The mountains are calling and I must go... In the winter? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

The mountains are calling and I must go... In the winter?

What did you do over winter break

13
The mountains are calling and I must go... In the winter?
mikekelseyadventures

Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty we are free at last! At least for college students, but regardless of whether my dear reader is on winter break or simply finds a free weekend this winter I would like to recommend something that many might not even think of: winter mountain climbing.

I first went with Boy Scouts, and I fell in love with it. The view from the top of a mountain in winter is stunning. The view from the top is amazing at any time of year, but in the winter with the snow covering everything, and the pine trees being the only trees who are not bare, the scene is spectacular in a very different way then the summer. Also there are no bugs to contend with in the winter.

I would also argue to my dear reader that it is different to drive to the top, or have some other means bring one to the top, rather then to actually climb it. As one climbs they see their progress, they are investing the time and effort to make it to the top. One needs to work to get to the top, and once there, there is a feeling of victory, of accomplishment. “We did this!” So add to the view the triumph of getting there, and it is amazing. It almost makes the climber not want to come down, but one always must come down the mountain, so this then begs the question: “Why climb in the first place?” I would like to answer with a poem byRené Daumal.

Poem from ‘Mount Analogue’

One cannot stay on the summit forever–
One has to come down again.
So why bother in the first place? Just this.
What is above knows what is below–
But what is below does not know what is above.

One climbs, one sees–
One descends and sees no longer
But one has seen!

There is an art of conducting one’s self in
The lower regions by the memory of
What one saw higher up.

When one can no longer see,
One does at least still know.


So I urge my dear reader, find the time to enjoy nature this winter, it is a beautiful time of year, and consider finding a mountain to climb. I would recommend, if you are in the NY area, the Adirondack mountains, it is well worth the drive. And as one climbs taller and taller mountains, they will eventually work their way up to mountains whose summit is above the tree line, meaning there are no trees to obstruct one's view from the top, but can rather see a full 360° view.

I would offer a few tips if one undertakes this endeavor.

  • Dress in layers, a climber will find themselves getting hot as the exert themselves moving up the mountain, and it can be helpful to have a layer to take off.
  • Keep water in the coat next the body, this way it will not freeze.
  • Wear plastic shopping bags between the first and second layers of socks, this will keep the feet exceptionally warm and toasty.
  • Bring a balaclava to protect the face against the cold and blowing snow once one reaches the summit.
  • Wear wool, it will keep a hiker warm even if it is wet, this is great for snow.
  • As one is coming down, if snow pants, or the equivalent is worn, one can slide down the steeper parts on the butt, like one is sledding with out the sled. This is a lot of fun and saves energy.
  • If one has snowshoes or crampons, or has a friend who has some to borrow, bring them, they can help a lot on snow and ice.
  • Always hike with a partner, and let others know the location of the climb, and the estimated time of completion.

Just get out there. Enjoy the experience. Do it with friends and make it an adventure. The most important thing is that one actually does it, rather then just reading about it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196195
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18442
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460547
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28138
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments