The Question

”Why do people climb mountains?” The old answer is “Because it’s There”. Wow! That does not talk about the challenge, the feeling of exhilaration one feels when achieving the top, the I did it feeling after a really tough climb. It might be raining or sunny, doesn’t matter. You have done it!

The Plan

There is a lot of detail involved in planning that goes into this feat. You are going to cut yourself off for civilization for a time. There will be no one to help if you become hungry, cold or have an accident. Where are you going to climb? What type of terrain does it have? Who will be with you? What route are you going to use to reach the top. The weather is very much a consideration. Sun? Rain? Sleet? This weekend or next? And on it goes.

The Gear

Do you need camping gear? Are we going to stay overnight? Do we need a hotel or camping gear. Food is needed. Restaurant or pack it. Well, you must pack some food.

Part of the equipment you might need to bring could include ultralight camping gear. You won’t need a mountain climbing harness because we are not talking about anything but hiking up mountains, not technical climbing. If you can find someplace that sells wholesale camping gear sometimes they have good deals for individuals.

The Mountain

From Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont people usually go to the White Mountains or there is this wonderful place to climb, Mt. Katahdin, in Baxter State Park. The crowning glory of mountains for Maine. This mountain has many legends surrounding it. Only a mile high, not much by the standards of the western states. There is a mystique surrounding this mountain. The natives thought the mountain was the home of the storm god Pamola and avoided the area. But, the settlers did not believe in the native god and began to climb soon after their arrival. Today the trails are worn.

Because you have to climb up and down within one day it is a bit of a challenge. Also, you must make reservations to camp in the park a year in advance. If you miss the deadline for a park reservation you must leave the park by nightfall. Hopefully you have made reservations in one of many motels outside of the park.

Home

Mountain climbing by hiking is stimulating. You arrive home at the end of the day tired but excited about conquering the mountain challenge. It is now behind you. You have stories to tell.