Mountain Moments
The Mountains Are Calling
And I must go. — John Muir
Why I Keep Going Up
Mountains don’t care about your deadlines, your inbox, or your carefully curated social media presence. They exist on a timescale that makes human worries feel delightfully insignificant. That’s exactly why I keep climbing them. Every summit is a reminder that the world is bigger than my problems — and more beautiful than my phone can capture.
The Dolomites, Italy
Imagine jagged rock towers that glow pink at sunrise, medieval refugios serving espresso at 2,500 metres, and trails that weave through wildflower meadows with views so dramatic they feel computer-generated. The Dolomites are what happens when nature decides to show off. I hiked the Alta Via 1 over five days and cried at least twice — once from the beauty, once from my blisters.
Patagonia, Argentina/Chile
Patagonia is where the wind has a personality and the glaciers have moods. The Torres del Paine circuit is widely considered one of the world’s best multi-day treks, and after completing it, I understand why. Turquoise lakes, granite towers that pierce the clouds, and condors circling overhead — it’s the kind of place that makes you whisper “wow” to nobody in particular, over and over again.
Lessons the Mountains Taught Me
- Start early. The best light — and the emptiest trails — belong to the early risers.
- Pack less than you think you need. Every extra gram becomes your enemy at altitude.
- Talk to strangers on the trail. Some of my best travel stories started with “Hey, where are you from?”
- Respect the weather. Mountains make their own rules. Always check conditions and carry rain gear.
- Look back. The view behind you is often just as stunning as what’s ahead.
The mountains have given me more than photographs and sore legs. They’ve given me perspective, patience, and a deep appreciation for how small and magnificent life can be at the same time. If you haven’t found your mountain yet — go looking. It’s waiting for you above the treeline.
