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I am starting to sound like Carrie Bradshaw here! Well its Friday and I have actually been thinking of posting this for a while. Its a true story but It is not an attempt to see who 'did' who and where, but a serious (eeek) probe into one of the subtleties (sp) of climbing. Please do not laugh or take the piss, and I am already on tablets so there!
It starts on a warm saturday afternoon at a crag. I am there for bouldering, alone. I play about on the rocks for a while happy and content with performance - totally tuned in and glad to be alive. I am so in tune that I do not notice a stranger has arrived at the crag and is also bouldering some 20 yards from me (long undercut sea cliff)until I take a break for water.
A pleasant smile is exchanged, nothing more, and as is the norm, I check out his 'style'. He is tall, dark, way younger than me (i hazard about 19/20 ...I'm 29 at this time) - resembling somewhat in looks and manner whats his face from Roswell High (max?). We continue bouldering seperately with occasional glances at each other.
After a while its apparent we are bouldering closer and closer. The moves are getting harder (at least for me LOL!)and more intense until we are quite literally on the same patch.
Still no words are spoken by either of us but we are so close now that it is not possible to climb simultaneuosly - each of us standing back while an impromtu game of 'you next' takes place. Yes, he is very good looking, very athletic but I'm not looking at him like 'that'. I watch his muscles (yes Adam, he's topless) fascinated by the way they move beneath his skin, amazed by the power, enthralled by the ease by which he makes the moves. His hands running over the rock searching for holds.... Its like watching a finely tuned engine purr and I am bewitched. He drops off the problem and now with a nod of his head, its my turn. Immediately I am back 'with' the rock. I am aware I am Running MY hands over the rock much as he was, feeling its warmth, its nuances, its shape and texture, the way it curves here, folds there, its little fingery pockets, the little jutting crimps - unaware of him except for a feeling of eyes on my body - but i'm not embarrassed, i KNOW he's checking me out as a climbing instrument - nothing else. I do the problem and drop off......
The pattern continues for another hour or so until we are both spent - collapsed onto the warm rocks with nothing but the sound of the sea as music.... still not a word spoken between us, the tension is unbeleivable, the only communication is through eye contact. I don't even want to speak.....and I guess he doesnt either.
After 15 minutes or so we rise again and back onto the rock for one final time (its getting late). The escape route is a mild severe onto the top and having no ropes etc we solo it. At the top, he pauses for me to top out, holding out a hand to pull me up and over the top. It is the first time we have 'touched' and I almost fall over the edge as the tension that has been built up dissappates through us in, and i swear this, an electrical buzz.
At the top, no handshake, no words, just a smile and we seperate..each going back to our seperate lives. I'm on a high for days...
If 'you' read this, whoever you were, I am sorry for writing this without consent, but its been in my mind now for 2 years and I want to know if I am not alone in an experience like this? You may not have had another person there, but have you ever felt like you were, well, making love to the rock or vice versa.
Please no stupid posts, it took a lot of guts to post this and i'd appreciate your thoughts.
It starts on a warm saturday afternoon at a crag. I am there for bouldering, alone. I play about on the rocks for a while happy and content with performance - totally tuned in and glad to be alive. I am so in tune that I do not notice a stranger has arrived at the crag and is also bouldering some 20 yards from me (long undercut sea cliff)until I take a break for water.
A pleasant smile is exchanged, nothing more, and as is the norm, I check out his 'style'. He is tall, dark, way younger than me (i hazard about 19/20 ...I'm 29 at this time) - resembling somewhat in looks and manner whats his face from Roswell High (max?). We continue bouldering seperately with occasional glances at each other.
After a while its apparent we are bouldering closer and closer. The moves are getting harder (at least for me LOL!)and more intense until we are quite literally on the same patch.
Still no words are spoken by either of us but we are so close now that it is not possible to climb simultaneuosly - each of us standing back while an impromtu game of 'you next' takes place. Yes, he is very good looking, very athletic but I'm not looking at him like 'that'. I watch his muscles (yes Adam, he's topless) fascinated by the way they move beneath his skin, amazed by the power, enthralled by the ease by which he makes the moves. His hands running over the rock searching for holds.... Its like watching a finely tuned engine purr and I am bewitched. He drops off the problem and now with a nod of his head, its my turn. Immediately I am back 'with' the rock. I am aware I am Running MY hands over the rock much as he was, feeling its warmth, its nuances, its shape and texture, the way it curves here, folds there, its little fingery pockets, the little jutting crimps - unaware of him except for a feeling of eyes on my body - but i'm not embarrassed, i KNOW he's checking me out as a climbing instrument - nothing else. I do the problem and drop off......
The pattern continues for another hour or so until we are both spent - collapsed onto the warm rocks with nothing but the sound of the sea as music.... still not a word spoken between us, the tension is unbeleivable, the only communication is through eye contact. I don't even want to speak.....and I guess he doesnt either.
After 15 minutes or so we rise again and back onto the rock for one final time (its getting late). The escape route is a mild severe onto the top and having no ropes etc we solo it. At the top, he pauses for me to top out, holding out a hand to pull me up and over the top. It is the first time we have 'touched' and I almost fall over the edge as the tension that has been built up dissappates through us in, and i swear this, an electrical buzz.
At the top, no handshake, no words, just a smile and we seperate..each going back to our seperate lives. I'm on a high for days...
If 'you' read this, whoever you were, I am sorry for writing this without consent, but its been in my mind now for 2 years and I want to know if I am not alone in an experience like this? You may not have had another person there, but have you ever felt like you were, well, making love to the rock or vice versa.
Please no stupid posts, it took a lot of guts to post this and i'd appreciate your thoughts.
i'm sorry, did i stumble into a 'members only' section?
i have no experience what so ever like this i'm afraid. the occasional erotic experiences have involed a young lady and the top of the crag.
i have no experience what so ever like this i'm afraid. the occasional erotic experiences have involed a young lady and the top of the crag.
In reply to Jo:
Jo my dear you must be getting the record for most-clicked-on-least-answered thread -- nine minutes and not a reply --maybe they're all busy!
Jo my dear you must be getting the record for most-clicked-on-least-answered thread -- nine minutes and not a reply --maybe they're all busy!
In reply to Clare A:
It doesn't matter if they don't answer Clare, I just hope I'm not alone in my experience!
It doesn't matter if they don't answer Clare, I just hope I'm not alone in my experience!
In reply to Jo: (still dripping from cold shower) what tablets are they then?
In reply to Jo:
No Jo, you're not alone. I've never had this sort of thing climbing, but I've certainly experienced the same sort of sexual tension (if that's the right word) with a stranger.
That said, although it wasn't whilst climbing, it was in a really amazing location.
No Jo, you're not alone. I've never had this sort of thing climbing, but I've certainly experienced the same sort of sexual tension (if that's the right word) with a stranger.
That said, although it wasn't whilst climbing, it was in a really amazing location.
In reply to Jo: Intriguing! Certainly climbing - and particularly climbing on gritstone has an undoubted sensual element. Sometimes I just rest on a slab listening to the rock's 'heartbeat' or find my hands 'caressing' the rock almost lovingly and intimately. What I found most interesting about your tale was the presence of another person - certainly I find when climbing out on my own on the moors I sometimes fantasise about meeting a stranger or like-minded soul (male or female) - it's almost as if the muteness and wildness of the rock and the landscape (and one's desperate striving for harmony with it) send out resonances from within one's being (and if another person is similarly engaged, then you are literally tuned to the same wavelength). Unlikely to happen if there are more than 2 people around.
