Why Hike?

Why is it we enjoy hiking? 

I mean I freaking love it but I can't say exactly why. The air feels fresher. You know what I mean? How the air just seems brisker and crisper. Walking up the trail I feel like I'm breathing in the best air on the planet. Maybe that's just how the mountains are. The change of perspective is pretty cool. The way you can hike from the bottom of a mountain, to the top, so as to see everywhere you just were, and see everywhere you can go. That's always a trip. I guess the main attraction is just looking at all there is to look at, right? Just hiking around seeing the abundance of beauty that surrounds you. Seeing the world a little more than you usually do. Its good for exercise too sure, but why is it that I enjoy it so much more than lifting weights, or running on a treadmill? Is it simply because its outside? I guess there aren't many trees in the gym, no rivers, no mountains... hmm I suppose maybe the question is why do we love the outdoors, and why don't others? My friend said he likes living in the mountains because it gives him a sense of place. I don't know exactly what he means but I know when I get to the top of that mountain, and take a look over the beauty that surrounds me, I sure feel like I'm in the right place.