Why We Do IT

Why do we spend our vacations rising early, to lug heavy packs up steep snow?

Why do we swing/kick/bash our way up frozen waterfalls as the sun sets and the night air freezes our fingers?

Are we gluttons for punishment, chasing thrills?

Or are those early morning hikes into the hills an end in themselves?

There are no questions in my mind as I climb higher from safety, ice under my feet, fingers gripping picks.

And I don't even begin to question our motives as we sit on the side of the road, car half buried in a snow drift, waiting for the inevitable rescue from a friendly passerby.

At the end of the day, every hardship that we didn't have to face - but did - leads to a greater appreciation for simple comforts like warmth and safety. These adventures enrich my life by providing a point of reference to view all else.

...In addition to the more obvious pros: the time spent outside with friends, the accomplishment of overcoming weakness and fear, the mental and physical problem solving, and the awe-inspired peace of days spent in the mountains.