Thursday, January 7, 2010

Camping Trip

There are two other interns here in Ghana right now, Anna and Lee. They both are taking a gap year, the year between high school and college, and touring Ghana. They picked me up from the airport and asked me if I wanted to go camping with them and two of their friends.

Now I had not slept in two days and just walked off a plan but I was in Africa and was not going to miss an opportunity like going camping in Ghana. So I said yes.

We went with Connor who's family has been missionaries here for the past few years and his friend Evans, who is from Ghana. They go on this trip every year and were very excited.

We packed our bags (well I unpacked and repacked my backpack) and left early in the morning. We took a taxi and a trotro (bus) to get to where we wanted to go. We hiked straight up this steep mountain. It was hard work after sitting on a plane for two days but whenever we needed a break we just turned and looked out over Ghana. It is beautiful. There was a recent forest fire on this mountain so a lot of the tall grass and trees were ash but the mountain was still very pretty.

Once we got to the top we found a great place to set up our camp ground. It was right next to a cliff (Grandma you would have loved it :)) that looked over the other side of Ghana. Wow what a sight!

I wish I could show you but I am not able to get internet on my computer where I am staying right now. I will upload the pictures as soon as I can (probably when we get to Wa next week).

Since we were backpacking we did not bring much. Last night I slept on a sheet, on top of the bottom of the tent, on the soul and sticks of Ghana. It was great but the sleeping was not so good. Got about two hours of sleep and back hiking down the mountain.

Because of all the ash the forest fire left, we were very, very dirty by the time we got down the mountain. I was dirty to the point where my legs were not long white but black, my arms where grey and my tan pants were back as well. After we got down the mountain we hiked to the road and hopped on a taxi to a trotro and then walked to Connors and Evan's house and Jasper (the family's driver who we are staying with) picked us up. When we came out of the house Jasper's jaw dropped and eye got wide and he asked what we got into. 'Oh you know, just hiking a mountain.'

It was so much fun. Even though my legs hurt right now and I am very tired it was worth it.

6 comments:

  1. Sounds like fun! But try to get some sleep at some point so you don't get sick from lack of sleep missie! How's the foot feeling?

    -Meagan

    ReplyDelete
  2. My question also - How's the Foot feeling??? - Running on Adrenaline will only last so long....glad you are asleep now (I hope) - it was nice to hear your voice today and know you are safe and happy!

    Many Hugs - MOM

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sounds like you are having a great time, I bet the hike was amazing. I am really glad that you arrived in Ghana safely, and without much difficulty. I am really happy for you, How those it feel to finally realize your dream to go to Africa?

    Praying for you
    Marcin.J

    ReplyDelete
  4. wow cool i bet it was awesome i'm glad ur having fun!! u will be in my prayers!

    ReplyDelete
  5. maddy!
    such a wonderful adventure, and it was only your first day there! impressive.

    sounds like you're having fun!

    emily vh.

    ReplyDelete