The Experience of a Lifetime

[cindywindy]

I did something today that I told myself I could never do, and I wanted to share it with you all.

I went mountain climbing.

I only met the group I climbed with, just last Sunday - but today was my first official "lesson" with a small group of people that go climbing every Sunday. I have to tell you, it was equally as terrifying as it was the best experience I've ever had !! My hands are still shaking from gripping the ropes so tightly and my knees won't stop shaking even tho I have been home for hours ... just from the pure adrenaline rush. I can completely understand why people love it so much, and I can't wait to do it again !

Because it was my first lesson, we stuck to what they called the "baby" mountains, [acronym:078bb9102b="Laughing out loud"]LOL[/acronym:078bb9102b]... "only" 5000-foot elevation. Today was all about safety and sorting out the names and types of equipment, and I climbed with some one who was "leading", meaning that we were tied together and he was right under me in case something went wrong. From running every day I'm in good shape, but I can tell you that this is NOT an easy thing to do physically. You are pulling with your arms and pushing with your legs your entire body weight. The group I was with were at the top of their game physically. I did three climbs today, and they were still there going strong when I finally left late this afternoon.

There were two incredible things that I saw today, that I would've never been able to see otherwise.

The first was that we lowered ourselves down into a rock and boulder canyon, that serves as a gushing river during the rainy season and from melted snow. Today, it was basically dry with HUGE boulders stacked at the bottom of it, with a few patches of freezing cold water and a trickling waterfall that dropped about 300-400 feet into the canyon below. The surrounding rocks had been worn smooth as glass from the rushing river and were slippery. What I remembered most was the silence. It was deafening down there. We were surrounded by rock walls.

The second one was a very surreal scene, one that I hope can be conveyed in the pictures I took. Last summer, this particular area of the mountain experienced a severe fire that made national news and burned several thousand acres. An area that once was tree-covered was nothing but blackness and desolation. The trees were still standing, but were leafless with completely charred limbs and trunks. All the vegetation was black. The ironic thing was, that the grass that was growing beneath the blackened trees was bright green - greener than normal - and LUSH. It was the most incredible contrast of colors as far as the eye could see. Part death and desolation and part brand new, brightly-colored life. It was very surreal and I felt as if I had walked into a piece of art. If I had been a real photographer, I would've been in heaven !

I did take pictures, but a few of you know by now that I don't own a digital camera ... so I used one with film and I will request that it be put on disk so I can post a few pictures ... hopefully they will convey my incredible experience ! And yes, I am definitely going back again next Sunday. I can't wait !

[RogerMcAllen]

I saw the same thing when I went to yellowstone after the big fire there. It was amazing.

[cindywindy]

Do you climb, Roger ?

Yes, I remember when Yellowstone had the fire you are referring to and I'm sure it was the same kind of scene. It sounds like you can probably relate to what I saw today !

Totally blew me away.

[fishfreek]

Thats great. Its always good to expand our horizons and never forget that we can always learn and experence new things. Maybe you can take a camera with you in your backpack and take photos of some of these locations.

[RogerMcAllen]

I have never been climbing, but I have done a fair amount of hiking.

[GrndHog]

Congratulations on the new experience, I expect a trip to the mountains next time I'm in Tucson. [acronym:103e1d7e82="Laughing out loud"]LOL[/acronym:103e1d7e82]

[oscarbreeder]

Sounds like you had a wonderful time.
Can't wait to see the pics.

[cindywindy]

I did, it was incredible !

.... but, I am soooo sore today, grooaaann....

GrndHog, anytime you're in town just give me a shout and I'll happily give you the tour ! By then I'll be a pro at this and take ya out on the ropes, [acronym:0dfb3e3e50="Laughing out loud"]LOL[/acronym:0dfb3e3e50]

[TankGirl]

That sounds wonderful, Cindywindy! I am going to be in Tucson for a family reunion in Feb, so I hope to take in some nature while I am there. The terrain is so different than what I am used to here in Virginia, I am psyched!

[cindywindy]

Tankgirl,

You have family here ? AWESOME ! Let's stay in touch and we'll do the town up when you come in !