WELL known Richards Bay couple Kenneth and Kirsten Hodgson have joined the growing list of Zululanders who have successfully climbed Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Looking surprisingly fresh after their return last week, apart from some stiff muscles, the pair was still on a ‘high’ after their challenging but rewarding feat.
For Kenneth, it was simply another physical activity for a man who has participated in numerous sports at a competitive level.
‘The big thing is the breathing at elevation, where there is little oxygen; altitude sickness is the downfall of many who fail to reach the top,’ he said.
The climb had special emotional significance for Kirsten, who had wanted to leave some ashes of her late uncle Tyrone Bailey on the peak with its amazing outlook, ‘where he can rest in peace’.
Kenneth paid tribute to renowned mountain climber Sean Wisedale, the first South African to ascend the world’s top seven summits, including mount Everest.
‘He has taken all of us up and down – and people forget it’s just as tough getting down as it is going up.
‘Thank goodness we picked him because without his knowledge I doubt we would have made it there and back.’
Kenneth is planning to get Sean to Richards Bay soon for a ‘show and tell’ visit – perhaps of special interest to those who would want to do the Kili climb in September.
‘We will advertise the event, but if anyone wants more information or Sean’s details they can give me a call at Midbay Motors,’ he said.
