Climbing to the top of Belize's highest point, Victoria's Peak, is a task in which many have attempted, many have failed, and a good number have succeeded.
So last week when we heard that a group of customs officers were going to climb up the 3,699 feet for charity we said, "go ahead and just show us the proof!" And sure enough yesterday they came back with the proof, in blisters, sore legs and on tape, which they showed to Keith Swift.
Keith SwiftReporting,
Ever wondered what it would be like to be on the roof of the world? You know, sitting among the clouds and looking down? Well custom officers Colin Griffith and Efrain "Beep" Phillips can tell you because they have both been there and back.
Efrain "Beep" Phillips, Reached Victoria's Peak
"The feeling you get after accomplishing something like that...you can't explain it...up there you get that feeling."
Colin Griffith, Reached Victoria's Peak
"It's a great feeling of accomplishment knowing that we have walked the walk that great men have walked before and of course it was much rougher before so it was great."
Efrain and Colin are two of 14 customs officers and friends seen here who set out early Friday morning for a charity climb to Belize's highest point, Victoria's Peak. The climb up the 3,699 feet mountain was for charity but the video they shot show, which chronicled their 36-hour adventure showed that it was easier said than done.
[Video Montage with Sound Clips from 36 Hour Trek up Victoria Peak]
After 36 hours completing the rugged 17-kilometer trek up 3,699 feet they had made it. These customs officers were sitting among the clouds, perched atop the highest point in Belize. And adding to the thrill of the climb to Belize's highest point is that it was for a good cause.
Efrain "Beep" Phillips,
"It was very grueling. A lot of times it was more mental than physical. Enough time we wanted to quit but we just kept on for the challenge we undertook so we made sure we went on."
Colin Griffith,
"The spirit of brotherhood really showed its face on the trip in that the guys at their weakest moments were encouraged by those who stayed strong. And as I said the moment of sharing was great. It was a time of purification for a lot of us."
And they set out on that arduous journey to again accomplish a worthy cause of which Gilbert Gordon, Customs Department public relations officer, says we should be all proud.
Gilbert Gordon, Customs Dept's PR
"The department would just like to congratulate our fellow colleagues for showing determination and courage to go on this climb and you know we know that the mission was to reach out to the underprivileged and that was the main focus."
And in case you are wondering: of the 14 who attempted, only five reached the summit. We must stress it was a self-sponsored charity climb, and for their hard work they have raised $7,000 so far. But they are still hoping to reach their aim of $10,000 by Friday. You can donate by contacting Gilbert Gordon at the Customs Department's Headquarters on Caesar Ridge Road. The money raised will be donated to the Dorothy Menzies childcare center and golden haven rest home among other charities.