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m.a.h
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Jun 21, 2003, 8:08 PM
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I went climbing for the first time the day before turning 41 It was it was fun, exciting, and frightening – I DO NOT like heights! The day was spent on Square Ledge off of 16A near Mt. Washington (apparently there is another Square Ledge also in the area). I liked it my wife loved it (who knew that she could climb like monkey or a mountain goat) so we decided to go again. The weather forecast was bad for my birthday so my wife had me take her shopping. Shopping, root canals, audits, 24 x 7 coverage, shopping, meetings are all equally fun. The following day we did Cathedral Ledge’s Upper Refuse where the order of ascent was Rob (the instructor) placing protection, Gleyri (my wife) swapping ropes, and me the cleaner (in my college days my roommates and I never had roaches – they wouldn’t live with us we were too sloppy). After the first pitch I told my wife when I get to the top I will never climb again. At the top of the second pitch there is a wide ledge with my wife sitting there kicking her legs like she is sitting in a chair with a huge smile. I attempt to merge with rock and endure a round of rock molester jokes from Rob and my wife. I again state that when reaching the top I will NEVER CLIMB again – no ladders not even stairs. Top of the third pitch which is really wide and where one can probably walk out from I silently wait my turn to continue up (never quit in the middle otherwise you won’t know how bad it really gets). Finally reach the top, eat lunch, and asked where are we climbing next. We went and did 1 pitch of White Horse. So my wife loves climbing, I still don’t like heights but I like climbing. Next will be a mid-July return to NH for a week to do some more of climbing. And thanks to Conrad and Rob from EMS. Dave the nurse from Southern NH who spoke with me at the top of the first pitch thanks and I owe to a beer or two. Mark BTW I went climbing for two reasons. First to confront my fear of heights and second I need a healthy sport that is less expensive than tech diving.
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climber49er
Jun 22, 2003, 2:59 AM
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Registered: Mar 8, 2003
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Good job man. I haven't climbed that long or that high for that matter but at about 15 feet up I am afraid. It doesn't get any worse or better past that hight, I'm just afraid. I'm still afraid, but I'm getting used to it a bit and am becoming more confident in my abilities to not tumble out a window or over a railing. I can actually stand at the edge of a cliff pretty comfortably rather than sneaking up to it on my belly and still feeling like I am going to dive! Good job, keep it up.
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overlord
Jun 22, 2003, 8:26 PM
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Registered: Mar 25, 2002
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i started climbing when i was 18, almost 3 years ago. should have started at 14.
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oldandintheway
Jun 23, 2003, 1:03 AM
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Registered: Aug 13, 2002
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Welcome to Team Geritol. I"m happy for you. Seriously. Enjoy every aspect of the sport you can, you won't regret it. Mind your knees though... :lol:
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mheyman
Jul 9, 2003, 12:10 AM
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Registered: Jul 25, 2002
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Good going. Mark. At some point, however long it takes, you become confident in your moves. I'm always (still) uneasy coming up to an at edge without a rope. But climbing with a rope - even leading is another story. There are nice places closer to home you know! If you like it -stay with it. M.A.H - Mark Allen Heyman ! Other info in my bio.
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m.a.h
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Jul 17, 2003, 3:05 AM
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Ahh a Jersey neighbor. A few more days, Sunday 7/20, and my wife and I will be climbing again in New Hampshire. The height stuff I am not worrying about (well less than before) climbing is still fun and less expensive than diving. I am Mark Adam Hoffman. It's good to know there are other MAHs out there. Thanks for the good words.
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