Why we climb

I will not claim to be a pro mountaineer, I am just an enthusiast. I haven't even climbed many mountains yet, in fact I have just climbed 4 mountains as of writing: Mt. Pulag (2009 and 2012) in Kabayan, Benguet, Mt. Maculot (2010 and 2013) in Cuenca, Batangas, Mt. Batulao (2013) in Nasugbu, Batangas and Mt. Romelo (2013) in Sinoloan, Laguna. What brought me to this kind of hobby? I guess it is just an offshoot of my days as a Boy Scout in high school, and an inextiguishable urge to go outdoors. Who brought me to this kind of hobby? These people:

Our six-man team at the summit of Mt. Pulag November 2009

My first ever considered climb (if you exclude the countless trekking we had in Boy Scout to earn merit badges) is at Mt. Pulag in 2009. Sir Io (left most) and Sir Wek (right most) were my mentors both in and outside of work, they were men of the outdoors. Those four in the middle are first timers who did not know what they are getting themselves into. haha!

People sometimes wonder why we do this. It is risky, sometimes dangerous, and VERY tiring. Why do we subject ourselves to these kinds of conditions just to climb a gargantuan lump of soil, rock, trees, grass and an entire ecosystem? I may not have concrete answers for this yet, but I'll try anyway. 

Why do we climb?

 #1. It offers two of the most scarce commodities: peace and tranquility.

Being in the city means that we are living in a fast-paced life. Where patience is not a virtue and "hurry the f*ck up" is. We are time-bound, that's why we hurry - we are slaves of our self-imposed deadlines. We have to contend with massive traffic, ride the jam-packed MRT (which is one fart away to a stampede), jeepney and bus rides from hell, just to reach our intended destination. This is chaos, and we live with it everyday.

Mountains offer two of the most scarce commodities, peace and tranquility. Mountains offer an asylum from the cities, you get to relax, enjoy the view, and realize that we are just a tiny speck of dust in this grand scheme of things. It is a humbling experience. This is why people back then worship these mountains, they respect it. Maybe that's why mountaineering is hard, so you will savor the experience. Maybe that's why it is challenging, so that only the brave can bask in its awesomeness. Maybe that's why it is risky, so that the mountain can protect itself. Come to think of it, a sore body is just a small price to pay for these two very scarce, yet very important commodities.

Being a mountaineer also entails you to become part of a community. In mountaineering, everyone is your sibling. You don't leave anyone behind. Most first timers are often surprised why people greet each other and being polite and all when they pass each other on the mountain's trail eventhough they do not know each other. A simple "good morning sir/ma'am, ingat po kayo" is a common mountaineering courtesy yet most first timers wonder why we do it. I wonder, are the big cities teach us to be callous enough that common courtesy and politeness from strangers surprise us? It is also very discouraging to see abusive behaviors in the mountains (trash being left behind, abuse in the mountain's flora na fauna). Please, if you go to the mountains, please leave your "city behavior" behind. As much as possible, leave no trace behind. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but foot prints. Follow the rules and regulations imposed by the mountain's caretakers. To savor the tranquility that mountains offer, I do prefer climbing in small groups. This would minimize the impact our traces inflict to the mountains.

View from the campsite in the new trail, overlooking the old trail. Mt. Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas

#2. It hurts so bad that it feels so good.

Remeber the feeling of having a sore body after a gym session, basketball, or any strenuous physical activity? You curse yourself for doing it which caused you excruciating pain, but you do not regret it one bit, because you know it is good for you. Every pain means that you've become better. Same can also be said for mountaineering.

Those countless hours of hiking, crawling, climbing and occasional rappelling may cause you sore foot, cramps, bruises and wounds but in the end, it is a great cardio exercise - with sight seeing on the side. Those four mountains I have said earlier gave me various challenges that I need to contend with, and after each, gave me an idea on what to work out on next time. Here's another trivia: ice-cold softdrinks tastes ten times better after a long climb. Try it!

(c) Victor Joel Ayson. I can hardly walk after this 6-hour Mt. Batulao travere. I also had to use the camera tripod I brought here as a walking stick because the cramps on both of my thighs became unbearable.

"Why the f*ck am I doing this? I am tired as f*ck. When will this ever end? I told you this is a bad idea. We should be at home right now watching TV!". I was telling myself this during most of my climbs, especially when I am already tired and sweating like I'm in a sauna. This is where the 90-10 rule comes in (which will be explained in #3). Mind over matter my friends. Mind over matter. You can't just stop there and hold your group back. You have to make it to the summit and back. Well, not if you're Son Goku, you can just fly if you like or teleport. Teleportation is cool.

As the saying goes: "You don't conquer mountains. Mountains can never be conquered. You conquer yourself, your weaknesses, your limitations, and your fears."


#3. It IS risky, sometimes dangerous, and very tiring.

I think it is in our very nature, to test our limits and find what we can accomplish and how far can we go. It is also out of pure curiosity to find out why not all people want to climb mountains, even if it is majestic and gorgeous as seen from afar. What holds people back from doing it? Sir Io once told me that mountaineering is 10% physical and 90% mental. It is the urge to push further despite physical exhaustion that gets us farther - this is true both for mountaineering and life in general. Mountaineering strengthens your mental fortitude, that's if you don't allow your weaknesses overcome you. Risk, danger, tiredness are sometimes just a state of mind. But it IS very important to be in good physical condition in embarking to these kinds of adventures, you must be well prepared.

George Herbert Leigh Mallory (1886-1924), a British mountaineer was one of the first people who went on Mt. Everest expeditions in the 1920's. When asked why he wants to climb Mt. Everest, his reported response was "Because it's there". His response would be known as the famous three words of mountaineering. Everest claimed his life and his climbing partner Andrew Irvine in their 1924 expedition. Mallory's body was discovered 75 years later (in 1999) while Irvine is yet to be found.  

Despite all the risks, dangers and perils, sometimes the answer would be as simple as those epic three words: "Because it is there."