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"I CONCENTRATED
on readjusting my
prosthetic legs and
setting off again,
taking one step
at a time. It was impossible to think
beyond the moment".
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"ARROW GLACIER
on Kilimanjaro,
a natural monument
of rock frozen and
heated over thousands
of years,
has cracked
into a tapestry of weird looking building blocks
- a challenge even to
the most agile climber!"
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They
say he is half animal half machine, like some character out of a comic strip.
Warren Macdonald is however a man who has stared adversity in the face
and come out the victor. He reached for Africa's highest peak but he
conquered a far higher summit.
A mid
thigh, double leg amputee after a freak accident whilst climbing in Northern
Australia, no one would have blamed Warren for giving up after losing
his legs. Not Warren! After a succession of successful climbs Warren
set his sights on Kilimanjaro; and whilst planning the 'Kili' expedition
he learnt about Hamisi, a Tanzanian youth from Nzega born without arms. Together
they joined forces in the challenge, raising funds and awareness for Tanzanians
physically handicapped.
Late
January they set off up Kilimanjaro's Umbwe route under a canopy of trees
as rain showered down on them. The mood was light and full of hope
and expectancy - any thought of the trials ahead far from their minds. Most
days involved six hours trekking (up to eleven) for Warren. Being a high
leg amputee dictated that his specially designed prosthetic legs be short
rather than long metal extensions. Attached to these were pivoting soles
like those on hiking boots. Consequently, Warren was low to the ground,
his face often brushing against vegetation, sharp rock and later ice! With
assistance, Hamisi used his body weight and nifty footwork to balance and
he developed it into a fine art.
Despite
the complications and restraints they kept going and as they broke through
the forest, things took an upward beat. Hereafter lay a huge talus
block at the point where all the glacier streams converge at 'Lava Tower,'
followed by the 'Western Breach' and 'Arrow Glacier' - a formidable wall
of vertical ice wrapped protectively around the dome of Kilimanjaro. Sheer
rocky sections that could not be successfully navigated in one go offered
little or no shelter. Loose rocks the size of footballs narrowly missed
them and Warren decided that the ice was the safer option. Fatigue
from hauling his body up the wild terrain dictated two forced days of rest
at 'Lava Glade', whilst Hamisi maintained a steady pace continuing ahead
with his team. Meanwhile Warren sheltered behind a thick piece of nylon sheet,
listening to the eerie sounds of rock cracking through the night as tempretures
plummeted dramatically. Lactic acid affected Warren (and his team) rested
muscles causing excruciating pain and hindering further progress. It
was imperative that the small group got moving once more, working their aching
joints and muscles.They had now been on the mountain for 16
days
Arrow
Glacier, a natural monument of rock frozen and heated over thousands of years,
has cracked into a tapestry of weird looking building blocks - a challenge
even to the most agile climber! A mass of ice fingers frozen in time meant
that the steep incline was almost impenetrable. Said Warren," I concentrated
on readjusting my prosthetic legs and setting off again, taking one step
at a time," adding that it was impossible to think beyond the moment. It
was a lonely section, cocooned in his own effort and physical discomfort
even though his accompanying companions remained silently nearby.
Over
her rim, Kilimanjaro teased Warren with a clear view of Uhuru Peak in the
distance. Hamisi and his team of men had waited at the crater, so together
they all headed for the summit. Other hikers stopped dead in their
tracks, staring at Warren and Hamisi in stunned silence (no doubt their sense
of accomplishment somewhat withered!)
Warren
(now full of renewed energy) stripped down to his birthday suit and did a
handstand in conditions 20 degrees below freezing! It was the tradition
of a close climbing companion who was unable to join this
expedition.
Warren
and Hamisi are living proof that anything is possible if you set your mind
to it. Both men turned a dream into a reality and paid Tanzania the greatest
compliment by accepting Kilimanjaro's challenge.
A feature
documentary will be produced from footage of the climb and no doubt a book
will follow. For more information on Warren's extraordinary adventures
visit his website at:
www.partanimal.com
Please
note full versions of these articles are available by contacting:
colleen@africantravelreview.com
or
travelreview@email.com |
