When were you last really scared?We'd been watching the Shining. We were staying in an old church building. In hindsight, taking the shortcut home after midnight, in the mist, through the old graveyard was a bad idea.
I'm not sure what started it, but suddenly all the hairs on my neck had gone up and I was crapping myself. It was almost as bad as when, after a few cups of coffee too many and buzzing on caffeine, I got freaked out by my own reflection in the toilets.
When were you last really scared?
(
chthonic, Thu 22 Feb 2007, 15:43)
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Last weekendWinter climbing in Scotland.
Thin conditions, little opportunities for protection. 15 metres above my last gear and no other pro in sight. Only my axes and crampons holding me there. An icy bulge bars the way; but backing off is going to be more dangerous. I have to make the moves, knowing that one mistake will mean serious injury or worse.
So don't fucking make any mistakes.
Shit or bust. I swing the axes, test the placments, then pull up. Swearing, sweating, shaking I lock off and swing again. Good ice above, both axes bite and then I know I'm not going to die. Breathe deep; let the shaking subside. What the fuck am I doing? Why do I get myself into these spots?
I'll be back next weekend.
(, Fri 23 Feb 2007, 0:29, Reply)
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