Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.
I hike in the mountains because I like it. I like it a lot but I'm not sure about all the reasons why I enjoy hiking so much. I seem to have some very strong, internal need to go to the mountains as often as possible.
Mountains made me think about them every day. They made me feel uncomfortable in the cities. They made me incessantly plan new trips.
Mountains are selfish and possesive - they need me on every holidays, every free weekend. " When was the last time you spent a day on the seashore ?" my colleagues ask. " Errr, don't really remember but, you know, I'm going to the mountains next weekend! Want to come with me? ".
But mountains give me a lot in exchange.
So, what do they offer? Well, it's not that easy to describe. I'm not even sure when I got hooked on the mountains (was it in high school maybe?). I'm no John Muir or Yeats, bigger writers failed to describe this innate feeling which makes people go to the mountains. I focus here on some simple, "mundane" reasons why I hike:
- I like fresh mountain air.
- Hiking keeps me fit and strong.
- I cut off from stress and hurry.
- I get to admire AMAZING views.
- My mind becomes clear.
- I get away from city hustle and bustle.
- My time slows down - no deadlines, no time checking every now and then.
- I get rid of negative thoughts.
- Mountains offer me so needed silence, stillness and calmness.
- I feel this awesome sense of accomplishment.
- People in the mountains are open, nice and friendly.
How about you? What are your reasons to go to the mountains?
