Brave Hearts

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Eye Care Foundation

Page 31

The Brave Hearts
separate porter to carry the extra weight, but in their case they were to share the assistance of only two porters between themselves. Each climber was presented with a Brail watch on which the following words were inscribed :
"The assault on Kilimanjaro, 1969."
Climbers always depend upon climatic ups and downs for their moves. When the weather becomes inclement, they have to halt their upward movement till the weather improves. Fortunately for the Kilimanjaro climbers the weather throughout was favourable. God is always on the side of the brave. For three consecutive days, special weather bulletins were broadcast by the Kenya radio for the benefit of the climbers.
Facing very many difficulties, the climbers were continuing the climb towards the top of the mountain. At times they would lose their balance on uneven terrain and as each one of them was carrying a load of about 40 kg., they also suffered injuries when falling down. But on all such occasions they would stand on their feet again within moments as if nothing had happened. So strong were their grit and determination that any sort of difficulties they faced would evaporate within moments.
At the completion of the climb on the first day, they rested in the lap of the mountain during dark hours. The same thing was repeated at the end of the second and the third day. After climbing continuously for three and a half days, all of them reached the 'Gilmen Point which was located at the height of 18,635 feet. The top was just a few feet away from them now. The final assault was within reach. The guides accompanying the climbers sent a message that the glorious moment of conquering Kilimanjaro was on the cards at any