Climb on. .

Yes. I had a great opportunity to go climbing with a wonderful friend, who I have been insistent be my "first time outside" partner. I made is to C. Springs Saturday night and we grubbed and drank with a great bunch of her friends. Then sat around a fire to the wee hours playing guitar and sharing life together. That was a great start of the experience. I am in the mode of meeting new people for sure. I allowed myself to become disastrously and dangerously someone I am truly not. That is scary! I am on the road to re-discovery and included in that is my love of connections and relationships. I believe with all of me, that life is all about relationships, and connection. Everything else is the great stuff in between. Which I love.
So back to the point of this, we woke to a beautiful day and I was really excited to be climbing outside finally!! It had been so long. I remember the feel of placing my hands against the rock, and really feeling and sensing the power and density. The energy of what made the cliff the way in is. . I have missed it dearly. We headed to Red Rock open space, just South of Garden of the Gods.
I agreed to lead and was really excited about it. Climbing has been different this time around for me. I don't have the same fears that I had my last go round. I think it is because of the "Fuck it" attitude that I have currently. It is not a bad thing but I am ready to re-discover my edge and climbing is a great one for me. So my first shot was a really solid 5.10a, the picture above, and I was ready. Like the days of my youth, I held my hands against the rock and went over my old mantra, "Relax, Breathe, trust, enjoy" I am pretty sure a smile broke my face, if I wasn't already smiling. (I had been smiling all weekend) I set myself for my first move and the rest was history for me. Stephanie was a great partner and we have many more climbs together. We compliment each other in so many ways. I push her and she inspires me, that is one of my favorite parts of our relationship. She is also a fantastic climber, with a bit of fear holding her back. . . . but only a little. I remember that fear well, it keeps us centered and grounded with self preservation. The edge. . . .
I am happy to be climbing again. I feel alive and vigorous. I yearn for the climbing life style again. Rogue, free, and spirited. I have an anchor and I deal with it daily. I am happy today. I look forward to climbing MORE!!! ha ha ha ha. . . Steph?? You in??