Grateful Steps, Mountains and Miracles,” “When Fog Teaches You to See

 The mountains are the aesthetic of the earth  tall, bold, beautiful. The green grasses swayed gently as though choreographed just for us, and the air? The freshest I’ve ever breathed on this side of heaven. It was as though God opened a special edition of "Breathe Easy" just for Obudu. I mean, Almighty God is truly the masterpiece of beauty. Let’s be real, if not for His beauty, how would we even know what beauty is?

The gift of nature and a chance to explore it with amazing souls.

It was our second morning in Obudu, and I woke up to a foggy scene that looked like something out of a dream. I’d only experienced fog like this once before  up the mountain of Mpape last year but this was something else entirely. I dragged myself out of bed, took a refreshing shower, whispered my dhikr (remembrance of Almighty), and stepped outside into a cozy cabin scene that had me smiling.

Everyone else was already up, chit-chatting, taking photos, and filming videos like proper content creators. You know that crew  camera angles, retakes, and filters. 😂 Epa walked over from his lodge with his crew  Hercule, Sefiey, and Man of Faith just to greet us. Unfortunately, I was still in bed, so he left before I came out. But guess who else showed up? Mrs. Vivian! So I made my way to her cabin, where I was greeted with a hot cup of coffee exactly what my chilly fingers needed.

We exchanged pleasantries with the rest of the crew  Mr. Solomon, Emmirine, Bala, Sandra, Mary and just like that, the cabin started feeling like home away from home. Then Waka Waka joined us, and we decided to go greet Epa properly since he’d come by earlier. They said it wasn’t far classic Nigerian measurement language. I should’ve known. Long story short, what was supposed to be a short stroll turned into a 30-minute mini-hike. 😅

We finally met Epa, and the whole gang felt like a big family reunion  teasing, laughter, and even a Snapchat video to seal the moment. We also met Chef Titi (aka Epa’s private chef), Lizzy, and Teeni. Plans were made to visit the Holy Mountain and Grotto Waterfall later that afternoon. Meanwhile, Hercule needed to visit the market, so Waka Waka and I joined in  partly for meds and partly to explore.

Let me just say, the village around the ranch is the kind of place where you can literally count all the rooftops at a glance  serene, simple, and soul-refreshing.

Now, the Holy Mountain… whew!

The Holy Mountain: Where Miracles and Lungs Are Tested

This sacred mountain is nestled in the heart of Obudu Cattle Ranch. It was declared holy not just for its elevation but its history. It was said the mountain saved villagers during the Biafran war. They created a hiding place  a hole within the mountain and took refuge. Among them was a couple who had been married for years without children. Miraculously, the woman conceived during their time there. Since then, the mountain has become a spiritual hub  people go up to pray and return with testimonies. Offerings given are used to support orphans and people in need.

 

We were told to wear good shoes, and I thought we were going for an easy hike. From the parking spot, it was a 15-minute walk at first. The grass was so green it felt like the earth had just gotten a spa day. Sheep and cows grazed freely like they were auditioning for a tourism ad, and the local community was super friendly.

We finally got to the top, and the view was out of this world.

 Mount Cameroon in the distance, a 68-minute drive away. There was peace the kind that wraps around your soul like a soft blanket. Waka Waka Diamond asked if I noticed how clean the environment was. I told her the terrain didn’t even give people the opportunity to litter. Not a single trash item in sight.

Our tour guide shared stories of answered prayers on this mountain. People actually come back to give testimonies. I paused, wind brushing my face, wondering how many prayers had risen from this very soil.

We took photos and videos Cool Francis being the MVP of the day snapping others while creating content like a pro. Meanwhile, Hercule was recruited as Waka Waka’s personal photo apprentice. 😂

Then came the descent… or should I say, the betrayal of gravity?

We assumed we were done with the hard part, but turns out, coming back meant ascending  and our lungs were not consulted in the planning. Panting and sweating, we eventually made it down, each step earning its own prayer of survival.

 Back at the cabin, I followed Waka Waka to hers for some peace and quiet. but ended up having an interesting gist with Blazzer and Abdulbasit about our beloved country and the ever-recurring topic of corruption 😢.

 We agreed that a major problem we face as a nation is the absence of accountability  from top to bottom. And without self-discipline, everything else falls apart. 

Discipline is a national epidemic. We do things poorly because we aren't held accountable even by ourselves. I pray we all do better, because Nigeria has too much potential to waste.

May we all do better, for the sake of a greater Nigeria. 🙏

Later that evening, we began preparing mentally (and emotionally) for an 11km steep hike. This hike wasn’t for the faint-hearted only the adventurers in spirit and muscle dared take it on. We were advised to sleep early but did we listen? Nah. Instead, we had a card game night filled with laughter, playful banter, and beautiful memories.

The Presidential suite 

Oh, and just before I forget after our Holy Mountain hike, we visited the Presidential Suite. Ah! Class! The windows are bulletproof, no jokes. There’s even a bullet mark to prove it. It was said that former President Olusegun Obasanjo tested it out himself and yes, it passed the test. 😎

This suite is perched on a mountaintop, separated from the other cabins, just a short 10-minute drive. The scenery? Unreal. You get a view of fog-covered greenery, healthy trees, lush grass, and a flowing spring river.

As we made our way there, our tour guide casually mentioned, “Rain go fall in 30 minutes.” Some of our people wanted to go change clothes photoshoot for the ‘gram must be served! Unfortunately for them, just as they returned, the rain started exactly as predicted. 😂

We were done snapping, throwing banter, and having fun. They came back forming vex, but we all knew when a local says rain is coming, believe them. Lesson learnt.

As I drifted off to sleep, tired but deeply fulfilled, I couldn’t help but feel a heart full of gratitude. For nature, for community, for shared stories, for challenges that humbled me, and for the serenity that reminded me how beautiful life can be when we slow down and soak it all in.

              Gratitude Corner 

1. Gratitude for Nature’s Beauty: The fog, green fields, and mountain views reminded me how stunning our earth can be.

2. Gratitude for Companionship: Exploring Obudu with amazing people made the trip feel like family time.

3. Gratitude for Spiritual Connection: The Holy Mountain reminded me of the power of prayer and divine timing.

4. Gratitude for Laughter & Moments: From Snapchat videos to uphill struggles, every moment brought joy.

5. Gratitude for Stories & History: Learning about the war, the bulletproof suite, and the local traditions added depth and meaning to the adventure.

Before I go, let me tell you about Epa the man, the myth, the legend! 😄 In his 60s, yet living his best life like a Gen Z influencer. Epa pulled up in jeans and a face cap, looking every bit like a vibrant young man in his 30s. I had to squint twice was this really Epa or a Nollywood actor playing undercover youth? 😂 More strength to you, sir, and may your good health continue to shine brighter than the Obudu morning fog. You inspire us all!

 Call to Action

Have you ever been somewhere that completely humbled and awed you?

Drop your favorite travel memory or the place on your bucket list that you must visit. 

And hey, next time someone says, “It will rain in 30 minutes”… BELIEVE THEM. 😄

 

Photos credit goes to my amazing Waka Waka Diamond - thank you for capturing all these memories with so much love, precision, and joy. You didn’t just snap pictures; you bottled laughter, scenery, and the spirit of adventure. ❤️