Vacation --- Cameroon Style

Since I have been a total slacker on the whole blog effort here are the highlights from our vacation in April, a little late (I apologize)

Mount Cameroon

We were told that everyone underestimates this climb, but we figured that bit of information would not apply to us. As Colorado natives we figured the 4,000 meter was in the bag before we even paid our fees. Peace Corps has certainly toughened us, but not in the whole sports endurance way, thus we crammed many months worth of exercise into a two day feat.

At one point, about 5,000 vertical feet into the climb we had to stop and do a dance for the mountain gods so that they would "know us". There were ferns waved in the air and our guide chanted the appropriate lyrics as we mumbled along. After the ceremony he asked us if we brought the gods whiskey, obviously the preferred drink of mountain men and mountain gods alike. We assured him that unfortunately there was no whiskey stashed in our backpacks. No problem he replied, the gods would certainly understand if we drank some in their stead once we got back to town.

Our first and only night on the mountain consisted of spaghetti and sardine dinner cooked (by Matt) over a fire in a small, very smokey shack and going to bed early. Mice scuttled by our heads at all hours of the night and we had to put on every piece of clothing we own to guard against the cold. Yes, seven months at sea-level two degrees north will make you soft. We were thrilled to reach the summit, but sadly no spectacular vista of the Atlantic greeted us as the peak was surrounded by a cold fog. Finally, we had to descend 10,000 vertical feet, which quite frankly kicked both of our *sses and our legs, but the cold beer and chicken dinner made it all worth while.

Limbe

Black volcanic sand beaches, warm (very) warm water, and some good meals. I don’t think I need to say more.

Yaounde (the capital)

Washing machines, hot showers, ice-cream, and internet (we’re fairly easy to please these days).