Freedom

Ask a climber why they climb, and one will most likely get many different answers, but one common thread that would be found in the words that climbers use to explain their risky endeavours would be "freedom".

True, there is satisfaction in doing one's job well, spending quality time with friends and family, reading a good book by a fire when the snow is drifting outside, but there are seemingly few points in one's life when one truly experiences a "letting go" or state of "presence" as experienced on the sharp end of a rope.

My perspective: I live for that nervous moment of doubling back my belt, checking my knots and gear, taking that deep breath, exhaling and taking that first step up. It seems once my feet leave the ground, I leave behind the worries and stresses of the world; everything melts and blends into a focused and colorful moment in time that seems an eternity until I reach the anchor, tie myself off and shout "off belay". There is just such satisfaction in completing a route safely and in good style, but more importantly is the feeling of being totally focused and lost in the moment and in the process of climbing. In my opinion, the freedom of movement and high of being totally focused and in the moment is the greatest rush that I feel...the risk never enters my mind.

The freedom these hills provide are endless and varying,and not a day goes by that I don't consider how fortunate and truly blessed I am to live in such a beautiful part of the world; and that I am physically able to take advantage of all the challenges that these mountains provide.