So, certainly sensual and spiritual - but not sure about sexual (though rockfaces and boulders DO tend to treat my advances the way women do - i.e. by rejecting me unceremoniously!)
So, certainly sensual and spiritual - but not sure about sexual (though rockfaces and boulders DO tend to treat my advances the way women do - i.e. by rejecting me unceremoniously!)
Been said before, but;
Climbing is very much like making love to a beautiful womam.....
Climbing is very much like making love to a beautiful womam.....
In reply to Jo:
I was getting all worked up, in anticipation just reading it!
You should be a writer Jo...
I was getting all worked up, in anticipation just reading it!
You should be a writer Jo...
definitely spiritual. soloing a route at the upper end of what you can do, on a deserted crag as the sun sets is...not sexual but close to.
In reply to Adam Lincoln:
I was going to suggest a column in 'Climber', may improve its readership?
I was going to suggest a column in 'Climber', may improve its readership?
In reply to Jo:
I personally don't find climbing erotic.
Wordlessly interacting with people is.
The look, even for an instant, when you both know.
Aah the build up of tension, then the release.
I personally don't find climbing erotic.
Wordlessly interacting with people is.
The look, even for an instant, when you both know.
Aah the build up of tension, then the release.
In reply to Matt:
Or OTE even!
Or OTE even!
In reply to Marc C.:
Yup, you've been there then...in the same sort of way! Thank you! and also to Will with a new PC (nice name!)who has been 'there' too......I guess 'spiritual' could be used as a word to describe it also in an earthy, tribal way.
So is it a conjunction of the location and being so tuned in with the other person or rock/boulder that it becomes sensual, sexual or spiritual?
Yup, you've been there then...in the same sort of way! Thank you! and also to Will with a new PC (nice name!)who has been 'there' too......I guess 'spiritual' could be used as a word to describe it also in an earthy, tribal way.
So is it a conjunction of the location and being so tuned in with the other person or rock/boulder that it becomes sensual, sexual or spiritual?
In reply to Jo:
No. I climb with friends and my emotions are based around 'hurry up and fall off you twat so I can have a go'. Once we get to the pub and have had two pints then! Well, group back slapping and ego massaging. It makes me ashamed but it's so good at the time.
No. I climb with friends and my emotions are based around 'hurry up and fall off you twat so I can have a go'. Once we get to the pub and have had two pints then! Well, group back slapping and ego massaging. It makes me ashamed but it's so good at the time.
In reply to Jo:
"I am Running MY hands over the rock much as he was, feeling its warmth"
the problem can't have been that hard then if the rock was warm. did you have a weight belt on?
laterzz
m@
"I am Running MY hands over the rock much as he was, feeling its warmth"
the problem can't have been that hard then if the rock was warm. did you have a weight belt on?
laterzz
m@
In reply to Jo:
My climbings eratic too
My climbings eratic too
In reply to Jo: You see climbing is like a good woman, the feel, the effort, the deep breathing, carressing the rock..........
The man from the Fast Show!
Stu
The man from the Fast Show!
Stu
In reply to Jo: Yes, but I think it will not be reproduced in a public Forum
In reply to Jo:
I think in my case ther was a spritual element. I'm not really a particularly creative person, but I've found certain landscapes or environments to inspire me, sometimes in writing, sometimes in photography, but always producing something by which I've surprised myself.
I'm not sure whether this acted as a catalyst for my experience - perhaps it was just sheer animal attraction, a coincidence that we were both drawn to the same place.
Whatever, I'm always fascinated by the way the human mind, which is essentially a means of processing information for survival, can seem to generate feelings way beyond the rational, or even instinctive. I think that's part of why I climb, I'm in search of that trance-like, tuned in state of moving over rock that just occasionally presents itself.
Anyway, enough of that - I'm off up to Sheffield tonight for a good mosh at the Leadmill - have a good weekend everyone!
I think in my case ther was a spritual element. I'm not really a particularly creative person, but I've found certain landscapes or environments to inspire me, sometimes in writing, sometimes in photography, but always producing something by which I've surprised myself.
I'm not sure whether this acted as a catalyst for my experience - perhaps it was just sheer animal attraction, a coincidence that we were both drawn to the same place.
Whatever, I'm always fascinated by the way the human mind, which is essentially a means of processing information for survival, can seem to generate feelings way beyond the rational, or even instinctive. I think that's part of why I climb, I'm in search of that trance-like, tuned in state of moving over rock that just occasionally presents itself.
Anyway, enough of that - I'm off up to Sheffield tonight for a good mosh at the Leadmill - have a good weekend everyone!
In reply to Will on an new PC:
"that trance-like, tuned in state of moving over rock that just occasionally presents itself"
found in climbing, skiing, loud classical or dance music and sex. These are the only times my mind's fully occupied, and I'm aware of nothing else.
certainly, huge amounts of sexual tensions can develop between people, especially when you're both sharing something, but without touching each other - the rock in jo's case - that's when it can really build up. eye contact, a common movement...always something special.
I've tried twice to put feelings into words, but i'll leave it for the poets and writers out there to put the emotions into words.
"that trance-like, tuned in state of moving over rock that just occasionally presents itself"
found in climbing, skiing, loud classical or dance music and sex. These are the only times my mind's fully occupied, and I'm aware of nothing else.
certainly, huge amounts of sexual tensions can develop between people, especially when you're both sharing something, but without touching each other - the rock in jo's case - that's when it can really build up. eye contact, a common movement...always something special.
I've tried twice to put feelings into words, but i'll leave it for the poets and writers out there to put the emotions into words.
In reply to Jo:
thanks for all your replies, serious or otherwise.....i'm off now for 4 days so see y'all later......
have a good weekend one and all!
Jo xx
thanks for all your replies, serious or otherwise.....i'm off now for 4 days so see y'all later......
have a good weekend one and all!
Jo xx
In reply to Jo: Theres always this kind of sexual tension between Woody and myself when we climb.
In reply to Jo:
Hey well done for sharing your experience so eloquently with us.
I find bouldering and climbing tends to shut out everything but the movement i.e. it is not a very sharing thing (which is how I am with women - honest guv!); but when I stop climbing I seem to have clicked out of thinking about trivia... and think "wow" I am in a really beautiful place of whatever.
The few hard/ scary (for me) things I have soloed/ led have been pretty much the most intense moments in my life; they strangely(?) reminded me of when I was run over as a child - time slows down dramaticaly and I get a heightened state of awareness with no panic.
Hey well done for sharing your experience so eloquently with us.
I find bouldering and climbing tends to shut out everything but the movement i.e. it is not a very sharing thing (which is how I am with women - honest guv!); but when I stop climbing I seem to have clicked out of thinking about trivia... and think "wow" I am in a really beautiful place of whatever.
The few hard/ scary (for me) things I have soloed/ led have been pretty much the most intense moments in my life; they strangely(?) reminded me of when I was run over as a child - time slows down dramaticaly and I get a heightened state of awareness with no panic.
In reply to Al Downie: you're only jealous you miserable young grump. why don't you write something interesting. the great al downie indeed. the boring al downie more like. at least jo is interesting.
In reply to Soapy: re:
"I personally don't find climbing erotic.
Wordlessly interacting with people is.
