I figured I’d write about something I know for this next post…rock climbing! I have been climbing for about a little over 10 years (but took 5 off in the middle) and I’m really getting back into it, hopefully hardcore! I love climbing outside, but for now I climb at gyms like this one:
North Summit Climbing Gym 
Climbing inside is much different than climbing outdoors, but it can be great exercise and a challenge. Climbing routes (or problems) are ranked on a scale called the Yosemite Decimal System. This is a way to challenge yourself to climb harder routes and learn difficult moves, but climbing is about patience, so it may take months or years of practice to become a skilled climber.
Climbing is great for kids too! I have taken my daughter, who is almost 5 and she loves just climbing and not paying attention to the marked routes. Anyone can climb and it is not as scary as you may think. You can boulder, which is just free climbing up to 6′ and this is great practice for skill and strength-building. If you want to climb to the top, you get harnessed in and a person controls the other end of the rope. This person is “on belay” and they will take up the slack in the rope as you climb up and if you fall, the almost pulley-like system assures that you don’t fall.
Here are some great links to learn more about climbing:
Open Your Mind! 
Nov 09, 2010 @ 13:00:03
My pet peeve is LAZY people!!