CLIMBING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 30 June 1925, Page 14

CLIMBING.

THE THRILL OP ACHIEVEMENT. (Written for The Star.) (By J. P. M.) “To me high; mountains -are a feeling.” Thus sang Bjyron, and indeed his song is echoed in the hearts of the vast numbers of people who’ climb our beautiful Eigmont every year. Egniomfc presents no diflicuilties to the average climber, there being no sharp aretes and no avalanches. When the mountain i;s covered, with sno-W and ice, however, there is,always a certain risk, especially when the snow freezes after cold rains, To one who has never climbed it is hard'.to describe the exhilaration which accompanies the actual conquering of a mountain. The anticipatory excitement of the early start before the first streak of dawn gilds the sky; the rapture of witnessing the radiant glow 'of sunhise tilth snowy peak to rose and waken to beauty every dew-laden flower and leaf; the buoyant sense of prevailing over diflicuilties with taivfcbraced muscle and excited thrill of nerves as the perilous bits are. negotiated; with enforced cafe.. Arid when at last the topmost peak, is scaled, an d the climber stands on'the highest pinnacle, what a. 'triumphant, glow of . satisfactorily accomplished defsife pervades the .soul. Youi* troubles inky all be awaiting you in the far distant town,-- What cafe you'! Ydu've' vanquished your mountain ! You stand oh its snow-crO'Wned head; and peace, perfect peace, reigns"here, supreme'.