For God so loved the world that He created giant rock outcrops from earth’s surface, for whoever climbs them shall have everlasting bragging rights.
Four weeks after my Aberdares fete, I dared touch the mountain. I was excited for this one, more excited than scared. I hydrated well as advised. I ate, (abit much) watched other people’s experiences on the same trail on YouTube, (abit much) studied the strava stats (I do not recommend) and shopped for snacks (definitely too much) I was ready to ride at dawn!
4.30 am, 29th June 2024. I woke up at Old Moses camp. Cold, chilling, heart stopping temperatures engulfed me as we made our way out to the starting point. At this point I realized that my gloves were nonsense. (Poor ol’ me). Armed with a red balaclava, ablack and white shawl around my neck, yellow sweater (with two more layers inside), black tights (my hiking pants didn’t fit me anymore), long yellow socks (or was it orange) and I was officially breaking into my new trail shoes, (God bless Hoka) We hit the trails just before dawn. Did I mention I had a huge waist bag? (It looked way better in my head).
The mountain is beautiful, majestic, glorious. Sitting in silence yet demanding of worship. The beautiful trails and vegetation lured my curious mind and made me forget I was walking on a giant. The thin air teased my partially covered nose, made me gasp for air and my heart pound as I ascend. I wondered of the endlessness of the mountain as I listened to the sound of the streams. The mountain said no single word but talked through my eyes, feet, heart and lungs.
I walked and walked, one foot in front of the other. Dodging wet patches, mushy areas and small rock outcrops. My stomach was full (from overeating) my bag was heavy (from over packing) and I was tipsy (from the altitude) Regardless, I followed the trail, occasionally sitting on a rock to rest, take photos and videos and get amazed by the mountain.
As I approached Shiptons camp, my eyes lit up and my body felt lighter. I decided not to proceed with the summit push. I sat there in silence, under the sun which was barely penetrating my skin. I drank my lucozade and ate my bread. I stared at the peaks laying bare above me, and admired all those people on the summit push. I slept on the bare ground for a while before embarking on the descent. It was enough for me that I dared step on the mountain and made it that far.
I shall be back for you Lenana, I shall be back.
With Love, Liz.
Liz Mokamba 
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