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Why I climb
Excerpt from "Mount Rainer: A Climbing Guide"
"Mountaineering is a pursuit, a way of life, and a state of being. It's living, traveling, exploring and coexisting within the mountains--off the trails and in high places of the world. It's about goals, personal accomplishments, friendships, failures and successes. Sometimes it's about survival. And when the climb is completed, summit or not, you look to the next adventure.
Public interest in mountain climbing has always been high. Adventure and life-threatening danger create mountaineering's romantic image. Yet anyone who has climbed Rainier knows there is no glamour in wearing the same clothing for days, eating marginal food out of a pot, or sleeping next to a snoring, smelly partner. Mount Rainier is a place where climbers put up with rudimentary physical existence while pushing toward the extraordinary opportunity to stand on the summit.
In preparing for Rainier, some climbers set out to "conquer" the mountain. But there's no reason to confuse Rainier as a challenge with Rainer as an adversary. The mountain can't be "conquered," but it can provide a place for testing one's mettle and for pushing personal limits. The true reward is just being there, ready to confidently proceed toward achieving the goal. Enjoy the experiences along the way. If you don't reach the summit, you'll still have the experience. And if the summit is an important goal, the mountain will always be there for future attempts.
As you plan you Rainier venture, you can look forward to much more then simply physical hardship and climbing challenge. Also expect your share of relaxation and mental recuperation amid the clean air, silence, and beautiful vistas. Even tent-bound days can be a welcome reprieve from traffic jams, appointments, and the stresses of school or job. Working with teammates toward a common goal forms strong bonds. Triumphs and losses, conversations and stories--all create the fabric of invaluable memories. Mountaineering is extremely demanding, but the joys and rewards outweigh all hardship."
-- Mike Gauthier
Lead Climbing Ranger
Mt. Rainier National Park
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Stefan (130.161.11.39)
Tuesday, April 15, 2003, 1:13:40 AM
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