Climbing

After being postponed due to our Lagoon trip I was finally able to take Rachel rock climbing. Honestly, Rachel probably remembers this better than I do. I know that we went to the Red Slab in Rock Canyon and I set up a top-rope on a 5.6 climb. At one point Rachel was struggling and so I hoisted myself up and pointed out holds to her while doing a hanging belay.

I was excited and a little bit nervous about this date.  I knew that Logan was an excellent climber and I didn’t want to look like too much of an idiot. 

The first climb we did was a 5.6.  I got stuck about half way up and to my surprise Logan climbed up right beside me to help me out.  I felt safe because I knew he had me on belay, but I remember being really impressed that he could do that. I remember the wonderful feeling of accomplishment that I felt when I reached the top.  Who would have known that rock climbing would become such a big part of my life.  I still love that feeling I get when I reach the top of a difficult climb.

That was our first time climbing and was more-or-less uneventful. The second time I took her climbing, however, was a different story.

Yeah, you broke my ankle.

I didn’t break your ankle. You fell, therefore YOU broke your ankle. Good work. I was only there to help.

What happened to, “Don’t worry, I’ll catch you if you fall?”

Let’s just tell the story.

We went with Jordan, Kate, Jon, and Ashley to The Kitchen (also in Rock Canyon). Next to the area where we were climbing were a few harder routes with fun starts and those of us who weren’t climbing were playing around on these areas. And I decided that this would be a great time to introduce Rachel to the joy of bouldering.

Rachel, at first, was hesitant. I reassured her over and over again though that I would spot her and make sure nothing happened. Finally she stepped up to the rock and placed her hands on the first holds. Then she slowly placed her feet on the opening foot holds, about 4” off the ground.

And then she fell. I have to admit that I was totally unprepared for this. SHE WAS 4” OFF THE GROUND.

Wait, wait, wait.  I was bouldering around for a while before I fell.  I was at a foot or more off of the ground.  Give me at least that much.

Maybe 6”

Long story short: she broke her ankle. The End.

That’s not the end. After I fell I laid against Logan with my leg up while Jordan and Kate finished their climbing.  By this point my ankle was swollen to the size of a grapefruit.

Oh yeah. It was huge!

 I had to be carried down the mountain by Jordan and Logan.  Not the most glamorous way to finish a date.