"We welcome you," said the linguist, Efo Kokuvi adjusting his cloth on his shoulder like a pro.
"Thank you," replied Mr. Agyei and Mariama.
"As tradition requires, every visitor to the mountain must give us, the authorities, three bottles of schnapps, two goats, a cow and three fowls," said the linguist, repeating just what the chief had said. "Since you will be using the place for an activity, we suggest you double that, plus a sum of One Thousand Ghana cedis in addition."
"It is well noted. We will comply," said Mariama. "May I know how long we have to produce what is required?"
"That depends on you," said the linguist, readjusting his kente cloth on his thin shoulders.
"We will bring them as soon as possible because we need to start practicing soon."
"That's up to you, as we have already said," said the linguist, repeating his previous statement. "And if you wish to grease our palms with more, it is very much welcome. Our town is in dire need of funds for development." This was not meant to be on record. Authorities in these villages always had a way of raising their own money, some of which was pocketed by individuals. One never knows what his money goes into. After shaking the hands of all the dignitaries present, Mr. Agyei and Mariama were free to leave.
"I hope you are well prepared for this trip?" asked Mariama, remembering that it was her duty to let her clients know the A to Z of mountain climbing.
"Is it not hiking shoes and attire we need? We have all that."
"You need more than that," she said. "Sorry I did not mention it early on. Do you have a tent? backpacks, water bottles, a bottle that purifies water, torches etc.?"
"It sure does involve more than I envisaged," said Mr. Agyei.
"It could take several months. You will be camping on the mountain. I will give you further tips on how to get prepared and what to expect."
"Thanks a lot for all this."
"So you now know how right your son was?" she said in passing, just to buttress her point early on.
"Absolutely! Please don't keep reminding me of that fact."
The lessons began in earnest as scheduled.
"The first thing we need to have are our training gear. Whilst we wait for everything to be ready, we can have a little chat about Basic survival skills," said Mariama at the beginning of her first lesson. "We are going to learn how to tie a knot and set up fires safely today. I will begin by saying that a knot is tied to a rope or piece of webbing. Please repeat this after me." This, they did and the same for a few other terms too. "A hitch connects a rope to another object like a carabiner or even another rope. A bend is a knot that joins two ropes together."
"When are we going to begin climbing?" asked Frema rather impatiently.
"Just be patient and you'll realize you needed all these," replied Mariama. "A bight is a section of rope between the ends. So, we'll be using these terms as we go on. A standing end is the side that's not being used during knot tying and a working end is the side that is being used during knot tying."
Now, it was Baafour's coach's turn, Mr. Edusei, to teach them about how to set up a temporary campsite.
"First thing to remember is to choose an ideal spot and set up camp on a level ground free of rocks and other debris. It must be soft dirt so you can drive your pegs in," he said. "Let me chip this in, that we will choose the four season tents which are durable, heavier and designed to keep you safe from the harsh weather. Next thing is to check your tent and its parts before you set off."
"Next, we're going to learn how to start a fire. Before you do so, make sure you have a fire pit or ring. Dig one in an open area and put rocks around it. Your pit should not be near branches or trees that could catch fire."
"Very interesting!" said Mr. Agyei, stroking his beard. "Can you take a look at the tents we bought? Unfortunately, we didn't involve you."
"No problem. It's better late than never," said Mr. Edusei.
"We would have the practical lesson wherever you choose to take us," said Mr. Agyei. "I guess by that time, our equipment, gear, and attire should be ready?"
"Exactly. Let's not forget what the chiefs and elders asked for too," Mariama replied.
"Of course, yes…" he said, stroking his beard once again. "There's so much to do, right?" Mariama nodded.
Day after day, Mariama took the whole family through the rigours of mountain climbing, sitting on a self-made mat before them at the foot of the Kwahu Mountains. On the fifth day, she asked politely that Baafour be included in the training. Although Mr. Adjei punished his son for his presumptuous behaviour by excluding him from the lessons from the two coaches, Mariama's plea softened his heart.
"Baafour, we are yet to present our tokens to the chief and elders of the surrounding villages for permission. Would you like to be a part of it?"
"Yes I will. Let's waste no time then." Baafour replied. "What can I do to help?"
"Accompany me to the farm so we can get some of the animals they require."
"May I know which ones the chief and elders require and how many of them?"
"Six fowls, two cows and four goats. The linguist said we had to double each number he gave us."
"Consider it done, Papa. Remember that is not going to be our only expense."
"I was informed about that too." Mr. Adjei said.
"Is there anything else we will be presenting apart from the animals? These people are fond of pouring libation at every gathering?"
"Yes, schnapps. That does not belong to the category of animals. That is the reason why I did not mention it."
"I understand, Papa. I will find the schnapps at the liquor store nearby after we have visited the farm."
"Excellent! Let's get on with it!"
On the way to the farm, father and son stopped by a huge building. It must have been an old, abandoned hanger.
"I did a few lessons on my own here, Baafour. Now, I know that doing this alone was not enough."
"I'm glad you know that Papa."
"Yes," said Mr. Agyei. "Those pop up features can be very tricky. I once watched one of the competitions on TV during the Olympics and the athletes could not even climb halfway."
"We are going to do the real thing, Papa. Forget about these ones."
Baafour joined the whole family in their simulation exercises at the next session. The family also sat under his tutorship as they climbed a mountain virtually. The mountains sprang up as soon as they wore the virtual glasses he gave them. Some of them screamed whilst others quietly enjoyed their encounter. Baafour was pleased with himself.
"Let's not get so excited with this simulation that we miss the point," said Baafour to the others. "We have two mountains to climb before the very day after we have acquired much knowledge."
"We all need hiking canvases, backpacks, water bottles, water filtering bottles, tents and the appropriate attire" said Baafour. That weekend, the whole family took a trip back to Accra to Decathlon to get all their gear.