Congratulations to Adam Gravett, who made his 100th climb of Mount Le Conte with a day hike on his 57th birthday on Saturday, Sept. 21. He is the 114th individual to tally or estimate 100 ascents on the LeContest honor roll. The centennial club includes 90 men and 25 women. Adam has 17 climbs this year, including five in September as he pushed to hit the milestone on his birthday. Adam hiked with his business parters at UpnAdamAdventures.com, Adam Williamson, #87, and Adam Ozment, #46.
Whenever we hear of a hiker reaching 100, we ask them for their perspective.
By Adam Gravett
Mount Le Conte … It’s just a mountain.
This would be the attitude of most, and why not, it is just a mountain, except those who call it “friend.”
But how can a mountain be a friend? Let’s get into that.
Imagine you’re struggling with something and just need to have a place to figure things out. A place without distractions, a place where you can be completely alone if you choose. The mountain says, “I can give you that, come see me.” You walk along the path, wrestle with your thoughts, wrestle with your demons, until you find either victory or peace. Or maybe you just find just enough strength to make it until you can come wrestle some more.
Perhaps you’re not struggling at all, but want a good place to connect with friends…. The mountain says, “I can give you that, come see me.” You walk along the trail and the conversation comes easy, the natural laughter flows as you enjoy the beauty of nature as friendships grow.
Possibly you’re wanting a physical challenge. Maybe you want to get in better shape or just want to get a place with fresh air. The mountain says, “I can give you that, come see me.” With six different trails to the summit, you can make your trip as strenuous as you want. If that’s not what you’re after, a relatively flat stroll along the creek on Alum Cave Trail is always good for the soul. Maybe you can make it to the summit without trouble, but you want to push yourself against the clock, the mountain didn’t care, take your time or push as hard as you want. No judgment, you’re only in competition with yourself.
Maybe you need some time to reconnect with your Maker. The mountain says, “He made me too, I can help with that.” I have found no better place to pray and wrestle with God than alone on the trail. The things I’ve learned and the discoveries I’ve made could fill a book. No expectations, just time to think and clear your head.
Could it be that you just want to experience nature? The mountain says, “I can help with that.” Not only can you find an amazing amount of wildlife, there are certain species near the top that you never see in the valley. Red squirrels, boomers we call them. They have got to be one of the noisiest creatures in relation to size on the planet. They’re not shy about fussing at humans in their territory nor are they shy about begging for free handouts. Don’t give them anything, that’s not a good idea. Warblers, birds that have the sweetest song I’ve ever heard singing every morning, but I’ve only ever heard them in the higher elevations. Yes, there are bears. With a little wisdom, they leave you completely alone, and you are enriched by the experience of seeing them.
Now let’s consider the demand that this friend, the mountain, requires. Absolutely nothing. No jealousy for attention, no demand for anything in exchange for the time you spend. It has no expectations for how often you visit ... just a feeling of “welcome” every time you’re there. The mountain simply says “I am so glad to see you again, let’s see what adventures we can have today.”
If all of these reasons still aren’t enough, remember also the mountain is "always never the same…" Always something new to see and experience no matter how many times you have visited. New flowers every season, different wildlife into different mischief every trip. Weather conditions that are ever changing. Different colors every season.
What more could you possibly ask? No demands, no expectation, no guilt, but untold opportunity for personal growth. A place to recover, heal, grow stronger, or simply relax and enjoy.
That’s why I love Mount LeConte, that’s why for me it’s not just a mountain, it’s a friend I can count on to be there for whatever I need, any time, no matter what.
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