The look, even for an instant, when you both know.
Aah the build up of tension, then the release."
wow soapy, sheer genius.
yes, that look across a crowded room moment.......
"I personally don't find climbing erotic.
Wordlessly interacting with people is.
The look, even for an instant, when you both know.
Aah the build up of tension, then the release."
wow soapy, sheer genius.
yes, that look across a crowded room moment.......
In reply to Jo: good god, got me frothing just reading it.
wow, It'd never happen to me, too much unseemly swearing, sweaty pits and chalk on nose.
wow, It'd never happen to me, too much unseemly swearing, sweaty pits and chalk on nose.
In reply to Al Downie:
"Grumpy Face! Sour Puss!"
"Grumpy Face! Sour Puss!"
Whoosh
Thunk
Ow!!
"Mummmy!!"
"Grumpy Face! Sour Puss!"
"Grumpy Face! Sour Puss!"
Whoosh
Thunk
Ow!!
"Mummmy!!"
In reply to chimp chops:
no, nor me, sadly. The Petzl Ecrin Roc is not a good frame for my lurvly visage, ho ho.
no, nor me, sadly. The Petzl Ecrin Roc is not a good frame for my lurvly visage, ho ho.
In reply to Jo:
I think that for me its the taking control of my situation that gives me that buzz... the realness of life when death has popped his head around the door. I will admit to feeling amorous when climbing with lasses, I think its movement/being impressed thing. Mind you, us blokes would get turned on if you'd just turn up..
I think that for me its the taking control of my situation that gives me that buzz... the realness of life when death has popped his head around the door. I will admit to feeling amorous when climbing with lasses, I think its movement/being impressed thing. Mind you, us blokes would get turned on if you'd just turn up..
In reply to jude calvert-toulmin: The look across a crowded room (Some Enchanted Evening), the tension, and Ah the release ! Yes. I presume at that moment males have to leave the cocktail party to mop up ?
In reply to Jo:
Walking back from the climb, helmets off.
Turn and glance at my (female) climbing partner.
Thought goes straight to mouth: "I've just noticed your hair. I must look a mess."
This was a non-erotic moment.
I don't find climbing erotic, really.
But there are some locations...
Oh, and Al Downie, how do you know Jo made the story up? Were you that other boulderer?
Walking back from the climb, helmets off.
Turn and glance at my (female) climbing partner.
Thought goes straight to mouth: "I've just noticed your hair. I must look a mess."
This was a non-erotic moment.
I don't find climbing erotic, really.
But there are some locations...
Oh, and Al Downie, how do you know Jo made the story up? Were you that other boulderer?
In reply to Jo:
wow, that really was beautifuly written Jo, im quite impressed. well done also for being brave enough to share that with everyone.
I've not had a particularly similar experience, but like Will and Hindu were saying, ive had what i, in retro-spect, see as a spiritual moment. it was the first time i commited myself to soloing fluted columns at almscliffe. i was totally on my own at the crag (it was pretty early). i kept glancing towards the route, knowing that i shouldnt. each time i glanced towards it though i felt this incredible urge to try it. eventually, perhaps predicatbly, i went to it, blatantly lying to myself taht i was only gonig to try out the first few moves, sort of using this as a cover to allow myself this close to it. once i had started the moves i didnt think. i felt on such a high. the route seemed to take so long, but was over so quick when i got to the top. i think i just sat, looking down the valley. feeling so calm.
wow, that really was beautifuly written Jo, im quite impressed. well done also for being brave enough to share that with everyone.
I've not had a particularly similar experience, but like Will and Hindu were saying, ive had what i, in retro-spect, see as a spiritual moment. it was the first time i commited myself to soloing fluted columns at almscliffe. i was totally on my own at the crag (it was pretty early). i kept glancing towards the route, knowing that i shouldnt. each time i glanced towards it though i felt this incredible urge to try it. eventually, perhaps predicatbly, i went to it, blatantly lying to myself taht i was only gonig to try out the first few moves, sort of using this as a cover to allow myself this close to it. once i had started the moves i didnt think. i felt on such a high. the route seemed to take so long, but was over so quick when i got to the top. i think i just sat, looking down the valley. feeling so calm.
In reply to Marc C.:
Some Enchanted Evening - great title but a bit sickly sweet for me.
I am more of a wicked friction at dawn kind of guy.
Anyway you inspired me to checked out the lyrics again and for all you romantics who maybe interested...
Some enchanted evening
------------------------------
You may see a stranger,
You may see a stranger
Across a crowded room,
And somehow you know
You know even then
That somewhere you'll see her
Again and again
Some enchanted evening
Someone may be laughing
You may hear her laughing
Across a crowded room,
And night after night
As strange as it seems,
The sound of her laughter
Will sing in your dreams.
Who can explain it
Who can tell you why,
Fools give you reasons,
Wise men never try.
Some enchanted evening
When you find your true love,
When you feel her call you
Across a crowded room,
Then fly to her side
And make her your own,
Or all through your life
You may dream all alone.
Once you have found her
Never let her go.
Once you have found her
Never let her go.
Some Enchanted Evening - great title but a bit sickly sweet for me.
I am more of a wicked friction at dawn kind of guy.
Anyway you inspired me to checked out the lyrics again and for all you romantics who maybe interested...
Some enchanted evening
------------------------------
You may see a stranger,
You may see a stranger
Across a crowded room,
And somehow you know
You know even then
That somewhere you'll see her
Again and again
Some enchanted evening
Someone may be laughing
You may hear her laughing
Across a crowded room,
And night after night
As strange as it seems,
The sound of her laughter
Will sing in your dreams.
Who can explain it
Who can tell you why,
Fools give you reasons,
Wise men never try.
Some enchanted evening
When you find your true love,
When you feel her call you
Across a crowded room,
Then fly to her side
And make her your own,
Or all through your life
You may dream all alone.
Once you have found her
Never let her go.
Once you have found her
Never let her go.
btw i meant to say earlier, jo, that was a fantastic piece of writing, very evocative and moving, i can't stop thinking about it, how romantic! it wasn't the climbing that was erotic, but the situation certainly was....hope you bump into him again
In reply to Jo:
well jo, there deffinately is something sexual about climbing, the anticipation. Just thinking about the moves (oh er) palms sweat, the warm adrenaline rush causing all over pins and needles. Just one the moves, the mind just lets go, your just on physical 'instinct@.
.......oh yeah, and i heard of some guy a while ago who got wood every time the climbing got dangerous.
Much love
well jo, there deffinately is something sexual about climbing, the anticipation. Just thinking about the moves (oh er) palms sweat, the warm adrenaline rush causing all over pins and needles. Just one the moves, the mind just lets go, your just on physical 'instinct@.
.......oh yeah, and i heard of some guy a while ago who got wood every time the climbing got dangerous.
Much love
In reply to jude calvert-toulmin:
Jude,
As a "here and now " sort of person I preferred your lyrics on your arty website - though the title of SEE takes some beating.
The Plantation was very cool this morning (around 9C) and beautiful, despite familiarity; success on The Full Green Traverse (hard for jokers) made a change.
Well its Mallorca for me for two weeks - crap friction and limestone - its a dirty job... however, I am taking my Rick Stein cookbook with me; I will think of you when down at the fish market - wistfully - not because you look like shellfish of course but because we never got it together for the fish BBQ...
