My First Time Climbing outside

Portland- 28.11.2021

The light from my phone was hazy as it seared into my squinting dry eyes. “6:30” in bright white letters. It was time to get up… I reluctantly peeled off my blanket and began applying all the layers I had laid out the night before. I hate being cold, I’m not sure about you, but the thought of sitting still in the cold for hours on end does not bring me joy. I slung my DMM bag onto my shoulder and headed out the door with a sense of unknown excitement. The drive to Portland from where I live is nice and straightforward. As I drove the sun was lifting its way into the sky emitting a deceivingly warm orange glow as I reached the isle. The winding roads across the island took me to a dirt track blocked by two white blocky boulders. Between the two was a small gap just big enough to fit my 2013 Dacia Duster… squirms crept across my climbing buddies' faces as I revved the engine and shot my way through the gap a little too quickly. Unscathed we grabbed our kit and headed down to the crag.

The more experienced members of the group had chosen where to take us that day- ensuring that the wind was hitting the other end of the island and chose a crag where we would have the most sun throughout the day. As we walked down through the rocks and patches of green I was getting hotter and hotter and could feel myself starting to sweat. I looked like the Michelin man dressed for a mountaineering expedition in Nepal which was bringing the group a laugh. I peeled off a few layers along the way removing and reapplying with a frantic effort to keep up.

The more seasoned outdoor adventurer was in charge of the navigation *Now after visiting Portland frequently since that date working out where you are in relation to the crag is, well, confusing to say the least*. We had been going the wrong way… classic. The Michelin woman in toe bimbled back up to the main path and continue on in the opposite direction. Once we had reached Kung Fu Panda I threw the bag off my sweaty shoulders and began to hunt for my kit: Helmet- Check, climbing shoes- check, Harness…. Harness… no harness. Horror crept across my face, my heart sank as I racked my head around where I had left it. Was it in the car? It must be! Shoulders slumped, head hung in shame I approach the group with the news of the forgotten harness. A roar of laughter erupts from their bellies, rightfully so, and I smile back at them relishing the consequence. I reduced my Michelin man aesthetic down and powered back over the rocky terrain. I get to the car. I prise open the boot, my fingers crossed. There was my harness!

Kung Fu Panda 4C. My first outdoor climb… The climb is in the Chanyne Wearers Crag. After I tied my knot, gave each other a check, and with a nod, we each began our partnered. dance. I touched the rock. It was sharper than the poly urethane I was used to, my soft fingertips pressed into the holds. My main discipline at this point was bouldering, I was used to trying hard, big moves, and high legs so that is how I climbed Kung Fu Panda. I reached a small ledge, and to get my weight on top of it I lifted my heel high onto the ledge and rocked my weight over it. From below my belayer shouted up “YOU’RE NOT BOULDERING”. I wasn’t sure what they meant. I did a similar move higher up and heard another howl from below “Move your feet higher, little by little”. Move my feet where I thought… There were no bright-colored paths laid out or tags to follow, this was a totally different game!

After a few moves, I pulled off small chunks of rock. Flakes of sandstone crumbled under my pointed rubber shoes. As the falling pieces shattered on the ground below, we realised it was time to be lowered before greater chunks decided to meet the pebbled floor below.

The walk homeward bound was full of jokes, smiles, and red runny noses. The icy cold had crept in as the winter sun succumbed to the moon. I had touched real rock! What a feeling we climbed several routes, some to the top others not. What a day, and the first of many on Portland.