There’s just something about a mountain.

I grew up a flat-lander, on the coasts of North and South Carolina.

However, mountains have always drawn me, mysteriously, like a cosmic magnetic pull.

Maybe that is the reason I love Costa Rica so much.

I have often wondered what exactly it is that keeps me glued here?

I believe it may be the mountains that Costa Rica has in abundant supply.

So many people flock to Costa Rica for its beaches, or to see the Arenal Volcano.

Granted Costa Rica has gorgeous beaches and the Arenal Volcano is an amazing sight to behold, but for yours truly the real magic is up in those mountains.

When I look up at the majestic peaks, I feel inspired and I start to wonder. What would it be like to stand on top of that peak right now? How long would it take to get there? What is life like for the people I can see living within those vibrant green folds? What could I discover in a journey to the top?

I am a person with a fairly high sense of adventure. Mountains are the best way I know to satisfy my craving.

I have made two treks to the summit of Chirripo, Costa Rica’s tallest peak (at around 12,500 feet), the first one with my oldest daughter. She said it was the hardest thing she’d ever done, but was glad she went.

After all, they’ve been there for quite a long time, and probably, hopefully, won’t be leaving any time soon.

I can rely on the fact that whenever I leave Costa Rica, usually for flatter ground, those mountains will still be there when I return. It always comes as a relief to see them.

It feels like home.

When I used to get stressed out by the general hustle and bustle of living in a pretty large city (San Jose), where did I go to escape? The mountains.

In fact, I finally made the ultimate escape to Perez Zeledon, which is nestled in the valley between the Talamancas (the highest mountains in the country) and the Fila Costeña (coastal range).

I’ve always had my favorite little mountain hideaways. Places where no one could ever hope to find me. Neither Ex’s nor IRS agents could get to me up there.

I can look down upon everything I imagine might be happening below and feel a sense of removal, the quiet calm of being “above the fray.”

I really need those mountains, almost as much as water, food and fresh air.

Because, my friend, they are food for the soul and without a way to nourish the soul we tend to slip down a rung on the ladder of evolutionary growth.

At least, I do.

It is not a coincidence that mountains lead you up…

a little closer to heaven.

Saw this video today about the life cycle of a mountain…

The Weight of Mountains from Studiocanoe on Vimeo.