Take care,
Jude,
As a "here and now " sort of person I preferred your lyrics on your arty website - though the title of SEE takes some beating.
The Plantation was very cool this morning (around 9C) and beautiful, despite familiarity; success on The Full Green Traverse (hard for jokers) made a change.
Well its Mallorca for me for two weeks - crap friction and limestone - its a dirty job... however, I am taking my Rick Stein cookbook with me; I will think of you when down at the fish market - wistfully - not because you look like shellfish of course but because we never got it together for the fish BBQ...
Take care,
In reply to Jo:
Jo just caught up with this one, been out all afternoon.
Never had that experience on the Rock.
Just wanted to say well good story well written and kept me hanging on to the end.
Jo just caught up with this one, been out all afternoon.
Never had that experience on the Rock.
Just wanted to say well good story well written and kept me hanging on to the end.
In reply to Simon Cox: thank you Simon, how charming you are i do so like courteous and charming men.
how many holidays do you have a year btw? i havent had one for 13 years anyway have a nice time!
how many holidays do you have a year btw? i havent had one for 13 years anyway have a nice time!
Call me cynical but I find this almost too much of an empathic meeting to be true. Surely if you felt this connected, somebody would have said something......most climbers I know are really quite frank, and it would be surprising not to see any of them taking the opportunity for at least some friendly conversation.
Quite pleasantly written though.
And I imagined the crag as Cummingston. What a bouldering venue....... sea and warm sandstone.
d a m.
Quite pleasantly written though.
And I imagined the crag as Cummingston. What a bouldering venue....... sea and warm sandstone.
d a m.
In reply to dave at mar:
Beleive what you like basically. I didn't say anything cos I thought it was 'all me' y'know? Didn't want to embarrass the guy or me! Contrary to popular belief....I am actually quite shy and if I spotted anyone of you lot I would be the one hiding behind the nearest boulder - bit of a case of Internet boldness. Al Downie....thought you might have come up with a better line than that....I had expected so much more from you
Yes it was Cummingston.
BTW, beat a really nasty front here......really really nasty weather.
Beleive what you like basically. I didn't say anything cos I thought it was 'all me' y'know? Didn't want to embarrass the guy or me! Contrary to popular belief....I am actually quite shy and if I spotted anyone of you lot I would be the one hiding behind the nearest boulder - bit of a case of Internet boldness. Al Downie....thought you might have come up with a better line than that....I had expected so much more from you
Yes it was Cummingston.
BTW, beat a really nasty front here......really really nasty weather.
In reply to Jo at her mums:
Hi Jo, a lovely tale. I don't find climbing erotic, but it's the interaction of two people alone in a beautifull wild place that is exciting.
It's that chance meeting with a complete stranger and the attraction and unspoken exchanges that occur, implied but never spoken.
Hi Jo, a lovely tale. I don't find climbing erotic, but it's the interaction of two people alone in a beautifull wild place that is exciting.
It's that chance meeting with a complete stranger and the attraction and unspoken exchanges that occur, implied but never spoken.
In reply to StuT: I think you're referring to "Swiss Tony"
In reply to Jo: It was very well written far better than the "Penthouse" stuff you often get in the climbing mags. Don'r know about climbing being erotic "per se", but it can be described in very erotic terms, as you have so ably demonstrated!!
In reply to Jo: It was very well written far better than the "Penthouse" stuff you often get in the climbing mags. Don'r know about climbing being erotic "per se", but it can be described in very erotic terms, as you have so ably demonstrated!!
In reply to Jo at her mums:
does anyone else find Al Downie erotic?....I love it when he talks dirty....
does anyone else find Al Downie erotic?....I love it when he talks dirty....
In reply to tommy twotone:
LOL, thats made my day tommy
although i do love him when he gets grumpy
LOL, thats made my day tommy
although i do love him when he gets grumpy
In reply to Jo:
I'm not writing any names or locations as people may know who this is or where or when it happened.
I met a guy whilst I was bouldering some time ago. I sat back and watched him climb for a while and then smiled shyly when he noticed me. I got up and tried yet again on a route I'd been struggling with. I fell off and then fell off again.
All of a sudden I glanced back and he was behind me, quietly and non-egotistically he helped me work out the moves. He spotted me and held me when I fell, putting his arms gently around my waist. He showed me again catching my eyes and smiling shyly. This time I completed the climb. He asked me if I'd like to go for a drink after.
We sat in the bar and only then found out each others names. We found out we'd got the same bus out there and had been listening to exactly the same CD. I spoke of my beginnings in climbing and my love of the natural. He seemed to understand. As the evening drew to a close he walked me back and softly kissed me on my cheek.
We met up again the next day and he met me from work and took me to the village he lived in. He took my hand and led me to a place I'd never been. We sat on a small drumlin in the middle of a dramatic once-glaciated valley and for almost an hour said nothing.
We then went up to his home. A 16th century cottage up a long track. It was peaceful and quiet and away from everything. We sat in front of an open fire and said nothing for hours again. He walked me back down the long track ad the sun was setting and softly put his hand on my face and told me I was special. With the only the hills as witnesses he pulled me close and kissed me. I was elated.
A few days later we went upto a crag together to climb. I was so happy, after months af things not going right I felt I'd found something positive. I looked at him and smiled but he turned away..."I'm sorry but i can't do this" and nothing else was said between us all day except talk of such things as "take in" "thats me" and "below." My heart sank.
I never found out what had gone wrong. I didn't think I'd meet anyone like that again. I didn't. I found someone with so much more to him and if I was to list the bonding experiences such as this I've had with him, the list would be endless.
Please no one laugh.
Jude
I'm not writing any names or locations as people may know who this is or where or when it happened.
I met a guy whilst I was bouldering some time ago. I sat back and watched him climb for a while and then smiled shyly when he noticed me. I got up and tried yet again on a route I'd been struggling with. I fell off and then fell off again.
All of a sudden I glanced back and he was behind me, quietly and non-egotistically he helped me work out the moves. He spotted me and held me when I fell, putting his arms gently around my waist. He showed me again catching my eyes and smiling shyly. This time I completed the climb. He asked me if I'd like to go for a drink after.
We sat in the bar and only then found out each others names. We found out we'd got the same bus out there and had been listening to exactly the same CD. I spoke of my beginnings in climbing and my love of the natural. He seemed to understand. As the evening drew to a close he walked me back and softly kissed me on my cheek.
We met up again the next day and he met me from work and took me to the village he lived in. He took my hand and led me to a place I'd never been. We sat on a small drumlin in the middle of a dramatic once-glaciated valley and for almost an hour said nothing.
We then went up to his home. A 16th century cottage up a long track. It was peaceful and quiet and away from everything. We sat in front of an open fire and said nothing for hours again. He walked me back down the long track ad the sun was setting and softly put his hand on my face and told me I was special. With the only the hills as witnesses he pulled me close and kissed me. I was elated.
A few days later we went upto a crag together to climb. I was so happy, after months af things not going right I felt I'd found something positive. I looked at him and smiled but he turned away..."I'm sorry but i can't do this" and nothing else was said between us all day except talk of such things as "take in" "thats me" and "below." My heart sank.
I never found out what had gone wrong. I didn't think I'd meet anyone like that again. I didn't. I found someone with so much more to him and if I was to list the bonding experiences such as this I've had with him, the list would be endless.
Please no one laugh.
Jude
In reply to jude:
er.... Fcuking hell!
er.... Fcuking hell!
