Why do people climb mountains? Because mountains are ancient and rise above it all, putting more everyday matters where they belong. To simply claim the summit is missing the point. “It’s not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” Edmund Hillary once said. I was reminded of this on the final ascent up a rocky gully on top of the Strzelecki Ranges, Flinders Island’s highest granite peaks, named after the Polish explorer who first climbed them. At 756m and with a 360-degree view, for this solo climber it was almost too high to cope with. Vertigo set in and I reverted to clambering on all fours, telling myself not to look down so I could make the final ten metres; that I would forever regret not reaching the top. I’m not sure if I would have regretted it because the walk up from sea level had been fulfilling in itself. But after hauling my body over the final boulder, the view from on top was both dizzying and electrifying. To make it to that summit and see where you’ve come from is like drawing the moon nearer to you. You’ve earned everything you feel right now. Climb a mountain this month and appreciate something bigger than yourself. If not a mountain, a tall hill will also do it.
Hilary Burden 
There you are Ms Burden… Ann and I are just back from Uluru… Didn’t climb… of course… respect…
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Yoo hoo! Having some down time. But well overdue a visit your way I know… must fix that! Hugs to you both XX
Beautiful article Hil! I have a fear of heights but I will often try and confront it because I know I’m all the better for finding some courage to see that view! xx
Thanks Jodie, see you soon – love to hear about the mountains you’ve climbed!