The Grammar School at Leeds' BLOG

Malawi Trip - Day 19, Tuesday 23 July 2009

Breakfast at 6 a.m. was aquiet affair as each person contemplated the task ahead. The weather was still not good (raining with a low mist) and a decision whether to climb the mountain would be taken when we reached Mulanje. As we approached the town we could see the mountain, jutting above the early morning clouds. At the forestry headquarters the group took advantage of the single flushing toilet, a luxury they will come to appreciate over the next three days.

After organising 57 porters to take the supplies and equipment up the mountain we set off at by crossing the Likhabula River and ascending the first of many steep slopes.   The first section o the climb is through woodland and is relatively easy compared to the later sections. However, this ‘gentle’ part still produced complaints on a scale normally reserved for excessive homework or school rules. The first stop at a gentle stream was the lull before the storm. The next section is so steep you have a permanent view of the front person’s calves. It was at this point that comparisons were made with the relative ‘stroll’ up Ngara Mountain. Today’s ascent was now measured in a new unit of height, an Ngara! The plateau is 3 ½ Ngaras above us. 

The final section of the ascent is through a thick rainforest, which provided some welcome shade. Emerging from the forest the party divided, the boys taking the path to the CCAP hut and the girls the path to Lichenya.

From the junction of pathways we only had to cross four valleys to reach each of the huts, a sight most heartily welcomed by all. The ascent had required a great deal of physical and mental effort. Well done everyone! All that was now needed was to cook a meal on log fires for 51 ravenous but exhausted people. By 9 p.m. mattresses and sleeping bags adorned the floor space as the temperature dropped towqards freezing. Another log on the fire please!