In reply to Mike Whittaker:
theres a number of "commonly" used words for (gentle?)men like you but I'm far too much of a lady to utter a single one...
theres a number of "commonly" used words for (gentle?)men like you but I'm far too much of a lady to utter a single one...
In reply to Mike Whittaker:
...or in fact maybe no im not
&")£*&%!)"£&"!()£*&_!"£^%E)!"*£&+!"£(*!)"(£U_!"£*&+!"£)&*("!£+*&"!_(£*^&!"_£*(^&!"_(&*£^!&_("£^"!_(£*&!"+)£(*"+!)(£*"!)£(&|"*£|&|"£+)*&!)+"(£*(+)!"£(&*_("£^&"£(&)(!!!!!!!
...or in fact maybe no im not
&")£*&%!)"£&"!()£*&_!"£^%E)!"*£&+!"£(*!)"(£U_!"£*&+!"£)&*("!£+*&"!_(£*^&!"_£*(^&!"_(&*£^!&_("£^"!_(£*&!"+)£(*"+!)(£*"!)£(&|"*£|&|"£+)*&!)+"(£*(+)!"£(&*_("£^&"£(&)(!!!!!!!
In reply to jude: eh? I wasn't having a go! I was just carried away by it all in a totally none RT kind of a way.
In reply to Mike Whittaker:
oh. sorry. it was just something that still brings a tear to my eye when i remember it.
oh. sorry. it was just something that still brings a tear to my eye when i remember it.
In reply to Mike Whittaker:
Jude...I think he was exclaiming because he managed to skin his knuckles on the underside of his computer desk
Jude...I think he was exclaiming because he managed to skin his knuckles on the underside of his computer desk
In reply to jude: shouldn't that be
In reply to Mike Whittaker:
no! im just being sincere and nice. sam knows martin and helped me out with where i needed to get trains to etc in the south!
no! im just being sincere and nice. sam knows martin and helped me out with where i needed to get trains to etc in the south!
In reply to anyone: Has anyone else noticed that climbing poses - when de-contextualised from their climbing environment - are very erotic in their stylisation ? I chanced upon this one rainy day when I was cutting out some climbers (admittedly they were mainly female - though Kirk cut out a few of Steve McClure and Chris Sharma) and pasted them on a background of fur and leather. I should explain that this was for an Art project I was doing for my evening classes in Sex in The Third Reich.
In reply to jude:
Thats a really lovely story. I'm sorry it didn't work out ........bit more of the 'climber' being erotic than the climbing though.
I'm back....a day early. Crap weather.
Thats a really lovely story. I'm sorry it didn't work out ........bit more of the 'climber' being erotic than the climbing though.
I'm back....a day early. Crap weather.
In reply to everyone:
Right, sincere and heartfelt thanks for your replies and emails. Its great to know that I am not alone in these thoughts and some of the replies have made me look upon some of the stuff that happened in another light. Which is why i love Rocktalk...pretty damn good sounding board!
To close this matter from my end anyhow, I just want to answer a few points that were raised. Words, no matter how they are written, how eloquent the prose or how
Right, sincere and heartfelt thanks for your replies and emails. Its great to know that I am not alone in these thoughts and some of the replies have made me look upon some of the stuff that happened in another light. Which is why i love Rocktalk...pretty damn good sounding board!
To close this matter from my end anyhow, I just want to answer a few points that were raised. Words, no matter how they are written, how eloquent the prose or how
In reply to Jo: Seeing everyone else's getting nostalgic and revelatory about 'erotic' experiences involving climbing - and seeing as I've had a few glasses of wine - perhaps I could share a near-erotic experience that I had at the crag. I was climbing at The Roaches. I was starting up Commander Energy, when I noticed this gorgeous woman below Chalkstorm. My first sight of her coincided with my first 'touch' of the rock. Then...well, there isn't really much more...she finished her climb then went off with her boyfriend/husband. But I often muse about what would have happened if her partner's rope had mysteriously been severed and she'd needed a lift....oh well, doesn't pay to torture oneself about what might have been and what so nearly was.
In reply to everyone:
Right, sincere and heartfelt thanks for your replies and emails. Thank you all for treating my post with respect too. Its great (and a relief) to know that I am not alone in these thoughts and some of the replies have made me look upon some of the things that happened in another light. Which is why I love Rocktalk...pretty damn good sounding board at times!
To close this matter, from my end anyhow, I just want to answer a few points that were raised. Words, no matter how they are written, how eloquent the prose, cannot explain exactly how one feels at a certain time. It is a great writer or poet who can transport a third party directly into their mind - and I am no great writer! However a few of you got what I was trying to say through the fact you had been there in a similar situation or that you had a free enough mind to imagine yourselves there.
Some of you touched on the fact that sublime movement over rock has a spiritual or etheral quality, and with this I agree. How this quality manifests itself is actually the question I guess. Some spiritual/etheral experiences can be erotic and some erotic experiences can be spiritual/etheral. I guess it all depends on how the person 'connects' with that feeling at that particular moment in time, and how that person transposes day to day situations into emotions based on upbringing, personal beliefs and temprement. Some of you, if you were there in my place (gender aside) may have felt the same way I did, some of you may have ignored him, some of you may have been none too pleased about someone invading your peace and quiet....
So my original question ' is climbing erotic' stands - to me the guy who I bouldered with was a catalyst for my experience not the reason. I hope I don't meet him again because I am pretty sure that it would not be the same. Especially now as I have laid a few 'ghosts' to rest.
Thank you all once again.....
Right, sincere and heartfelt thanks for your replies and emails. Thank you all for treating my post with respect too. Its great (and a relief) to know that I am not alone in these thoughts and some of the replies have made me look upon some of the things that happened in another light. Which is why I love Rocktalk...pretty damn good sounding board at times!
To close this matter, from my end anyhow, I just want to answer a few points that were raised. Words, no matter how they are written, how eloquent the prose, cannot explain exactly how one feels at a certain time. It is a great writer or poet who can transport a third party directly into their mind - and I am no great writer! However a few of you got what I was trying to say through the fact you had been there in a similar situation or that you had a free enough mind to imagine yourselves there.
Some of you touched on the fact that sublime movement over rock has a spiritual or etheral quality, and with this I agree. How this quality manifests itself is actually the question I guess. Some spiritual/etheral experiences can be erotic and some erotic experiences can be spiritual/etheral. I guess it all depends on how the person 'connects' with that feeling at that particular moment in time, and how that person transposes day to day situations into emotions based on upbringing, personal beliefs and temprement. Some of you, if you were there in my place (gender aside) may have felt the same way I did, some of you may have ignored him, some of you may have been none too pleased about someone invading your peace and quiet....
So my original question ' is climbing erotic' stands - to me the guy who I bouldered with was a catalyst for my experience not the reason. I hope I don't meet him again because I am pretty sure that it would not be the same. Especially now as I have laid a few 'ghosts' to rest.
Thank you all once again.....
In reply to Jo: Are we confusing the words erotic, sensual and sexual here? I dont have a dictionary, are they seperate or overlapping ideas? I dont think climbing is overtly erotic, but there is a certain sensuality in the movement?
In reply to Chris Fryer:
overlapping I feel. depends doesn it? what seems erotic to you may be sensual to me...and different for someone else. good evening!
overlapping I feel. depends doesn it? what seems erotic to you may be sensual to me...and different for someone else. good evening!
