More than a corporate climb.Marketing consultant scales mountains during spare time Hugh Barrington often finds himself on top of the world. "When I'm sitting on a cliff thousands of feet up, the view can be incredible," says the 35-year-old Seattle-based marketing consultant, You see, Barrington's after-hours hobby is mountain climbing mountain climbing, the practice of climbing to elevated points for sport, pleasure, or research. Also called mountaineering, it is practiced throughout the world. Types There are three types of mountain climbing. . He's been climbing for six years, scaling mountainsides about two to three times a month. "For me. it's a way to relax. I can sit on the side of a mountain and be content." says Barrington, who finds climbing a benefit to his business life as well. "You have to be very organized and detail oriented o·ri·ent n. 1. Orient The countries of Asia, especially of eastern Asia. 2. a. The luster characteristic of a pearl of high quality. b. A pearl having exceptional luster. 3. when you're preparing for a climb. You have to plan a route, be up to the challenge and be very focused." Team work is also essential to climbing. "When your climbing with others, your safety depends on how well you can work with and trust one another," he notes. Barrington's love of mountain climbing evolved from hiking hiking Walking, often among hills or mountains, as recreational sport. It represents an activity in its own right and also figures in backpacking, camping, hunting, mountaineering, and orienteering. . To get started, Barrington took a three month course with Boeing Alpine ALPINE Antihypertensive Treatment and Lipid Profile in a North of Sweden Efficacy Evaluation (drug trial) ALPINE Advanced Logistics Program Integration and Engineering Society. "There's a lot to learn, so it's best to take a course," says Barrington. As a precursor precursor /pre·cur·sor/ (pre´kur-ser) something that precedes. In biological processes, a substance from which another, usually more active or mature, substance is formed. In clinical medicine, a sign or symptom that heralds another. to climbing, consider hiking first. Courses run from two days to up to a month or more. "It depends on what sort of climbing you are doing," says James Healy, president of MountainFIT Inc. (800-926-5700; www.mountainfit.com), a Bozeman, Montana-based hiking/adventure tour company. "Climbers This list of climbers includes both mountaineers and rock climbers, since many (though not all) climbers engage in both types of activities. The list also includes boulderers and ice climbers. have spent years gaining experience before attacking monsters like Everest." Beyond learning the basics of this outdoor activity, beginners need to invest in equipment. You can start for as little as $400, says Barrington, who confesses to spending considerably more. "I'm a `gear junkie' so I'm always buying the latest equipment." Climbers can also rent equipment from outdoor sports stores. While Barrington is always looking for Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. higher peaks to climb, he has no desire to summit the ultimate challenge-Mount Everest. "The odds are against you before you start," says Barrington. "The statistics show that many people die each year trying to reach the summit. Right now, I have no desire to try." On the other hand, Barrington's next climb-the 14,410-foot Mount Rainier--is no small feat either. RELATED ARTICLE: Getting started * Take a course. Many outdoor stores offer them. Try the National Outdor Leadership School (307-332-5300; www.nols.edu). They've taught climbing for more than three decades at various sites across the country. * Get a partner. Always climb with seasoned mountaineers. "Know your climbing partners well," advises James Healy, president of the MountainFIT tour company. "Know the extent of their training and experience. Your life could depend on them. Conversely con·verse 1 intr.v. con·versed, con·vers·ing, con·vers·es 1. To engage in a spoken exchange of thoughts, ideas, or feelings; talk. See Synonyms at speak. 2. , their life could depend on you, so don't get in over your head." * Join a club. The Colorado Mountain Club (303-279-3080) and the Appalachian Mountain Club The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is one of the United States' oldest outdoor groups. Created in 1876 to explore and preserve the White Mountains in New Hampshire, it has expanded throughout the northeastern U.S., with 12 chapters stretching from Maine to Washington, D.C. (www.outdoors.org) are options, but there are others. Check on the Internet to find one in your area. These clubs organize outings and networking opportunities. Companies like MountainFIT also offer hiking vacations. |
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