Why do I climb mountains?

[@CentennialTreks]

My exploration into my reasons for mtn climbing has confirmed much of what I had already thought intuitively, but also involved realizing a few other things. What animates you in these endeavors? For the play list of all high mtn climbs on this channel: studio.kzbin.infoPL_-D3-4b6xbqY9qs5cN_QFTiqs4gNUstL/edit. Until next time!! -CT

[@Murluv]

Massive dopamine hits from working out and seeing breathtaking landscapes.

[@CentennialTreks]

Yes, for sure there is a lot going on at the level of physiology. But as you have implied, this may be subordinate in the causal relationship, and merely the consequence, say, of being impelled up the mountain to see the vistas. It reminds me of how, on the darker side of the same consideration, contemporary medical practitioners will tell you that being depressed is the result of certain chemical processes. As far as their explanatory obligations are concerned, this is the end-all be-all of the causal sequence. The idea that the true reasons could be found external to this - say, in the overly complicated, disjointed and alienating conditions of modern life itself - and that chemical 'imbalance' could itself just be the consequence of this, never enters their mouths. Similarly, maybe if we just put ourselves in a position to take in the beauty and the simplicity and the illumination, the rest of the 'mechanics' will automatically take care of themselves.

[@papajon62]

Wow. That was quite a forensic dissertation on a subject that has probably been around since the first human climbed a mountain without introspectively wondering why. Myself, I’ll go with George Mallory, when he answered the question with his famous quip:“ Because it is there”

[@CentennialTreks]

Once again, I may have gotten a bit carried away.....and this is the immediate product, as it were, of being on the couch and not on said mountains. 🤣

[@ricktomlinson6686]

I think the planning, preparation, fitness and slight fear of heights all play a part for me, but there is still a fascination with climbing mountains that I can't explain.

[@CentennialTreks]

That was kind of my thought process. The more I pondered it and came up with reasons, the more I realized there is still that un-named something.

[@whateverclever100]

I and a few friends didn't quite realize how much we loved hiking until we went CO over the last 8+ years. Discovering Loveland Pass and Berthoud Pass accidentally has been heavenly. Working up to higher pieces of rock but these early heights made us fall in love with the possibilities....

[@CentennialTreks]

I can definitely relate to that. It reminds me of those first few high mtns I went up, starting with Mt. Elbert. I might liken it to hearing the first few songs of some band or music genre that you consequently end up having as a life-long favorite.

[@Slimeyeddread247]

Hiking is awesome, therapeutic and why not hike some of the highest And most beautiful peaks in the country

[@CentennialTreks]

Yes, for sure - the heights bring you that definite sense of awe!

[@bilboswaggins7629]

I agree with you 100% on the cumulative list aspect. These mountains are not boxes to be checked off, they are wonders of the world that deserve respect, appreciation and reverence. We had a friend that had a goal of hiking all of the Colorado 14ers and they unfortunately passed away attempting to summit Capital Peak for their last one. Since that moment, I've looked at them differently. Now, I look for the experience that comes with each one, recognize that we are at the mercy of these mountains and when we climb them we need to understand that we can plan as much as possible, but we have to remember that we can't control what the mountains give back to us and must always be ready to turn around and try another day. Great video.

[@CentennialTreks]

Thanks. And my goodness, that is quite a sad story. Frankly I don't know what to say about it, other than it is tragic in the non-popularized, non-banal sense of the word. I did Capitol last year, and was fortunate. It is no joke - definitely deserving of its reputation. And you are of the same spirit as me on the goal /list question. I would only add that while these peaks are indeed wonders of the world that deserve one's respect, appreciation and reverence, so too is the one who climbs them a wonder, and in doing so deserves one's own self-respect.

[@pwrworkout3912]

Amazingly stated As a mountain enthusiast I completely appreciated your insights

[@CentennialTreks]

Thank you, and it's good to hear that people of a similar inclination can relate to much of this.

[@MountainHobbler]

Wonderful video, thank you for sharing.

[@CentennialTreks]

I'm glad you liked it - thanks for watching!

[@ruggedland]

Interesting topic and well said CT

[@CentennialTreks]

Thanks for watching/listening once again!!

[@OutdoorExistential]

Centennial Treks: mountain climber, historian, philosopher. A very eloquent and thorough analysis my friend. The combination of attendant properties, the confluence of drive, the conquering of fear, all to witness a profoundly sublime esthetic and encounter oneself? Yeah! I think that’s why I go too! Perhaps though, given my understanding of these terms, maybe swap “habituation”, a process of desensitization, like when we physiologically ignore the alienating cacophony of being in the city, with “sensitization”, an awakening of sensation, emotion, and attention that is integral for acute awareness and the formation of rewarding habits. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the treatise sir.

[@CentennialTreks]

Thanks Outdoor Existential - I guess I do dabble in all 3 of those endeavors. I would have imagined you being able to understand and relate to these musings. And you bring up a good consideration about the term 'habituation.' It could be easy to confuse the sense in which I intend it here - as simply making a habit out of something - with the widely-received sense of desensitization to something distressing, say, which in this context would be close to the opposite of the intended meaning (oops, damn). As such, 'sensitization' would be a good term, for sure. But all in all, I felt like I got to the bottom of this question more than I thought I might, even if it turned out to be a longer ramble than I had intended. Later!

[@OutdoorExistential]

@@CentennialTreks It is an exceptional work dude... I will be looking forward to your next treatise!

[@vincentcieluch7863]

Well done my friend!.. I am thankful that you "slowed your roll" the day that you accompanied me on our climb together only because I expressed the interest of reaching the top of a 14 Teener before I gave up my breath life, well we made it only because of your encouragement and assistance in carrying my back pack for the last part of the ascent. So "Luke" keep posting your climbs and keep on dialoguing for you are quite well spoken! HMU sometime and you can school me in a Chess match or two 😂

[@CentennialTreks]

For some reason I only just now saw this message. I was glad you got to have that amazing experience - and me too, of course. Thanks for watching this - I'm actually trying to expand it to a book-length work. And yeah, if I'm back in the metro area sometime we can play a game or two. (I moved to Grand Junction last year). Also, I am kind of trying to start a philosophical 'sister channel': kzbin.info/door/TmG0Z5gGFCEtfHShLBETew. Later!

[@getyourgnarlon]

As for me, it's for the views!

[@johnschneider4160]

Your rambling put me to sleep!

[@CentennialTreks]

So sorry.