Ground Level

Yesterday I had a really cool and really scary experience - the climbing fever took me about 6 months ago when Queery introduced me to the physical challenge and thrill of rock climbing on a grade 13 route he himself had helped bolt. So he took me in as his apprentice and got me training on the local lead wall to build arm-strength and endurance. After months of hard work, I had finally had the opportunity to test my progress. Two aquaintances of mine - both very experienced climbers, took me along to tackle some of the rock faces near Kleinmond, Western Cape. It was cold & windy, but thankfully not raining. First thing they did was teach me to belay one of them while he was leading, which is alot trickier than when someone is climbing on top-rope (when the rope is already threaded through the chains at the top of the route). Anyway, that was cool. Next, in between fighting down the panic caused by my intense fear of heights, and the numbness in my fingers due to the freezing cold rock, I conquered the grade 16 they put me on first. By the time we got to the next 17, my arms were so tired, I bailed about 3/4 up where the crux consisted of a round overhand that prevented me from standing up on my feet. I must say though, my faith in the equipment has vastly improved, which is a crucial factor in one's confidence when climbing. One climbs alot better when you're not afraid of going splat on the rocks and shrubbery 10-15 m below... The picture is one of the masters doing his thing on a grade 23. I've been informed I will one day kick that route's ass.