A vertical adventure

Last night I went to my scout leader, Giacomo's, house to do some planning for our trip in August (right now it looks like we'll be hiking on the Swiss border).  On the way out the door he casually mentioned to me, "oh, would you like to go climbing?"  As the kid who lived half her life in trees (until she found they started bending under her weight) naturally I jumped at the opportunity and asked the obvious-- when?  "Eh, tomorrow... how about six?"  Sure, why not?

By the time he came around to pick me up I still was not entirely sure of the situation, as in I didn't know where or what kind of surface we were climbing.  But I did know it would be fun so I didn't worry too much.  Wow, I was right...

We had driven a bit out of Todi-- maybe fifteen minutes-- when Giacomo pulled over, pointing to a cliff hanging over the road.  "That's where we'll be climbing," he said simply.  To get to said cliff was an obstacle course in and of itself: twisty 1' wide paths up steep slopes, flights of steps created by tree roots, even a portion that traversed a ditch and required that we balance along the rear edge of the concrete wall that supported the (rural) highway barrier... all of which Giacomo managed while on the phone.

Eventually we stood at the foot of the cliff.  I looked up and saw rocks and sky.  I looked down and saw a densely wooded slope scattered with the odd boulder here and there.  I looked in front of me and saw the tiny members of the insect world going about their busy lives. Nothing and no one else. "Look up there," said a voice over my shoulder, and I followed his finger up about two-thirds of the way up the cliff [everyone is asking how tall it is, but unfortunately I am completely lost at estimating distances, especially vertical ones.  Let's just say that it is high enough that you're pretty tired by the time you reach the top.] "From there you get the best view around of the lake and mountains behind us, so don't forget to look."  Yes, assuming that I manage to get above that threateningly smooth patch of rock, find a good handhold, and by some miracle twist half of my body around while keeping the other half on the cliff, I will look.

In the meantime our other companion had arrived, bringing with him some important items, such as bug spray and rope.  We geared up and Emanuele began scaling the rocks, attaching the ropes to the clips so that those of us less experienced could have fun without risking our vertebrae or other important parts.  In no time another adventurer-- who, as I later found out, was a climbing instructor who comes out here every day to practice-- showed up and greeted my companions.  He showed me the basics and sent me up.  Adrenaline and hard work do funny things to your brain.  I have no idea how long I was clinging to that rock; nor do I remember how difficult it was.  I do remember one portion-- a smooth bowl shape hollowed out in the cliff surface-- that got me stuck for a little while, and Emanuele calling me to come down before being silenced by the others.  Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not one to give up while the end is in sight, and sure enough I did end up reaching the top.  And seeing the view-- Giacomo wasn't kidding either!

Next it was Giacomo's turn.  Emanuele gave me a 5-minute crash course on belaying and set off to climb another side with his friend, leaving me with a rope and an adult male to keep on a vertical surface.  I'd say it went pretty well-- no one left with broken bones, and I didn't really need that bit of hair anyway.

After not too much longer it was time to go home for dinner.  If half the sheer joy in my heart showed through my face, it's a wonder that Giacomo wasn't blinded on the way home-- then again, it must have been dimmed by the brilliant sunset to our left.  He was very enthusiastic as well, though, and happy to quote the instructor, who seemed to have been quite liberal in his praise of my little venture up.  He seems to think that with a little practice and some shoes of my own I could actually end up being pretty good-- whether or not he's right, I think that I can safely say I've found my sport.  Turns out this group, along with our darling driver, generally meets every week-- will I be there?  You bet!  (Assuming that I can get my fingers to unclench by then)

Eleanor

PS They're talking about going a weekend in September to a location near Naples, taking a couple of tents for the overnight, and climbing up the cliff that overlooks the beach.  Che bello!

Giacomo got some great photos of the only part of me visible...