We all love thrilling adventures in high peaks and scenic landscapes however, our Wales trip concluded with a strenuous first rock-climbing experience. The mount was a definite challenge for me especially towards the feeble finale, however, it was one experience that is worth sharing.
Going to the Crag
We arrived at our destination, which was located at an elevated position, and we planned the procedure of events to set off on a mini road-trek towards the crag. We strolled on until we caught sight of the rock; with even more anticipation, we continued.
We got to the rock and rested until our coach finished setting up. I was given climbing shoes which I tried on to realise the strength of rubber grip, and felt ever so disposed towards climbing. The shoes are an experience themselves; it was the shoes that comforted me in the climb. Especially in that weather, did it affect my grip.
The weather made our experience strenuous primarily because of the cold drizzle up in the windy cloud that nipped our hands off. The addition of bare visibility was a factor in thick clouds like the one we were in. You may be inquisitive on our decision to rock-climb in that condition; modestly, we all enjoyed it, as it produced a gratifying proudness in our faces. Doing it on a sunny day isn’t as exciting, as climbing it in punishing climate with challenges to overcome.
Equipping the Harness
After our coach had completed tying up the ropes and setting up the climb, he instructed us about equipping the harness safely and prepared us for commencing. Initially, my mindset was positive and determined to complete the ascent, therefore, I stepped up for demonstration, as determined as a kid learning to ride a bike. With a steady swiftness, I ascended and kept escalating until I was told to prepare for an abseil.
Before I climbed, we were told that the challenge was coming back down, so, I pushed against the crag and started an adagio descending. Adagio because of the feelings that drew my attention; the stong wind howling against me in a stratocumulus cloud and my hands shivering off the rock.
Climbing
After I finished the demonstration, I ascended for a second time, however, this time it was for the actual ascent. I was challenged to do crack climbing so, I elated through the crack. As a beginner, I thought it was difficult and at one point I felt like throwing my body down. I continued and to nowhere did I get; I found a crux which was the only way, at that point, to undergo. It really changed my mind to bail out. I pursued on with my hands biting off the rock and my feet shivering away, in the nipping wind, until I saw the crest.
Abseil
The crest was no less or more to me than a feeling of proudness. I was commited to reach the peak, and I did! I yelled out for descending me, through the thick cloud. Within moments, I was dropping down the pitch with my shoes, ropes and crew (family and friends) at the bottom taking complete control of my weight. I dropped on, bit by bit, until suddenly, I plunged down and swung sideways to take a hit on my back against a sharp ledge that poked out.
Oh…damn! I thought, with my body hanging loosely. I saw a dip into the rock where I thought I could rest without giving up. I squeezed myself in there to rest from the pain and felt like throwing my body off the crag. Steadily, I abseiled down to the base to relieve myself from the hit. The determination came from my brother who completed the mount and descent as fast as an eagle. He was my aspiration the moment I smashed my back.
Experience summary
What more could I ask for than, rock-climbing for the first time in realistic conditions like this! I wouldn’t be more appeased if I had another opportunity. For anybody seeking to venture out in adventures like these, Barmouth is a great location that satisfies you with a challenging crag. Despite my experience, I wholeheartedly recommend rock-climbing even if you are petrified about the consequences; it is a much safer activity than you may think! It is a grinding activity though, so stay determined throughout!
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