Quest

via Photo Challenge: Quest

top-out-5-4-quarry I have recently begun the sport of rock climbing as a result of an interest spurred by my brother and nephew. It began with me tagging along on climbing outings and playing videographer with everyone’s phones to capture their climbs and top-outs. Then I actually decided to attempt some indoor climbing and while I never reached a top-out, I realized how much I love pushing my fear boundaries. Yes, I am afraid of heights, but I no longer want my fears to define me and limit me.

Last month I actually decided to send an actual rock face and take on the quest of topping out. My first attempt was a top out on a 5.2 climb (photo to the below, right), about the lowest rating for a climb ;). My second attempt a week later I topped out on a 5.4, the photo you see on the top left!

While my top-out quest for the top and for more challenging climbs is not progressing as crazily as my brother and nephew, I do enjoy the challenge. There is a powerful feeling that one taps into when ascending a rock. For me, it is not about conquering the rock but working with the rock to reach the top. You learn to trust yourself, your belayer, the rope, and the rock.