Darkness to Light: A Climber’s Reward.
I left the base of the mountain at 11 PM, headlamp on, stepping into the darkness. The trail was steep, relentless—a true test of endurance. For hours, I climbed, my breath heavy, legs burning, mind focused only on the next step. The higher I went, the colder the air bit, but I pushed forward. Then, just before 6:34 AM, I reached the summit of Pico Paraná—the highest peak in southern Brazil (1,877 meters / 6,158 feet). The sky was still dim, but the first light was creeping in. I stood there, exhausted but triumphant, as the sun began to rise over the endless ridges below. For a mountaineer, sunrise isn’t just light—it’s rebirth. It’s the moment the struggle fades, and all that’s left is awe. The world wakes up in colors, but here, in black and white, the raw beauty remains: sharp shadows, soft mist, and the quiet pride of standing where few ever will. *** PS. Number ONE on Explore on May 11th., 2025.