Because its there

"Because its there" - Reinhold Messner's famous answer to the question why climb a mountain?

Since I launched this blog, many of you have expressed tremendous support. To you all, I want to say thank you. Playing your good will forward is part of what this is all about.

There are a (nameless) few, however, who have been less than enthusiastic. Its defending my decision to these people that I find myself faced with these well-worn questions: Why do it? Why take the risk? Why endure the suffering?

Here's one fresh take I heard recently on this subject: "Climbing big mountains is like pounding a hammer against your head; it feels really good once you stop."