I completed my first weekend of rock climbing out in the real world, on real rock, with real risk. And didn’t come out of it any worse for the wear.

After 6 months of gym climbing and building up my gear, I made it to the Red River Gorge (Muir Valley to be specific) for some beginner friendly climbing. I was able to finish 3 routes on the first attempt, and powered through another before stalling out on a tough overhanging shelf.

The second day was more of a struggle for me. But I did it! Exhausting but inspiring.