This one was at the very edge of my comfort zone! In fact, in the pools of of comfort, I was doing laps around the edges of discomfort all day, and at some points dived headfirst into the depths of terror. Having just completed a mountaineering course, I was sent off with the instruction to go climb grade 1-1+ to build skills. I didn’t know until I was well committed on this climb that we were in 2+ terrain.
My heart stopped or did it race? either way, it was doing funky things as I pushed through many moments of fear, bewilderment and anxiety. There were moments I wished I was anywhere but where I was…but then when all was said and done I was glad to have taken on a challenge that provided so much room for growth.
Mountaineering scares me. That’s a fact I can’t escape. But I am also mesmerised by the peaks and drawn to the journey.
The route:
Single Cone, The Remarkables Range, North East Ridge
The people:
Ben Wallbank, Justin Wimmer, Nia O’Connor
Time of year:
Spring
Gear:
BD Gloves x 2 Liner + Ice climbing gloves
BD Alpine Harness, belay device, prusik, carabiners
Scarpa Ribelle HD ¾ Shank Boots
Gaiters
My Difficulty rating:
I’m glad we had an experienced climber with us! This is not one I would have attempted without someone much more qualified than myself. I’m still very aware that when it comes to the pointy end of mountains – I don’t know what I don’t know…or at least I know enough to know there is more I need to know.
Distance / Elevation / Time:
7.29km / 749m / 7hrs
