Olivia had just completed the medium climb. I high-fived her and thought, “If she can do the climb, so can I!”

I get belayed to the rope, my harness feeling tighter. A check list runs through my mind. Helmet? Check. Long pants? Check. Harness? Check. Rope and rocks? Definite check. I’m ready to go.

I step onto the first ledge I see. I look up. This is very high. Did I mention that I’m a little afraid of heights! I shiver, wedging my hands into an opening. I cautiously plant my only foot left on the ground and push up. My hands are sweaty. I remember that I still have one foot still left on the ground. I know if I have to get up I have to lift those ten toes off the welcoming mulch and dry leaves on the ground.

“1,2,3, GO,” yells my brain. I push off the ground hearing people’s yells of encouragement. Arm by arm, hand by hand, finger by finger, I move up. I tremble like a volcano. Placing my fingers with dread, I know there isn’t anywhere else to put my feet so I pull up with all my might and I find a place higher up to put my foot.

“Almost there!” the person pulling me yells.