The winds blow and the flurries come when winter hits. There’s a small window between the warmth brushing your skin to the bite of the cold air. In this window, we climb.
There is no distance too small and no boulder too trite for the trek on these slim sunny days. The fires burn bright in the California summers, and keep us locked away in our homes, wishing for the outdoors once more. Although the smoke is gone, the journey to gain back fitness is real. First there is COVID, then the fires. Now, we all have a higher appreciation for the beautiful outdoors. The thick grey air is a reminder to be thankful that our blue skies and white hills in the winter are more than a blessing.
Our faces feel the sun and the air becomes your welcome mat to bouldering conditions. In the morning, I put on my Title Nine Crash Tights, awaiting the incredible chilly breeze.
In the back of the 4×4 truck, I press my hand to the handle and moved over as far as I could to make room for Rebecca, who I just met moments before I landed myself, in those Crash Tights no less, onto her lap.
With the swells and the bumps of the road, we grow closer, and by the time we park, we feel old friends. Climbing has a special way of bringing people together, quickly, fiercely, with a common goal – the boulders.
Breath goes in and out of my lungs as the pads press against my Title Nine Henerala Long Sleeve Tee. When we reach the boulders, something falls in the pit of my stomach. Will I be able to face my fears and conquer these climbs? I look around at my peers, they quickly place their shoes on their feet and eagerly dab hands into their chalk bags.
I brush my hair back and neaten my Henerala tee, focusing on the projects ahead.
With many months off, it’s hard to imagine being the climber you want to be. It’s hard to stay confident when so many trials come our way, yet somehow feeling confident in my Crash Tights, I find the air and slowly breathe in and out.
After a few warm ups, we go up the hill and reach a boulder – a high ball, higher than anything I normally climb. But as smiles are passed around and friend’s place the pads perfectly for the ascent, I still find a nervousness inside.
I think back to the smoke and to being isolated inside, I see the hills of Tahoe around, grey peaks and green trees, grand lakes and snow capped hills. Someone makes me laugh and it’s clear – I can do this. I focus, moving on the rock with ease. As I get higher my heart starts to race. There’s no turning back now. My friends call to me, “we got you!” I enter the no fall zone, focus dialled completely in, and then I am at the top.
The world comes back into clarity and I realize I am here, alive, in nature, pushing my body and mind; and there is nothing more beautiful.
This blog is sponsored by Title Nine.
Photos by Devin Perry
@devinperryphoto
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