Alpinist Magazine is one of the best outdoor magazines around, and probably the finest pure mountaineering magazine as well. They always have interesting and timely articles about all manner of climbs in every region of the globe. But every once in awhile, they'll publish an article like ths one entitled The Wall of Hate, that make you think about climbing, and why people do it.
In climbing circles, the Wall of Hate is feeling that climbers get while on the mountain when they just want the climb over and done with, so they can get down and go home. It runs contrary to the feelings they have when at home, and they just can't wait to start planning that next expedition, eagerly looking forward to the next climb, even though they know they will suffer, and face the Wall of Hate once more.
The article is written from the perspective of two young climbers, opening a new route in Patagonia, and the demons that they face when considering the climb, and considering a life without climbing. It's a piece that will leave you thinking about the nature of going off to the mountains, why you, or others do it, and why it's worth it to scale that Wall of Hate when ever you can. Very insightful and thoughtful piece. I recommend it.
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