The two mountaineers crawled out of their sleeping bags before dawn and looked down the side of the mountain. The peaceful village below was enveloped in mist. They lighted their kerosene stove and ate some biscuits with melted snow mixed with sugar Then they strapped on the oxygen canisters and tied the nylon rope round their waists.
Each of them was dressed in a down suit, a hat, a pair of snow goggles and gloves. Their bulky boots had special steel spikes on the soles to help them climb the snowy treacherous ridge. They were confident of reaching the summit that day but they had to do it within four hours or the oxygen would run out. They worked expertly on the snow, chipping steps straight up on the mountainside with their axes. They advanced steadily until the snow broke away and one of them slid a short distance down before he managed to stop his descent with his ice axe.
His friend watched anxiously as he made his way up again slowly. They debated if they should continue and decided that the ultimate goal was within reach and it would be a waste to turn back. After checking their oxygen equipment, they pressed on, conquering one hump after another. They were exhausted and breathless but they wanted to fulfil their dream. The packs on their backs seemed heavier with each passing minute.
Finally they reached the summit. They threw their arms around each other and were so overcome by emotion that they could not speak. One of them took out a camera and took some photographs which would serve as evidence that the two of them had indeed made it to the top of the mountain. They admired the stunning scenery for a few more minutes before making their descent.