Day 1 - Mount Cameroon

We arrived at Douala via Lagos on the Virgin Nigeria flight. Things worked out quite well for us from here as we could get transport from Douala to Beua in 2 hours, saving us almost half a day. At the Presbeterian Church Guest House, where we camped, we met Lifafa who runs a tour agency down town. He proposed a price we were happy with and after a good night's rest, we were ready to take on the mountain.

First thing on the Wednesday morning we went to do our shopping. On the menu: Sardines and Spaghetti/Rice in a tomato sauce for all four days we were on the mountain. We got one porter to carry the food and the rest (tent, sleeping bags and mats, clothes and water) was up to us. This came to about 30kg between the 3 of us. The route started out at the foot of the mountain in the village Beau about 900m above sea level. The initial gradient of the mountain scared the crapper out of me. The mountain path lead through some dense rainforest and an hour into it I was already doubting my ability to finish what I started. I had a big part of the weight (carrying the tent for the most) which tired me out like crazy. After about 3 hours of intense hiking I felt the lactic acid pumping into my thighs and calves and I was dreading the hike all over again. But soon after we reached Hut#1 where we stopped for lunch. This was a very welcome break for me...

honesty

We are hiking up the Guiness Trail, the route for the legendary 'Race of Hope' that takes place on the mountain around September each year. The winner usually runs to the summit and back in about 4h20min. Absolute respect to these machines! We left the dense forest soon after Hut#1 and were welcomed to an ever increasing gradient, but this time savanna grassland. Its too steep for the trees to grow here. Underfoot the soil is volcanic black and very fertile. I soon came out of my moan session and started feeling a bit stronger. The gradient was getting very steep now and soon we will walk for 3min and rest for 1min. We are absolutely drenched in sweat. Cramps are common now and how to maintain the stretch is the main priority.

gradient vs. horizon - the battle

looking...

dead man walking

After about 7h hike from the outset, we arrive at Hut#2 at about 17:00 where we set tent for the night. Thinking back on the day, for me personally, there is a sense of accomplishment after a near defeat. The menu will be spaghetti and tomato source with sardines... not looking forward!

Day 1 - Mount Cameroon

Douala, Cameroon