In reply to jude. i wondered when you'd tell that story, it's lovely jude.
to jo re: "bit more of the 'climber' being erotic than the climbing though."
i just cant see climbing as the slightest bit erotic. the eroticism of your encounter and jude's were due to the same thing - a man and a woman intereacting with each other, bugger all to do with climbing, that was just a vehicle. you could have been both filling up your cars with petrol for all it mattered.
when i watch mart climbing its beautiful, but i can think of dozens of things he could be doing that are far more erotic, blimee, some of you must lead pretty sad lives to think CLIMBING is erotic hur hur! (wonder what Lance Hardman would make of all this ?!)
in reply to chris fryer: eroticism, sensuality and sexuality are all so interlinked there's no point in trying to differentiate.
i think the most erotic thing on this thread has been soapy's posting:
"I personally don't find climbing erotic.
Wordlessly interacting with people is.
The look, even for an instant, when you both know.
Aah the build up of tension, then the release."
go soapy go!
to jo re: "bit more of the 'climber' being erotic than the climbing though."
i just cant see climbing as the slightest bit erotic. the eroticism of your encounter and jude's were due to the same thing - a man and a woman intereacting with each other, bugger all to do with climbing, that was just a vehicle. you could have been both filling up your cars with petrol for all it mattered.
when i watch mart climbing its beautiful, but i can think of dozens of things he could be doing that are far more erotic, blimee, some of you must lead pretty sad lives to think CLIMBING is erotic hur hur! (wonder what Lance Hardman would make of all this ?!)
in reply to chris fryer: eroticism, sensuality and sexuality are all so interlinked there's no point in trying to differentiate.
i think the most erotic thing on this thread has been soapy's posting:
"I personally don't find climbing erotic.
Wordlessly interacting with people is.
The look, even for an instant, when you both know.
Aah the build up of tension, then the release."
go soapy go!
In reply to jude calvert-toulmin:
"the eroticism of your encounter and jude's were due to the same thing - a man and a woman intereacting with each other, bugger all to do with climbing, that was just a vehicle. you could have been both filling up your cars with petrol for all it mattered " -
I disagree Jude - its what i was trying to say in my posts. I think it was because of my heightened state, while i was climbing BEFORE he appeared, that this happened. We already know that climbing induces a state of emotion, sometimes described as sensual, emotional, etheral etc - its how one see's those emotions at the time and how one relates to them when a 'outside' influence appears. I had no 'feelings' towards the guy at all, as I tried to explain, the feelings were towards the rock. he was a catalyst not the reason.
Judes experience was however, entirely focused around another person (from what she said in her post).....
"the eroticism of your encounter and jude's were due to the same thing - a man and a woman intereacting with each other, bugger all to do with climbing, that was just a vehicle. you could have been both filling up your cars with petrol for all it mattered " -
I disagree Jude - its what i was trying to say in my posts. I think it was because of my heightened state, while i was climbing BEFORE he appeared, that this happened. We already know that climbing induces a state of emotion, sometimes described as sensual, emotional, etheral etc - its how one see's those emotions at the time and how one relates to them when a 'outside' influence appears. I had no 'feelings' towards the guy at all, as I tried to explain, the feelings were towards the rock. he was a catalyst not the reason.
Judes experience was however, entirely focused around another person (from what she said in her post).....
In reply to Jo: re: "I had no 'feelings' towards the guy at all, as I tried to explain, the feelings were towards the rock."
Jo........you sound like a climber lol
Jo........you sound like a climber lol
In reply to Jo: I missed all of this on Friday, as being 2 hrs ahead of you lot can get out of the earlier!
Anyway, I've read it all through and my considered thoughts are you are well weird Jo my dear. Sex and Climbing are about as far apart as it gets for me. The two emotions that are the most central to my climbing experience are fear and ... I can't think of a good english word for the second, guts or grit or fight- there is a perfect Finnish word for it "sisu", but anyway they are about as far from erotic as you can get.
Anyway, I've read it all through and my considered thoughts are you are well weird Jo my dear. Sex and Climbing are about as far apart as it gets for me. The two emotions that are the most central to my climbing experience are fear and ... I can't think of a good english word for the second, guts or grit or fight- there is a perfect Finnish word for it "sisu", but anyway they are about as far from erotic as you can get.
In reply to Jo:
it's a nice premise, but i can't see me humping my way over some horrid grit sloping mantle being in the least bit attractive...did you see the Seinfeld when his girlfriend walks round the flat naked?
Nice until she tried to open a pickle jar. Flexing......urghhh.
it's a nice premise, but i can't see me humping my way over some horrid grit sloping mantle being in the least bit attractive...did you see the Seinfeld when his girlfriend walks round the flat naked?
Nice until she tried to open a pickle jar. Flexing......urghhh.
In reply to Jo:
Im totally impressed with your honesty and beauty of writing.
As I have got older and my need to totally experience climbing solely through difficulty has waned, my desire has been to search for something more substantial. No, I have not experienced what u have within climbing but the most erotically charged and strongest passions I believe are the non-consumated ones.
Its interesting the reaction this generated, I would believe several Alpha males are beating there chests in derision.
And yes brendon this does confirm me as a total beardy!!!
Im totally impressed with your honesty and beauty of writing.
As I have got older and my need to totally experience climbing solely through difficulty has waned, my desire has been to search for something more substantial. No, I have not experienced what u have within climbing but the most erotically charged and strongest passions I believe are the non-consumated ones.
Its interesting the reaction this generated, I would believe several Alpha males are beating there chests in derision.
And yes brendon this does confirm me as a total beardy!!!
Or maybe its just a little touch of after glow.........
it was a very intense weekend.......eh brendon
In reply to Jo, et al: I have thought about this one, and this is a considered response.
Is running my hand over a piece of (even warm!) rock, trying to find a hold, in ANY way comparable to running my hand over the skin of a partner? NO.
I can see the shared pleasure angle, but that's as far as I can stretch this one.
Does this make me an insensitive clod? I hope not....
Oh, and sorry to bring this Metaphysical line, down to the merely physical, but...
The blood supply goes to the MUSCLES when climbing. This is why anyone who wins in the 'locker room' boasting comp., hasn't been working out that hard. I refuse to believe in the climbing 'woodie' mentioned further up the thread...
Nice story Jo, it took some guts to post, I know.
Tim, the Grey.
Is running my hand over a piece of (even warm!) rock, trying to find a hold, in ANY way comparable to running my hand over the skin of a partner? NO.
I can see the shared pleasure angle, but that's as far as I can stretch this one.
Does this make me an insensitive clod? I hope not....
Oh, and sorry to bring this Metaphysical line, down to the merely physical, but...
The blood supply goes to the MUSCLES when climbing. This is why anyone who wins in the 'locker room' boasting comp., hasn't been working out that hard. I refuse to believe in the climbing 'woodie' mentioned further up the thread...
Nice story Jo, it took some guts to post, I know.
Tim, the Grey.
In reply to Tim, the Grey one.:
I agree. I think climbing is about as unerotic as it gets. Sensual, sweaty and exciting, yes. But sexy? No.
That isn't to say you don't meet sexy people at the crag or wall. And sometimes they move beautifully. But by now you're not exactly thinking about the climbing.
I've had my share of al fresco pleasures of the carnal persuasion at various crags. But all very much avant- or apres-climbing.
