My Mountain Climbing Excursion To Ado Awaye Mountain

We had an awesome time over the weekend (28 - 29 November). We went on a mountain hiking expedition.

We left Lagos by 6:30am and escaped the environmental Sanitation enforcers by whiskers.

Arriving Ibadan by 10:30am, we had breakfast, picked up other tourists making a total of 20 of us.

The kids had a different agenda so we drop them off at the "A3 Hotel" opposite the leisure mall, then off we went on a 2 hour journey to Ado Awaye Mountain.

Upon arrival and settling with the entrance marshal, our tour guide led the way.

With over 350 muscle wrenching steps separating us from half way to the top, we had to stop mid way. Legs were trembling and continuation was only true motivation and out stretched arms.

This was not just a tour expedition, it was a pilgrimage. A journey into self discovery.

After the steps led us into the heavenly elements of the angry sun, some knew better than to offend the gods. To them, they had conquered a level for themselves but for the over achievers, they dared the elements of the sun and winds. Staring them in the face, they marched up brazenly.

The tough were rewarded with the sight of the enchanted "suspended lake of Ado Awaye".

Legend has it that the lake sustained its inhabitants during several wars.
To the 2 oyibo (foreign) Geologist who sought a scientific explanation to the source and sustenance of the lake, well they are yet to surface and give us their findings.

And to the smart diver that had his ankle chained so he could be pulled out in the event of an emergency, well the remains of his cut chains can be given to anyone who needs to ask the inhabitants of the lake why its visitors are not allowed to return.

Our tour took us to the tree that chose to be an elephant and we were even told of the castle high up in the mountain.

Time was 2:30pm and wisdom had the better of us. It was a long way down and we had 2 more hours to our hotel lodging.

Maybe next time, we will arrive earlier with champions to take on the castle. But for now, we must sheave our swords and return to the land of the living.

A3 hotel was spectacular. We recommend it. But, if you want to party with your crew, come with your own drinks because Ibadan people don't want your money after 10pm. They will lock up the fridge and switch of the TV from the head office, then sleep off.

Our journey commenced by 10am on Sunday after we had slept off our fatigue and broken our fast.

We visited University of Ibadan Zoological Garden, then went to Agodi park to paddle away.

Was the trip worth it? TOTALLY.
We thank the brave Champions from the city of Lagos who came, saw and conquered different levels of the great mountain of Ado Awaye in Oyo State, South West of Nigeria.

Thanks,

We will yet do this and much more

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