I bundled up with about four layers of clothing on bottom and top, nervous about being warm enough. Nervous enough that even with nearly everything laid out I didn't remember to bring my down jacket along for when I was done and possibly shivering. And I didn't remember my climbing harness either. Idiot. Thankful, on so many levels, to Alyssa who saved me. She loaned me boots (which I love), crampons, harness and Shannon loaned me her helmet.
I had a moment this morning when I thought I might bail, just take Syd up the canyon for a hike/run. Alyssa and Tad were running late after going to Midnight Mass and I laid down on the bed to read and wait. And it was then that I started to have second thoughts. But I pushed them aside, as I didn't want to give into fear. I was going to be with expert climbers and some of the safest people in El Paso County.
Turns out I had a blast. Stomping around in my crampons like a petulant child. Preferring to sink into my knees rather than stand up. Better center of gravity for sure. Makes it easy to see why that's the correct technique! Both Tad and Alyssa gave me tips as we walked from the cars down to the base of Silver Cascade - a trail in Cheyenne Canon I have not been on previously. And once we were at the cascade, I was turned over to Bill under whose expert watch I traversed a short distance low to the ground, learning to find pockets in the ice for my crampons or my tools and remembering the most important rule - ALWAYS make sure you have 3 points of contact on the ice. Two feet and one ice pick; two ice picks and one foot.
Before I knew it I was roped in and Bill was on belay. Ready, I asked nervously? Ready. Climb on. Okay. Here goes. My calves were burning at points like they've never burned before. And at times my knees were shaking - something in yoga I've heard called the tremor of truth. Bill reminded me that more important than the tremors was that my heels be down. Okay. Stay focused, Jessica. I haven't a clue how long it took me. There were times when I looked at the wall and thought there is no place to find a good pocket for my ice pick or there is definitely no place for me to put my feet. And then a deep breath and another look and sure enough there was an option. Then Bill said, "Okay, Jessica. Stand up now." Really? But that was the only way back down - to repel - which meant standing up, feet perpendicular to the wall. That might have been the scariest moment of the day - standing up that first time to repel back down.
On the ground my heart beat fast. Really fast. And my legs were a bit jello-like. But I'd done it. I'd climbed a cascade of ice. Nice! Pete offered hot cocoa which after two offers I took - grateful for the warmth inside me. I was shaking - more from adrenaline than from cold. A simple feeling of euphoria spread over me. These great people who didn't really know me were more than happy to help me on my first ice climb.
I waited a bit and then Tad belayed me again - this time up a softer piece of the ice with water running underneath. Stickier he said. In some ways much easier than the crisp, almost brittle ice that I'd climbed first (deeper in the shade). And yet in other ways a little spookier since it almost seems alive.
Alyssa and I headed for the car while other climbed a bit more. We hiked up above Helen Hunt Falls - another place I hadn't ever gone for all the hundreds of times I've been in the canon. Breakfast is normally up top, but the wind was a bit pesky today, so we were inside the souvenir shop that is open in the summer. Ron's wife Rita made the fluffiest, most awesome pancakes and Ron, some killer eggs. A day spent with good, kind and patient people.
I am reminded again how much I love the peace of the woods. I love to run and I love to run trail. But I think I have run to the exclusion of hiking and being out in the mountains. Maybe I ought to rejoin the Mountain Club. Or maybe I just ought to get out and hike a few more mountains. Good thing Marigny wants to climb a few 14er's this summer. I'll gladly keep her company. It is peaceful and so beautiful to be among the whispering pines and the ice covered water.
And so today marks the beginning of the list of 40 firsts. Last week I had my first taste of scotch and today I climbed Silver Cascade. Two done, 38 more great things to come!
No comments:
Post a Comment