Richards Bay climber rocks Mount Everest
ASCENDING the highest peak in the world, Richards Bay resident Mahir Dev Maharaj reached Everest Base Camp on Tuesday — 5 364m above sea level.
Mahir (27), a Zululand Multi Sport Club member, is part of the 14-member group Team North:
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South, consisting of six hikers from the north coast, seven from the south coast, and one from Johannesburg.
The group began their 11-day Mount Everest trek last Tuesday and reached Dingboche by Easter Sunday.
That was day five of their trek and they sighted an avalanche on a distant mountain.
One of the Nepalese mountain guides was seen carrying an impressive weight of 93kg on his back.
'I'm biting my teeth!' said Mahir's mother, Lorna Maharaj, who waited anxiously to hear of their safe arrival at base camp — knowing it would be a tough climb and the air dangerously thin.
'As a mom, I really have great relationships with both my sons. I have a lot of faith in Mahir – I was biting my teeth but I know he will succeed.
'It's been really tough and rough!' she said about the journey so far, but added that she was incredibly proud of what he had conquered.
'I had faith in him to do this – when he sets his mind on something, he succeeds.'
For health reasons, the group made an informed decision to not go further, to Kala Patthar (5 644m above sea level) and began their descent on Wednesday.
'Reaching the top of the world – it's a wonder to able to stand that tall. Mahir is always reaching for the stars, his endurance and determination have fuelled him to aim high.
'What makes me proud of my boys is that they are living their dreams,' said a proud Lorna.
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