A young man finding his way...one step at a time

 Indoor climbing

Chaseman's journey to the top

On the Way Out series Vol. 6 Part 4

My grandson, Chase, knew where he was headed. I, 76-year-old Grandpa Dan, was on a new journey with his 12-year-old grandson as we sped west -- a  40-minute drive to Grand Junction, Colorado.

We were headed for a facility and a sporting venue so foreign to me. I get the feeling this is just the beginning of my journey with a middle school adventurous young man who, at this special  moment in time, was about to enlighten this old codger on the art of indoor climbing.

I had know idea.

And we haven't made it to places like Powderhorn yet, the closest ski area, which is just a short drive upward if you veer south at an exit midway between Parachute and Grand Junction.

Today we would roll past that exit and end up indoors at a place where humans strap on special gear and proceed to act like monkeys.

Chaseman found a pair of climbing shoes -- a specialized type of footwear designed for rock climbing. He entered a room, much like a first stop at a bowling alley and found a pair, close enough to get the job done for his two-hour journey up, down and then up again. Chase will eventually need a pair of his own climbing shoes. Maybe, Grandpa could take care of that item. (Oops! I checked out the average price for a good pair: $168).

Street shoes will not get the job done. Grandpa's first lesson on rock climbing. 

Climbing shoes are designed to hold a lot of weight up by your toes and should fit tightly, Next you strap on the harness and cover the palms of your hands with chalk, which instantly dries out your hands, allowing the climber to hold on to to small things -- rock like things, of which Chaseman will discover on his numerous routes to the top.

Once equipped, Chase proceeds. He finds his level of difficulty and begins his journey to the top...one step at a time. If he doesn't succeed the first time, he releases the line and gradually descends to the floor...and tries it again, eventually making it to the top with a smile on his face.

A lesson on life, whether he realized it or not.

Chaseman, your life's journey is just beginning.

A quick stop at McDonald's and we headed home. Chase's hands were sore. I, on the other hand, felt great. 

Our little journey was in the books.