one of her cameras, made it known that she had taken shots from the toilet tent as there is nothing better than a loo with a view.

After breakfast outside, taking in the views for the final time, the team headed towards the Matho La where we rewarded with our first clear sight of Stok Kangri.  Everyone stopped in their tracks.  It looked big.  Excitement bubbled below the surface as everyone was reminded that we were here to climb that beautiful and awe inspiring mountain.

Finally we arrived at a bustling base camp and spent a few additional days exploring the area, acclimatizing to the new height of 4900m and preparing for summit day.  With some minor medical problems to overcome, this time was much needed by some.  Others took the opportunity to remind themselves that patience and respect are essential in the mountains.

Summit day started at midnight the team set off in the silent darkness towards the mountain.  With the first few hours of the climb walked over the previous days, we were covering familiar ground but as we reached the glacier, anticipation grew.  Zoe turned round at this point, still suffering from a cold and some sickness and headed back to camp having made an excellent effort.  As the climb continued towards the ridge, others wondered if they too should have turned back.  

As the ridge was reached and the sun rose, the views swept some of the pain out of the climb the climbers minds.  The ridge was steep and with loose rocks and steep scree, there was some short roping to make sure that everyone made the summit successfully.  And they did.  As the prayer flags fluttered in the light wind, the sky was clear and the views endless.  The team rested for 40 minutes before making the return journey to camp.

And all this time, Biku was in our minds.  He left camp a little ahead of us and travelled with a determination I have seldom seen.  We passed him just below the summit as Margaret, Chris, Ian, James, Norbu and I made our way back to camp.  Biku was on the mountain longer than anyone else and with Temba to guide and support him, he didn’t waver and didn’t give up.  Biku returned to camp to a standing ovation from the rest of the team.

After much celebrating and smiles all round and a quick game of cricket at Base Camp, we returned to Leh and then Delhi where we found the energy to celebrate a little more.  Finally, goodbyes were said as Biku headed south to visit his family, Margaret disappeared on a camel and the rest of the team made their way back to the UK.

An enjoyable and successful trip - congratulations to all!




Leading for Jagged Globe
http://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/

Borneo Expedition

The team met at Heathrow on Friday 8th July for a very long flight to Borneo.  We knew we were almost there when we had a brief tour of Brunei whilst waiting for the final leg of the journey – a forty minute flight to Kota Kinabalu.  Relief, exhaustion and apprehension were all intermingled as our bus pulled up outside the Step-In Hostel which is to be our base in Kota Kinabalu for the month.  A night's sleep and we were all feeling much healthier and happier, so we headed out to Mamutik Island for a morning of jungle training and swimming in the South China Sea.

The next day, still acclimatising to the heat and aiming to drink four-five litres of water a day, we packed our large rucksacks with as much water proofing as possible and turned our attention to the rainforest.  Eight hours later, a bus ride and a 4X4 convoy deep into the jungle, we arrived at Long Pasia, the start of our four day trek.  It hadn’t rained for a week and we were quietly hoping that we may stay relatively dry.  The morning trek through the jungle was exciting as we saw new plants and insects, however the heat made the trekking hard work.  By three pm we were just a short way from the first night's camp and looking forward to resting in the sun and learning to put camp up as a team.  However, the skies opened and torrential rain saw everyone putting up  their tarps, hammocks and mosquito nets as effectively and efficiently as possible whilst trying to keep as much kit as possible as dry as can be.

The long period of dry weather followed by the rains brought out the leeches.  No one expected so many so fast and by the end of the trek only Miss McAlisdair had avoided being bitten!  Zac was one of the most delectable, modeling bites from head to toe.  The next day the leaches were still attacking as we trekked through the jungle, however this didn’t dampen team spirits and we continued to enjoy the environment and the camp sites.

After four days of jungle trekking, covered in mud, blood from the leaches and with a strange musty smell trailing behind us from our damp clothes, we arrived back in Long Pasia for a well deserved bucket wash and home cooked meal.  Looking cleaner and more relaxed, the team met at the village chief's house for a session of cultural sharing.  They showed us their local dances which we joined in.  The students showed off their musical talents with some extremely impressive and harmonious singing.

