The walk is pleasant, sky clear and pale blue

light clouds and not too hot,

skirting gooseberry and hawthorn

wildflowers here and there.

winding up among boulders

to the cliff atop the mesa.

 

The cliff three times as high.

Looking over the edge,

securely linked to my anchor -

dizzying, yet thrilling.

Working through the steps steadies the mind,

though not the heart beating faster.

Each step in the process builds excitement

Nerves and maybe a bit of confidence

Set the anchor and master connection

lost in the concentration, nerves forgotten

for the moment.

A figure 8 loop through the master

looking good

ready for belay the nerves return

Still process rules panic.

check – harness and helmet,

Area clear and safe,

Equipment – all secure

Communication – “On Belay?”

waiting for the response, holding breath

“Belay on” comes from below.

It’s time! Safety line release.

Back toward the edge, easy this time,

(Nervous about the knots.

First time setting them, still they hold.)

On the edge.

Slide feet, till standing on toes

Feet apart, legs straight,

Lean backwards, trust the rope.

No fear this time. Smooth and easy.

One hand on the harness, one to my back controlling the rope

Exhilaration hanging over the cliff!

A momentary pause, taking in the view

Senses heightened

Forest and plain seem magnified

Wasp buzzes, flowers sweet

Imagining the smell of the earth

Shoes scrape on the rock, a small sound

Seeming part of the world

The smell of rag weed and silver sage

Clouds building to the west

All is beautiful, things often ignored

become elements in the spectacular vista.

Spirits lift, all interactions heightened.

Walking down the wall

Forgetting self for a moment,

Starting to twist

Feet too close!

Without thinking, descent stopped

Bending knee, resetting feet -

Not even a bump against cliff wall

Take a breath and look around.

No fear, only exhilaration!

Then slow release and stepping

Sound of rope sliding through glove, accents

One final step and down.

This time, no fear,

only a floating sensation

Standing on the ground,

Spirit soaring still.

Aware of surroundings as seldom felt

The only thing better is sharing

with friends

and those who will come after

More climbing surely follows.