I was recently reminded of my mountain climbing adventures, where several friends and I had a project to allow the world to explore the highest peaks from the safety of your couch. This project took us from Mt Fuji, Mt Shasta, Everest and Kilimanjaro and beyond.
One of the things I miss the most about mountain trekking is how quiet it can be, and the lack of internet and distraction. On the mountain was the first time I was able to meditate and feel the beneficial effects. Settling the mind and being present in the moment. |
| Morning meditation along the Lemosho trail |
On the mountains the only sounds you hear are the ones you make yourself, nature or the occionsion ringing of the prayer wheel you pass by. This is in stark contrast to being in the city where we are surrounded by noise and chatter 24/7.
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| The soft clanking of the prayer wheels |
Climbing these mountains was one of the most physically challenging things I've ever done. You wake up at first light and start walking up the mountain all day until it's dark. As you progress the air get thiner and thiner. Once you are above 10,000 feet the altitude sickness can start to kick in. This, coupled with the freezing temperatures makes is very hard to hold and point the camera, let along take the thousands of photos needed to stick together for Street View. Nevertheless I always felt an intense motivation to keep going and get to the summit.
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| Setting up the tripod and taking 360 photos |