Linda Watson on Mt Kosciuszko

The 3 Peaks 3 Weeks Challenge is an annual all-female climbing event which aims to summit three of Africa’s highest peaks in three weeks, raising money and awareness for the three key issues currently facing Africa; environment, education and health. The climbs of Mt Kenya, Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro aim to raise awareness for these peak issues and to support and encourage grassroots community organisations in Kenya and Tanzania who are focused on environmental, educational and health development.

3 Peaks 3 Weeks is organised in partnership with Save the Rhino International. SRI collects and distributes raised funds on behalf of 3 Peaks 3 Weeks to the three pre-selected organisations in Africa and assist with event management and logistics.

3 Peaks 3 Weeks is about dedication, motivation and inspiring individuals to climb higher and push harder for Africa's future than they ever thought possible.

or go straight to www.3peaks3weeks.org

From the diary (January 2007)

Last night was filled with anxiety, excitement, and nervousness. Some of us were lucky enough to get an hour or two of sleep, while the rest stayed awake synthesizing the climb ahead. It was only 11pm when we were told to get ready to go. Because there is heavy traffic on the mountain, we took it seriously to leave by 11:30pm so as to miss the crowds.

The start of the trek went well. There was little to no wind and we quickly began shedding layers. We were doing well and staying together as a group, putting one foot in front of the other. It was not long before we were passing other groups and we knew we were making good time.

The guides were outstanding and sang for the first 2-3 hours. Their voices carried up the mountain and we were extremely fortunate to be led by such a wonderful group of guys. We focused diligently on our breathing and to keep moving.

As 3:00am rolled around, the trouble began. The slope was not covered in thick scree, but rather a thin, loose layer that was very slippery. The constant process of stepping up higher and higher on the mountain posed problems with blisters. The backs of our ankles rubbed bare and it was very apparent that other parts of our feet were becoming sore as well.

The wind began to pick up as well, causing several issues, all of which are not easy to fix while hiking. The layers which we had shed early on were quickly added back to our wardrobe. It is important not to sweat as this can cause severe chilling as the weather gets colder, but it is also important not to get cold. Once cold, it becomes very difficult to get warm again. Finding this balance is extremely challenging and can take much energy.

As the temperature dropped, everything became more and more difficult. Those using trekking poles found themselves switching hands every few minutes so as to warm the hand not holding the pole. Those wearing balaclavas found it it too cold to hike without the fabric covering their nose and mouth. However, every so often it was necessary to pull the fabric below their chin, as the heat from their breath would cause the balaclava to become sweaty, and thus very cold and snotty. Those of us using foot warmers in our shoes, found that they were not nearly hot enough and needed to wiggle our toes to stay warm.

Half way to the summit many of us began feeling ill. Altitude sickness was the overall prognosis, and as a team we likely suffered from every symptom. Headaches affected many, and we found it extremely difficult to drink water which would otherwise help to reduce their intensity. All of our camelbaks froze, and even some of the Nalgenes became rock solid. Besides headaches, many suffered from nausea feeling they needed to vomit at any moment. Lethargy overtook us all and our bodies certainly felt the strain of hiking for the past three weeks.

The push to the top was more difficult than any of us expected. After tackling Kenya and Meru we had a great sense of confidence, and to say the least, Kili took us by surprise.

However, the teamwork was again, unbeatable. Six members of the team reached Stella Point first which is thirty minutes from the summit. Two others caught up with them at that point, but there was something missing. We had summited the last two peaks together and we were lacking two team members. Because Kilimanjaro has such severe cold, it is a huge risk to stop for more than a minute or two. This made it difficult to wait for them.

The eight team members walked slowly, continuing to feel many affects of the altitude, but knowing the summit was only another 200m up and around the crater rim. The final stretch was completely snow-packed, and easily one of the most beautiful places on earth. Glacial fields were visible in many directions, and incredibly amazing in their vastness, colour, and structure. The horizon line faded from orange to yellow as the sun began to rise, and mountains in the distance were crystal clear. We glanced at Meru and though it still appeared steep, it looked like a hill far away. Though we were focused on Kili, many of us paused to smile at our previous accomplishment. The shadow of Kilimanjaro appeared steep and casted itself off the clouds below.

The first eight team members to reach Uhuru Peak, (5,895m - 19,340ft) the highest point, were elated and emotional. Tears were unstoppable and mixed with laughter. Before the eight girls had stopped hugging and cheering they turned around to see two red jackets in the distance, and not far away. The team was united and again proud to stand on the summit...together. The feeling was indescribable and a moment the ten of us will remember forever.

To make a long story short, the way back down was equally as difficult and both mentally and physically straining. At the end of today we hiked for over 15 hours. Though it may have been the hardest thing many of us have ever done, we descended as a team knowing we had completed a challenge no other team has managed so far. We left with a huge feeling of accomplishment - not only that we made it to each summit, but that we are helping to make a difference at the base of each mountain.

We would like to send out a HUGE thank you to the guides who helped all of us reach Uhuru Peak. We could not have done it without them!!

Lucinda Watson lucewatson@yahoo.com.au