Climbing

X Photo: Luke Sosnowski

Climbing. A pursuit which has changed my priorities, my values and my ambitions. (And, it has to be said, something which has at times messed with my mind more than almost anything else.) A strange mix of fear, self-doubt, elation and self-affirmation. The end-game of all outdoor pursuits, and an overture to real adventure.

All this, despite the fact that I'm ... well ... crap.

X Photo: Julia Mullarney

No matter. I accept my limitations, and it doesn't bother me much these days. I have learnt the real secret to climbing: you don't need to be a fantastic climber to have fantastic experiences. I choose my climbs carefully, and as a result, I get more fulfillment out of climbing than nearly anything else.

I identify three aspects to climbing which, in their amalgam, produce the singularly remarkable experience that keeps me coming back for more.

Landscape. This is the most primal aspect of climbing. For producing an immediate, intimate and intense connection to your environment, climbing is unequaled.

It can sometimes overwhelm. Anchored on a huge rock face, you cannot help but know your place in the scheme of things. You are insignificant. You are at the mercy of an indifferent world. Yet somehow, with good judgement, determination, and a bit of luck, you'll make it up okay.

X Photo: Luke Sosnowski (L), Andrew Butterfield (R)

Commitment. Our sanitised modern existence has deprived us of crucibles, of the opportunity for passionate endeavour. (And heaven forbid we are exposed to any real risk...)

Climbing allows you to reclaim the excitement of uncertainty, and the satisfaction of self reliance. (It's also an excellent way of getting better acquainted with you own strengths and limitations - pretensions will only get you into trouble up here.)

The climbing adventures that I have shared form some of the best and most enduring memories of my adult years.

People. (Essential climbing accessories!) A climbing rope can be a direct line to friendship. The shared experience of a long climb engenders trust, intimacy and acceptance between you and those you climb with. It's hard to maintain much of a facade when you're quaking on lead, struggling on second, or concerned that you won't even be able to get up. (Sharing success is pretty nice, too...)

Geez, enough of the bullshit! Go check out the rest of my climbing pages.