Mountains are the place where God gently speak to lonely hearts. These gigantic landforms have always fascinated me, mysterious and quiet. In a mood for adventure, my closest friends here in Dubai agreed for a trek. We decided to climb up the Al Hajar Mountains in the UAE. It was the first of many things for us. First time we got away from family. First time we were all together in an adventure. First time we came to know we could do many other daunting tasks.
When I stood at the base looking up at a trail made of stone and pebble, my heart sank. We were a group of six women, 30 to 42 years of age, with varied fitness levels. I thought of all the things that could go wrong. I erased these thoughts and swore I shall only think of the beautiful picture we would click together at the top.
The terrain was rough and slippery, but our guides were patient and encouraging. We started climbing with short breaks. The mountains were walnut brown. People used to live here once upon a time. Our guides told us so many stories of the first settlers in this mountain range. The sun was a bit stubborn but there was the occasional cool breeze. The guide told us about a man who lives alone in this mountain with a herd of goats. He would come down to the base of the mountain for water, every single day. Really? This trek daily?
After an hour and a half, we reached the top. The stones arranged like a Jenga puzzle. The exhaustion mixed with the thrill of standing atop made us go overboard and we did a victory dance.
I learned three things that day. First, women can talk even when they are utterly exhausted. Secondly, Nature is supremely beautiful in every form. Third, if I could climb this mountain, I can drive on Sheikh Zayed road, I can swim in open waters, I can, and I can and so on.
I am now looking forward to our next adventure- tree surfing!
- The reader is a freelance writer based in the UAE
