Mount Namuli
We began at 6am with a car-ride with Peter, from Pensao Gurue, through a tea plantation and up as far as the 4WD pick-up could go, for about 1 hour. Peter arranged a guide/porter, Vincent, to escort us to the village of Mucunha Sede at the base of Mount Namuli. We walked up a windy track to a pass, and then through a high uneven plain for 3 hours, with Vincent pushing his bicycle laden with both our rucksacks. After the pass the path was mostly level following ridges and crossing a river (cold feet!).
On arriving at the village we met the chief (Regulo) who made us welcome with a place to pitch our tent and some cooked potatoes for lunch. He accepted our gifts of flour, rice, beer and cigarettes, and 25000Mc (approx 1USD) each, and performed a short ceremony to ask the spirit of Mount Namuli to grant us a safe passage. He also arranged a guide for our climb the next day.
We set off and climbed steadily through grass fields and hillside. After 2 hours we reached a broad shoulder with wide views to both sides and of the mountain ahead. Onwards up increasingly steep rock slabs took us to a technically difficult but short climbing section up a cramped gully. Easier ground took us to a supply of water, and then on to the summit, 3 hours after our departure. The clouds lifted giving us good views over the surrounding peaks and plains.
The descent via the same route also took 3 hours. On our return the chief was very excited and greeted us with a little dance, and a hug, and another short ceremony of thanks to the mountain spirit.
We returned to Gurue by circuiting the mountain, crossing a valley and descending through another tea plantation. 2 hours before Gurue is a scenic waterfall with camping and swimming potential. This 8 hour route completed a circular walk of the whole mountain plateau.
Best done in 3 days!
Dave & Fran
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