"Pumped"

Word of the Day: Pumped - when the muscles become hard from extended physical exertion makes it difficult to hold the rock

What does it feel like? Having Popeye's forearms AFTER he eats his spinach and no, it is not a comfortable feeling. Especially when you are 30+ feet in the air, hanging onto a tiny little peg on the wall to keep you from falling. Yup, Ry and I went rock climbing.

We both had a day off (which hasn't happened in a very long time) so, we decided to go on a date. A few years ago we had talked about going rock climbing at a local gym Earth Treks but nothing ever really came of it (and honestly I was just fine with this because as I get older, my fear of heights increases). For some reason Ry thought rock climbing would be the perfect date for us. He had a little convincing to do but, eventually I was on board.

We started our morning off with brunch at Pussers, which has the most amazing view of the bay, and then we headed over to the gym to go rock climbing. Once we found the gym (after circling the area a few times b/c Ry "remembered how to get there") we paid for 3 climbs each and a pair of rental shoes. We had to change and wait for an employee to belay for us. Now the girl that came over to belay us was maybe 5'2 and 100 lbs soaking wet. She was in charge and making sure we didn't fall off the wall. It is amazing the little pulley system that makes that possible!

It was pretty crowded so we stopped at the first open spot on the wall. Ry went first b/c my palms were already sweating just thinking about climbing. Once he was securely attached to the girl and the wall he started his trek. He hit a couple spots where he needed a little help on where to go but, other than that he made it up perfectly! I had the camera in my hands but I was way too nervous to pull it out and start taking pictures. He came down very smoothly and then it was my turn. Crap. I was securely attached to the girl and the wall (I watched her like a hawk) and I started my venture up the wall. The first few pegs weren't too bad and before I knew it I was half way up the wall. Then... I looked down. I froze. Ry was playing with the camera so he didn't see me at first looking for some encouraging words. Eventually, he looked up and started to talk me through it. The girl was trying to help the whole time but, I just met her and she looked like she was 12. Yes, she had over 5 years of climbing experience and has worked there almost 2 years but at that time... she was no one to me. So, after I defrosted a little bit and listened to Ry, I was back on my way up. My palms sweating even more, knees shaking, and my arms were getting tired. I made it slowly about 3/4ths of the way up before I decided it was time to come down. I was flat out scared.

That was as high as I got on my first climb... the top was 44 feet high

Off to the second climb. Ry and I picked two different climbs. His was still about 44 feet high and mine was probably 30 feet high (I needed to build my confidence). Once again, he was attached and ready to go. The second climb was a little harder than the first and he was pretty tired. He almost made it to the top but, he was "pumped". I did get some pics of this climb though

I told you she was little

On his way up the second climb

My second climb... much easier than the first

And off to our third and final climb. Ry and I did almost the same climb. Mine was a little easier than his but it was the same height. It is still pretty scary at the top but we both made it all the way up this time!

Almost to the top!

Made it!

We had a great time and we definitely learned how far we can push ourselves. It isn't your typical dinner and movies kind of date but, rock climbing as a date definitely fits us! Next time we are going to take an intro class so we can learn how to belay for each other.

We both have a day off again this weekend but, I don't think our date will be as exciting as this one. We have a date with our closet. It is a little out of control .