Lorra, Marcy, and Bob went back to Egypt and I am all alone in Dahab. Today's plan was to climb Mt Sinaii, and see what that was all about. Mike and Andy are still around so we plan to do the climb together. We don't leave until later this evening so we wait by the pool and hang out.
Sunday night, and we're off in some small van, where we cram about a dozen people. The ride is uncomfortable and you have no space at all, but the views of the dessert at night are amazing. There's one part where the reflection of the moon on the white sand made the ground look like it was covered in snow. I mentally kick myself and think "Stupid!!! There can't be any snow here!"
Arriving at the parking lo to St Katherine's monastery in total darkness, the group begins it's ascent. We immediately split up into our own little groups. Looking up at the first bit, I think, hey that's not too high. (Little did I know). There's a full moon, so at least we'll get a bit of light to complement the flashlights.
We climb with a couple from Europe (can't remember where) and a girl from New York. Mostly the conversation is about "Are we there yet" as we begin to feel the burn after a couple of hours hiking. The muscles in your legs are feeling so weak at this point that you contemplate not going on any further. (Hey Andy!!!)
It starts to get real steep, and the drop offs become a bit more dangerous. There were a few places where I thought about turning, which would have resulted in me reaching the bottom really fast! Got to be really careful.
The final rest stop was a blessing, as we are only about 20 minutes away from the top. Mike and I wait for the rest of our group to catch up, and we grab a Coke from the vendor.
Funny story --- I leave the rest stop to "drop some friends off in the sand" and find a secluded area to do my business. A hiker walks by me while I'm doing my thing, and I figure he was looking for his own spot to "be one with nature." He walks back to the rest area. After I'm finished and bury my treasure, I go back to the rest stop and tell Mike about the guy who invaded my space. As the group catches up, we begin our ascent and then I realize that the path didn't go where I thought it went, but actually turned, and there to the right of the path, I see my spot. Oh that's why that hiker was walking by me earlier. I laugh!!! What a loser I am!!!
Well we finally get to the top and you can read more here.