Mountain Peaks - Some Climb the Physical Mountains, Some Just Climb the Everyday Ones in Our Lives

I wrapped my week up with a virtual run through northern Italy to the back of the Matterhorn mountain, and then into Switzerland to get the front view. Of course, it being a mountain, there really isn't any "front" or "back" view. I term it that way because the Swiss side is the side I'm more familiar with. But it just took a quick glimpse and I knew exactly what I was looking at from Italy. Such an iconic mountain. 

The Matterhorn is so very iconic and recognizable. I loved 
seeing it on my treadmill screen this morning. I knew 
immediately what peak I was nearing. 

I admit that I've never quite understood those people who actually want to climb mountains in real life. I find the mountains we need to climb in our day-to-day lives to be quite challenging enough, but there are people, very talented and physically fit people, who want to challenge the physical peaks of the world.

K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world, only a 
small amount shorter than Mt Everest. It presents some 
very tricky climbs to summit, but it's a mountain, and 
for serious mountaineers, that's all that's important. 

 Expert climbers often want to climb the following five peaks: Mount Everest (of course), the highest peak in the world and K2, the second-highest peak in the world, and close neighbor to Everest.  The third peak is Kanchenjunga, also located in the Himalayas, but harder to get to which adds an extra challenge. Avalanches are a major problem on this peak, not just the altitude and general issues which are shared by all three of the peaks. Annapurna, also in the Himalayas, is the fourth peak for expert climbers. It is known for highly unpredictable weather patterns which can be so very deadly in those heights on those peaks. Finally, the fifth peak is ... the Matterhorn. Really? You might ask. But yes. the Matterhorn presents its' own serious challenges. It's incredibly steep and there is constant danger of rockfalls. 

Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak in the world. It's 

a challenging world of ice and snow with very unpredictable 

weather. In general, it's your typical Himalaya mountainside. 

It's a beautiful peak, though. 

Of course there are challenging peaks in every continent for serious climbers, but think about it. Are you going to toss a bunch of equipment into a bag, get a visa, and go and climb any of these? If you are, fabulous! I wish you the best of luck and skill at achieving your goal. But the vast majority of us will challenge our own peaks without having to invest in equipment and cold-weather gear. We're all challenged by the peaks and valleys of life. Life is just as unpredictable, holds challenges for each of us, and is every-changing from day to day. The best we can ask for ourselves is that we stick to the course, look at the longer goals while achieving the shorter ones, and be unafraid to reach out to others for assistance when necessary. 

Annapurna Masif is the fourth highest peak, and the 
fourth one in the Himalaya mountain range. It's also 
quite stunning. 

So, as we move into the weekend and I need to get into gear and get my latest story written and posted, I offer you this challenge. Live each day as an achievable challenge, and be unafraid to reach out to friends near and far for assistance if needed. We're all here for you, as we hope you will be here for us. Have an excellent weekend and I'll be back on Monday for the start of my "Two Weeks of Hell While Chickie is on Jury Duty" LOL. Slava Ukraini.