Gamel SanKarl

 Last weekend was a blast for me. I had such a memorable time travelling and touring the Volta Region of Ghana.  I had the pleasure of seeing two waterfalls (Wli and Ote) and climbing two high mountains (Gemi and Afadajato).  My thighs hurt from the climb but it is worth every bit of the experience.  Would I do it again if given the chance? Maybe!  The highlight of my adventure was the chance to do this with a 6-year-old.  Nana came on the trip in the company of his mother. He was very active and enthusiastic in each task. I recall seeing him walk past most of the elders during the climb.  He climbed both Afadjato and Gemi with so much ease and dexterity.  Unlike older climbers who were visibly worn out and at different points in time gasped for air, this young chap maintained focus and fortitude till he got to the top.  It wasn't much of a wonder to me when I heard some of the older climbers saying, they were encouraged to continue when they saw him making the climb.  He demonstra

 From the Wli Waterfalls, we moved to Amedzofe to see the Ote Waterfalls as well.  The Amedzofe settlement is a mountain top one with a very nice and cool weather.  To see the Ote Waterfalls, we had to descend a 259 concrete moulded block steps.  Descending that set of steps was as daunting as it was climbing it after. Unlike other waterfalls I have seen so far, this particular one had a canopy walkway, high enough to take you closer to the top of the mountain.  The walkway platforms are fairly new and strong to hold you in check, whilst you catch a closer view of the water as it flows down the mountain. Even more exciting, you can descend lower (that is below the walkway platforms) to the base and experience the water on the ground.  This was certainly a beautiful experience as well.

 As part of my tour of the Volta Region, I visited the Wli Falls.  I must admit this waterfall is one of the most beautiful things I have seen in recent times.  The scenery is such a delight to behold. The cooling effect of the water on its environs is breathtaking and sightly.

 Talk of the highest height in Ghana?  That's Afadjato. I conquered it!  I made it to the mountain top. The experience was surreal.  Making a climb to the apex of Afadjato was a dream on my bucket list but it's been checked now.  Summitting was a daunting task characterised by breathtaking breaks along the route.  The climb has been one of a life time. It presented me lessons of setting your mind on a high target and getting to it through focus and fortitude.  It is a journey of endurance, perseverance, consistency and persistency. I'm glad I could make it to Ghana's highest peak.

 I conquered Mount Gemi, the second-highest mountain in Ghana.   My climb was characterised by some 'huffing and puffing but I made it to the top.  When I summited, I had to sit for a while to catch my breath before I took photos.  I made the climb regardless and it was worth the experience.   I'm getting mentally prepared for my climb to Mount Afadja, the highest mountain in Ghana.