Smell the roses

George Mallory was asked why he climbed Mt. Everest, his reply was simple "Because it's there" and unfortunately so was he for a long time till his body was found. His camera that would have shown if he made the peak was never found but that is no longer a problem for some mountain climbers.

The Tanzanian government is installing high-speed internet at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro but why? There are some benefits in terms of safety on the climbs but the real reason is so that tourists can have their Instagram piece online immediately.

Has the human race lost their sense? The climb is a challenge to be met by the brave and strong and their reward is what they can see when they get there. There used to be 'Kodak moments' that you have to wait weeks to have developed but now there is instant gratification for the climber and all of their 'followers'.

Slow down, smell the roses, and sit down to appreciate nature's beauty at the top or bottom of the mountains.

Dennis Fitzgerald,

Melbourne, Australia