Patrick and Mary Go Round

We’re taking a bit of a day off today after three awesome, fun-filled days spent rock climbing. The combination of a fantastic crew (3 Brits and 3 ‘Mericans), top notch guides and good walls made it a great time for all. We signed up for the three day course in Luang Prubang through Green Discovery and arrived in Vang Vieng to find that 4 others had joined up, too. We started on Sunday morning at 9ish, gathered shoes and harnesses from the shop and rode out the the river. The beginner climbing walls were just off the river not far from the “Last Bar Last Swing” restaurant, which also served us lunch and stocked cold Beerlao for post-climb celebrations. Our guides, Hoi and Gau, taught knots, top roping and basic climbing techniques before lunch. Afterwards, we practiced belays and were able to have three teams climbing/belaying at once. We rounded out the day with a blindfolded climb which improved everyones’ confidence and general team trust.

Mary climbing blindfolded with Patrick on belay

On Monday and Tuesday we learned about lead climbing and were able to practice to our hearts’ content. Lead climbing differs from top-roping in that there is no rope above you to stop a fall. Rather, the rope is below you on a lead climb and requires clipping into successive bolts that have been drilled into the rock face. This technique was a real breakthrough from any of our prior experiences and was also a tad scarier in practice. My fear was focussed on the part where you untie yourself from the safety of the rope in order to loop it through the top ring prior to descending.

Mary is lead climbing up through this crevassed wall.

After some practice, I really enjoyed the lead climbing and Hoi (our trusty guide) kept pushing me to try more and more technical climbs. Mary and I are very excited to keep learning more about the sport and REALLY enjoyed climbing outdoors for 3 days in a row. We both have improved our techniques and our bodies need a rest after getting all banged up against the Laos limestone.

I want to be a rock-climber, if only for all the cool gear!

Coincidentally, we finished our course on St. Patrick’s Day and went out for a double celebration with everyone. Corned Beef and Cabbage seemed very challenging to find last night, so I ordered green curry with chicken, instead. In addition to my green shirt, I thought the green curry might lend a festive air to the day.

My best attempt at dinner befitting a St. Patty’s Day in Laos