I'm not using any technical equipment. I just hike into the forest and find a beauty. No ropes, no gloves- just climb up. Most of what I find is craggy enough for good hand holds and steps. A lot of it has exposed veins of quartz. Those are the best climbers!
Of course I'm careful. I'm as careful as when I ride my mountain bike. In fact, a good climb takes me to the same place as a good bit of singletrack. Hanging on to the edge of the rock, concentrating on hands, feet, and balance is just like hanging onto a handlebar ripping through singletrack. It requires so much focus that everything else disappears. It's Mind-Body-Soul therapy.
Getting to the top is the goal, but it's the trip up that makes it worth it.
