(Tamina, 06.07.2013)

Climbing trips are the best, especially when you go with the right people. And this time I went with my current climbing partner and two of my exes: we were a small group but we all knew each other well and we trusted each other.

I loved the way to the crag and I was pretty proud of myself that I made it there with a big and heavy backpack. I know, I know, it’s such a small thing, but it meant a lot to me :)

We climbed on the right crag from the waterfall and the routes were absolutely amazing! We lead climbed some easy routes and played a bit with some difficult ones while top roping. Man, those difficult ones were so interesting! Smaller holds, hidden holds, more strength, more concentration – I was pretty excited to be able to try them. And I totally fell in love with one, so I guess next time I’m going there maybe I’ll have the guts to try and see if I can manage to lead climb at least the first three bolts :))

On Sunday we went to another climbing crag, but that’s a day I really want to forget. The routes were said to be very easy there and I’m sure they were, but somehow nothing felt right that day and I wasn’t in the mood to climb there. After the first route I knew I had enough of that crag but my climbing partner convinced me to try at least one more route. I clipped the rope into the first quickdraw, I panicked when I thought I wouldn’t reach the second one and yelled to my partner that I was coming down. Which I did. Afterwards I was in such a bad mood!

I’ve learned some valuable lessons from this trip: 1. never-ever wear short stockings while hiking; 2. wet rock is slippery and slimy and a bitch to climb!; 3. never-ever try to climb with bare knees! But the most important lesson is a bit more personal: 4. if I don’t like the route, there’s no point in forcing myself to climb it. I’m just doing it because it feels right and it makes me happy. As long as I’ll feel happy doing it, I’ll keep on climbing. The moment climbing becomes a burden or I’ll feel I’m doing it to prove something, I’ll simply stop.

*Bee Gees – This is where I came in