25/07/2025
So we did it !5.5 hours the first day to station 8.5 . It was tough and thankfully Aaron supported me all the way. He carried my bag, pushed me when I needed it. There was no second place for me I was right behind the guide all the way up. I think we got 2 hours sleep and up and into the last climb to the summit we left our accommodation at 1.15 am to rock climb in the dark. We got to the summit about 4 am the amount of people on the path was quite amazing approximately 4000 it was a spectacular view to look back and see the zigzag of headlights moving slowly up in the dark. We watched the sunrise and started the treck back down. The track was loose volcanic rock and steep it was harder than going up I slipped 4 time taking some bark off my elbows I did try to flag down every emergency vehicle that past for a lift! I wasn’t physically tired my legs just turned to jelly and wouldn’t go anymore more. Our Guide got me a horse for the last 30 minutes which was mission in it self! Aaron has a video of that i cant wait to see. I thank everyone who has supported us , most of all Aaron who has been bloody amazing and looks fresh as a daisy in every picture! Trace and Nathan for caring for Mark and always being by my side. Billy for making the trip and assisting where needed!