We followed the directions left on the voice-mail, it was clear this was going to be a wild goose chase. We drove up the canyon blindly, with faith that there might be hope for us. The canyon was beautiful, alive with vibrant colors and a brisk chill. We pulled off the road after the second tunnel as we had been instructed via voice-mail and looked up to the cliffs behind us. A small band of free spirits waved and hollered. We had found our morning adventure. As we hiked up the hillside, a feeling of eagerness filled me. I quickly caught up with Erik, Kelsey, and Tyson and we all- unspoken- understood how lucky we were. They told me it was my turn to climb, so I harnessed up an gripped onto the cliff with my tiny fingers shaking from excitement. Kelsey told me I could clean the route and Tyson doubted her choice while explaining the task at hand to my blank and distracted face. He told me this was extremely important stuff, I assured him I would be fine and was up to the job. I climbed slow, taking my time to savor the experience; embracing the tingling that overran my feet about half way up, the stinging sensation that accompanies a solid hand wedge. It was a great way to start the day, to start the next chapter...
