The Climb

Being fit and getting fondled!

So our rock climbing venture occurred early last month, but I didn't get the pictures from Kristin until recently, so here's a post about a rather belated event. I'll make it quick. I'm just stoked because I look super skinny in the above shot. Yes, I realize that I have bony arms and legs, but if you know me that well, you also know about my big blubber belly. Mmm. It's like all my fat designated my tummy as the new South Beach and decided to flock there in droves. And in that pic, you can't even tell! I look like I have washboard abs! Suh-weet.

Double knotting like a pro,
but rappelling like a novice.

What makes this a monumental activity is because, well, I don't do activities. Frankly, I don't really like to move. I'm most content, as Dre puts it, eating chips in my bed and reading. (Only she got it slightly wrong; I prefer sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds.) But Isaac suggested it, and it sounded pretty fun because my last sort of active endeavor was over a year ago at Yosemite, and while that was more rock scrambling than climbing, I was pretty good at it and I had fun. Plus, when I told others about it, their enthusiasm had me going, and we ended up booking the last six spots of the instructional group.

L to R: Tim, Dre, me, Jason, Kristin & Isaac

I was a little stressed, because everyone was running late, and I called Rockreation to let them know, and was informed that anyone tardy over 15 minutes would forfeit their spot, and lose out on the $40 (per person) fee. Kristin and I were the only ones who arrived on time; thank goodness Kristin was there because it was love at first sight for the instructor. He proceeded to hover around her the rest of the day, and gave the approval to hook up the four others in our group who came 16 or 17 minutes late.

An Instructor and the Latebirds

Climbing up the wall was pretty easy. It's the "let go at 40 feet up and lean back into empty space" that's the terrifying part. But then you get used to it, and you feel all great, and you deal with the sweaty pits, and the fear of your partner not belaying you correctly, while checking out the tan and muscular bodies, burning calories, and goofing around with your friends. And then the next few days, your arms are burning, your fingers ache, and you're walking as if two men banged you like a Salvation Army drum (my favorite line from Bedazzled).

Ready...set...rock climb!