A Climb up Adam's Peak Sunday March 2nd 2008
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| For quite a long time we have been telling ourselves that we must climb Adam's Peak or Sri Pada, as it is more correctly known. The mountain is the fifth highest in the country (2243m) but is definitely the most dramatic, a most mountain-like mountain. At the top is a Buddhist Temple enclosing the footprint of Buddha, or if your prefer, Adam. The mountain is an important pilgrimage site for Sri Lankan Buddhists. | We were fortunate to enjoy the company of Adam Green who, as a Consultant Archivist, was working for the Diocese of Colombo in their archive offices as a volunteer for a few months. We set off at 2:30am on Sunday March 2nd 2008 stepping over the night watchman of our hotel who lay asleep in the doorway, and joined many others for the ascent. The aim is to catch the dawn. It is also a much cooler time of day. This photo shows us with a cup of tea stiff with sugar very early in the morning, a last rest before the final ascent!. |
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At the top of the mountain there were signs asking everyone to take off their shoes and refrain from taking photographs, both requests being completely ignored by everyone, the former because it was too cold and the latter because it was too beautiful. There were hundreds of people at the top. |
Look away from the rising sun and you see the triangular shadow of the mountain (Adams' Peak) on distant mist / clouds. See July 2008 newsletter. |
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| Fortunately the route is composed entirely of steps, some wide, some narrow, some steep, some shallow. Unsurprisingly the walk down was worse than the walk up. These women are typical of many of the pilgrims, barefoot and with little to keep them warm at the top. We were over-equipped with jumpers, gloves, fleeces, walking boots and hats! | Where there are pilgrims there must be commerce, and there is no shortage of shops and cafes to provide the satisfied pilgrim with souvenirs and sustenance. In the Season ( December to May) the route is lit all through the night and the places stay open 24 hours. |
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