Mountains

I have yet to be convinced that climbing mountains is either fun or enjoyable. Virtually every time that I climb, hauling a pack on my back, sinking thigh deep into snow, legs cramping, alone and miles from civilization, the same words come into my mind: "Why am I doing this?" But as a rhythm of hiking and breathing develops, both mind and body become slightly numb, hours pass, miles fade. Eventually the mountain gives way to sky and there is no more "up" to go. For a moment, as I sit upon the summit of a defeated mountain, all the work seems worth it. There are still miles of hiking ahead, bivouacs in the snow, nights of tormented sleep, but two days after the climb is completed everything will be forgotten, everything except the summit.

Created 1998

Updated 1-9-1999