A couple of weeks ago. I completed my mountain hike challenge, climbing Morocco's Mount Toubkal, and in doing so, raising money for a charity that is close to my heart: Saffron (Sheffield Women's Counselling and Therapy Service).
Having hiked around the Atlas Mountains on the previous three days, I enjoyed amazing mountain vistas, strolled through quaint villages and drunk loads of mint tea. None of that prepared me for the high altitude hike up Mount Toubkal which, due to the cold and wet winter, was still laden with a thick covering of snow and ice.
Putting on my crampons, head torch and with ice pick in hand (note to self: this is a first and last time experience), we set off from base camp in the dark just after 5am. A long day of hiking was ahead of us. Needless to say, the ice pick was to stop us sliding off the mountain. I was scared. When someone died near the peak, I felt my fear was well justified. That said, I reluctantly made it to the top, smiled for the cameras and focussed hard every step of the way until my safe return.
A couple of wonderful days in Marrakesh with a friend, including a few hours in a hammam, was the best recuperation. We discovered wonderful walled gardens and museums as well as the bustling market square and souks. I carried my Morocco tote bag all the way!
I then headed to a women's only yoga retreat near Essouria where the company of good women warmed my heart and much welcomed sunshine warmed my bones after the -4 arctic conditions on the mountain top. Yoga is a healing space for me, it's where I reconnect to myself.
I also reconnected with a beautiful villa where I stayed a couple of years before and in which I was well nourished with some amazing Moroccan vegan food.
I'm now back home with my animals and can reflect on this trip with mixed feelings. I am stronger than I think. Sometimes what we face can seem like an unsurmountable mountain, but through step by step and taking our time, we can get there. And, that what I can do and what I want to do, may not always be the same.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me in my efforts to raise funds for Saffron .. my Just Giving page is still open to receive donations, which will help vulnerable women get help that they need to recover from significant trauma.
And thank you to everyone who has supported me on my life journey so far, which like the mountain climb, hasn't always been an easy road to tread.
