Thurs-Trail-setting.

 

The calm before the climb

That morning dew… the type that lands softly on your skin, whispering “Fresh start, my friend.”

I woke up at 4:30 a.m.

Took one deep breath.

Closed my eyes for five harmless minutes.

Next thing? 5:10 a.m. 😅

(That’s how time moves when you’re lying to yourself.)

Kissed Moori, my cat, who stretched like she was auditioning for yoga Olympics. Did ablution, purification before Muslims pray, and prayed. Said my dhikr. Read my Qur’an.

Boiled three eggs. Heated water for my shower. Made coffee ☕.

The rendezvous that tested my stomach

I was meant to meet Mr Ovo at 6:30 a.m. Left my house at 6:25. Arrived at Berger at 6:42.

He wasn’t there yet. Waited 20 minutes.

Then my stomach remembered I had not flushed it before leaving home. Omo! 😩

Found a public convenience, surprisingly clean and scented, helped myself, paid the token, and came out feeling brand new.

The crew assembles

Finally, Mr Ovo arrived at 7:30 a.m. with Otes and Blessing.

We drove to Sokale to meet the rest: Epa, Hercule, Siefiey, Peruzzi, Maxy, Dami, Innovative, MOF, Valery, Ebuka, AbdulBasit, and others.

Manager, Eze, Mhiz Teene came in too. Then Presido Eddie joined us in motion.

We each got something to carry because up there, we were cooking yellow rice.

Early obstacles & teamwork

A mini stream greeted us. Some refused to step in, so Peruzzi laid stones and wood.

One man was breathing heavily. Jane too, she hadn’t hiked in a while. I told her to rest and catch her breath.

One hour in, the gentleman decided to turn back.

Then the drizzle began… and became steady rain. Those prepared brought umbrellas and raincoats. The rest of us took it like God’s own shower of blessings.

Wakanda in the rain

We reached Wakanda Mountain, foggy, peaceful, stunning.

Spotted a blue beetle, weak from the weather.

The content creators got busy.

Manager warned us about the cliff edges (“It’s death if you fall”).

Someone teased him, “You dey warn adults?” 😂

Boyante, our shirtless meditator, sat cross-legged in the rain.

Our firewood was wet. But our bush chefs? Legends. Like Ola and Co. In 20 minutes, they had flames going, teamwork! Even our “steeze guy” Francis joined in. While  these was going on I sat for a moment, feeling my heartbeat and the stillness.

Yellow rice & pepper fish magic

Onions, pepper, and fish came together for our yellow rice. Mhiz Teene made pepper fish for Epa, perfect for our cold bodies.

Food took 35 minutes.

Spirits? Sky high.

Mini adventures within the adventure

Cool Francis tried climbing a risky mountain. He promised me ₦50k if I joined him, but I wasn’t ready for my village people to visit me 😂.

Maxy and Hercule challenged each other on a mini rock climb, joined by Epa, proof that age is just a number, his live his best life with nature.

The Oriji Boys? A vibe. They have their own president, rules, and serious brand loyalty. The Oriji company should hire them.

There was a squat challenge, Maxy and Wakawaka they did 30 reps and then press-ups. Manager and Mally argued about airline issues until Epa stepped in with the real gist.

We talked about adventure spots across Nigeria, and trust me, trail-setters have plans that will blow your mind.

The founder appears

Before we left, Adventure lord himself, the founder, arrived. Alone. Just like that. We were all happy to see him. Exchanged pleasantries.

The descent

Peruzzi led us down a different route, one hour and 45 minutes through cornfields, sweet potato farms, and slippery rocks.

One hiker fell, poor shoe grip, and got a few scratches. Epa used a medicinal leaf on the wound.

Boyante (again!) climbed a tree, joined by a lady named Kindness.

We finally made it back to the cars. Thirty hikers, thirty stories.

Gratitude from the mountain

Life is like hiking Wakanda Mountain.

Steep climbs, gentle walks, moments where you wonder why you started.

But at the top, it’s worth it. Not just for the view, but for the person you become along the way.

The people you meet will either lift you or drain you, unless you’re anchored in who you are and where you’re going.

Support isn’t always money. It’s kind words. Showing up for someone’s dreams. Most importantly showing up for yourself.

This group, different tribes, hiking in laughter and unity, is proof of what’s possible.

I’m grateful for:

It wasn’t just a hike.

It was a reminder that even in cloudy moments, there’s a certain kind of light you can only find when you keep moving.

For the laughter that rises above the rain.

For the quiet moments of stillness.

For the friends who became family along the trail.

For the lessons in patience, teamwork, and persistence.

For the joy of showing up fully  for yourself and others.

For every muddy step, every slippery rock, every challenge that became a memory.

I’m grateful for nature’s magic, for good health, for companionship, and for the stories we create together.

 Your Invitation

We’re doing it again.

Tomorrow.

Wakanda Mountain.

If you’ve been looking for:

Nature’s peace

New friends

Laughter that makes your cheeks hurt

 then join us.

Lace your shoes.

Bring your spirit.

Leave the rest to the mountain.

See you on the trail. 🌿✨