The Roof of Africa - Mt. Kilimanjaro - Part 2 or 2
My mind was lost in a fog during that early morning darkness. Rocks crumbled at my feet and many times I lost my footing and thought I would certainly fall. It was almost sunrise and I had been climbing for nearly six hours. My strength was gone and my spirit was fading. While I was close to the top I still had to scramble over some large rocks to pull myself to the top of the mountain. Then very slowly my wavering spirit began to rise inside and push me upward. It was just as the sun was rising and its rays gave me the little extra push I needed to pull my beaten carcass of a body over the top.
I had reached the mountaintop.
Exhausted, cold and fairly disoriented I looked out over the mountain and marveled at what was certainly one of the most beautiful sunrises I had ever seen or will ever see.
All those hours of walking without a tangible purpose now seemed worthwhile.
I didn't stay too long at the mountaintop as it was clear my altitude sickness had worsened and despite the boost of adrenaline for reaching the top I knew I would need to head down shortly.
For that brief time at the mountaintop, I had a few moments of clarity in which I was able to be thankful for all that I had in my life - family, friends, and a woman I loved.
Despite the struggle up the mountain, the sickness, the psychological challenge, and rather meager food and drink, I am happy that I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. It was an achievement in living I will carry with me no matter where I go and whatever I do. More than that it was another opportunity to reflect on oneself and what was important. On the top of that mountain I had a peaceful moment. I felt comfort not in this seemingly great accomplishment, but rather a comfort for what I had left at home. Being away from home makes you both appreciate and cherish it.
Unfortunately, as I began to descend, I felt worse and I was having difficulty maneuvering the rocks. Rama and another guide had to assist me down, arm in arm. I was dizzy, disoriented, wobbly and also loopy. Enough so, that I was able to recognize that we must have looked like a bizarre vertical version of the scene from
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