Who would’ve ever thought we’d actually end up in China of all places? Certainly not me! It started with a dream...to get out there, to explore, to do something wild and crazy, something completely out of the ordinary from our day to day schedules. As wives and mothers, and with lives already full to capacity with careers and callings, where on earth does one find the time to consider such a mammoth trip? Trekking the Great Wall of China....A group of ten ladies, from 4 different nations all between the ages of 30 and 47 had one thing in common – to live life to the full.
Right from the beginning we had a clear vision: to train hard, get the right equipment, read up as much about the Great Wall of China as possible, and raise as much money for Saturation Trust in the process. We specifically chose Saturation Trust as our charity because of the excellent work they have done locally, nationally and internationally. Not only have they been able to meet various needs amongst the people, but they also have a heart to train up the next generation to get out there and make a difference.
We planned some group fund raising events, including two very successful quiz nights, a 30 mile sponsored walk from Canterbury to Dover, a sponsored walk crossing all the bridges in London, a talent night, 2 tandem parachute jumps as well as various cake sales at our local summer fair. We also had a number of people who sponsored us for the actual walk in the China and were able to donate an amount of just under £2500 to Saturation Trust.
Training initially included a monthly hike which increased in frequency and duration as our departure date drew nearer. Finally, on the 10/10/10, 10 very excited, slightly nervous ladies set off for China.
Our first night was in a nice hotel in Beijing and we were all very eager to get our first sighting of THE wall, which we would all agree is an incredible feat. The next 9 days were spent hiking, sometimes on restored sections of the wall and often just over rubble on some of oldest parts of the wall, all in the capable hands of our two tour guides. Each day presented new challenges, not only with the hiking but also with the culture, the food, the language, the accommodation, the toilets and even an unexpected change in the weather. The greater the challenge meant an even greater determination to overcome and as a team we pulled together, focussed and supported one another and conquered one mountain at a time. What a sense of achievement in the most spectacular scenery I have ever seen. It certainly was an experience of a lifetime.
We came home two weeks later, exhausted but exhilarated and with a new appreciation for the comforts the western world offers. Would I recommend it? Definitely...there are many adventures out there...we only have one life so we need to make it count! Be brave, be strong and live life!
Article by: Heather Puffett
