Ever since I started (indoor) climbing back in 1995, there was always a huge poster of Yosemite in the main lobby of my old climbing gym. Never did I think I’d make it out there, let alone be living in the same state, years later.
Since moving to California it’s always been at the back of my mind, yet a year later I still haven’t ventured out. While Yosemite is less than a four hour drive away, I still don’t know many climbers around the area enough to ask them to come with me on a trip to Yosemite. This is where my old climbing partner comes into play. Lori and I have been climbing buddies since we first started climbing twenty years ago. Now if that doesn’t make me sound like an old fart I don’t know what does. And I still don’t really know what I’m talking about when it comes to climbing, let alone climbing outdoors. Sure I know how to top rope, lead climb, boulder or teach a person technique. But I’ve never been overly fond of learning how to set up anchors outside or trad climb with all the gear.
Why?
Because it freaks me the eff out.
I’m pretty sure I swore more in the couple of hours I was at Flatrock Festival this past summer than I did in my entire life, rappelling down a 40 foot ledge. I kept racing back up to do it again, because I feel like you grow from your fears and you should overcome them. Especially if you trust your belayer and backup (which happened to be Lori. Also scolding me from swearing around the little children). I can’t help it. I swear when I’m scared.
Lori will be coming down to California from Newfoundland next week, renting a car, picking me up, and we’re driving out to Yosemite. I might be sweatin’ from the pits already thinking about it.
On Tuesday I picked up a new climbing harness (the Mammut Ophira 3 Slide— don’t ask me how to pronounce that O-word) because mine has since been retired (as it’s ancient for harnesses: 10 years old!). I hope to God that there isn’t such a thing as a lemon-harness. I’ve been using my husbands arc’teryx that I bought him in 2007 that he never wore. When I was in Newfoundland last summer, I was scolded by some new-to-me workers at the old climbing gym I frequented and was given a rental harness and told to pick up a new one when I headed back to California. I never did listen, because I primarily bouldered and once in a blue moon climbed on the top ropes. Apparently whether or not you use your harness, you should replace it every 5 years, for safety reasons as the webbing can deteriorate with time. Makes sense!
I had the grandest ol’ chat with this dude named Matt at my local Sports Basement about local climbing areas, what harnesses we had in the past, what he recommended and even chatting about our favourite climbing shoes. It was pretty awesome chatting with him, and I honestly don’t think they work on commission which is the best part. I was looking at picking up a new locking biner and a daisy chain, but I think we can rent those in Yosemite.
I wish I had a couple of more friends down in this area that I could go out and climb with, it’s hard being a little shy especially at the indoor rock climbing place I go to — I find people are usually in their own element and doing their own thing. There’s only so much “outgoing” one person can be!
So! Like I said, next week Lori and I are heading to Yosemite — I’m a bit scared because even after climbing all these years, I’m still afraid of heights (which I personally think is a good fear) and we’re doing a multi-pitch climb! Luckily, we’ve hired a guide to do it with us, but holy moses I’m freakin’ out. Exciting and scary!
Check back here tomorrow for Alfie’s weekly posts (I took him to the little town of Saratoga and we walked all around). But after that, come back in around St. Paddy’s Day and I’ll be back to regular blogging.
43 Comments
I have always wanted to go to Yosemite. I wouldn’t want to rock climb there or anywhere else, but it seems like a gorgeous place to visit.
@Robin Rue (@massholemommy): I don’t think I would want to rock climb either lol. I was fearless in my younger years but the older I get, the more I become a big ole chicken who would rather view others photos while sitting on the couch in my safety.
Terri Ramsey Beavers recently posted..Lose the baby fat with FitTea Giveaway 30 winners #PostNatalFatBurner
I’ve heard lots about Yosemite but obviously never been! I bet it would he something quite amazing to go to and explore. I’ve always admired your adventurous side and the climbing. I am not sure I could do it myself, I never thought I was afraid of heights but as I’ve gotten older it seems I’m a little chicken!
Jeanine recently posted..EduKid Toys Magnetic Letters & Numbers Review + Giveaway
I love visiting Yosemite it is one of the great wonders that we forget to talk about. I really appreciate it you highlight it.
