project grand teton : climbing multi-pitch, learnin' rope speak, and getting used to wearing a helmet

two big tugs on the rope means...well, i already forgot. and three big tugs means something else.
it's been a few weeks since we practiced rope communication, and i've already forgot these essentials.
but, good news for me, there will be plenty of practice time this weekend when we head out
to the wind rivers in wyoming to do a few multi-pitch climbs.
i've been wanting to head out to the wind rivers for years, and i finally get to go. yay cirque of the towers! yay west!

anyway, this multi-pitch climb we did a few weeks ago up little cottonwood canyon (aka granite heaven) had me a bit scared...well, a lot scared. i cried while i worked my way through the crux.
you know it. somehow crying helped me get through it. what a release.
i felt justified seeing that i haven't been climbing in six years. i have to re-learn how to use and position my body as i climb up the rock. it really is a balancing act, and my six-year-older body is a bit confused. so i practice.

just two and a half weeks until we head up the grand! woohoo!

moab {climbing in the sun}

saturday morning we drove another hour to the climbing mecca of the desert, indian creek.

we haven't been here for years. it was good to see the red rock cliffs again,

and to feel the sun while belaying and eating good licorice.

i haven't climbed in over six years for many reasons. so i thought i'd give it a go.

i'm back to the beginning again. my muscles aren't made for climbing anymore.

i'm still processing how i feel about reuniting with my harness, shoes, and tape.

the point is, i was happy to be outside in the desert. it truly gave me a gift.

i was so anxious about my paper, but i knew i had to just start writing.

the desert gave me that start. it quieted my mind and let my fingers type words.

i presented my paper in class on tuesday, and all was well.

thank you, desert.