Climbing in Yosemite

7.08.2011

Yosemite National Park / June 20, 2011

One very bright morning, Matt and I went rock climbing. Many climbers call Yosemite the "rock climbing capital of the world," and I feel pretty lucky to have gotten the chance to do some climbing there.

Rock climbing is crazy- for lack of a better word. When you look at a rock face you might think "there is no way I can climb this," but you can. It's amazing how much you can do with just the very tips of your fingers and edges of your feet.. the trick is that you have to believe you can do it. The hardest part for me is trusting my feet since one of my biggest fears is hiking/climbing smooth flat rock.

We climbed all morning and afternoon. We talked to our guide, Mark, about his adventures climbing all over the world and climbing El Cap (in Yosemite) in 12.5 hours (when it takes people an average of 3-5 days to complete.) Matt and I belayed each other which is why I don't really have many photos to share. We had each others' lives in our hands really- that's why I was ok without the camera. Talk about your trust falls.

I prefer climbing outdoors, but I think we're going to try an indoor gym soon since we don't have the luxury of natural granite faces out here on long island. Darn it. I am looking forward to getting Alexi and Dave to take us climbing in CT.. they're my original instructors <3

also.. Happy Friday!

16 comments:

  1. it must've felt like a dream, climbing in yosemite! i'm hoping to try bouldering sometime this summer.. we'll see if i can muster up enough courage!

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  2. wow, that is very intense! I am glad you are ok. I don't think I would be so brave! good for you :) always love your photos. I also see you guest posting everywhere, congrats!

    The House of Shoes

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  3. I've lived my whole life in California, and still haven't made it out to Yosemite. (I live 4 hours from it too) After seeing all these posts, I've planned a trip out there two months from now. I just have to go!

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  4. That's absolutely nuts to think about...I've always wanted to rock climb but then you see those National Geographic shows that show lost abandoned climbers and all that lol! I mean I know that doesn't happen too often but this is treacherous stuff! D:

    It is awesome you got to climb in Yosemite when it's so renown! It's better to have your life than to not have a photo. LOL. And awe I didn't know Alexi and Dave were the ones who got you into it! :D one day soon you'll be able to with them in CT, Sarah.

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  5. I am such a baby and WILL not rock climb outdoors. I just cant put my trust in the equipment. hahaha!

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  6. Wow! That first picture is beautiful. I heard rock climbing is definitely a test of endurance not so much strength. Great job on the 12.5 hour climb. Very impressive.

    Happy weekend! xoxo

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  7. I would be so scared! You must be so brave.

    We are hosting a Pamper Yourself Giveaway! Stop by and enter for your chance to win.

    http://sunnydaystarrynight.blogspot.com/2011/07/pamper-yourself-giveaway.html

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  8. I've only been rock climbing once, and it was outdoors! It's hard work! But I think it's a great sense of achievement, plus the view is better than an indoor climbing place :)

    I have to admit I like the going down part (absailing?) much better!

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  9. I love rock climbing- when you're inside on those special rock climbing walls! I don't know if I'd have the guts to try it on the outside world!

    Also, please no more Yosemite posts because I am positively green with envy!! I am a bright blip of green :) Just joking! Your photos are so beautiful!!! I'm enjoying visiting Yosemite vicariously through your blog.

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  10. oh awesome work! i am a horrible climber, i literally crawled once cause i was scared of falling ;)

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  11. Climbing is just one of those things I have no motivation to do, haha. More power to you for doing it!!

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  12. Rock climbing sounds freaking EXCITING. And wow, that guide of yours must be an incredible athlete if he climbed that quickly. I think we can all forgive you for not snapping photos while simultaneously holding someone else's life in your hands. (:

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  13. eeek! You are such a bad *ss! ;)

    I can't believe you climbed that rock face....I would be one majorly nervous nelly. ;) I totally wimped out halfway up an indoor rock wall. Booooooo.

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  14. That is so awesome! I climb indoors and I would love to try it outdoors! We are planning a trip out to the park next summer. How did you get hooked up with your guide?


    http://thebisforbecky.blogspot.com/

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  15. You are amazing!

    Hugs & kisses from Rio!
    http://acasadava.blogspot.com

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