Thailand-Round 2

The Thai/Lao New Year sort of wrecked our plans. We budgeted more time in Laos because of our first negative impressions in Thailand. Five months of travel sounds like a lot, but when there are only a few weeks left, it seems like there is this great pressure to do so much and see so much to make up for the previous 4 months of slacking.

Anyhow, one expensive flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai later, we were back in Thailand. This time with the potential to stay 30 days. Too bad we only had 2 weeks. After walking from the airport to town, we found a ‘cheap’ place to stay. For 150 baht per night, we secured ourelves a room at what we later called the burnout hotel. It had free wifi and felt relatively safe.

We got down to business immediately: locate the climbing shop. We paid ridiculous amounts for the rope rental but it got us started. The climbing is about 45 min. outside of chiang mai. I was amazed at what we found when we got there. There were bathrooms, signs containing lots of information, bamboo shelters, fences, etc. I guess the climbing shop is trying to be responsible with its monopoly. Although, it was interesting how they wanted donations for the water fund yet there only appeared to be water whenever they had clients.

So, we settled into 5 or 6 days of serious climbing. First, we rented a scooter from our burnout hotel. Scooters are so great. Then, every morning, we went to the same lady to get Cambodian style noodle soup and iced coffee. After, we would split up and gather the necessary supplies for the days nourishment: the sweet rice treats, fruit, waffles, and whatever else look portable and interesting.

Next, we would drive out to the climbing spot. We had a 3rd climbing buddy for a few days. It was interesting to climb with someone else. People have different methods and preferences. The days sort of blur together now, but I earned some tim-tams by on-sighting a few 6A routes. After 1 day of completely flailing, something clicked and I felt like I could climb anything. There was one 6C that completely shut me down, but I cruised a few 6B’s and managed to climb a few 6C (with a few falls). I didn’t really realize it until I got back, but I love sport climbing. Limestone is pretty amazing. Climbing stalactites and crazy formations is my favorite thing.

Climbing still remains one of the weirdest things I have ever done. In no other sport that I participate in do you have to confront failure head on almost every day. But, I guess that is what makes success so sweet!