Denise recently posted..Febreze Teams Up With Actress Jane Lynch and the ASPCA
I have heard about it, but of course I have not been. I do want to try rock climbing in a place in VA Beach though. Maybe one day I could make it to Yosemite too. I am sure you are going to have a blast.
@Giveaways 4 Mom: VA beach would also be a fun place to venture too. It’s always been a dream of mine to go there, not necessarily to go rock climbing though. I’m not as brave as Nancy or all of the other brave ones out in the world, lol.
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@Terri Ramsey Beavers: I’m going to google this beach, haven’t heard of it!
Nancy recently posted..Heading to Yosemite and I’m scared
You are so brave and I know you can do it so don’t be scared. I’ve never been to yosemite but I would love to go. I’d probably fall down though because I’d want to take photos every step of the way lol.
Terri Ramsey Beavers recently posted..Koyto Sports Yoga Socks
@Terri Ramsey Beavers: Lol omg. That’s why I’m renting a helmet :)
Nancy recently posted..Heading to Yosemite and I’m scared
I have been there once, but I didn’t climb. I don’t like heights so my sightseeing is always looking up. Have a blast!
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@Alli: Thanks! I’m sure I will, I can’t wait! :)
Nancy recently posted..Heading to Yosemite and I’m scared
I’ve never been to Yosemite and I am not a climber at all so I completely understand your fears, heights freak me out!! I am sure you will do great and I can’t wait to hear all about it!!
Ricci recently posted..The Lion King
You’re going to have such a blast! Good luck – you’re so brave!
xo katie // a touch of teal
@Katie: Haha thanks!
Nancy recently posted..Heading to Yosemite and I’m scared
You’re going to have an AMAZING time!! Don’t be scared, just push yourself :)
We went to Yosemite a few months ago and absolutely loved it. It was incredibly gorgeous. Sadly, there was no water in any of the falls due to the drought, but hopefully you’ll have better luck. Feel free to check out my post on it if you’d like!
http://www.travelsintranslation.com/2015/02/inside-yosemite-national-park/
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@Beth: That’s what the plan is! Push myself out of my fears :) :) :) Hoping the falls will be flowing, but I won’t get my hopes up.
Nancy recently posted..Heading to Yosemite and I’m scared
I’ve actually wanted to get into climbing… Just saaaaying, but you probably don’t want to have a beginner partner. LOL :) You’re going to have an amazing time in Yosemite. It’s such a beautiful place.
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@suki: I’m not sure I’d discriminate against a beginner just due to the fact they’re new at climbing. There are people who’ve been climbing for just as long as I have (20 years) who I don’t trust belaying me, and then I’ve had beginners belay me who are amazing. Luckily, my friend and I have been climbing the same length of time, and we fully trust one another. We’re hiring a guide (who I assume will be safe – I mean, it’s a guide afterall not some random right? Lollllll)
Nancy recently posted..Heading to Yosemite and I’m scared
I would LOVE to do this, but I’d be scared too. I’ve never climbed before though. So I’m clueless about the entire process. It looks extremely difficult to me, but imagine the views would be wonderful as would the sense of accomplishment.
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@Amy @ Will Run For Ice Cream: You can take beginner rock climbing courses! Either day trips (outside), or sometimes the local climbing gym offers “learn to climb” classes on a weekly basis. To be honest, I’m still scared when I climb. I’d rather be scared than fearless and do something dumb!
Nancy recently posted..Heading to Yosemite and I’m scared
I would love to try the indoor climbing. Going to Yosemite sounds so much fun! I love outdoors and love to hike!
Chubskulit Rose recently posted..Ahoy Matey, Here Comes the Pirate
Wow, what a fun adventurous trip! When I was young I was fearless but now I am getting older boy has that changed! I can’t wait to see a follow up post about your journey!!
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) recently posted..Gluten Free Fridays #132 A collection of gluten free recipes from around the blogosphere!
@Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma): I can’t wait to do a follow up either! haha
Nancy recently posted..Explore California: Saratoga Village
This is going to be such an adventure. I’m sure you’ll come away from Yosemite with even more rock-climbing skills!
Liz Mays recently posted..Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
@Liz Mays: I can’t wait!!
