Last Sunday I was involved with the Freedom Climbers in a tramp over the Tongariro Crossing.
The Freedom Climbers are part of a worldwide organisation which supports Operation Mobilisation Projects focusing on at-risk women and children throughout the world.
It began on January 11, 2012 where 48 women from 7 different countries came together in Tanzania to climb Mt Kilimanjaro - the world's tallest free standing mountain. They climbed to raise global awareness through prayer and funds for women and children who are exploited, enslaved, oppressed and trafficked throughout the world. The goal for that climb was to affect the lives of 10,000 women and children, for them to have a voice and to help free women and children from these vicious cycles. There are now 6100 workers from 100 nations working with 118 countries and I along with my sponsors became a very small part of it.
It all started with me posting on my personal Facebook page "I'm going to climb a mountain" and a client friend of mine, Linda Scott, picked up my post and replied. So the next day I was attending a meeting about an organisation I knew nothing about with a group of 35 women of whom I knew a handful. The thought of climbing for this cause was inspirational as I am aware that in some countries child labour does affect the industry that I am in, mainly in fabric mills. So the challenge was set and the fundraising began. I had never climbed the Tongariro Crossing. I had thought about it many times but never felt fit enough to do it.
This was also a personal challenge for me, to take time out for myself and get fit enough to do the climb. With new boots to break in and a backpack and water bladder I set out daily training. Most of it was done at 5.30 in the morning as I am very much an early riser and so was my training (early morning buddy) partner Susan Osborne. Susan had her own personal goals to achieve.
D day came and the weather was shocking with gale-force winds predicted so the climb was postponed until the following day, which was December 1 and those that couldn't make it will climb in February. Each group packed up sleeping gear with the majority of us staying overnight somewhere close so travel the next day wasn't too much of an issue.
I felt like I was on school camp, without the responsibility of children. It was an early start to the morning where we repacked bags and set off to meet the rest of the climbers at the car park for an 8 am start. It had rained heavily throughout the night and the wind was just starting to pick up and adding to the already chilly 5 degrees. More layers required.
I had already walked some of this track a couple of years earlier so the first part was familiar ground and just beautiful with the rocks, foliage and waterways. The water is so clear and inviting but far too chilly on a day like we had. We soon sorted ourselves out with walking buddies of our own ability and I couldn't get over how many people were on the track all heading the same way. The other thing that amazed me is how many people were not dressed appropriately for a climb in 5 degrees. Clothing that wasn't warm enough and inappropriate footwear. If you read about the climb you should understand you are climbing in an alpine area, weather is changeable and sometimes deadly and you need to be prepared for that. Fortunately for us we had a member of the search and rescue team with us who was able to advise along the way and we had each been given a list on training tips and suitable clothing and food, along with what definitely not to wear.
The climb up the mountain was good, I handled that very well I thought. I was amazed how the terrain changed and we were walking across a dry flat basin. I was suddenly on another planet, so different from what we had just climbed up from, but the next stage was even more breathtaking. Once across the flat basin we climbed again and saw a complete change in the weather from, windy and cloudy to windy and clear. The wind at this stage was very strong and I was pleased we hadn't climbed the day before. I found it harder to walk confidently and it was actually a little scary.
Once over the top the wind was still strong but what I hadn't anticipated was the incredible view into the Red Crater. The colours were impressive in the valley below and on our final climb up the ridge we looked down on the incredible colours of the lakes. Such stunning colour was totally unexpected and I had colour schemes racing through my head. It was a beautiful day with changes in weather conditions, topography, texture and colour and what made it extra special is that I made the climb on my late husband's birthday in a part of the country he loved and was so passionate about. Well done Freedom Climbers and all our sponsors.
I thoroughly enjoyed the day though I was very tired by the end and very sore the next day from the steps coming down the mountain. Also special thanks to Alan and Shirley Spooner for bringing up the rear with me and your excellent company (minus the cattle prodder).
If anyone is interested in joining the climbers in February or wanting to sponsor this cause check out the website http://freedomclimb.net.nz/ it was a lot of fun with great supportive people. You can also check out my Facebook page for photographs, though they really don't do it justice. You do need to be there! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Terry-Lobb-Colour-Design-Ltd/116121247772
If you would like to make an appointment for a consultation or have a query about products discussed you can contact me on 027 602 3298 or terry@terrylobb.com
Terry Lobb is an interior/kitchen designer and personal colour and style consultant who takes a holistic approach to living with colour, texture and style. Website: http://terrylobb.com