I think I’ve always had a great ‘relationship’ with mountains. Because I was born and have lived all my life in Šumava, nature and mountains in particular are constantly part of my life. However, what might be slightly surprising is the fact that although I live just a couple of miles from a great ski resort and I know how to ski, I don’t enjoy doing it that much. To me, mountains mean much more than skiing.

            Instead of sliding down a slope, I prefer to put on my hiking boots, and I simply set off to a place which is either very familiar to me or to a place I’ve never been before. That is what mountains and nature mean to me. To go to places where there are no people, no cars, no loud noises, no trash. To go to places where only the nature reigns.

            The best way how to express my emotions associated with mountains is through a recent experience of mine. Just a couple of days ago, me and my girlfriend decided to go hiking and we agreed upon reaching a summit of a certain mountain we have never reached before in nearby Bavaria. The day was clear and sunny, we packed ourselves some lunch and hot tea and we set off.

            Everything went fine but for a one thing. We had to make our way through half-a-meter deep snow. We struggled a lot, but we kept on going until finally we reached the summit, and on doing so, an unimaginable jolly and happiness went through our bodies. Reaching the summit of a mountain is one of the best feelings I know and although I have conquered many mountains in my life, the feeling is always the same. Sometimes even better than the last time.

            Although we were utterly exhausted once we reached the summit, after a couple of minutes of enjoying the breathtaking scenery surrounding us, we were fully ‘charged’ again. In fact, we were so charged that on our way down, we ran. Yes, we really did run down.

            This is what I like about mountains the most. The indescribable emotion that flows through your body when you are at the very top and the only thing you can see all around yourself is the nature and its power.