Day 68

Mt. Cameroon stands at 13,255 ft (4040m). It is an active volcano and is the highest point in West and Central Africa—and I climbed it! As one of the most physically and mentally challenging endeavors to date, the climb to and from the summit was absolutely exhilarating and worth every drop of sweat, tears, and blood (there really wasn’t very many tears or blood—honest!). There were times where the vista was absolutely stunning, and other times, like the climb through the savanna on the Guinness Trail, that were soul crushing.

While the slow ascent through thin air and howling winds to the mist shrouded peak was less than spectacular, the descent eventually led to one of the most awe inspiring sights on the mountain: a Serengeti-esque wind-swept savanna on a plateau 3000m high, surrounded on all sides by oceans of billowing white clouds.

The last day brought the toughest challenges: a march through highland forest, old lava flows, and rain forest at breakneck speeds for 8 hours with 3 breaks, and a 15 minute run over slick, wet rocks while the porter in front of me screamed “ants! ants!” and the guide behind me shouted “Run, Samwell! Run faster!” Army ants. Fun times.

Another notch under my belt: I finished the trek from Buea, to the summit, down to Bakingali, at sea level (normally a 4 day trek) in 3 days—the fastest time for a visitor. The visitor notation is important, because the porters, who carry huge rucksacks filled with supplies on their heads with nothing but plastic sandals, are in a different class of their own. In an altogether different league from sane people are the participants of the Race for Hope: a marathon up and down the Guinness race track, where runners have been known to climb the mountain in less than 4 hours! Still, I’ll take my meager feat with pride and distinction, thank you very much.