"We will be learning how to climb in stages," said Mr. Edusei. "First of all, we will climb one mountain that is not as high as Afajato but a good place to start. I learnt you have been doing some simulation exercises?"
"Yes. Yes, we have. I thought that would help," said Mr. Adjei.
"It would," replied Mr. Edusei. "That only means you are not mere beginners. At least you have some raw skill." The two oldest sons of Mr. Adjei, Baafi and Bentum sought permission from the guides and caretakers of the forest before they could begin. Since one of the managers was a former schoolmate, Bentum had easy access to the forest without any red tapeism.
"The Kwahu plateau is 260 km long and found in Southern Ghana. It consists of the uplifted southern edge of the Volta river basin and has an average elevation of 1500 feet. Its highest point is Mount Akmawa at 2,586 feet," said one of the guides, introducing them to the plateau.
"Are you sure we can make it to the top?" asked Mr. Adjei.
"Yes, I'm very sure," replied Baafour, determined to impress everyone. "This mountain is not as high as the real one. We may need it as beginners to help us gain the necessary skills." The guide smiled at Baafour. Mr. Edusei was impressed. This day was only for a tour around the mountain. The following days saw them progressively learning other stuff about mountain climbing. After two months back and forth, Mariama took over from the original guides of the Kwahu Plateau and taught her clients a few first aid skills. After a few sessions, some health experts also gave them an extensive lesson upon invitation. It was a thrilling experience having to be used as models to explain certain procedures and to have them renew their minds from wrong notions and practices. Mr. Agyei, Adobea and Bentum became severely ill as they made their way to the top which was a little unexpected for a trial on a milder terrain.
"Does that mean we'll get sick when we're climbing Mount Afajato too?" asked Mr. Adjei.
"It's possible. We must brace ourselves for any unforeseen circumstances and take the necessary precautions." Unexpected illness slowed everyone down. Each time anyone fell ill, that person needed to descend to the bottom of the mountain to be taken care of by a team of medical staff. It was expedient at this time to teach them how to dress wounds effectively without leaving space for infections. The few other survival skills they needed would be handled by Mariam and Mr. Edusei. Mariama was expecting more obstacles and setbacks.
"I don't think I'll have enough stamina to finish this competition on time," said Mr. Agyei, doubting his own abilities.
"You'll be going at your own pace with myself and some other guides," she replied. "Each one will have his own guide climbing six feet above his client so he can be of help." The climbers tied knots, started, and tended to fires,purified water and hunted and foraged for food.
"How many people are going to climb at Mount Afajato during the competition?"
"That would be; myself, Baafi, Bentum, Baafour, Frema, and Adobea. Six of us, please."
"It's important that we know the exact number so we can get prepared and also submit our names for approval," said Mariama.
The foggy conditions early in the morning made it difficult for the Agyei family to see their guides and rope ahead of them as they made progress.
"It's a good thing we have identified this discrepancy at this place," said Mariama. "It may be worse on Mount Afajato because it's far higher and steeper. I can't imagine someone feeling so lonely and having to shout at the other on top of his or her voice." A few minutes after she said that, the clouds gathered furiously. It was so dark you could think it was in the evening. Mariama sought for a safe place, a cave she spotted somewhere in the distance so they could take cover from the torrential rains. The rains came down as they snuggled close to each other.
"The rains come down unexpectedly in the forest regions," she said. "We may encounter that problem at Mount Afajato too."
"We simply have to consult google for the weather forecast," said Frema.
"That's right. You are very intelligent," replied Mariama. "That reminds me of the fact that we will need a compass to navigate our way through the mountains."
"I thought we had a straightforward route?" asked Frema.
"It's not as simple as that. You may think you are going straight up when actually, you're just going round in circles at the same spot round the mountain. For that reason, we may have to determine beforehand, which path we will take and let the compass guide us."
"That's very interesting."