Weekend Project – Bagging Peaks & Taking Names - Uncommon Path

It’s that time of year when the days are growing longer, the approach hikes are shorter, and the mountains are calling to be climbed.

For those who have answered the beckoning call of the peaks, you know the effort, discomfort, and pain during the ascent always seems to pale in comparison to the experience of standing on the summit. Unlike the fatigue and sore muscles, the memories of these experiences last a lifetime.

Last week we challenged our Instagram community to share stories about their attempts to summit. We were inspired by the courage and personal barriers these individuals overcame to reach their goals.

“The feeling when you are at the top of this mountain is indescribable NO WORDS. Mt Whitney is the highest peak in all Sierra Nevada, in all California and it’s the highest piece of land (peak) in USA outside of Alaska. All I know after yesterday I can’t see the mountains as the same way as before. Mt Whitney broke me down in a million pieces I had never felt that way before but at the same time she put me together.” – Photo by Iris (Instagram’s @strongsoul_11)

“…heading for the summit of St Nicholas Peak on the Wapta Icefield in Alberta. The bang-for-your-buck o’meter is pretty high on this peak with great views in every direction.” – Photo by Tim (Instagram’s @timbanfield)

“Not all summits need a peak. Picture taken last year while thru-running the Enchantments in a blizzard.” – Photo by Matt H. (Instagram’s @matthasenohr)

“What you can see in this photo: two women, both moms, both friends, both climbers, both on the Exum Ridge of the Grand Teton. What you can’t see in this photo: the tiptoe departure so we didn’t wake our sleeping babies, the phone call on the summit to check on the sitter, the pumps stored in our packs and the absolute joy at completing our day ascent of the Grand Teton.” – Photo by Angela H. (Instagram’s @redrockangie)