New Hobby?... I think so!

I went rock climbing outdoors for the first time yesterday and it was amazing! I really think that this is going to be my new summer hobby and snow boarding will forever remain my number one winter hobby. I had such a great time! A man from work took me, Rebecca (a friend from work), and another guy from work climbing in Big Cottonwood Canyon. We climbed a wall that is a 5.9 in difficulty. I'm learning that as you go up in number the more difficult the climb. For example, a 5.11 is very difficult. The easier climbs would be 5.6 or 5.7 and under and more difficult climbs for experienced climbers would be 5.10+ and up. I had such a great time I'm thinking about buying myself a harness or climbing shoes for my birthday. I look at is as an investment. A very promising investment. I keep finding new hobbies out here in Salt Lake and I kinda love it!

Also, when we first got there Bill had planned on taking us to a different rock base to learn how to climb but there were way too many people at that spot so we left to find another spot to climb for us amateur climbers. Well to get back to the car we cross a little stream that was only about 10 feet a across. I was at the back of our four-person team and so I crossed the stream last... and let's just say when I stepped onto one of the rocks, keep in mind I was carrying out climbing rope in an awkward shoulder bag, the rock I stepped onto wobbled and I fell into the stream. I'm not talking about just my feet getting wet; basically, I was sitting in the stream with water all the way up to the top of my rib cage! How I managed it I still don't know.

I was hoping that the others in my group wouldn't turn around and notice me bathing in the stream, but before I could get out of the water Rebecca turned around and loudly yelled, are you ok? After that everyone, including climbers in the surrounding area, turned to see if everything was alright or just to satisfy their curiosity. I was thourally embarrassed. It was quite refreshing. That is what the picture of me in my wet jeans is all about. Good times :)