I suck in the air with effort. Halfway up the diaphragm. I've got it. Now a step... another step.
And another exhale. And again the struggle for breath.
Down at the ranch, we were laughing lightly. We had dinner. Mr. Roberto treated us to a bottle of red wine.
The guys asked me which peak was the most difficult for me.
I laughed and said that it was always the last one.
But then the burdens are forgotten.
Like with childbirth. The happiness remains, the pain is forgotten.
It didn't happen with Orisaba. I took a pause. And, so far, according to the results of my six peaks, it was the most difficult for me.
The last two hundred meters to the top are usually the most difficult.
Almost a sleepless night, cold before dawn, you see the summit, but you're running out of strength.
All five hundred meters of the glacier were difficult for us. The mountain has changed. The glacier turned into a hard ice crust with snowfields and steps, where you have to bite into the cats with effort. Step by step.
My strength ran out right at the beginning.
The wind... knocking you down. With small and not so small stones. Whipping on the face.
Three times, on the way to the top, the team leaders (Mexican at the beginning of the glacier, and the leader of our group already on the glacier) offered to return. Strong winds. Stones. Dangerous.
I asked him to try to go on.
Even though I could not walk. But somehow I walked.
I hiked...
When you push yourself too hard, the world shrinks into a needle's eye opening. Only a few thoughts pulsate in your brain. A prayer that God will give you strength. And gratitude to the closest people in your life. You feel their support.
And my companions on the rope.
Yuriy, who was walking in front of me, I was just hanging on the rope. He helped me walk.
Vitaliy. He was following me in our team. He performed feats for me. He took off his gloves to give me a lollipop, smear sunscreen, and encourage me what a heroine I was. I was grateful. Till I cried.
So the top was like a miracle. Tears flowed like a river. On my already weathered face.
You never know what you are capable of. Until you get into certain circumstances.
And only in them do you realize the strength of your character.
And then there is no fear.
Borders are expanding.
Only for this is it worth going to the mountains.
