Climbing

By Emily

As I peered through the fogged window of our Volkswagen sedan and listened to my father’s insipid voice, I noticed an innate feeling of excitement and nervousness growing within me as rapidly as a daffodil blooms in a conservatory. Little did I know, this insignificant trip to Bodega Bay would have a profound and everlasting effect on me. While I expected this venture to be a typical summer trip expedition, I soon discovered my limitless passion for climbing.

When we arrived at the site where my camp had created an array of climbing courses, I felt my internal daffodil of nerves growing into an unsightly monster of a plant. Of course I had climbed in an endless amount of rock centers, but never in the wilderness. I parted from my father and approached the enormous rock in front of me. As I gripped its unpredictable crevices, I began my journey up its varying surfaces, an endless journey it seemed at first. As I climbed, I began to feel a deep connection with the solid mountain, not only a clear physical connection, but an inner connection as well. I had never been so connected to nature, and my addiction for climbing was born. When climbing I feel so in touch with reality and nature’s great offerings. As I continue my quest for the newest location in which I can successfully climb, I have truly discovered the greatness and commonality of climbing.

For those who are as enthralled with climbing as I, it is easy to understand my addiction. Climbing enables a connection with the earth and nature not achieved with other simple tasks such as hiking or walking. The greatest of climbers know that life depends on nature’s willingness to allow such a connection. Bouldering, a unique form of climbing, exemplifies this phenomenon, for it requires all who dare to attempt it to rely on the consistency of the rocks themselves. Bouldering is done without a harness or any safety precautions, and all boulderers must put the fate of their lives in the hands of the nature they endure; if the rocks prove unreliable, it is possible to fall perilously to death.

Climbing has naturally occurred since the dawn of time; furthermore, some of the greatest moments in history include climbing. Climbing can be dated as far back as the mountaineering ages, and the evolutions in climbing as well as its growing popularity continue to inspire millions. The western expansionists were unknowingly forced to climb the greatest mountains in America to achieve their goal of settling in the west. It is evident that climbing alters lives; nevertheless, its increasing popularity all over the world has created wonderful experiences.

Greg Mortenson, an inspirational activist and author of best-selling novel, Three Cups of Tea, began his unique journey after climbing the challenging mountain K2 in Pakistan. Although he failed to climb to its greatest peak, his journey with the great mountain altered his life for the better. After losing his beloved sister Krista, Mortenson aimed to climb the mountain in memory of her. And after he failed to do so, rather than sulking, Mortenson was amazingly inspired to aid the numerous poverty-stricken children he encountered on his climbing journey. Not only did his unforgettable connection with this mountain enable him to better his life, but it gave him the ability to aid so many innocent Pakistanis that were in great need as well. Today, Mortenson has built over 58 schools for the children of Pakistan and has created a foundation, Pennies for Peace, in which he will continue to aid the people he met on the mountain. Mortenson’s wonderful accomplishments would not have occurred without his uplifting journey climbing one of nature’s greatest wonders, the K2 Mountain.


Whether it is Mount Kilimanjaro, whether it is Mount Everest, whether it is Mount McKinley, whether it is Mount Diablo, whether it is the nearest mountain, or whether it be the challenging rocks of Bodega Bay, these undying contributions to nature possess the ability to impact the psyche in a subtle, soothing manner. Climbing does more for the body than simple physical pleasure; it creates a constant and necessary relationship to the natural world. In the world today, it is ominously evident that the state of nature throughout the world is continuously and unfortunately deteriorating. People throughout the world do not have this relationship and closeness with nature that all climbers are able to posses. This is why I urge all, particularly those in peak physical condition, and even those afraid of heights, to seek the nearest rock or mountain in which their endeavor to climb can begin. I believe in the ability of these pieces of nature to create an unbreakable relationship with all who trust it.

As John Muir profoundly once said, “Doubly happy, is the man to whom lofty mountain tops are within reach”. These mountain tops are indeed within reach to all of us all over the world; we must attempt to gain this relationship with nature through climbing, especially at such a time of tragic deterioration.