Nancy recently posted..Heading to Yosemite and I’m scared
I think mountain climbing would be awesome if I wasn’t deathly afraid of heights. I can only imagine the beauty of seeing everything from up there. It’s really great too when you can have everything you need at your side.
@Sharon Phillips: You don’t always have to go up high. Bouldering can be just as fun as scaling a rock face.
Nancy recently posted..Heading to Yosemite and I’m scared
What a cool trip! I admire you for doing the climb. I would be far to chicken to tackle something like that!
Penny Struebig recently posted..Thinking Out Loud Thursday – March 5, 2015
@Penny Struebig: Gotta face your fears at some point, I say! :)
Nancy recently posted..Heading to Yosemite and I’m scared
Climbing must be a fulfilling adventure for you. The security of the harness is really important for safety. What brand of climbing shoes do you wear and recommend? I’m also afraid of heights.
@rochkirstin: Yes absolutely harnesses are super important. Not only that, they’re all made so differently. Some of them have a more comfortable fit, some don’t. The Mammut one I purchased this week has metal clips instead of plastic (which sketches me out).
Climbing shoes is difficult for me to recommend. So many people like different fits for various reasons. I prefer a tighter, aggressive shoe that fits very snug around my entire foot (my toes are bent in the shoes as they’re 3.5 sizes smaller than my street shoe) and I like to have my heel secure in the heel cup part of the shoe. Some shoes allow air in and doesn’t feel secure when you’re doing a heel hook.
But not everyone does heel hooks, and prefer a flatter, looser shoe right?
The brands I have been using since i’ve been climbing is La Sportiva (the men’s lace up miura is my all time #1 favourite, but I wanted to try something new so I went to the women’s velcro katana’s, and they’re not as great for heel hooking, but they are a wicked good shoe).
5.10 shoes have fantastic rubber too. You get friction on them like nothin’ else. So those are the two brands I’d go for if I were you! :)
Nancy recently posted..Heading to Yosemite and I’m scared
That’s a good tip on replacing the harness. As for the trip, I think you’ll probably have the time of your life! :)
What an amazing trip to get to go on!! Have a blast on your trip and enjoy yourself!!
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I bet you have an amazing time!! Yosemite is a beautiful place to go to!! I would be scared of the heights from rock climbing as I have never been into heights. Glad you have a friend to go with you!
Tammilee Tips recently posted..Looking past the graffiti to see the heart of the city of Athens Greece
I would be scared too! ( of course, I have never rock climbed before). But I bet it will be beautiful and I am sure it will be one of those special memories you will always remember.
Oh I want to go to Yosemite too!But I don’t think I could do rock climbing.
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I am so excited for you! This is awesome and think it’s good for you to take the challenge. Imagine there was a poster at your old gym and now you’re going to be there. Super, super cool. Have a really awesome time and I can’t wait to hear more about it.
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I would like to go sight seeing and that’s it. I can’t walk around much these days though so take a lot of pics and I’ll be back. Mountain climbing noooooooooooooo way. Me & heights don’t get along.
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Wooohoooo!!!! I’m excited for you!!! I’ve climbed outside a lot and it still scares me. My hands are sweating now. But its a great, thrilling kind of scared :)
I’m so jealous of your trip. My job has eaten me alive but if I were free I’d be bribing you to let me come!
Maybe this summer? Tuolumne Meadows? High Sierra granite is the reason I get up in the morning. Its so amazing.
You’ll love Yosemite Valley. Do know, though, that the valley has really stiff climbing. The rock is all glacier polished and is like ICE. Don’t let it discourage you :) Enjoy it for what it is!
@Ellen: Thanks Ellen! I can’t help but be a little nervous (not used to doing such high climbs) – but I know I’ll enjoy every moment. Let me know when you’re free to climb indoors again!
Nancy recently posted..Explore California: Saratoga Village
Fear is nothing but a figment of your imagination… it looks like you are well prepared which is the best way to combat anxiety & face your fears!
Good luck & have fun :)
@Jeremy the five dollar funnel guy: Thank you, makes me smile to hear that. :)
Nancy recently posted..Explore California: Saratoga Village