By: Blonde One
Edited hand written journal continued …
Not only did it feel like there was a plastic bag over my nose and
mouth, but I was scared that this would be the end of the trek for me. My
determination would not allow me to get so close and not get to the top. With a
little help from an inhaler I controlled my breathing and fears and managed to
plod on, even slower than before. The last 150m were to prove a tricky
business. My emotions were running high and I actually wanted to do the girl
thing and cry, but I could barely get enough air into my lungs to breath, let
alone cry. I knew that if I didn’t control the tears I would never make it. The
team were amazing and insisting on waiting for me. It’s fair to say that my
pride took a bit of a knock! The last few metres saw a range of issues from
fatigue to nose bleeds galore! Good job I’m not squeamish! One youngster kept 3
points of contact with the ground to try to alleviate his fear of heights. He
made it to the top but still has his fear! I’m very aware that in my journal I delayed
describing the summit and I’m not really sure why. The only reason I can think
of is that words do not do it justice. I climbed the highest mountain in North
Africa: 4167 metres! Oh my goodness! All of the months of worrying and
stressing were pointless – I did it! I conquered Mount Toubkal in Morocco! I
cannot explain how I felt at the top but needless to say I did cry (but I only
let a few tears escape). I literally felt on top of the world. The views were
just extraordinary. The vastness of the Atlas Mountain range was just incredible.
No matter what adjectives or superlatives I use, I will never be able to fully
describe the feeling I had as I stood looking 360° from the mountain top.
Amazing!
A massive well done! An experience you will never forget!
Totally magnificent – and what an adventure for your store of memories. This fear of heights thing is very odd – I can’t go close to a drop without feeling immensely scared & I once did an abseil off a high tower to try and cure it. It doesn’t work. It was dreadful going over the edge, but onceover, even though I had the same drop beneath me, because I was looking up there was no fear. I don’t think it is the height that does it – I think it is an argument between your brain and your eyes which sets off a panic reaction.
But I’ve never found a cure. More power to the lad who completed on 3 legs. That took guts.
Excellent – well done to all involved xxx
This is a message from a very proud Blonde Two to a most excellent Blonde One. Well done doesn’t even come close to what I want to say – a personal goal reached but I know that you will have been a huge part of those kids reaching their goals too. Needless to say, I am wishing that I had been there to share it the moment.
Quite a few metaphorical mountains were climbed as well – I’m really proud of everyone involved.
Thank you all!