Lots of posts here questioning why someone would climb Everest. I've never done it but I have a bit of mountaineering under my belt, and there was a time when I would've loved the opportunity to attempt earth's largest.

It's not just about danger. In addition to the element of challenge and personal achievement that a few have alluded to, mountaineering provides one of the most beautiful and serene experiences imaginable.

Have you ever attempted a physical feat as awe-inspiring as this? http://photos.freerobby.com/Adventures/Denali/i-XCFxjcs/0/X3...

Have you ever appreciated the vastness of nature as much as standing beneath seracs as big as buildings? http://photos.freerobby.com/Adventures/Denali/i-2QddZdv/1/X3...

Have you ever climbed alongside peaks so beautiful that they look surreal? http://photos.freerobby.com/Adventures/Denali/i-ZbZFvzL/0/X3...

Have you ever walked on a receding glacier that has been there for millions of years? http://photos.freerobby.com/Adventures/Denali/i-pStmFNs/0/X3...

Have you ever succeeded at a physical feat that looks less than possible? http://photos.freerobby.com/Adventures/Denali/i-tQ5cg7v/1/X3...

Have you ever woken up in the morning, gone outside your tent, and looked down at the clouds? http://photos.freerobby.com/Adventures/Denali/i-hgC65Lv/1/X3...

I can only imagine how awesome these things would feel, how beautiful these scenes would be, on a mountain the size of Everest, especially when you consider the beauty of the Himalayan ranges around it.

There are as many good reasons to climb mountains as there are bad ones. Most people have vices. Most people take risks. Mine have been extremely rewarding.