Why Rock Climb?

“’Just one more clip and you’re there!’ Nathan yells. By this point his voice was being drowned out by the rhythmic beating of my heart that was now ringing in my ears. I am not sure how long I have been holding on at this point, but it was long enough to have all my blood circulate into my arms making them shake without warning. Even though it is late fall and the cool breeze was beginning to pick up, I can feel the sweat run down my back. The next clip is in reach, right over my head even. But my body is so weak already and this move requires me to hold myself up on a two finger hold. Two fingers! Using all four limbs was not enough already, let alone supporting my weight on two fingers. Against my better judgment, I looked to see where my last quick draw was clipped in at trying not to notice the 60 feet of open space below me. ‘Great’ I thought, ‘8 feet down to my last clip.’ To let go now would result in almost a 20 foot whipper, the term us climbers use to describe how gravity reminds us were going against him. A whipper of that proportion would not only keep me from climbing tomorrow but also be a relapse in the mental preparation I have overcome the past few months to get here. No. I will not let that happen. I shove my hand into my chalk pouch and prepare myself for my next move. Two fingers, I can do this. Without thinking, I take the hold and go to grab an arm length of rope. Not enough, the clip is higher than I thought. I grab the rope with my teeth to grab another arm length of rope. No time now to think about the horror stories of people falling while biting the rope which I often use to think about when I started lead climbing. My arm starts to shake, much worse now as I get the rope through the last two clips. “Take!” I shout as I finally can relax in my harness and lean away from the cliff. Then I remember I am not alone. I hear the cheering coming from below me of my friends that are celebrating my first 5.10+ clean climb. As tradition, I sit at the top of the wall and look out to take in the view that I have worked so hard to see. In this moment I feel satisfied along with at peace with myself and nature. What other hobby could ever be so fulfilling?”