Africa Journal Day 18 - 20 Trip to Mt Cameroon

Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Day 18
Mt. Cameroon

We are presently at the base of Mt. Cameroon. The drive from Yaounde took almost five hours, through Douala on the coast, and on to Buea. The climb is steeper than I had anticipated, so I decided it would be too hard on my knees. Mary-Jean and Andrew registered for the climb. There will be five of them, two porters to carry their supplies, and a guide.
Mt Cameroon is actually a volcano, which last erupted in May 2000. Lava from that eruption flowed 16 km to the coast. The summit is 4095m (13,300 ft). It is not snow capped like Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, but cool enough for hats and gloves. They will take two days and overnight on the mountain.

Last night it rained hard in Yaounde. Earlier a thunderstorm came through, knocking out the power in part of town. One of the SIL missionaries slipped outside while trying to light his gas lantern, stubbing his toe and dislocating it. So Wilma and I made a house call, and I was easily able to reduce his toe. I saw him up and about earlier today, so I was glad to be able to help.


Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Day 19
Seme New Beach Hotel, Limbe, Cameroon

We woke to a beautiful clear day today, just a few upper level clouds hiding the summit of the mountain. We spent the night in a local hotel and had an omelette (with spaghetti) in it, with quite a bit of pepper. The kids were either too nervous, or excited, to eat much. After breakfast, they met their porters and guide, a send-off picture, and they were off. They will aim for Hut Two, where they sleep until 3 or 4 am, then with flashlights until daybreak, head for the summit. After their descent tomorrow they will be ready for a swim in the ocean.

After dropping the kids off, Bert, Wilma and I drove to the coast. On the way we had to detour where the lava from the 2000 eruption just crossed the road before coming to a halt.

We are at a lovely beach hotel. It's good to hear the Atlantic Ocean waves crashing on the breach. Reminds of the time in the early 80’s when Cathy and I, with another family, drove to Cameroon from Nigeria and spent 10 days camped on the beach. The time here will be lovely swimming, a vigorous walk down the beach, and some time to read.


Thursday, May 12, 2005
Day 20
Seme New Beach Hotel, Limbe, Cameroon

It rained overnight, and I thought of Mary-Jean and Andrew on the mountain. I checked the time—it was around midnight so they should be dry in Hut Two. It was sunny first thing this the morning and they were able to finish their climb and return before the weather again changed to cloud and rain. It poured as we drove to pick them up; they just got back just moments before the downpour.

We all went back to the hotel for the rest of the day. We had a swim in the rain, followed by a delicious three-course meal at the hotel restaurant. We're turning in early to get up for a swim before leaving back to Yaounde in the morning. Mary-Jean has to be back to get ready for her High School graduation banquet tomorrow night.