Why do people hike even if it's dangerous?

The ultimate goal in climbing is to reach the summit. One should not climb if reaching the summit is not in his mind. However, before reaching the goal, several adversities will block the trail to the summit. Mountaineering is surely physically exhausting and it’s not a wonder why people question us on why do we still keep doing it. Engaging with the dangers of it doesn’t mean that we want to get rid of ourselves; mountaineering was never a punishment and it will never be. On the contrary, mountain climbing is an achievement. But just like any other victories, successful mountain climbing can only be done after surpassing a number of trials.

Now, going back to the question of why people still climb even if it’s dangerous? Questions like this will only be answered if you, yourself have tried climbing. As to us, we have several reasons why we still climb despite the challenges. To enumerate a few, we still climb because:

1. It’s our stress-reliever. It’s kind of funny that mountain climbing is considered as a stress reliever despite the physical aches that we get during the hike. Howbeit, reaching the summit is a different story. Being close to nature and realizing how small you are will make you realize a lot of things. Being united with nature brings a one of a kind feeling of liberation and serenity.
2. It pushes us to our limits. We think that we know ourselves already. But in mountain climbing, we were able to know ourselves even more. We have discovered that we have a lot more to offer when it comes to bolstering our skills and potentials. There are no two mountains alike. Every hiking is a lesson and every climb is a challenge of working under pressure while being positive and realistic at the same time.
3. It gives a feeling of achievement. The feeling when you have already reached the summit is exceptional. Mountaineering is our way of proving ourselves that we are strong enough to reach a goal. Naturally, people take pride on what they can do that others cannot. The feeling of success is like a state of grace that we would always want to feel.
4. It creates strong friendships. It was said that stressful situations create strong friendships. In mountaineering, you will learn to build trust with your hiking buddies. You have to grasp on the reality that you are independent but you should also be in charge of each other.
5. It makes us feel stronger. There are several preparations that we need to undergo before going into hikes. Our strength and endurance are being tested as well as our way of thinking. Mountaineering makes us feel that we are strong persons and that are one step closer to speaking our goals into existence.

“If you are faced with a mountain, you have several options.
You can climb it and cross to the other side.
You can go around it.
You can dig under it.
You can fly over it.
You can blow it up.
You can ignore it and pretend it’s not there.
You can turn around and go back the way you came.
Or you can stay on the mountain and make it your home.” 
― Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

Every hike is like a trail to oblivion. Trail knows that hiking in the Philippines is treacherous. But our mountains, as well as our volcanoes are such beauties that we just could not withstand to not stroke with our own hands. It’s no secret to us that mountain climbing is a dangerous sport. Still and all, we mountain climb simply because it makes us happy.

Taal Volcano : Beautiful and Dangerous

Taal Volcano is the smallest and the second most active volcanoes in the Philippines, with a total of 33 recorded historical eruptions. It may be one of the best, but it is also considered as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the country. Located in Talisay and San Nicolas in Batangas, it is about 50 km or 31 miles south of the capital of the Philippines. Taal Volcano is part of a chain of volcanoes found along the island of Luzon which were formed by two tectonic plates colliding over 500 years ago.

A volcano within a volcano, Taal's unique beauty makes it one of the top must-see places in the Philippines. Its one-of-a-kind shape and enchantingly odd location make it a unique geologic wonder, enthralling thousands of tourists and geologists yearly. Taal Volcano is a popular tourist destination because it is such an amazingly beautiful sight to behold. When viewed from the famous Tagaytay Ridge, Taal Volcano presents one of the most picturesque and attractive views in the Philippines.

Taal Volcano has had some of the Philippine's largest and deadliest volcano eruptions. At least 6 recorded eruptions during the history of Taal, dating from 1572, have claimed a huge number of fatalities. These are mostly from powerful pyroclastic flows and great tsunamis produced in the Crater Lake. Its eruption in 1911 killed about 1334 people and caused ash fall that reached up to the city of Manila. Taal was declared one of the "Decade Volcanoes" in because of its dangerous potential. Today, Taal Volcano is one of the most closely monitored volcanoes in the whole region.

The Beauty of Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano or commonly referred to as Mt. Mayon is considered as one of the most popular active volcanoes in the Philippines because of its "perfect cone shape". With an elevation of 8,081' or  2,463 m, and its international reputation, the famous volcano is definitely included in the wishlist of every adventurer.

Why You Can’t Climb Every Mountain

                Mountain climbing is an extreme sport and is easily associated to the climber’s physical, emotional and mental prowess. Without the three major elements needed, ascent to a mountain’s peak can tantamount to a grave danger. All over the world, mountaineers would risk their lives to that prove that nature is tamable but reaching the zenith of any land formation possible. On this journey, some succeeded but others did not.

The Dos and Don’ts of Mountain Climbing – Your Body

       Contrary to the popular belief, mountain climbing isn’t all about how many muscles you can flex in order to reach the top. Whether you believe or not, there are deeper disciplines in this sport than what meets the eye.

The Dos and Don’ts of Mountain Climbing – The Danger

The reasons why people climb mountains vary. Some would do for sports, others to just sweat the feeling away while some simply seek adventure. Regardless the reasons may be, mountain climbing is a kind of sport that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Unlike others, this sport poses tremendous threats and hazards to the participants. That is why extreme mountains are limited only to the professionals with vast knowledge, unquestionable trainings and a determined mindset.

The Dos and Don’ts of Mountain Climbing – The Equipment

The Mt. Apo, an average climber can reach
its peak on a two- to three-day hike.

As I’ve mentioned many times before, and probably more in my future blog posts, mountain climbing is a very dangerous sport. It is a universal fact that many seemed to ignore and take for granted. Little misplaced facts can cost a mountaineer’s life if not heed. This is one of the many instances where a single mountain climbing tool can save your life. That is why it us very essential to check all the necessary gear before heading to a trek.

Mountains vary differently, and along with it are its specialize mountain climbing gears. Though not many has change because this kind of activity follows the same strict guidelines as every extreme sport which is safety, specific tools are needed for specific mountains. And since here in the Philippines we have no ice mountains to climb, you can erase those ice screws and Petzl ice tool off the list.

To give you an overview, here are some of the items you must have if you’re to spend some nights in the Philippine terrain. Obviously, you can cross out some items if you’re only planning to have a day-hike.

·         A pair of mittens to keep your hands uninjured while holding tress for support as you climb;

·         A visor or cap;

·         A flashlight and extra batteries;

·         Sandals or running shoes will suffice;

·         Sleeping bag and sleeping pad;

·         Match or lighters;

·         Extra clothes (including a jacket and bandannas) and underpants X the days you plan to stay;

·         Toiletry (for men and women);

·         Sunscreen and anti-mosquito lotion;

·         First aid kit with ibuprofen, Band-Aids, loperamide, water purification tablets and other medication if any of the climber needs special treatment;

·         Utensils like spoon and fork, water bottles and vacuum thermos for hot water;

·         And extra food.