The Amara Mt.Kenya Climb Fundraiser
December 2012
A very excited group of 13 climbers left to climb Mt.Kenya on a bright sunny Monday morning on 10th December 2012 with heaving rug sacks on their backs for a four day adventure. By the way, the rug sacks was half filled with food, in case they were starved to death on the mountain and the girls in the group ensured they did not forget their make-up - For the benefit of the photo-shoot!!
The group consisted of some experienced climbers; many were first timers: wide-eyed and apprehensive not sure what was coming their way. Yet others were seasoned climbers who pleasured in guiding the new members.
The group was made up of Divyesh Shah, Bhavesh Moker, Mukesh Shah, Smita Shah, Manisha Dave, Meetal & Mita Haria, Pritesh Panchal, Vivek Jain, Jimmy Mudoga, Anthony Wandu, Paul Herring and the youngest climber – Kiran Bansal.
Divyesh (Boss) ensured they had a smooth sailing all the way. Meals and accommodation was really well organized. The porters were marvelous and ensured that all climbers got a 5* treatment all the way.
All the Climbers except one reached Point Lenana (and paid homage to God Ngai!) due to altitude wheezing. The weather was dry throughout the climb. A crystal was placed in the Mt. Kenya River and all climbers prayed for purity and abundance of enough water for the country, continent and planet.
The Group also placed another crystal in the centre on Point Lenana together with a Kenyan flag. Coincidentally, both the Kenyan Flag and Amara logo share the same colors. Another round of prayers for peace in Kenya, Africa and mother earth were recited. All climbers and porters had a feel-good factor after the round of prayers despite the physical exhaustion.
The Group had an amazing experience of seeing shooting stars at night among the galaxy of stars. It was like a carpet of stars in a pitch black sky coupled with seeing clouds with different formations and hues during the day. The rich fauna and flora of the Mt. Kenya National Reserve was a feast for the eyes! All these beauties of nature were a surreal treat for the climbers!
The descend from the majestic mountain begun on 13th December 2012 and reached Nairobi at 7.00 pm thoroughly exhausted and dirty (not having had a shower for four days!!) but thoroughly exhilarated.
A handsome sum of KShs. 2.1Million was raised towards reforestation projects and construction of school structures and dormitory for the Kyangoma special needs school
All in all, the climb was a great success. The Climbers had great times, wonderful memories, laughs and sheer exhaustion at the end of the trip. A close bond was formed among the Group.
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