Ghost Mine Episode 10

A long climb up the mountain

Laura parks the car behind some rocks, where it won’t be seen from above.

They jump out and watch the sun rise over Lookout Mountain. Everything is still and quiet.

Then Laura points out the route they must climb.

	“Up there is the first rocky outcrop on Ben’s map. That’s where we were last time, when the rock slide happened. You can’t see the second outcrop from here. It’s much steeper to get to.”
	“But when we do get to it, we should only be six or seven metres from where the mine entrance may be.”
	“Let’s check the backpacks again. We all have water, food and a flashlight. I’ve got rope and a knife. Ben you’ve got the computer maps, compass and another knife. Laura you’ve got your cell phone and a first aid kit, and Megs you’ve got spare flashlights and batteries. Okay, put your hats on and let’s go.”

Laura locks the car and pulls on her backpack as the others walk off. Brad leads the way, followed by Ben with his maps and compass and then Megan. As Laura walks behind Linda she remembers being afraid of ghosts down in Ghost Mine when she was a child. She shudders.

After climbing for an hour they reach the first rocky outcrop and the going gets tougher. The loose shale turns into piles of bigger uneven rocks.

They have to haul themselves up and often stop for water or to adjust their heavy packs. Their legs ache and they are sweating in the heat.

After another two hours Brad pulls himself up onto the second outcrop, then helps the others as they come up behind him. The view is amazing – down where they have climbed, out across the desert and up to the top of Lookout Mountain. Ben checks his map and the compass settings.

	“Now we head south-east, over there, for about six metres.”
	“Lead the way Ben. You’re the man with the map.”

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