So I spend most of my time visiting schools, explaining all of the very good reasons for travelling to wild places, and talking about the growth and development that comes through these experiences: now it's my turn again. I am currently sat in the Carinthian mountains in Southern Austria climbing on one of the most famous and difficult boulders in Europe. This has been an aim for some 2 years now, and with a quite intensive schedule of training for the last 6 months, it is amazing to finally be on the rock.
After having tried the climb now for two days, it has become apparent to me that this is by far the hardest thing I have ever attempted, and in no uncertain terms is it not surprising that no other visitor has ever succeeded here, and that it has not seen an ascent for the last 10 years. The moves are all extremely difficult, and I have spent the majority of the time falling off and questioning my ability. This is where the mind-set comes in - sticking with it, even though your body is saying ‘No - what are you even thinking'!
The temperature is falling today, with fresh snow at 3000 metres. Looking around at the mountains, with no other sound apart from the river which serves as the water source, the silence and tranquillity here helps to imagine that this is still very much possible, and I will continue to learn about myself over the next 10 days as I push myself forward.
This is where I'm at my most focused, on the rocks. I've been doing this for 18 years now, and it is still the most fascinating thing for me, being immersed in the moment and again being lucky enough to be in one of the most beautiful areas in the World.
And onward...
First image from Austria!
