… and that should get a few more interesting hits from Google.

But it’s true, according to a recent CNN story about “natural highs.” Hiking and mountain climbing rank among such other risky and rewarding activities as going to the gym, public speaking, skydiving and … um … shoe shopping.

If you’re looking for motivation to hit that next peak on your list, listen to Ramani Durvasula, a professor at CSULA, describe her hiking experiences:

When you pull yourself up onto a summit — and climax, so to speak, particularly as a woman — the sheer physicality, beauty and endurance are like no other feeling on earth … My favorite ‘lover’ was Half Dome … I fell to my knees. It was one of the best moments of my life.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to make plans to visit Yosemite.

I wonder what Durvasula would have to say about the rock formations in Cappadodcia …

image by Jeff Werner.

Tags: Climbing, Hiking, motivations