Sri Pada ~ Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka
7,295 feet above sea level
I had decided to climb to this peak.
The ascent would start at 2am.
My guide (yes, the dog was my guide) escorting me to the base of the stairs.
Did I mention the 5200+ steps?
As in stairs. To the top.
A Temple on the ascent up
and a stall of refreshments
Pilgrims on the climb
1 hour into the climb I was still good.
2 hours into the climb of countless, thousands steps, the profanity started.
2.5 hours into this ultimate stair-master workout I was berating myself wondering why I thought this would be a good idea.
3 hours into the climb I made it to the peak.
It was still dark and it was cold.
This is how I stayed warm, awaiting the sunrise.
And then this…
and this…
The majestic beauty was overwhelming.
It made the 3 hour climb of 5200+ stairs 100% worthwhile.
and then, on shaky legs, the reality of what was next set in…
and I wanted to cry.
5200+ steps, to climb down, on legs already sensing the throb of things yet to come…
Climbing down was, by far, one of the most physically difficult things I have ever had to do.
But I made it down…
I had arrived,
one step at a time.
6 days later my calf’s & my quadriceps continue to feel whispers of the throb – But I am grateful for this feeling for it is a beautiful reminder of the wondrous journey I set out on.
And continue on…
It certainly was worthwhile. Some great photos there.
Thanks! I have to admit, I’m kind of proud of not only the climb but of the photos as well. Definitely worthwhile
Wow.
I concur!
I read this two days after some friends of mine have done it !!
thank you
100% my pleasure. I’m glad you enjoyed my little expedition.
Ha ha ha, but the pictures say it all. I would berate myself if I did that although I would miss the beautiful sunrise and the magnificent view.
Haha! Don’t they, Bebs? Now, with this perspective, I’m so glad I did it!
I think it would be easier going up than going down. My knees don’t like the downhills anymore! I am so impressed that you did this! What I wouldn’t give to trade places with you. Well…sort of. Keep the adventures coming. I feel like I am there with you, in spirit at least!!!!
Definitely in spirit, Wendy! And it will be my pleasure to keep the expeditions & adventures coming!
And going up, I wouldn’t say was “easy”, definitely challenging and my quads were simply exhausted BUT coming down was pure misery on the entire leg from ankle to hip – I’m definitely not the spring-chicken I use to be with the awesome quick recovery
People think going down is easy – not so, almost as difficult as going up
Pam, if I could of gone up rather than down, I so would of! I truly almost was in tears (OK, maybe I was in tears at some point!) I guess I forgot what goes up must come down?! But then you, of all people, probably realize this more so than others, hah?
Once you got up to the top each picture just got better and better… majestic. What can I say. Going down has always been hard on me, but I have never climbed 5200+ steps before. At least there were rails.What a great accomplishment.
Thanks Lynn! Yeah, going down was pure agony for me. And it also could of been because going up was dark so my mindset was just “put one foot in front of the other”, but going down it was light out and I could actually visually see what suffering was ahead of me.But in the end, it 100% was worth all of it.
Wow. Looks like a lot of work. My legs almost felt shaky reading about it. But it looks totally worth it. I thought to myself while reading this “I would totally do this”
While touring castles in Germany we also had to climb stairs or walk long lengths to get to the castle. Not near this far. But I felt like I’d do anything to see that view.
More on my blog below
http://vanruiten.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/trip-through-germany-photography/
Linda
Thank you, Linda. I love European castles! I look forward to nosing around your site.
Even though, sometimes I’m a drama queen, the Sri Pada climb was definitely worth it. I would do it again, in fact. If you do ever get a chance to climb it, I do highly recommend it.
I told my husband about your climb. He agreed that it would be very like me to climb all the way up for the view and pictures. It would take some convincing to get him to join me.
If I ever get the chance I will do it!
Linda
Amazing. Never heard of that place before. The view from the top is worth the effort. Well done, Tahira. Jo
Thanks, Jo! I agree, definitely worth it!
3 hours of climbing stairs? I totally applaud you! I sometimes don’t know what’s worse, hiking up a steep incline or climbing up stairs for that long. Those are killer views though and definitely worth the legs and gluts work out! How long are you in Sri Lanka for?
This was just a short 10day-ish trip. I for sure needed more time, I LOVE Sri Lanka, and there is so much more to see & do. You know, I think I would prefer a steep incline to stairs, stairs are just unforgiving – The whole stepping thing. And I agree, the view was indeed killer & I am already missing it!
Wow, I could feel the burn just looking at your pictures. What amazing views though. Great job! And thanks for sharing!
My pleasure! And you know, I can STILL feel the burn!
Breathtakingly, aching-ly, beautiful! You DID it! Amazing trip up to the peak. Wish I could have been there too…but your photos will have to do! And believe me, they do!! I would have cried myself at all those steps to return to the base. I know it’s even harder going down than it is up! Funny about that, almost a metaphor about life itself! P. S. You certainly earned the beer!
SO TRUE! And what a tremendous metaphor. Love it! A blog post could even be done on it
And I wish you could of been there with me as well, Rufina!
I would love if you would do a post on that idea sometime! As humans, sometimes we look at a goal and it looks so hard to achieve, but actually putting in the hard work is always worth it, and in the end, it is even harder to stay stagnant or even worse to despair. I would really enjoy reading your more worldly perspective expanded on this thought, accompanied by your gorgeous photography…xo
You are inspiring! Yes, what a great idea. It’s like triathlon or any sport or goal one decides to take on. I’m finally able to start going through my photos, in earnest, from Sri Lanka and while I am doing that I will be tossing this idea around. Thanks for the inspiration, Rufina!
Especially with your triathlon experience…and I hope that you mayalso enjoy this, as a bit from my perspective…
http://300dayjourney.wordpress.com/2012/04/29/its-okay-to-be-last/
Well done…so many stairs but well worth it. Thank you for a great post
Truly my pleasure! Thanks for coming by, my friend.
What a scenery! Long and hard climbing, Tahira!
Thanks, Amy. And worth all the effort, for sure.
Wow! You are one amazing climber! I am simply awestruck. Assuming I could have made it to the top, I think I would have just sat down and cried when it came time to climb back down. I’m sure my knees would have gone on strick.
Gunta, I really wanted to cry. If I could of hailed a taxi, I would of!
Wow, beautiful pictures Tahira… Training for Kilimanjaro – maybe!
Maybe Wendy. Maybe I just am
I’ve been following all your posts about Kilimanjaro and I am so inspired. Sri Pada isn’t even close, but it’s definitely a start!
Wow, your bum must be as hard as steel after 3 hours of climbing steps
what beautiful views out across the mountains.
Now that is what I call Awesome ! What a thing to be able to say you have done.
but I know what you mean …coming down from anywhere is so much harder the older I get .
Sounds like the throbbing was worth it
Fabulous! Fabulous! Fabulous!
I was going to ask why you would begin the ascent at two in the morning, but then I saw. Thank you for these unforgettable photographs.
Imagine what it must have been like to build those steps!