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Why do I Climb Mountains?

April 1, 2020 by Dave11 Comments

The greatest mountain on the planet outside of the Himalayas

Mountain climbing in Antarctica

For years I have wondered why I am obsessed about climbing mountains and being at high altitude. It has been difficult to answer. The obvious reason and it is very true, is the stunning visual beauty. But beyond that I never had an answer. And logically it makes no sense. All the hardships. The suffering from altitude sickness. And there has been loads of this over the years.

And the ever present danger. One time we were high up on Rainier – and retracing our steps after reaching the crater summit we saw giant ice seracs had fallen down directly on our path that we had crossed only two hours before.

Tonight I finally glimpsed the root of why I climb. This hit me a few minutes ago out of the blue at 1040pm eating dinner in flickering candlelight at the gorgeous and very remote Estancia Colome in northern Argentina. Eating slowly, enjoying the food and internally reflecting on a fun day with softly playing piano music in the background, John Legend’s All of Me.

Mountain climbing taps into a place that is inherently profound and is a direct connection between places on the planet that few see – a steadfast bond between the external world and the internal one. My emotions are heightened along with an acute sensitivity – certainly inspired by great natural beauty and the very strong bonds created with those one is climbing with, but also by something as simplistic and realistic as a lack of oxygen.

Our high camp on the 6,000 meter Tocllaraju in Peru

For those who haven’t had their emotions played with like this, while in an airplane watch a film with a story line involving a character struggle and you will certainly react with a deeper felt sense then if watching the same film at lower elevation.

Climbing mountains provides a heightened emotional connection to both the surrounding natural environment and to one’s inner workings – that one simply doesn’t experience at sea level.

Related posts:

Defining the Perfect Holiday mt-fuji japanMt. Fuji Climb huaraz cordillera blanca andesHuaraz, Peru Mt. Rainier, WA – Pre-Climb My Climb of Mount Ararat

Filed Under: General Travel · Tagged: Antarctica, Argentina, Film, Food and Wine, Himalayas, Mountain Climbing, Music, Peru

Comments

  1. Ravin Johnson says

    April 6, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    Dave – interesting notes on mountain climbing. I also climb here in northern India in the Himalayas. Gets me above the pollution and in gorgeous scenery 🙂

  2. Dave says

    April 6, 2020 at 10:23 pm

    Ravin – thanks for stopping by. I’ve only trekked in that part of the world – would love to do some climbing there 🙂

  3. Chin Liang Teh says

    April 7, 2020 at 10:19 am

    I feel you, the view at the top is always rewarding!

  4. Dave says

    April 8, 2020 at 6:50 am

    Thanks Teh – I do love the views from the top – I’ve been in situations where due to safety reaching the top was not justified – its hard to turn around but sometimes one has to.

  5. Aditii says

    April 11, 2020 at 2:15 pm

    I enjoy looking at beautiful tall mountains – climbing is so much work!

  6. Dave says

    April 25, 2020 at 12:56 am

    Aditii – yep, but the rewards are worth it 🙂

  7. Homepage says

    April 26, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    I enjoyed a lot to read your inspirational article. Love it !!

  8. Aditii says

    May 12, 2020 at 10:44 pm

    Really it was an awesome article…very interesting to read. Really helpful Info! that’s all i can say about your Posts. Thanks for sharing your information.

  9. Kirtika saha says

    May 21, 2020 at 1:39 pm

    Really it was read so interesting. They are nice article share. One of the best view in Mountain. They are all picture is nice. Thanks for sharing us.

  10. Dave says

    August 26, 2020 at 2:35 am

    Aditti – I have the place for you, South Island, New Zealand – Mt. Cook area. Stunning beauty – can drive right there 🙂

  11. Dave says

    August 26, 2020 at 2:36 am

    Kirtika – yea, mountains and deserts, perhaps my two favorite geographical landscapes 🙂

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