Wednesday 29 April 2020 / 2 Weeks Lock Down Extension

Fish River Canyon

Descent into the abyss

I never used to consider myself much of a hiker, though there has always been a level of curiosity to explore the unknown. There was a chapter in my life where I was not very kind to my body … or my mind for that matter.  Then there was a phase in my life where everything collapsed, seemingly.  The world of illusion, my world of ‘reality’ was ripped like the proverbial rug from under me.

I lost everything, or so I thought, from relationships to material possessions. I had no money, I had no work. The prospect for the future seemed somewhat bleak.

It was in this broken state that a remarkable opportunity came my way. Through a strange sequence of events I was invited to join an expedition to the Fish River Canyon as the photographer. I was unfit and I was unhealthy and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. A long trail of pain and suffering awaited me as we descended into the belly of the earth.

From my journal, “The descent into the Fish River Canyon can be compared to entering some kind of birth canal. It really shakes you vigorously, somewhat painfully out of your comfort zone. But on reaching the river at the bottom you enter a whole new world.”

An unsettling phone call

Through all the anguish, though grateful for the experience, I was relieved when it was finally over. Feeling rather tender still days after my return I received a phone call from my friend and associate Kersten Mosig, “Donald I have some bad news for you” Kersten has always had a wicked sense of dry humour. I immediately though I had done something wrong, not quite fulfilling the expectations as the photographer. After a pause he continued, “You must start your preparations to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro three weeks from now.”

This would prove to be another journey of awakening. Evidently I had not been broken enough. A story for another chapter, bringing its own release of freedom. After breaking many internal thresholds, hiking through the wilderness has since become somewhat addictive. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to join a variety of expeditions over the last few years. Having traversed through Fish River Canyon several times, there are added memories of having also led a team through this unspoilt wonderland together with my son.

Emerging from the cracks

In this barren landscape one would assume that there is not much to see except rocks, boulders and sand. I have always been amazed as to just how much life exists in the abyss. I wonder what new life and opportunity will emerge from this lockdown experience.

There seems to be much pain and suffering all around. Some of which becomes unfathomable, given that I have limited comprehension what some people might be going through. I wonder how we will emerge from this experience. In amongst all the bad news, there are many stories of humanity unfolding. I am quietly optimistic that through the pain of the experience there is still hope for a new world. I sincerely hope so.