Rock Climbing - First Time

I always loved the mountains and I always accept a challenge. Ontario has not much to offer when it comes to mountains, but we have an escarpment very close. An escarpment is basically a piece of rock sticking up as a result of erosion (Thanks Wikipedia). The drop-off is vertical in many places and this makes it a tiny mountain AND a challenge.

Many seasoned climbers will laugh at these walls, but being a first time climber, this was perfect.
These pictures are from Rattlesnake Point, one of the three Conservation Halton Parks that allow rock climbing.
The other two parks are Kelso and Mount Nemo
The parks are about one hour west from Toronto, or less than 30 minutes from my home in Mississauga.

I signed up for a full day course with One Axe Pursuits. After learning some of the basics, up we went. There were several lines installed and we could climb as often as we pleased.

I managed to reach the top on four of the climbs. And I failed on the others.
We had plenty of time to talk about climbing, ropes, mountains and anything related to this sport. One topic was finding a climbing buddy. I found climbfind.com and after signing up, this may be an excellent resource to finding a climbing partner when time comes.

I already bought the harness, but I still have to get shoes, a helmet, rope and anchors. Shoes and helmet are about $200, rope and anchors another $400. The inital investment is close to $1,000. Not sure yet if I will get serious and start. My hobby schedule is already busy with Triathlon training and volunteering at the Pan Am Games this year.

No matter what, this one day climbing course was educational, challenging and time well spent.