July 22nd, 2012: Today was a SORE day…. So sore. All this hiking has really done a number but we must carry on. I woke and packed my pack… a running theme here; pack, unpack, pack, unpack. At least I was getting to be a lot better at it! Ate a lovely breakfast of oatmeal with raisins, apples and brown sugar too. That should be good to get me going for the hike ahead of us.
We then got a lesson on the seven leadership skills. I enjoyed learning these and comparing myself to them to see how many of them I had. After all, this is a learning experience, so I might as well see what I have to learn! Our groups then reviewed the maps and did the usual routine of estimating distance and elevation gain. We had to go uphill the entire time for about 2 miles. I hiked today with Rich, Lillie and Jared. We were headed to our first base camp. Pretty exciting time for us. A place for us to unpack, and not have to pack again for a few days! A place we can call “home” for a little.
We hiked slowly as it was all uphill. A slow incline next to a creek with mountain peaks on both sides. It was amazing. Every once in a while I would just pause to look around and really appreciate where I was and what I was accomplishing so far. On this hike, I ended up having some breathing problems and was pretty tired, but I chugged along. Almost fell in the river when crossing it too… had to be saved by Jared (an occurrence that would happen many a times in the upcoming weeks). I had felt somewhat uncomfortable crossing where we did as the rocks looked wet, but there wasn’t much choice and the group decided to go for it, so we did. I think my overprotecting of my knees was sometimes a setback for me and caused me to look stupid more than actually looking safe. We hiked towards these towers off in the distance and as they got closer they continued to fascinate the group. They were magnificent looking and of course, tempting to touch. But no way were we headed up there! Instead we hiked up an incline of rocks, attempting to switchback when we could. It was a great relief to see the other group once we got there! I made it, out of breath and all!
For the next hour, we spent the time trying to decide on which location should be used as our tent area, and which as our kitchen (as they had to be 200 feet apart). We didn’t want to rough up nature too much with our tents since we’d be there for a few days, but there wasn’t enough room for our tents at the other area. But, as a group, after thoroughly checking out the locations, we decided and set up our tents and kitchens. Our tent pole broke too today during the set up. Paige pulled a bit too hard and snap. Good thing we have smart men around that came over to fix it! Paige was pretty scared that we’d be mad at her for that, and I was a bit irritated at first. Then I looked around at where I was and view we had from our tent and figured, it wasn’t worth it. She didn’t mean it and it was totally fixable. So we comforted her and moved on.
Our instructor Andrew then completed a lesson with us on knots (figue 8, double figure 8, figure 8 on a bend) and hitches. We did them with our eyes closed, we put them on things. It was fun. I prefer the hands on learning. More entertaining, of course. I also like the challenges presented with this. Must have a well-dressed figure 8…. Of course at first I was like, seriously….what does it matter. But we had fantastic instructors who always provided explanations and after thinking it through, it made sense. Easier to adjust and easier to check to see if it was tied correctly. DUH! Stop in your head complaining about the small things. They don’t matter. Remember to smile and be grateful to be where you are. (Little would I know that I would catch on to tying well-dressed knots pretty easily with the help of Jared who showed me there are techniques to getting it right every time, which I of course paid attention to. I wanted to learn, and knot tying actually became one of my favorite things to do during my down time).
Following the knot lesson we got down to some more fun stuff! We all put on our shoes and Jared then demonstrated to us varying foot techniques. We would walk up or traverse across rocks at our basecamp. We learned smearing, edging and smedging. Glad I read up on rock climbing lingo and technique before I came. I think it helped me with knowing what to do with my shoe, but in the end it was Jared that got us to realize how it actually worked. It’s got to be weighted for it to stick. We also felt some rock so he could define hand holds like pinches, mantles, jugs and crimps. And of course, quite an embarrassing, but “whatever” type of moment had occurred during the lesson. And leave it to me to be the girl to do it (I’m not at all a girly girl and I have 3 brothers… ). So, gas was passed. HAHA (I laugh so hard thinking about it). To this point, the gas had proceeded to be passed freely amongst the males. Blame the NOLS rations… it’s just the effect it has on you. Noises would happen, and lectures moved on with small laughter and giggles from the audience. This time, the lesson had continued until it was realized that it wasn’t a male who had done it. “Wait a second… Karyn was that you?!” My reply was a blatant “well yeah, you don’t think we have to do that ever?” The replies were hilarious. Jacks reply was “it was so cute.” Dalton on the other hand looked at me in horror. “That was really you?” he said with sheer concern on his face. He then proceeded to explain that I was his first girl fart. Well, if that doesn’t make it that much more embarrassing. I mean, the other girls already vowed they would never do it in front of the guys. Me on the other hand didn’t care, but it was still early in the trip and I guess I didn’t feel THAT comfortable yet, but it had to happen. So, as a way to make everything seem totally normal and acceptable, I replied to Dalton’s comment of me being his first with a hardy high five and a “yeah, I’m your first!!” Of course I would handle it like this… that’s how I am. Let’s try to make EVERYONE feel “normal” again.
For dinner we had beans and cheese quesadillas that I cooked. It rained a little and for our closure Dalton taught us about fungus (lykon). It’s cool to get the chance to learn from each other. I’m sure the instructors were happy to get a break from the teaching too.
