Tour du Mont Blanc

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Tour du Mont Blanc

As our name suggests, Steep Adventures, does like challenging hikes. However, challenging is all in the legs, if you will, of the doer. What we love about the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is that there are options for a wide variety of options for various levels of challenge. The traditional route will take you about 100 miles and 35,000 feet of elevation change, with a high point of around 8,400 feet. Alternate routes can offer additional challenge, or options for shorter hikes by taking advantage of ski lifts, gondolas, or buses. Venturing onto the TMB does require a certain level of physical fitness for maximum enjoyment and getting to the best views (unless you are just going to ride gondolas and not step onto the trail).

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Steep Adventures, Substantial Rewards

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Steep Adventures, Substantial Rewards

By Katie (Paxson) Hammaker ’93 

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2014 was a great adventure for Michelle Deller ’96, but the biggest thrill was knowing that her efforts would provide clean drinking water for nearby villages. 

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Hikers raise $58,142 for Peruvian school

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Hikers raise $58,142 for Peruvian school

By EARLE CORNELIUS

CUSCO, Peru — A group of 10 Eastern Mennonite Missions hikers raised $58,142 in pledges to benefit the Promesa School, a K-11 Peruvian Mennonite school.

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61-Mile Trek in Peru Raises $58,142

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61-Mile Trek in Peru Raises $58,142

Each mile our group of 10 trekked around Ausangate Mountain in Peru raised almost $1,000 to help the school, PROMESA, reach their new land. Here are a few letters highlighting the impact of our efforts.

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The Road to PROMESA - Day 1

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The Road to PROMESA - Day 1

On Tuesday, October 17, the journey of ten individuals began to circumnavigate the Ausangate Mountain (highest peak in the Cusco region). Through this Trek of nearly 61 miles we hoped to build a road for the PROMESA school in Cusco, Peru. Each trekker raised funds for the road prior to setting out on this incredible and challenging journey through the Peruvian Andes. 

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The Road to PROMESA -Day 2

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The Road to PROMESA -Day 2

It’s not often that you wake up at 14,500 ft to a view of a snow capped mountain, day 2 was just such a morning. There were a few morning headaches amongst the group, but thanks to a little Peruvian red & white pill (mostly caffeine), we were ready to face the day.  

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The Road to PROMESA - Day 3

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The Road to PROMESA - Day 3

Emerging from a warm sleeping bag, when you know there is snow and cold air awaiting you on the other side of the nylon tent, is quite difficult. Despite the struggle, Day 3 would prove to be the most challenging, and yet, the most rewarding day on the trek.

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The Road to PROMESA - Day 4

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The Road to PROMESA - Day 4

Peeling out of the tent for the third time on this trek revealed the work done through the night, snow covered mountains. Once again, we were thankful for not returning to the high campsite where snow would have certainly found us.

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Preparing for a Steep Adventure

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No matter how steep the adventure, there is a certain amount of preparation required to successfully complete, and enjoy, the journey. Getting to the final destination will be a reward of preparation, determination, and accomplishment. Anyone that signs up with Steep Adventures will be coached in training for the upcoming challenge.

Training ideas will be suggestions for getting ready for the challenge. Putting in the preparation time will be rewarded when the challenge begins. During the months leading up to my climb to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, my training regimen was weaved into the daily demands of life, but there was always a nagging feeling that it was not enough. Feeling fully prepared for an adventure is quite an elusive feeling, just know that every effort to train will be appreciated during the journey.

Do activity that you love and involve others in your training. Accountability will keep you motivated and having fun in the process. Sign up for events, there is nothing like the outlay of money to keep one motivated to train. Cross training will also help to keep variety in your workout, and ensure a range of muscles are prepared for the journey.

Above all remember, a Steep Adventure challenge is about enjoying the entire process of reaching the goal, both physically and in support of the cause!