Mt. Cameroon

In early February I had the opportunity to return to Mt. Cameroon as a chaperone for my school's annual climb. Mt. Cameroon, at 4000 meters, boasts the highest peak in West Africa. It is an active volcano and the trail to the top is essentially a straight shot up the side. I've heard many people say that climbing Mt. Cameroon is memory best left and forgotten on the steep black slopes of loose and broken lava. I disagree.


Cloud forrest
Even though the forrest has been largely divested of the majestic trees and abundant wildlife that were once common, the remains of this once proud rainforrest are still jawdropping.




Vertical grasslands
Coming out of the forrest onto the endless slope of rough grass and shaggy trees is equally awesome. Clouds hang on the slopes.





Sleeping above the clouds
The first night is spent at Hut 2, high above the thick line of clouds. My favorite part of the hike is waking up to the rising sun.




The Magic Tree


The peak
The 'peak' is reached after a oxygen deprived walk through a moonscape of dusty lava - in which flowers miraculously manage to grow.