THE PEOPLE WHO CLIMB THE IMPOSSIBLE
Most of us look at a rock face like this and think, “Wow.”
Rock climbers apparently look at it and think, “I can climb that.”
We had stopped along the road in Yosemite, like many other visitors, simply admiring El Capitan.
Then someone spotted them.
Tiny figures on the rock.
Climbers.
We zoomed in with our phones. There they were… actually climbing a wall that looked almost impossibly smooth and vertical.
Once we knew where to look, we began spotting more.
Soon, we weren’t just looking at El Capitan.
We were watching the people on it.
They moved slowly. A little higher. A pause. Then a little higher again.
And they kept going.
By sundown, it had become pretty cold. We were thinking about warmer clothes and getting back to the car.
The climbers were still up there.
In the cold. On a sheer granite wall.
I have no idea what goes through the mind of someone who looks at El Capitan and thinks:
“Yes. I’ll climb that.”
Personally, if a wall is vertical, I prefer a staircase.
Perhaps that’s the difference.
Some people see an impossible wall. Others see a challenge.
I’m still looking for the staircase. 😄
A LITTLE YOSEMITE HISTORY
In 1869, California State Geologist Josiah Whitney declared Half Dome a summit that would never be trodden by human feet. In 1875, George Anderson proved him wrong, painstakingly drilling holes into the granite to help him climb to the top.
More than a century later, Yosemite continues to attract people who see a challenge where others see the impossible.
I would prefer the staircase too! 😏
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Absolutely, Diana! 🤣 Though, on second thoughts, even a staircase sounds exhausting at that height. We’d much prefer a lift that takes us all the way up. Preferably with a chair, a cup of tea, and no need to climb down either! 😂🙏🏻
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