My friend Gina and I decided to try this sport called “ice climbing” and I needed the practice before I left for Ouray. A couple weeks before my trip, we headed over to Helen Hunt Falls with some co-workers who taught us the basics of ice climbing. We had a blast and could not wait to get back. So, we went back again, but this time ALONE! Just us two chicks, well and T, so us three chicks! We looked hardcore…even the firefighters who were there climbing were in awe…heck yes! After these two experiences, I thought I was surely ready for Ouray!
The weekend before I left for Ouray I felt this leading if you will. I knew that Gina really would have loved to come to Ouray…she mentioned many times that weekend how jealous she was of me! I would have loved for her to come, but she was working and I was scared…you know I wanted to drive myself only! But, something kept telling me to invite her along—something I could not ignore. I doubted that she could get off and actually make it work, but I gave in and asked her to come. Somehow everything fell into place…she got off work and was free for the weekend! I was excited and scared! Haha…I even told her that I would still drive myself and she could get a ride down there with my other friends! But, that did not happen. I felt this call to bring her with me and to drive her there and back, because something told me that we both needed this time together…a 10 hour total car ride.
So, with my car packed up with all our gear and food, we headed for Ouray the evening of January 8th. The five hour drive provided us with beautiful scenery and awesome conversations about our goals, dreams, fears, families, friends, pasts, and faiths. Gina is a talker and I like to listen so there was never a dull moment…okay, okay, yes I can talk too! Some of our conversations were deep and emotional, some were funny and shallow, but I’m pretty sure that when we arrived in Ouray, Gina thought moving to Colorado Springs was like moving to another planet! Ha!
When we arrived we were stoked to find an empty townhouse—no one else would arrive for another couple of hours. We just hung out, watched the football game, drank gin (not me), wished we had tonic water (not me), and took pictures. Finally when everyone arrived at midnight, it was bedtime. Gina and I reserved the two couches…no sleeping on the floor for us!
Friday morning had finally come and I don’t think many of us slept all that well...we were too excited to get on the ice! Here are some pics below of our day on the ice. I now know why they call it an “ice park.” The whole park is in a canyon that you must repel into and climb out of. There is a river at the bottom of the canyon which can make it tough to navigate once in the canyon. The canyon walls are full of ice, and let me tell you, it is so BEAUTIFUL! I love the patterns and structures that ice makes! Also, you must know how hardcore Gina and I are…once all the guys had set up five top-roped climbs and everyone made it safely down into the canyon, everyone was just standing around looking at the ice. Not Gina and I! I crossed the river, grabbed the rope, tied a figure eight, tied into the rope and was ready to climb. Gina got her belay set up and I was off. I’m pretty sure that Gina and I had both climbed a route before anyone else made it up to the top. (Later on that night, a guy that was climbing with our group told us that he found our brashness and willingness to go first “attractive.” LOL) We each climbed five times and were exhausted by the end but had just had the time of our lives and had done one of the coolest things each of us has ever done! P.S. it snowed ALL day Friday!
Friday night we went to the firehouse for $15 all you can eat enchiladas and all you can drink New Belgium beer…yummy. There was also a silent auction and all the vendors were there showing off their gear. It was so much fun to be surrounded by so many climbers…everyone was so friendly! I mean Gina and I even got asked to go to the hot springs, go to the brewery, and then stay the night at the “guys” place…LOL…Gina attracts lots of attention! After dinner and beer, we ended up at the Ouray Brewery where we would not have to pay for any of our drinks…we were like 2 of 5 girls in the place with like 20 guys! I decided that I love ice climbing mainly because girls are the minority so when we show up somewhere people take notice and treat us like royalty! The night was fun, not too out of control, although it definitely could have been, but you all know that I am not like that.
Saturday morning I woke up so sore! Stomach sore, legs sore, arms sore, hands sore, just all sore! We decided not to climb due to time constraints. Nevertheless, we headed over to the park to watch some of the competitions, which was unreal! Also, the sun was out so the views were AMAZING…absolutely breathtaking! Imagine what Gina thought, being from Pennsylvania! It was an honor to be able to show off to a PA girl what a beautiful state we live in…truly God’s country!
Around noon on Saturday we headed back to the Springs, which meant five more hours of conversations! The conversations were lighter on the way back and mostly Gina was just freaking out cause I was driving fast! She was scared with every shady curve! But, we made it safe and sound and I continued to reassure her that I have grown up driving on these roads and I knew what I was doing! Oh and the drive back was spectacular. Because we drove during daylight, we could see everything! We even attempted to find and name the 14ers we were passing. So so so beautiful…praise God!
All in all, it was a short trip but one that I will remember for the rest of my life! I am so thankful that Gina was able to come…I would not have wanted it any other way! I’m glad I responded to the call!
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