Adventure: Skaha Bluffs

I often find myself sad when I am not adventuring. I believe everyone has an image of who they would like to be and how they would like to live their life, even if it is sometimes (or often) far from the reality of their lives. My imaginary self is definitely a woman who can be considered a great adventurer- she likes to conquer her fears, push her physical and mental limits, and is a highly skilled and capable person outdoors. I also think this is why I dream of travelling to far off places, of climbing mountains, skiing great traverses, kitesurfing high into the air and scuba diving deep into the ocean - all things which I also do whenever I get the chance.

This weekend, I took a top rope anchors course at the Skaha Bluffs just off of Skaha Lake near Penticton. The course was nine hours long in which I learned what gear I need and how to set up fail-proof anchors outdoors for top rope climbing. (I have not yet done any lead climbing but hope to by the end of the summer.) We also spent a fair amount of time trouble shooting different set-ups that contained obstacles, sharp ledges, anchors over the edge of the rock face or no bolts in the wall. I am always very keen to learn new skills and to test out my knowledge too. At the end of the day I was climing on routes where I had set up the anchor - it is a little nerve-racking to have your life hanging on by a system you only learned how to build a few hours prior.

Regardless, the climbing was fabulous and I can't wait to get back out. You see I have a fear of heights and especially cliffs. Climbing has certainly helped me start to overcome this fear, and the fact that I am still always afraid I think is what attracts me that much more to the sport; every route I need to not only puzzle-piece my way up a rock face, using technical moves and my strength to accomplish the summit, but I also need to deal with the fact that I am so high in the air. The challenge of climbing is so involved, that you get such a rush and sense of accomplishment from doing the activity whether you get to the top of the route you are attempting or not. Also, the fear, or respect of heights as my instructor called it, does ensure that I am that much more cautious with my set-ups and partner selection.

I have been toying with two possibilities for my future in recent months: 1) become an organic farmer or 2) pursue a career in the outdoor adventure industry as a guide, tour operator or in gear retail. After talking with my course instructor this weekend, I have been convinced that agriculture is the route for me. Without going into depth about the reasons, it appears that most individuals who go down the outdoor adventure route for life, end up living in their vans for a good number of years while pursuing this lifestyle. Well, living in a van and the lifestyle that entails, no matter how happy I will be outside, is not appealing. It seems, that the best route is to make your money elsewhere so that you have money to spend on 'playing' while not at work. Now to make some money farming!