Rock Climbing Review & Cert Prep-Day 2

Thursday, April 15, 2010
Erin and I found a cliff to set up a rappel system on what was probably the highest site used by our group. We knew that since Aaron was going for the Top Management cert, we were on our own and would have to learn it by ourselves. We were supposed to create anchors using artificial chocks, tri-cams, nuts, etc. but our site had only one crack to place one which I did. We reverted to tree anchors and stumbled on some knots but figured them out between our own heads and a book. It really is about review. Sean checked our system and suggested I belay him down. This meant that he would rappel but I would be his back-up belay. In theory, it means that I would be watching and coaching him from the edge of the cliff as he rappelled. In practice, he coached me on what I would say to a beginner stepping over the ledge and how to help them maneuver the next lip of rock with little bushes in their way. The trick for me was standing at the edge and having to look over. It took a while to figure out the distance I should be at on the rope and to tie in on a Prusik for safety back up. In an odd twist, Erin supported me as I belayed in much the same way when she belayed me on my first rappel. "You're doing great, Eileen. That's awesome." When Sean hit bottom and was off belay, Erin suggested I belay her next. She made it to the bottom.

I felt great having accomplished my first top rope belays, especially up so high. A new milestone.

Tomorrow, climbing if it doesn't rain.