As I mentioned last week, Alan Arnette has started blogging for Outside Online, giving his perspectives on mountaineering and adventure in general. Today, he posted a great article in which he explains why he climbs and what it means to him in his life.
Alan notes that for non-climbers, the question of "why do you climb" is an incredibly difficult one to answer. How do you put into words what it is like to be on the mountain, to share experiences with life-minded men and women, and to push yourself to your physical and mental limits. Some people understand that, while plenty of others do not.
The article is, as always, an interesting one, and eloquently what drives someone to challenge themselves in ways that some people can't relate to, even as they admire the person who is going after their own personal summits. Alan acknowledges the dangers involved and doesn't dismiss them lightly, as he shares his own brushes with disaster. While every climber has to answer the question of "why do you climb" for him or herself, Alan seems to have an understanding of what drives him personally, and that will be important as he goes for the Seven Summits in 2010 and 2011.
Lots of insights in the story, but either you get it, or you don't. Maybe this piece will help a few more to understand.
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