What a day! 60 degrees, sunny, out on Lake Maggiore in Italy. I couldn’t ask for more during the winter!
Jen, Josh, Tye, Noah and I took advantage of the warm weather and planned a day of climbing along the water front. Josh being the expect lead us to the perfect spot…in the sun and accessible to all of us inexperienced people. As always watching Josh make the first climb builds up our confidence and allows us to believe that it won’t be that bad.
View from the first climb
Fearless leader paving the way!
Tye and I stood off in the background watching, assessing the different areas commenting that once we got through the first part then we would be all set. Sure! Noah suited up first, being the brave younger brother and all, and tackled the rock. He gave it a good effort but the first couple of steps were challenging and he decided to step back and reassess his tactics, allowing for Jen to step up.
Now Jen is a true spider monkey. She had a couple failed attempts but then muscled her way pushing and pulling up through the steep beginning and eventually making it onto what appeared to be the easy part. Yeah, not so much. There were a few more hand holds and places to put your feet but it still was quite the challenge. However, Jen successfully made it to the top, tapped the metal rings and repelled down.
Getting Noah ready for his first climb
My turn! It only took about 12 tries for me to get past the first 3 steps. I used a very technical move, at least that is what I have been told to make my way through the section. It is called the flag. I guess that makes me a climber or something!
Anyhow, it was all good. I made it to the top in under an hour…or close to an hour. The climb should have taken about 15 or 20 minutes. I guess I may need a little more practice on the rock before I am able to scurry that quickly.
Showoff!
Josh takes such good care of me!
If I am happy it will be easier...right?
Official Move
This is fun!
Feeling the fatigue
Still working...getting a little closer
Success!
After my climb, Tye made an attempt and was successful and Noah took another swing at it. He persevered and reached the top much quicker then I did. However, all of us when we came down were a little shaky, tired and questioning if we wanted to try another area.
Tye
A unique move...quite flexible indeed!
Jen belaying Tye with a little help from Josh
Noah's 2nd attempt
Jen looking on as Noah attempts his second climb
Jen’s desire won out and we followed the sun a little farther down the path and tackled an easier section. Josh climbed first putting in all of the carabeaners and then Jen took a swing at lead climbing placing the ropes in the carabeaners for the rest of us to use. She did a great job but it made her little brother extremely nervous while he watched. He continually was mumbling to himself, don’t you want to come down now, why don’t you clip that in from where you are from…I think that’s enough. It was great to watch the role reversals on that one.
Carabiners
View from the 2nd climbing location
Jen taking the lead
After Jen got all the ropes in place, Noah and I took another swing at climbing. We were both a little quicker this time and our height was extremely helpful when reaching for the various holds and pulling ourselves up. I think I may be a little sore tomorrow!
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