“If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.” Those were the words of Jim Whittaker, the boisterous American Mountain Climber. For every mountain climber, there is always that question that will be asked: Why do you do this? Why would you put life and limb on the line? On one of my climbs, my guide and I were caught up in a blistering snow-storm that lasted three hours. To keep from frost-bite and contracting High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (a leading cause of death for mountain climbers), we had to keep going around in circles. Snow-blinded and exhausted once the storm had subsided, we lost our way. Finally, by a long winded route, we arrived back at Day 5 camp after nightfall – drenched and frozen to the bone. And nursing several aches and bruises from the countless falls on the icy, slippery and sharp rocks. In reality, life is a lot like that. There are very few guarantees. Many times in life you have to go out on a limb, and a prayer. You cross your heart and hope for better days.
June 10, 2018 at 4:31 pm
So true! And at the end we’re always glad we went through it because it makes us stronger, we see the hand of God through it all, not to mention the simple beauty of it all from the end point ??. Good one, Jacob.
June 10, 2018 at 4:33 pm
True. Very true, Tandy
June 10, 2018 at 4:34 pm
Life is to be enjoyed not suffered!
June 10, 2018 at 4:35 pm
Mike, your spirited half-day attempt at summiting Mt. Elgon clearly traumatised you (and left a bile-bitter taste in your mouth;-)
June 10, 2018 at 4:36 pm
Huh catch me climbing a mountain!
June 10, 2018 at 4:37 pm
????
June 10, 2018 at 4:37 pm
Ronald Muyanja dont laugh too hard, I may just change my mind
June 10, 2018 at 4:39 pm
Please change your mind, Julie. Make the naysayers rue the day they sneered at you;-)
June 10, 2018 at 4:39 pm
May i laugh kko?!?!?
June 10, 2018 at 4:40 pm
Joy Mirembe NO
June 10, 2018 at 4:40 pm
Kale! I’ve stopped
June 10, 2018 at 4:41 pm
Amen big brother, amen. Lost an aunt last night so this is a timely and encouraging word . Pressing on and hoping for better days ahead.
June 10, 2018 at 4:42 pm
Awww, am so sorry to hear that Julie! Will be calling. Waves of grace to you❤️?
June 10, 2018 at 4:43 pm
Thanks Jacob. Amen
June 10, 2018 at 4:44 pm
Webale nnyo Mwanyinazze
June 10, 2018 at 4:45 pm
Amina nnyo, Mwanyinazze!
June 10, 2018 at 4:45 pm
Mountains! They teach you a mountain of lessons!
June 10, 2018 at 4:46 pm
I am many things because of those mountains! I’m eternally grateful
June 10, 2018 at 4:46 pm
I have memories of your climb up the Rwenzori. Was it a random idea or something gave you a jerk and you decided to go for it? It is no simple decision I tell you. If you had another opportunity to do Rwenzori Margherita peak would you go for it?
June 10, 2018 at 4:47 pm
No, Daniel Karibwije, it wasn’t happenstance. I’d always dreamed of climbing mountains as a little boy. Going up Margherita again? Most unlikely. Not only is it the toughest/most technical mountain to climb in Africa but I went up at the wrong time of year – during the rain season – it started raining soon as I started and poured all 6 days in 7 days of climbing! My gear mercilessly got shredded. Would I go up again? Perhaps after Machu Picchu, Aconcagua and Everest! When do you go up Rwenzori?
June 10, 2018 at 4:48 pm
Hehehehee!
Watching from the peripherals….
David Makumbi should answer the same question.
June 10, 2018 at 4:49 pm
Mwanyinazze, please don’t trouble David Makumbi. He’s still running his kilometer. When he’s back, we’ll all know?
June 10, 2018 at 4:49 pm
Hahahahahahahaha!
Yabyaaaaaaa
June 10, 2018 at 4:50 pm
Yes I have heard about the technical nature of Rwenzori. After coming down such a peak is there any such thing as jet lag or height lag as you condition back to sea level conditions. I want to climb Rwenzori but will first go to baby class at Tororo Rock, Mt. Elgon then Margherita.
June 10, 2018 at 4:51 pm
Banange bro where was that?
June 10, 2018 at 4:55 pm
Only you Jacob could take instances of hiding from creditors and disguise them as inspirational messages! You have taken dodging debt collectors to new heights! Literally! ?
June 10, 2018 at 4:55 pm
Wabula #Daudi
Gwe omubanja mmekka?! Or let me put it bluntly?! Bakubanja mmekka
June 10, 2018 at 4:56 pm
Ela Joy you are to blame for this latest resumption of hostilities! You go around wake waking sleeping giants!! ?
June 10, 2018 at 4:56 pm
Did you say giants?!?!?!
The goliath kind
June 10, 2018 at 4:57 pm
Yes Jacob, nuff respect bro, nuff respect. What a nerve!