Tuesday 18 – Day 2 of trek
Wake up to sounds of roosters, dogs barking and cows mooing – quite an experience. Had decent night’s sleep – very impressed with myself coping extremely well in such alien conditions, and looking forward to day ahead.
Have been told that day two is the toughest – Dead Woman’s Pass! Doesn’t sound appealing. We are assured name is only due to the rock formation looking like a woman lying down. Pass is at 4,200m above sea level – highest point of the trek.
Start is fine – quite steep climb but walking through pretty forest. Stop for lunch then begin last stretch before reaching Dead Woman’s Pass. Path uneven, steps all shapes and sizes. Starts to rain. Every so often I look up to summit and see small figures; the fit ones who had reached the top already! Gradually gets harder as air thinner, but keep reminding myself have been through experiences a lot harder to conquer – I will reach the top of that mountain!
Nearer the top, rain coming down harder and getting much colder. Thought of Mum and Dad and fiancé, Paul, and how proud they would be of me – and of all my friends’ support throughout my illness, and towards this challenge. Before I know it I hear one of my team mates shouting: “Come on Yvonne, you are nearly there. Only a few more steps to go!”
