“Mountains have always been spiritual symbols. In nearly every culture, nearly every religion, the mountains have been recognized as the abode of God. Never before have I felt such power from the earth as I do here. It’s impossible to ignore, impossible to doubt. I love to be among the mountains. They remind me of God, they serve as places of peace and meditation, they allow such communion with the spiritual nature of life as no other place can. To climb mountains intensifies these feelings. In climbing there i absolute simplicity and undisturbed focus that opens channels in the soul which allows it to  be filled with an overwhelming sense of life around you, an overwhelming sense of God. I doubt there is any other way to procure such emotion – I suppose that is why mountains have always served important functions in the religion of humankind. I feel very blessed to have the opportunities that I’e been given to climb. I think sometimes it’s difficult for others to understand – but for me – it is simply a way of life.” -Mike Nelson