Happy New Year!Have you ever wanted to do something that seems out of character? Maybe others think it is crazy, but, you think it seems intriging. Now that we have started a new year, it is time to give those impulses a little feeding! I did.
I wanted to try ice climbing and with the encouragement of a friend and a nice class offered by San Juan Mountain Guides, I was able to experience the thrill of ice climbing without having to commit to the sport without a test drive.
San Juan Mountain Guides offer a 1/2 day, Intro to Ice class. They let you borrow the gear including the ice axes, the boots, the crampons, and the helmet. They even make sure you have the appropriate gloves and outerwear.
You head off to the Ouray Ice Park and before you know it, you are geared up, holding axes in your hands, kicking the ice, and moving up. What a thrill! They have a new area at the park that is accessible from the street so you don't have to hike into the canyon before you start to climb. You climb first, then, you are lowered back down to the ground.
I climbed on the Opening Day of the Ice Park and there were a bunch of "Never Evers" with me. At the end of the three hour class, I was tired. My arms were sore, my hands were very tired, and my toes were cold. But, I had a great big smile across my face and a real sense of accomplishment. I did something that fed my spirit, my sense of adventure.
It is a new year so, if you have a desire to try something new, you should.
May your family know peace in 2008 and may you enjoy great health. We hope that we will see you soon!
