Tyler's Blog

Why I Love to Climb

Why I love climbing so much is because I just love to do it. It is hard to explain why I love it so much. I love the experience of see new things and going to new places that most people would never even dream of going to. It is fun to travel, meet people, and try new things. I especially love trying the different foods from other countries. I learn about different cultures and languages. It is amazing how friendly people are in other countries. However, the biggest reason why I love climbing so much, is that I can reach heights that most people have a hard time getting to. I love to see the clouds under me when I reach the top. It is always funny to me when adults see me on the mountain. They are shocked that I can do what they can do. I love the challenge of climbing, and proving to people that kids can do anything when they set their mind to it.

Why do I want to climb the world’s highest peaks? After climbing Mt. Whitney (14,505 feet) at 7, I told my dad I wanted to go higher. So, when I was 8 years old, I went and climbed Mt. Kilimajaro (19,841 feet). After that climb, I again told my dad I wanted to go higher. I did some research and learned about Mt. Aconcauga (22,341 feet). It is the tallest mountain in the Western and Southern Hemispheres. Most people didn’t think I could do it and I had to get a special permit to climb because I was only 9. Well, they were wrong because I set the World Record as the youngest person to climb Mt. Aconcagua. So, why do I want to climb Mt. Everest (29,029 feet)? Because I still want to go higher. Now I want to climb the world’s highest peaks on every continent.

Lastly, I love that my abilities can help other kids who can’t climb. I have a few friends with a disease called Duchenne. Their muscles don’t grow back and they have to use wheel chairs. They can’t play sports and can’t see the top of the world. I hate that they can do normal kid things and that the disease shortens their lives. My friends with the disease motivate me to keep climbing when I get tired. My climbing is a way that I can help them out by raising money to cure their disease. I want my friends to climb or hike with me, and reach a summit with me. I know that they can cure their disease, but we just don’t have the money yet.