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I find the purest serenity at the apex of a climb. It is possibly the single most gratifying activity I have discovered, seeing as no one helps you, and when you reach the summit, you have no one to thank for it other than yourself. The view is a reward for the effort and perseverance invested, and the feeling of pride and accomplishment stays with you.
My usual spots include Cedar Bluffs (Illinois), Ferne Clyffe (Illinois), Jackson Falls (Illinois), and Devil’s Lake (Wisconsin).