I agree. I think climbing is about as unerotic as it gets. Sensual, sweaty and exciting, yes. But sexy? No.
That isn't to say you don't meet sexy people at the crag or wall. And sometimes they move beautifully. But by now you're not exactly thinking about the climbing.
I've had my share of al fresco pleasures of the carnal persuasion at various crags. But all very much avant- or apres-climbing.
In reply to Jo:
Blimey!! You lucky girl.
When I am physically on the rock face, I am focussed on very dull 'me' things, like what number rock I need, whether I can stick that sloper, and how far I am above my last runner.... I'd say the experience is pleasurable, but it is very personal, and I am pretty much alone in my head when I am climbing. I can't imagine being able to think about someone else at the same time, unless it is to curse my belayer cos he's rolling another fag rather than watching me...
On saying that, I met the love of my life at the climbing wall. We spent months perving at each other climbing and our first 'date' was at the crag.... I would say that watching people climb can be a sensual experience (when they are good at it) but climbing itself is way too stressful, scary and absorbing to make me feel sexy.
Blimey!! You lucky girl.
When I am physically on the rock face, I am focussed on very dull 'me' things, like what number rock I need, whether I can stick that sloper, and how far I am above my last runner.... I'd say the experience is pleasurable, but it is very personal, and I am pretty much alone in my head when I am climbing. I can't imagine being able to think about someone else at the same time, unless it is to curse my belayer cos he's rolling another fag rather than watching me...
On saying that, I met the love of my life at the climbing wall. We spent months perving at each other climbing and our first 'date' was at the crag.... I would say that watching people climb can be a sensual experience (when they are good at it) but climbing itself is way too stressful, scary and absorbing to make me feel sexy.
In reply to Tim, the Grey one.:
No think about it. There are days when you are super aware of the rock face, and Zone like that, and there are days when you are super aware of you body and its position and the way that you are moving. I tend to climb better on the former, but learn more on the latter.
Also, Jo was talking about bouldering, which is a very body oriented way of climbing (i.e. it is all about your movement and umm...body orientation).
Plus, a lot of actual movements and positions when climbing really are very erotic, or possibly sensual. It is the stretching and the way the muscles move I think. I must say I have never had quite the same experience, but I do find watching Gill climb or boulder to be very, umm, exciting?! I just love watching the way she moves and...well, anyway I think you are thinking about this too literally Tim. Either that or you have been climbing with the wrong people.
No think about it. There are days when you are super aware of the rock face, and Zone like that, and there are days when you are super aware of you body and its position and the way that you are moving. I tend to climb better on the former, but learn more on the latter.
Also, Jo was talking about bouldering, which is a very body oriented way of climbing (i.e. it is all about your movement and umm...body orientation).
Plus, a lot of actual movements and positions when climbing really are very erotic, or possibly sensual. It is the stretching and the way the muscles move I think. I must say I have never had quite the same experience, but I do find watching Gill climb or boulder to be very, umm, exciting?! I just love watching the way she moves and...well, anyway I think you are thinking about this too literally Tim. Either that or you have been climbing with the wrong people.
In reply to Jo: Coming in a bit late to this thread...
...but this reminds me so much of a day on the crag....27th October 1979..(I keep a diary!!!)...on the Cromlech...we were on Curfew...she was on Sabre Cut....she led the first pitch of her route and joined me on the stance as I was holding the ropes for us on the second pitch of our route.....and we chatted...and she was stunning....we got on soooooo well.....and she led off on the top pitch of her route up the big corner and I couldnt take my eyes off her...it was the way she moved...flowing and at one with the rock....competent, in control moving confidently upward...we chatted again on top of the crag....she was staying in Capel Curig....asked me to join her that evening...but I couldnt make it....ships that passed in the night.... I can still see her now 22 years hence....all dressed in dark blue......wowwwwwwwwwwwwwww..........
hehehe.......
...but this reminds me so much of a day on the crag....27th October 1979..(I keep a diary!!!)...on the Cromlech...we were on Curfew...she was on Sabre Cut....she led the first pitch of her route and joined me on the stance as I was holding the ropes for us on the second pitch of our route.....and we chatted...and she was stunning....we got on soooooo well.....and she led off on the top pitch of her route up the big corner and I couldnt take my eyes off her...it was the way she moved...flowing and at one with the rock....competent, in control moving confidently upward...we chatted again on top of the crag....she was staying in Capel Curig....asked me to join her that evening...but I couldnt make it....ships that passed in the night.... I can still see her now 22 years hence....all dressed in dark blue......wowwwwwwwwwwwwwww..........
hehehe.......
In reply to SammyB: Yup. They're all blokes. I ain't wired that way...
However, when I DO watch women climb, I also dig the way they move. I'm jealous of that 'flow' and balance they have, that I don't, as I 'thug' my way up stuff.
It still isn't in any way sexy/sensual or- ahem - 'uplifting'.....
Mebbe I need a female, live in climbing partner?
But could she live with my vow of celibacy???
*GRIN*
Tim, the Grey
However, when I DO watch women climb, I also dig the way they move. I'm jealous of that 'flow' and balance they have, that I don't, as I 'thug' my way up stuff.
It still isn't in any way sexy/sensual or- ahem - 'uplifting'.....
Mebbe I need a female, live in climbing partner?
But could she live with my vow of celibacy???
*GRIN*
Tim, the Grey
In reply to Tim, the Grey:
from Jo with the mother of all hangovers......
well 'flowing' was probably not the way to describe my climbing last night at the wall. I went there to have a meet with one of our very own Rocktalkers (I won't mention his name without prior permission) and ehm, i was crap!
Still bloody good time, and had a laugh which is what its all about isn't it? I then went off to meet mate for a curry .......2 bottles of red and a bottle of whisky later.....oh my head.
Who was it above that said bouldering is very body orientated. Bang on! It is different from 'climbing' (in the traditional sense) isn't it? You are not so worried about height above last runnner, placing gear etc and you're mind and body is totally able to focus on the moves. I am not saying its any less 'involved' than trad etc. No, its just different.
Thank u to Britney, Sammy, Hillman for your thoughtful answers. Tim, I will have to take u bouldering mate!
from Jo with the mother of all hangovers......
well 'flowing' was probably not the way to describe my climbing last night at the wall. I went there to have a meet with one of our very own Rocktalkers (I won't mention his name without prior permission) and ehm, i was crap!
Still bloody good time, and had a laugh which is what its all about isn't it? I then went off to meet mate for a curry .......2 bottles of red and a bottle of whisky later.....oh my head.
Who was it above that said bouldering is very body orientated. Bang on! It is different from 'climbing' (in the traditional sense) isn't it? You are not so worried about height above last runnner, placing gear etc and you're mind and body is totally able to focus on the moves. I am not saying its any less 'involved' than trad etc. No, its just different.
Thank u to Britney, Sammy, Hillman for your thoughtful answers. Tim, I will have to take u bouldering mate!
In reply to Jo: Don't tempt me...
Pete still wanna go meet this strange Scots lass his mate is chatting to (NOT up....), you may still get the 5 minute phone call, to get the kettle on!!
*GRIN*
Glad you had a laugh! Ask Ade, and Sheep about how laughable I was, when we met, in Leicester t'other night!
Tim, the Grey
Pete still wanna go meet this strange Scots lass his mate is chatting to (NOT up....), you may still get the 5 minute phone call, to get the kettle on!!
