Spitzkoppe, Namibia. | Photo credit: Anne Bonfert

WRITING PROMPT RESPONSE

The Mountain That Holds a Lifetime of Memories

October Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Site or Sight”

When the mountain shines in orange.

The sight of the mountains standing out from the surrounding flatland has always attracted my eye. This specific site was my favorite one, standing under the arch and looking out onto the bald granite rocks shining red in the sunset light.

I can't recall how many times I've camped at Spitzkoppe. With friends and with children. For over a year I've been leading monthly rock climbing trips to this mountain.

We always stayed overnight and most of my climbers were young. The one time I had two nine-year-olds with me. Their first night away from their mothers. It was an adventure in itself as we broke down on the way to the mountain but made it eventually.

I slept out in the open. On a mattress covered in a sleeping bag under the bright African sky filled with a million stars. The girls were scared that night as the wind was howling and rattling on their tent. Eventually, I climbed inside and slept between them. One head on each of my shoulders.

I wonder if these girls still remember that night.

This is a writing prompt response to Sandi Parsons' October challenge: