As I became more and more familiar with the enticing trails winding along the lower slopes of the mountains, I developed some ambitions… yes, AMBITIONS! Silent ambitions. Most women in their late sixties have already retired and are not supposed to be developing ambitions. Well, let me tell you something…
THAT IS RUBBISH!
Live life to the fullest, no matter what your age. Do not retire FROM your job or career, but retire INTO a passion, desire or interest.
Just jump off that cliff and do it!
Face your fears with abandonment and feel the power.
Be reckless in your later years and feel the freedom from responsibility.
Defy limitations associated with ageing.
Persevere with courage!
You may say that those are unwise words… then this blog is not for you!
At the age of 67, I had secretly signed up for the 25 kilometre MUT Challenge in the Outeniqua Mountains and was panicking. Had I bitten off more than I could chew? The route profile was terrifying, the distance was daunting and the elevation gain was more than I could imagine.
So, I had to start preparing. I had to prepare to conquer the majestic mountain slopes on my own two feet (with the aid of my trusty Black Diamond poles, of course). I set my sights on a trail that was about two thirds of the way up to the lofty peaks - Tonnelbos. This is an Afrikaans word that translates to ‘tunnel forest’ in English. There is a very good reason why it has this descriptive name - more later.
A mere four or five weeks after my first tentative stagger into the forest, I embarked on the journey of a lifetime - the Tonnelbos ascent! It’s one thing looking at a trail on a smartphone app, but it’s another thing translating it into a real ”thing”! All decked out in my colourful, custom-made outfit, my retro mirror shades, as well as a nifty little hydration belt from Decathlon, I set off from the Sixth Avenue entrance in Fernridge. I was soon challenged when I had to make a choice of trail… left or right? Trailforks was not much help at all! Being the adventurous old duck that I am, I thought what the hell… eeny meeny miny moe. Of course, I chose the wrong trail and soon realised that I had to turn back in order to go UP, UP, UP!
With steely determination, unwavering resolve and many little stops to ‘look at the view’, I doggedly put one foot in front of the other, propelling my ‘anything but svelte’ body forward by digging my poles in and pushing with my arms. It was a struggle against the pull of gravity and the weight of my years. I must admit that it was as much an arm workout as a leg workout. The steep mountain trail became my battleground. There were moments when the path felt insurmountable. I had to speak very sternly to myself - DO NOT GIVE UP!
Despite the bursting lungs, protesting muscles and weakening legs, the stunning landscape did not go unnoticed. Fynbos bedecked slopes with proteas, ericas and restios made the journey magical, not only with their visual beauty, but also through the mingling of fresh, pungent aromas of the flora. As I ventured higher, the panoramic views were more and more breathtaking. Layers and layers of mountains faded into the distance, creating a sense of the vastness of the landscape that we live in. I was so tiny in that infinite vista.
Just when I thought I could not manage another plod upwards, a magical world opened up. The narrow trail levelled out briefly as I entered a tunnel of young trees that arched over me, light playing on me as it filtered through the gently rustling lime green leaves. This was the beginning of Tonnelbos! I instantly forgot about the burning lungs, dead legs and weakening resolve.
The love affair was on track again!
I reminded myself that I had to conquer steep mountain trails in order to complete the MUT Challenge. Tonnelbos is not for the fainthearted beginner. The trail is rocky, slippery, muddy and simply dangerous in some sections, as the land often falls away steeply on the southern side. BUT… the scenery, vegetation and light is just magical. When I venture through Tonnelbos, I feel as though I am in one of Tolkien’s Middle Earth settings. It is difficult for me to hurry though the magic, not only because of the challenging terrain, but because there is so much to see, smell, hear and appreciate: little mini forests of moss populating ancient, fallen trees and embankments; luminous green ferns fronds unfurling into the dappled sunlight; umbrella-like tree ferns sheltering the undergrowth; the variety of fallen leaves populating the trail and the ever-present tinkling of water seeping from the mountainside before it forms little rivulets across the trail. Tonnelbos is full of beautiful little surprises.
Of course, it is not all joy and beauty! There are many obstacles along the way. I have slipped on mossy rocks, bumped my head while crawling under fallen trees (not a pretty sight) and staggered into the mountainside due to balance issues. Scrapes and bruises are par for the course - to be enjoyed as your trophies for conquering challenges.
Coming out of the other side of Tonnelbos is a triumph - into the sunlight and vast vistas. However, the trail continues to be a bit of a battlefield with deep mud, short steep ascents and ‘rock gardens’. Once you have conquered those, it’s all downhill from there. I love the freedom of less concentration on footing. Once the rocks and stones dissipate, you can cruise downhill and feel the breeze in your hair. It’s a liberating feeling.
Twelve kilometres from the start, including a few little false turns and twists, you can pat yourself on the back and say, “I did it! I conquered the mountain!” Well, in my case, I conquered part of the mountain but it was enough to give me a teeny tiny bit of hope that I could maybe, just maybe, also conquer the MUT Challenge.
HINT:
You are capable of much more than you think.
Do not allow age to dictate the limits of your potential.
Believe in yourself and get out there!
Jane the Staggerer
Mountain Mom
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