Introduction
On a bright and chilly day, a group of excited students, including myself, embarked on an unforgettable excursion to Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Guided by our enthusiastic geography teacher, Mr. Lawrence, and sporting attire fit for adventurers, we set out on a journey that would forever remain etched in our memories. Our destination was the enigmatic Olumo Rock, a place of both natural wonder and cultural significance.
Excitement in the Air
Our anticipation was palpable as we gathered at our school, donned in jeans, boots, sneakers, caps, and an array of T-shirts with various shapes, colors, and designs. Dressed as if we were seasoned mountaineers, we were ready to conquer the formidable Olumo Rock. Our backpacks, loaded with lunch packs and water bottles, added to our appearance as intrepid explorers. The sight of our group was nothing short of spectacular.
The Journey Begins
Leaving the school premises in our trusty school bus, we couldn’t help but wonder about the imposing rock that awaited us. After all, Abeokuta’s name in our native language literally translates to “under the rock.” As we ventured deeper into our journey, I couldn’t help but jest with my friend, John, who was seated beside me, wondering if the rocks would come tumbling down upon us. His laughter served as a reminder that we were in for an adventure that was as exhilarating as it was intimidating.
As we journeyed through Igando town in Lagos State and passed by the Cement Refinery Plant, we eventually arrived at the outskirts of Abeokuta, in a village known as Ijebu-Igbo. It was here that Mr. Lawrence pointed out an enormous, gnarled tree that commanded our attention. Its sheer width and height left us astounded. To our surprise, our teacher explained that this tree was highly revered in the village, to the point where some villagers even worshipped it. This revelation left us baffled and slightly irritated by what we perceived as a curious belief.
Exploration and Discovery at Olumo Rock
Upon our arrival in Olumo town, the location of the famous Olumo Rock, we parked our bus and extended greetings to the villagers, demonstrating our respect for the community. However, a wave of laughter swept through our group as we spotted a crown-like rock some 60 meters away from Olumo Rock itself. This unexpected sight added an element of intrigue to our adventure.
As we approached the entrance, we met the security personnel, or as we called them, the “gateman” in our local dialect. Olumo town was filled with numerous natural wonders, and our geography teacher, Mr. Lawrence, was quick to explain some of the geographical features that defined the area. In particular, our classmate, Kehinde, pointed out a house perched on a slanting rock, a sight that left us all in awe.
Standing at the foot of Olumo Rock, we gazed up at its imposing height. The thought of climbing to the top left many of our hearts racing, and some of us couldn’t help but wonder if we were truly up for the challenge. Nevertheless, time was of the essence, and the guides, also known as caretakers, provided us with a staircase to ascend the rock. We eagerly made our way up, enjoying the refreshing breeze that flowed down the rock’s face. However, our excitement was short-lived as we realized that the surface of the rock was dark and rugged, a testament to its igneous nature.
Finally, we reached the summit of Olumo Rock, but the sight that greeted us left many of us, myself included, feeling apprehensive. We discovered a shrine at the top of the rock, a revelation that had been shared with us before we embarked on the climb. Despite the initial unease, the sense of accomplishment and triumph was overwhelming. In a surprising turn of events, Kehinde, known for his humor, waved his white T-shirt like an intrepid mountaineer conquering Everest. His daring act, even in the frigid conditions, both amused and amazed us, earning him applause and admiration from the entire group.
From the pinnacle of Olumo Rock, we gazed down and marveled at how small Olumo Town appeared below us. It was a humbling perspective, a reminder of the vastness of the natural world and the insignificance of our individual presence within it. As we rested and caught our breath, the guides cautioned us that the day was waning and we should begin our descent while there was still daylight. With obedient hearts, we followed their advice, starting our journey back down the rock.
However, some of our more adventurous comrades couldn’t resist leaving their mark on Olumo Rock. They hurriedly etched their names onto the rock’s surface with stones, a gesture that would serve as a testament to their courage and determination.
As we made our way down the rock, we couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s adventures. It was a day filled with exhilaration and awe, as we had pushed our limits and discovered the beauty and majesty of nature. The sense of accomplishment and the breathtaking views from the top of Olumo Rock were rewards for our determination and courage.
At the end of the day, jubilation echoed among our group, a testament to the joy we had experienced. We had learned that with unwavering determination, even the most formidable challenges could be conquered. Our adventure at Olumo Rock left an indelible mark on our memories, reminding us that the world is full of wonders waiting to be explored.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our visit to Olumo Rock was not just an excursion; it was a transformative experience that opened our eyes to the beauty of our natural surroundings and the strength of our own spirits. It was a reminder that, with the right mindset and determination, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness. I hope you, dear reader, have enjoyed this journey through our adventure at Olumo Rock and have been inspired by the lessons we learned along the way.
Source: We Said Go Travel
Edited by: SM