Climbing is Fun?

Alex Lowe, among other things, is famous for the quote "The best climber in the world is the one having the most fun". But this begs the question, which climber is having the most fun? Let's think about the world of sport climbing.

Remember back in the newbie days, when every route was awesome, good conditions were when it didn't rain, and a great day was one where no bail biners were left. Eating right the night before...Say what? No drinking the night before....huh? Only wimps can't climb a little hungover!

Back in these days:
So what happens? Expectations and goals rear their ugly heads. We care about what we eat, feel guilty about a hamburger, a dessert, a margarita. Our definition of a good day changes. Have a good day climbing? Nah...it was too hot, too humid, too crowded, too buggie. Many times Theresa has asked me 'did you have a good day?' and I've answered with 'it was ok' or 'I guess, it was really hot' or the all-too common 'not really, fell off my project, again'.



But let's think about those days and really take a close look at what took place. We got to spend time in nature....in a beautiful place....getting good exercise....having a fun time hanging out with friends and/or family. How is that not a great day?

So who is having the best time? For me, climbing was more 'fun' back when I was a gumbie and didn't know any better. On the other hand, I get much more out of climbing, the whole experience, now than I ever did before. Do I ever want to go back to the fun, gumbie days? Hell no!