4423 metres

4423 metres
Originally uploaded by Kees & Sarah

Last we (6 other guys and me) decided we would go and climb a mountain. We drove to the foot of the mountain (at 3500m) and started the climb from there. The mountain we were aiming for was 4500m high, but we had to climb two other peaks before we would be able to do the last stretch. The first peak was hard, the slope was steep and covered with little rocks which meant very little grip for your shoes. We did however make it after about 2 1/2 hours, this peak was 4100m high. Now a climb of 600m at sea level is not particularly trying, but at this kind of altitude it was a real challenge and I almost gave up. From here we had to go down about a 100m and then up to the second peak. Down was easy, but as soon as the slope started to rise again I could feel my lungs complaining again. We did however make the 4423 peak (just) and I was glad I did it. Then we looked at the next peak (another 70 metres up), but as soon as we realised that we would have to do an 300m steep downhill climb, followed by another steep uphill climb and we decided against it. Downhill was much quicker and easier than uphill and we all arrived back at the car safely, be it extremely tired. I enjoyed doing it, but will wait a while before attempting something like this again.