Night Climbing

[dagibbs]

I went night climbing this (Friday) evening. Sitting on a cliff, 400 feet up, with no lights, is just kind of freaky. Climbing by headlamp, limited sight range, just your own little bubble. It is strange. Everything seems more difficult.

It is, really, another head game. The move isn't actually harder to do because it is dark. (You may pick a harder move because you can't see enough to see an easier one, though.)

Lead climbing is, also, a head game. Leading in the dark... I'm not there yet, but I might end up there.

I think this trip may be heading me towards being a more serious climber. Hell, I've got room in my life right now. The thought of just quitting everything, selling my house, and living on what I've got... and climbing. Following the weather. It is tempting. I won't do it -- I can't really afford it, and I like to be comfortable too much. But, boy is it tempting. And, if I spent a couple years like that, I'd probably be pulling at least mid 5.11s, if not 5.12s by the end of it.

Comments

[wynj.livejournal.com]

It isn't so crazy - I know a married couple who did that, and rode their motorcycles around the US for a year. They did the math; if they waited until they retired to make the journey, well, frankly they might not be healthy enough for such a trek.

So, at the age of 30 (or thereabouts), while childless, healthy, and agile, they resigned their jobs, sold their house, and put everything in storage. They came up with a budget for meals, gas, and lodging. They mapped out the places they absolutely had to see. And they did it.

Now they have photos and stories to share for the rest of their lives. And they never have to say "I wish I'd done that".

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

A thought. But, I also like my job.

[ironphoenix.livejournal.com]

Sounds fun, although we'd all miss you... and gaming, man!

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

I'd miss the gaming. Though, I did get about 3 or 4 games of Set in last night.

[metalana.livejournal.com]

I always fantasize about moving to my vacation spots. And running away with the circus.

If you like your job, you could ask for a leave of absence to do some travel or whatever. But it seems to me that your job already provides lots of travel, and you find climbing opportunities during those trips.

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

Given the economy, now might be just the time to do it, actually.

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

Or the wrong time... they might discover they don't need me back.