Part I
One of the more exciting experiences I have had related to climbing had to have been a few trips to Trappers Camp to help Jer and Jesse work on putting up new routes. Now I would imagine that in certain parts of the country putting up new routes is fairly straight forward. However in Missouri the quality of rock is a little to be desired and a fair amount of effort goes into cleaning the routes of loose limestone.
During this particular point in time I was working only three to four days a week – which immediately put me on Jers shortlist of weekday belay slaves. I vaguely remember the phone call and him putting a very adventurous spin to his description of what we would be doing and how it would go a long way to rounding out my climbing experience, or in this case my hanging belay experience….more on that later.
I must admit, I was a bit full of myself as I got of the phone with Jer and proudly stated to my wife (affectionately referred to Goofy Girl in the Blogosphere) ”Honey I’m going to go develop some new climbing routes tomorrow” – in a very “not a big deal” but hey “look at me, do I look more manly” sort of tone. As if I was some hardened mountain man living in the remote regions of Patagonia setting off to ascend thousands of vertical feet of granite and dance around the dangers of the unknown to reach some remote summit. Truth be known I’d probably only be 60’ off the ground and a 15-minute drive from the nearest ER – which by the way, my partner has visited on one occasion to have his scalp sewn together. Rule number one when climbing in Missouri – WEAR A HELMET! But I digress.
Morning arrived and Jer and I enjoyed a great drive down to Trappers in his fuel efficient Honda Civic. As we arrive he explains to me we need to find a way to the top of the bluffs without being seen passing through private property. We manage to find a depression in the landscape and make our way through the tall grass and scrub. He casually suggests that we keep our voice down – I think to myself we are a good distance away from any house, why do we need to be quiet. Then he offers up “…keep your eyes peeled for Rosco” ROSCO? Who is Rosco? Is he some crazy property owner that lurks in the shadows waiting to shoot unsuspecting climbers in the ass with buck shot? NOPE! Turns out Rosco is the resident farm dog – short in stature – but in command of his domain. Namely the 100-yards or so of landscape that lies between the road and the top of the bluffs.
We were about half-way on our stealthy journey, when out of the corner of our eyes we see faint movement off in the distance. We FREEZE. Like a Meerkat on the Kalahari desert, ROSCO springs up on his hind legs and pops his head above the tall grass. He scans the horizon. His eyes lock on us and Jer yells RUNNNNNN! We waste no time in making our way to the top of the bluffs. As we rig our ropes to descend over the edge we can hear Rosco making his way towards us, barking the entire way. Will we make it over the ledge before he arrives? I turn back and Jeremy is gone…then I hear “Ranski, get over here.” I peer over the edge to see Jer attached to anchors he had put in place on a previous trip. I make my way over the edge and am now securely attached to the anchor as well…and not a minute too soon. Just then Rosco arrives. We can’t see him but we can here him and it sounds like he has brought in some reinforcements. Debris begins to fall on top of our helmets as Rosco and his posse’ scurry to the edge. We are only a foot or two below the edge of the bluff and it is the first time I really take note of where I am.
I’m 60’ feet above the Sac River, hanging off two bolts not remembering at all buckling my harness, double checking anything and remembering I have a fear of heights. OK Randy breath I say to myself. A quick check of the set-up calms my nerves.
Not remembering all the specifics, I’m sure Jer said something like “pretty cool huh…aren’t you glad you came along” to which my less than enthusiastic reply must have been “sure”. Sensing that I was a bit freaked out at the moment, Jer assures me Rosco and his friends will get bored and will wander off and that I should enjoy the fact that I’m not at work…
To be continued…