That evening was the start of the card nights that would occur every night until we left. I would not be involved in all, but tonight I was amongst Chase, Nate, Lillie, Lee, Dalton and Rich. We played presidents and of course, since we were in a positive learning environment, names of the positions were changed to ensure we would not get in trouble with the General… Jared. But of course, he retired to bed and it all let loose.
I am though, still having trouble sleeping, and Jared explained it is probably from the altitude. Still hoping to at least FEEL like I slept a little tonight.
July 23rd, 2012: Breakfast today was sausage and onions in hash browns. Our instructors then took us on a parade, bomb proof checking our kitchens and tent areas. We didn’t pass with flying colors, but we also didn’t fail miserably. I’d say we were right where we needed to be. Little things just needed to be accounted for and we could totally get that done for next time.
We had a helmet lesson today and learned the 10 ways to screw up feedback with Adam. He’s hilarious. The most laid back out of all the instructors and most willing to admit he forgot his paper and couldn’t remember them all. Makes him seem human and not super hero. I liked it though, instead we all put our heads together and came up with them on our own. It became a better class I think and we felt more included in it. While this was occurring, Jared and Andrew were off at the crag, trundling rocks and making sure it was safe for our next lesson!
After walking a short distance to the crag, Jared and the other instructors taught us about belaying and climbing commands that we must adhere to and showed us how to use our ATC’s. Be sure to check yourself visually, verbally, and tactilely. THEN WE GOT TO CLIMB!!! We climbed with secondary belayers to ensure safety until we had some practice under our belts (it would be a day or two). I was excited to see how awesome outdoor climbing is! Definitely enjoy it way better than indoor climbing! My first climb was nerve racking though. It was a bit scary to climb on real rock. I was shaking from a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I didn’t want to fall and get hurt, but you push through that, or at least I do. I’m glad I did because after the first one, I was on fire. My second climb was a 5’9 and I only made it half way up. In my head I KNEW I could do it though. So of course, I wanted a second chance. Got on there after a few more people attempted it, with Nate as my belayer. This is where I discovered a respect for Nate. He got me up that rock, no doubt. I passed the part that had given me problems the first time. Good thing I have some muscle on me, because I totally muscled through the move. Then, there were no hand holds! I wanted to reach the top! Not because I wanted to be successful, but because I knew I could do it, and my goal when climbing is to just get to the top. I couldn’t care less about onsights and all that jazz. I was there to learn and see how far I could push myself through my mental blocks, not to be the best and be all “pro-like.” At one point, I thought I was done for…. But hearing Nate from below spew words of encouragement and even some “I’m not letting you down till you’re up at the top” really got me through it. It pushed me through that mental block. And I made it! Probably one of the best all time feelings I have ever had. It was a high that I’m not sure could be matched ever again. I made sure to thank Nate after landing safely back on the ground.
Following the climb, Adam showed us how to make a back pack out of the rope and we tested ourselves on it, and we debriefed on the climbs and safety. I liked the debriefing. It was nice to rethink what we had done and examine if things could have been done differently. It was a great time to learn from yourself and others. Then we went back to site, cooked soup with rice for dinner, and listened to Tyler on the hot seat talk about his life and then Paige taught us how the mountains formed.
Tomorrow we would get our first re-ration of food. How exciting! Card games commenced again as usual, this time with the game of Hearts. Fun and bonding time was a bit forced on my side, only because I still felt odd being the oldest, but I pushed through and of course managed to have a good time, again, because that is what I do.
The following is an almost exact excerpt from today’s journaling when we had some down time to journal and reflect on our journey so far:
I must say that this is the first day that I actually feel calm. Living on the East Coast and living in a family with a lot of drama has created this heaviness that has always sat on me. I hadn’t noticed it till just now. I felt physically, mentally and emotionally different. We got time to just sit and I realized that it feels good to not feel so much pressure. Pressure to do well in school, to be a great teacher, to deal with family crises, to do things right, to take care of what was my responsibility, to deal with friends not calling back, and people needing you. It was….. peaceful. I can’t say I’ve ever felt this before. In return, I started noticing other things. I can hear the bugs and the river. I can feel the breeze, the warm sun upon my face. I can smell the fresh air, the dirt and rock below me, and the pine. At this point, I still couldn’t even believe that I was there. I had made it. My hard work in rehab and at home to heal had paid off. I realize that the money to get me here out of pocket didn’t even matter. This experience and opportunity makes me feel that this is so worth it. I have thought nothing of home. At one point last night, I felt the slightest sadness in knowing that I couldn’t text people a picture of where I was or what I was doing. But not because I missed them. More so because I wanted to share the joy and peace that I was feeling and make others realize it does exist. But, not having electronics is the best feeling. It is so exhilarating and humbling. To see mountain peaks on all four sides of me, with snow patches, trees, rocks, grass, clouds, blue skies….and my new friends. It makes me realize how wonderful, fragile and short life can be. Take time, relax, don’t sweat the small stuff. Live, laugh, love everything and everyone. Respect each other, the earth and things. Take time to breathe in, feel the wind, sit in silence, lay on the dirt, get dirty, live simple. The reward is great and changes are happening. The commraderie, the help that our group gives each other, just after knowing each other for 4 days is so amazing to see and be a part of. I feel like I have missed out on so much of life being 27 (the oldest of the group by 5 years), but…..it’s never too late. I’m here now and that’s all that matters. It was possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment