Over the Hill...

More thoughts on the rock climbing course with REI.

P writes: Since I am pushing sixty, I was worried that I might not be able to keep up with the rest of the group--most of whom were half my age and had some good experience in climbing gyms. They were so full of energy and confidence, and I was well aware of the fact that I was certainly among the weakest climbers in the group.

No worries--everyone was really helpful, and in the end, I didn't do too badly, but I was surprised about two things:

1. I seemed to focus more on finding an easier route, rather than powering up things. Which isn't to say that I kept up with them...but I was surprised at how willing they were to simply power up over a stretch. Impressive! At the same time, our guide mentioned that the routes we were climbing were 5.7 to 5.10. While I did NOT finish the climb on the toughest routes, even the 5.7 seemed pretty easy to me. I am convinced that I found ways up that rock that were simply easier. Slow but sure, always looking for the easy way up--or out!

That's me on the left, looking for an easy way up. And Peter on the left, working a different route that required a clever and difficult move through that overhang.

2. I didn't feel as if I lacked the strength to do any of the moves ( although arthritis in my hands made me think about a few things) but I was surprised that sometimes a lack of flexibility hindered my options. I knew where I wanted to put my leg at times, I just couldn't get it up there!

Maybe I should do more yoga, and less cycling... nah!