My sister's boyfriend is a professional rock climber. In his latest blog post he talks about being free and having a sense of adventure. One of his statemtents that made me laugh and smile was:
"But I think I know you, and you want the same as I want, more than money, and stuff, we want to feel free and alive. Freedom to roam, freedom to play, freedom to choose. And once I finish this stale cup of 2 dollar java, I’m going out to the gas pumps and I’ll put 35 bucks of guiding wages into the precious vessel which will carry me there. Anywhere. And that’s the freest place I can think of."
His latest blog post (check it out! http://sonnietrotter.com/roadlife/) reminded me that just a week ago I was driving back home while peering out my window looking for rocks to climb (as I always do) and I stopped by a little known crag near Cache Creek and solo climbed up a 35 foot near vertical 5.8 without a rope for fun and adventure, then I ended hiking up... up, and up and up to the very top of this little mountain in my climbing shoes. It was funny, I couldn't stop hiking, I simply had an undeniable urge to climb to the top of this peak and explore the rocks in the area. I also felt that I had to get the best view possible even though I knew my feet were going to pay the price for being squished in my tiny climbing shoes. Every once in a while I would take a look at the view behind me, feel the wind in my face, see cars in the distance on the highway, and let the sun engulf me and my surroundings. I felt alive and free, just like the feeling Sonnie is talking about. When I got to the top I felt accomplished and happy. I made the most out of driving back home, what could have been a boring trip turned out to be a highlight of my week all because I had a sense for adventure.
