The mystery of why we climb

⛰Why do you climb?

“Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb” ~Greg Child

🥾This was a redemption hike for me. Earlier that year, I was diagnosed with Chronic Late Stage Lyme disease. Those who suffer from it know how much of a toll it takes on your body. When the time finally came to hit the trail, I was worried my body wouldn’t let me. My mind was ready for it, but I can’t always depend on my body anymore.

🏕I spent a week camping in the area getting my body ready and to acclimatize to the high elevation. The day I set out on the hike I felt great! I took my time, one step after the other, stopping when I needed. Eventually, I made it to the top of the mountain into the glacial basin. I walked through fields of wildflowers and beautiful, pristine glacial lakes surrounded by high peaks. I noticed a trail leading to one of those high peaks. I was tired and pushing the limits of my body, and still needed to make the 5 mile decent back to camp. “This was my redemption hike!!”, I thought to myself. That was it, I couldn’t come this far and only go 90%! I WAS GOING TO THE SUMMIT!

🏔I made it to the summit! Just shy of 14,000 ft! This picture is overlooking Island Lake and me trembling, so proud of myself for accomplishing my goal! A few minutes after this photo an ultra runner came jauntily jogging past me. As he past I said, “that is definitely not how I got up here!”. We both laughed and continued on. How ever you get there, knowing you did it, is all that matters!

💚 Share your story with us! Why do you climb? Tag us @outdoorlifeacademy on Instagram, follow us on Facebook or visit our website outdoorlifeacademy.com to join our mailing list and become part of the Academy! Happy Trails!

Crystal clear, vibrant blue, glacial lakes surrounded by wildflowers

Island Lake, one of several glacial lakes in the basin

The shale worn trail up to the high peak ridge

The ridge line to the summit

Summit view of Island Lake