Day 23: Lean Back

Day 23

Physical education was my least favorite school subject. Basketball, softball, volleyball, football; the balls hit my head more often than I hit them. I was always jealous that when my sister took PE, they offered archery and rock-climbing. My PE class spent a quarter on bowling and pickleball. Bowling is fun but it is not as bad-ass as rock-climbing.

After years of envying my sister's rock-climbing skills, I finally rock-climbed on this trip. It was less difficult than I expected. Like running, rock-climbing can be thought as a series of small steps. The common mistake among beginners is to cling too closely to the rock. Space is needed to allow room for your limbs to bend and climb. Scrapping your knees and elbows is more likely if you're too close to the rock. Getting down required leaning back to abseil. Even though I clung to the rock, I made it to the top of the rope and back down. Next time I will lean back for ease of movement and a better perspective.

Morocco day 3: Todra Gorge

What was your least favorite subject in school? Has your feelings towards that topic changed?