The team enjoyed their well deserved rest in Kota Kinabalu, before heading back into the jungle.  This time the destination was Kampung Kiau – the village that our local guide Henry comes from.

We treked to a camp deep in the jungle, swapped hammocks for tents and our nomadic lifestyle for a taste of living in one place in the jungle.  The group spent the rest of the first day and all of the next, getting involved in a variety of activities.  There were short treks for those that wanted some extra exercise, swimming in a pool by the camp to bring the temperature down and a huge river activity in an attempt to catch an interesting supplement to dinner – frogs, crabs and small fish.  Everyone tasted the delicacies however small the quantity!

The highlight of the camp stay was learning to use a parang (a small machete) to make items such as cups, bowls, spoons and blow pipes.  When the group learnt that the locals trek into the jungle with just a parang and a lighter, able to make and catch everything they need from the land, they were more than eager to begin to learn some of these skills.

Everyone took part in the night hike which provided the opportunity to see the jungle in a different setting.   Insects which fade into the background during the day were under the spotlight, and eyes became very focused as the group became more familiar with the jungle they were living in.

From the jungle the group headed straight to Mount Kinabalu.  This was to be the hardest point physically in the trek.  The first day took the group 6 km up the mountain gaining 1500m in height.  The first half was arduous and the steps which were often uneven and very high, almost held some of us back.  The next quarter was mentally challenging but the team pushed on and when the heavens opened and the winds picked up, the group put their heads down, pulled together and battled on to reach the hut they would sleeping for a few hours.

At 1:30am the alarm clock brought us back to reality;  A hut just below the summit of Mount Kinabalu and an exciting adventure ahead of us.  The atmosphere was tense as breakfast was forced down.  Everyone was excited and nervous, with questions flying around and hopes and fears shared.  Starting out in the dark we kept together and moved onto the roped section of the walk as a group.  Everyone was feeling the challenge of the mountain and a determination to reach the summit.

As the final hour of the climb drew near, small groups started to climb at their own pace, falling in with the rhythm of their bodies and their breathing at altitude.  As the summit photo was taken the group's thoughts turned to the few who were not standing on the top with them.  A special thought was spared for Mr Davies who was unable to come on the trip.

Climbing a mountain is only ever half the challenge and returning to the park entrance was no easier than the climb had been.  The steps were hard on everyone and both muscles and knees were screaming out by the time we returned to be reunited with a warm shower and a clean bed in the hostel at the bottom of the mountain.  However the spectacular views on the way down and feeling of accomplishment at such a great achievement soon worked their magic to help sooth away the pain.

Well done to all the summiteers!

Finally the school visited the Rainforest Discovery Centre where they completed the project phase of their trip.  They helped rebuild a path which had been washed away in recent flood.  The humidity in the forest made the work much harder but the reward of a swim in the pool and a visit to Sepilok orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre made it worth while.

Leading for Adventureworks
www.adventureworks.co.uk

Ecuador

The team set out for Ecuador in the early hours on Monday 12^th July with Adventureworks bags bulging and hair straighteners at the ready.  Just one week later, with memories of Quito and the Equator far behind, the team had worked hard to acclimatise and were now fit enough to ride horses up to 4300m.  Two days later every member of the group reached the hut on Cotopaxi at 4810m.  Some students even headed up to the glacier to savour the thin air a little longer and reach for 5000m.

The rest of the group was more tempted by the thick air of the plains and everyone was ready to help out working and playing with the children at Daniel's home.  An unplanned trip to casualty after a football accident saw AJ sporting a swollen cheek and a black eye.  Despite this, he was still the star of the group with the children at Daniel's.

The final step of the journey took the group deep into the jungle where rapids were overcome, species identified, stories told, dug out canoes overturned, Edisson songs sung and tarantulas faced.  Meeting the community in the Capriona village was an experience for everyone and living without electricity in the middle of the jungle not something the group will forget in a hurry.

Leading for Adventureworks
www.adventureworks.co.uk