I met him one breezy Saturday morning. He greeted me with a warm smile and eagerly helped me carry my bags. I knew right then I was going to be in good company.
I thought he was a bit shy, he spoke very little. Then I realized it was the language barrier. We spoke in charades and broken English for the rest of the arduous trek.
He was very attentive to my needs. He held my hand, escorted me, guided me, and always made certain I was safe. He made sure I didn't get dehydrated, hungry, or overly exhausted. Whenever he sensed that I was on the brink of giving up, he amused me with his funny jokes and antics.
Five hundred meters to the summit, I made a decision to turn around and surrender. My lungs could no longer bear the thin mountain air. I could barely make another step. He urged me to continue, saying that I should conquer the mountain and not allow the mountain conquer to me.
An hour later I was having my picture taken with the Low’s Peak marker. The view at the summit was magnificent! I was glad I listened to him.
His name is Min. He was my guide, my adventure partner. He made it possible for me to climb Mt. Kinabalu, the tallest mountain I've ever scaled in my entire life. Thanks to him, I not only conquered the mountain, I conquered myself.
This is an entry to Wanderlass Adventure Partner Contest.
Sending you happy thoughts...
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