05.36. At the base of Krobo. Sun just coming up. Feeling fit
and ready to whizz up my favourite hill in Ghana.
06.13. A quick ascent to the summit, 345m. No time for
fussing about or admiring the view – there’s a record to be beaten.
06.49. Back down, and into the cars to Iogaga.
07.20. At the base of Iogaga, with some crazy parking to cut
off a few metres of walking. Does this incur a time penalty?
08.22. At the top, 436m. Had forgotten how steep Iogaga is,
and how tall the grass gets. Bit longer at the summit, so time for breakfast.
Mike sleeps off last night’s beers with the Accra Hash. Andrew also catches 40
winks, a bit rich given this was his idea.
09.31. Back at the cars. Two down, one to go.
10.25. At Osoduko. Long drive not ideal for stiff legs, but
boots back on and a nice easy track to start with.
11.20. Hmm, summit not getting any nearer. Path seems to keep
twisting round.
11.22. Focus on catching up with Stephen, just a few metres
ahead. Maybe I can speed past him, annoy him a bit.
11.23. Maybe not.
11.25. Murderous thoughts about Andrew and Christie, whose
idea this nonsense was.
11.26. Murderous thoughts about Kevin, who dreamed up the
Ghana Three Peaks after reading about the UK version. Shame he didn’t read
about a teashop and set up one of those instead.
11.29. Cycle of excuses about why I am struggling so much:
combined, the three hills equal a Munro; it’s hot; I have bad knees; I am
getting old. Realise deep down the answer might lie in the collection of empty
beer bottles at home.
11.30. The top. 424m. Who cares? Want to sleep.
12.34. Down again, via a diversion through the village
having got lost. Mike back first. He always speeds up when it gets close to time
for beers. Those few minutes have crucially cost us a record-breaking effort,
slower than the January trip by one minute. Bah.
12.45. Stone Lodge. The hardest-earned – and best-tasting –
Star of the year.
Total ascent: 1052m
Total time: 5 hrs 33 mins
Total distance: 17.15 kms
Nine participants, nine finishers.
Well done everyone (and goodbye Andrew and Christie!)
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