Thursday, September 23, 2010

A little lull


Do I find mountaineering literature interesting? Yes. During this past week I have been working down in Las Vegas at Interbike. Although the general vibe here makes me want to get out and ride I am trapped inside a convention center from dawn until dusk. Instead of letting myself get a little stir crazy I have turned to a book. This has kept me more than occupied the last few days.

I love mountains. I sit and I read online about them for hours. I look at photo after photo. I don't know quite what it is that draws me in and makes me so excited about them. This book chronicles a tragic event on K2 in 2008 and then goes on to profile different historical expeditions on the mountain.

Why do people get themselves killed in pursuit of a summit? This seems to be a question that hits a sensitive chord for quite a few people. It can get just as heated as any political or religious debate. Even though this book shares some of the devastating effects of mountaineering it still inspires. No one wants tragedy, but the mountains can teach a person much about their own personal character. Hardship is the worlds greatest school, some people go find it instead of waiting for it to find them.

1 comment:

  1. I'm in it for pow, and downhill. uphill is just a necessary part

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