Rock climbing

[vaneramos]

Thursday was parents' night at Guelph Grotto where Brenna attended rock climbing camp. I got to do a little climbing myself, but mostly watched her scramble to the tops of various walls. The skill she mastered in a few days was impressive. She was at a disadvantage through the week because most of the other kids knew one another, so she had trouble finding a partner. At parents' night we were attended by one of the staff, who served as belayer, the person who stands below and keeps tension on the rope while you're climbing. So Brenna climbed more high walls than she had done all week.

Brenna has a particular approach to new challenges. She doesn't like to attempt them when anyone is watching. If she wants to master something, she'll tackle it again and again to perfection when she thinks no one is looking. Each climb is rated 5.4 (easiest) to 5.11 (hardest). She nearly made it to the top of a 5.7, harder than anything she had done all week, then got shaky and asked to be let down. The 5.5s and 5.6s she finished without hesitation.

Too bad Marian and I get vertigo. I'm almost inspired to overcome it and learn how to rock climb so I could take her climbing some cliffs along the Niagara Escarpment. Of course the expensive equipment is another matter. Everything costs.

Here Brenna demonstrates ascending, a technique using a rope and tackle, useful for scaling sheer surfaces that offer no handholds.

Comments

[marian-w.livejournal.com]

Ooh-hoo neat pic. Looks fun, I may have to try again sometime. I miss that weasel cabbage. Hug her big for me!
taa taa
-love, Marian

[clairenolen.livejournal.com]

great stuff! she looks accomplished.;-)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Hey turnip newt! Camp comes with a month's free membership, so maybe we can all go over someday next month.
Love,
Dad

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

She's inspiring!

[bear-left.livejournal.com]

I went climbing with my ex-bf when I visited him in Santa Cruz last April - it was the first time I've ever done it, and I was shocked how much fun I had & how liberating it felt. I still have to explore local climbing resources here.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Good for you! My vertigo is so bad I was unable to climb more than 10 or 12 feet without getting uncomfortably distracted. Hopefully I can overcome it to experience that fun and freedom.

[bear-left.livejournal.com]

My general fear of heights kicked in, but I managed it to some degree. I made it to the top of the easy/beginner walls, but had a tougher time with the others.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Heh, the easy/beginner walls at Guelph Grotto are still high, just the handholds are easier. I didn't quite make it halfway up the easiest one. Hmm, maybe another time. ;-)