What on earth possesses 4 pretty normal, pre-menopausal housewife Moms to pack their
bags and climb Kilimanjaro? ??? Madness? The current stressful situation in the country?
Hormones? A religious need? A mid life crisis?
Yes, on the 5th September, 4 Bulawayo Moms will fly out to Tanzania to make their mark
on the Roof of Africa. Their Desperate House husbands just shake their heads, the 11
children that they have between them can hardly believe it and reckon their Moms are "way
tight!" even if their average age is 42.
The Headmaster at their children's school dropped the bombshell news in the staff room
to some amazed teachers and just recently the news has it that the Grade 7 Boys are
placing bets as to which Mom is going to make it! Kilimanjaro - the highest free standing
mountain in the world. The only mountain that supports 5 eco-zones and no wonder the
early explorers argued heatedly at the very idea of a mountain that straddled the equator
having snow on the top and the temperature at the summit being minus 24 degrees!!
It has been an interesting project so far. At the first meeting of the Mountain Moms, they
read that "wet wipes" were just the best thing as there is no bathing en route....... ...for 6
days! That was a shocker! The next shocker was that AMS (altitude sickness) has some
ghastly side effects namely vomiting and flatulence - sharing a two man tent with a best
friend with acute gas will test the boundaries of any friendship! The priority on the Kili
Agenda was "training" for the big event. The training has involved weekly hikes to the
Matopas with the Moms taking turns in choosing the routes. Bambata was lovely with only
one wrong turn made and the chocolate cake pulled out of a back pack at the end would
probably not be acceptable by the likes of Kingsley Holgate or any camel man challenger -
but it was good anyway.
Pomongwe was a great walk up but the gang took a wrong turn at the top and got lost
coming down, the girls eventually stumbling out onto the Maleme road full of cuts and
scratches and various bits of shrubbery stuck in their hair! By this time, the girls had done
more research and read up that "Proper Hiking Shoes" were the order of the day and many
precious forex rands were spend on Hi-Tech Boots that are thermo-insulated, double
padded, waterproof, slip proof, snake bite proof, gortex lined with heavy duty laces
resembling ropes that tie up boats! Not our favourite Manolo Blahniks and we doubt
Imelda Marcos owned a pair - they were very impressive and G.I. Jaynish!.
Further advice was that the "boot" must be bought one size bigger than the normal shoe
size as feet tend to swell and on top of Kili it is minus 24 degrees so more than one pair of
socks will be required at this time! The third climb up Shumba Shaba, just behind the
Moth Shrine - the Mountain Moms were kitted out in their new boots and the troop very
much resembled a gang of Minnie Mouses on Safari with such big shoes.
The climb was gruelling and the legs were shaking partly due to the immense weight of
the fancy boots! Inungu was next - the big one with a cross on top. A gorgeous climb and
the view breathtaking - but again a wrong turn and we emerged once again from the
shrubbery at the bottom but this time 5 kilometres away from our vehicle. Its a good
thing that there are guides on Kili!
More to follow in the next chapters - kit, drugs, frostbite, ablution etiquette and Trans
Matopas - the very real test of our will, fitness and comradeship - who dare calls us
Mountain Barbies!
It was with profound and deep sadness that we heard of the passing on of our beloved
friend and colleague, Mr McCausland. A true gentleman who will live on in our memories
always.
Deepest sympathy to Mrs McCausland and family
" Our Hope Is Constant In Thee"
Love, Lesley Adams and Allen Lang
So sad to hear our news on Mr Mac who has suffered and fought for such a long time now,
We send all of our love and thoughts to those that are at Girls College and Mrs Mac. He
was a big part in so many girls lives and at a time that was so happy too.
Leigh Scholefield
Hancock - Idris
Loving husband of Doreen, father of Nicola and Rona, father-in-law of Garry and Peter,
and Grandpop of Kirsten, Lauren and Dylan passed away peacefully on 6th August. A
special person who will be greatly missed by all his family.
Sleep well Dad.
GLADYS ALLEN
PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY IN JOHANNESBURG ON THE 3 AUGUST 2007. SHE WILL BE
SADLY MISSED BY HER DAUGHTER KAY, SON IN LAW BOBBY, HER GRANDCHILDREN AND
GREAT GRANDCHILDREN.
CLIFFORD BERNARD MASON IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS THAT WE WISH TO NOTIFY
OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT OUR BELOVED CLIFF PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY ON THE
7TH AUG IN CAPE TOWN AFTER A LONG STRUGGLE WITH ILL HEALTH. HE WILL BE FOREVER
IN OUR HEARTS. MAUREEN, DICK & SUE, PAM, PETE, JENNA & DAVID, ROGER, CAROL, JAMES
& KRISTEN. Email : sue@sapower. co.za