*GRIN*
Glad you had a laugh! Ask Ade, and Sheep about how laughable I was, when we met, in Leicester t'other night!
Tim, the Grey
In reply to Tim, the Grey one.:
Ade, Sheep...how laughable was Tim the other night then? LMAO!
Ade, Sheep...how laughable was Tim the other night then? LMAO!
In reply to Britney Smears:
lol! You always were a beardy at heart Britney
I agree, difficulty isn't everything, the "soul" of bouldering is more important to me now - shit, I've even started leaving the bouldering guides at home; our day at Porth Ysgo was fantastic, but that was nothing to do with doing hard problems.
Interesting point about the strongest passions being the non-consumated ones, I've never really thought about it like that but thinking back over the years, you do have a point. Maybe when things become reality, it often doesn't live up to our pre-conceived perception of the possibilities?
Could be the afterglow Although Nic's upcoming stag do starting at the Kebs is going to be much worse on the abuse front methinks...
lol! You always were a beardy at heart Britney
I agree, difficulty isn't everything, the "soul" of bouldering is more important to me now - shit, I've even started leaving the bouldering guides at home; our day at Porth Ysgo was fantastic, but that was nothing to do with doing hard problems.
Interesting point about the strongest passions being the non-consumated ones, I've never really thought about it like that but thinking back over the years, you do have a point. Maybe when things become reality, it often doesn't live up to our pre-conceived perception of the possibilities?
Could be the afterglow Although Nic's upcoming stag do starting at the Kebs is going to be much worse on the abuse front methinks...
In reply to Jo: No Jo feel free to name and shame me.
Mark
(The other person who couldn't climb for toffee last night)
Mark
(The other person who couldn't climb for toffee last night)
In reply to Mark: But you had an excuse, didn't you??
The blood rushed FROM your muscles, robbing you of strength....??????
*GRIN*
Are you responsible for the 2 bottles of red, and the Uisge, too??
Tim, the Grey
The blood rushed FROM your muscles, robbing you of strength....??????
*GRIN*
Are you responsible for the 2 bottles of red, and the Uisge, too??
Tim, the Grey
In reply to Tim, the Grey one.: LOL.
No responsablity for the alcohol unfortunatley. I did have a (rather lame) excuse that I had been running round after a tennis ball for the previous hour but this patheticness is nothing new. It's the third time on the trot that I've been to the wall to find I'm crap. Have I lost all ability to climb or is it just something that we all go through. Certainly hope so. I was down in Nottingham a few weeks ago and maybe the better facilities there spoiled me and I cannot motivate myself for Aberdeen wall anymore
No responsablity for the alcohol unfortunatley. I did have a (rather lame) excuse that I had been running round after a tennis ball for the previous hour but this patheticness is nothing new. It's the third time on the trot that I've been to the wall to find I'm crap. Have I lost all ability to climb or is it just something that we all go through. Certainly hope so. I was down in Nottingham a few weeks ago and maybe the better facilities there spoiled me and I cannot motivate myself for Aberdeen wall anymore
In reply to Mark: Getting motivated for Aberdeen wall is pretty hard at the best of times, particularly as the possibility of whacking your head off the back wall is always lurking in your mind! There used to be rumours of a new climbing centre out at Westhill but flying pigs seem more likely...also there is a rumour of a plan to roof over Rubislaw quarry and make it into a centre like Ratho, only better (well I just started it)
In reply to Ninian: Rubislaw Quarry is the bane of my life. I work in an office overlooking it and see all these bits of rock shouting at me. I think climbing is prohibited there and was contemplating posting a thread about it. Unfortunaly it it a site of special scientific interest due to the Falcons there. Also they are building some new flats on hte edge of it which the plans have ahd to change for the birds.
In reply to Tim, the Grey: re:"However, when I DO watch women climb, I also dig the way they move. I'm jealous of that 'flow' and balance they have"
this is v. true. i like the way that women climb too. there are very few men i have seen climb in as beautiful and fluid way as a woman, whilst climbing very hard, only sean miles and martin veale really.
in reply to britney smears: (great name that, always cracks me up
r: "the most erotically charged and strongest passions I believe are the non-consumated ones"
i agree. heartbreaking. my most vivid dreams have always been about unrequited love.
this is v. true. i like the way that women climb too. there are very few men i have seen climb in as beautiful and fluid way as a woman, whilst climbing very hard, only sean miles and martin veale really.
in reply to britney smears: (great name that, always cracks me up
r: "the most erotically charged and strongest passions I believe are the non-consumated ones"
i agree. heartbreaking. my most vivid dreams have always been about unrequited love.
In reply to Mark: Apparently some routes were done there in the 60s or 70s and were pretty adventurous muti-pitch undertakings. As I don't live there anymore (but visit regularly)it is not really my business, however it has always puzzled me that noone in Aberdeen has got together to convert an old church or warehouse into a climbing centre; I can think of many suitable sites, and there are definitely enough climbers to support it. They are even building one in Dundee. Perhaps students prefer Fraser Noble/ Rosemount viaduct and locals are just too grippy? And before you ask why I didn't organise it, most of the time I lived in Furryboots city I had enough trouble organising getting out of bed before lunchtime!
In reply to Ninian: Haven't been up here too long myself so I don't really know too many people. The wall at the Beach is so well used for such an abysmal wall that a good centre would certainly be a money making venture. I think the problem with setting one up is getting the initial investment capital together but I think one would work. Buying a new house soon which I have plans for the garage of but you do loses the social element if you train by yourself
In reply to Mark:
LMAO! No, its was an off night for both of us - an hour of tennis for you beforehand and a 2 hour rackety bus ride for me, combined with the 300 fluid tonnes of sweat clinging to the wall. God it is bloody awful isn't it! I think I may have been spoiled too, went to Inverness a couple of weeks ago with another two rocktalkers and had a great time. Its not as hot as Aberdeen either, I've done this before - talking about aberdeen' but god, the heat is phenomenal!
There IS a new wall in the offing (mark I was telling u about this last night) the people are very serious but one of the places they were looking at (would have been fantastic) fell through, through no fault of theirs, at the eleventh hour. They are still intending to do it though it may be some time again now.
Daniel - BTW is there an existing wall in Dundee?
LMAO! No, its was an off night for both of us - an hour of tennis for you beforehand and a 2 hour rackety bus ride for me, combined with the 300 fluid tonnes of sweat clinging to the wall. God it is bloody awful isn't it! I think I may have been spoiled too, went to Inverness a couple of weeks ago with another two rocktalkers and had a great time. Its not as hot as Aberdeen either, I've done this before - talking about aberdeen' but god, the heat is phenomenal!
There IS a new wall in the offing (mark I was telling u about this last night) the people are very serious but one of the places they were looking at (would have been fantastic) fell through, through no fault of theirs, at the eleventh hour. They are still intending to do it though it may be some time again now.
Daniel - BTW is there an existing wall in Dundee?
In reply to Soapy: "The look, even for an instant, when you both know"
when your stomach does a quick flip? I know exactly what you mean.
when your stomach does a quick flip? I know exactly what you mean.
In reply to Jo:
What a pity that you did not have a camera with you. Of the hundred's of photographs, the one of 'her' is my most cherished. We never spoke, meeting at stances on Via Gomez-Cano on the Penon d'Ifach, Calpe on the east coast of Spain but, I took a 'secret' photograph of her. She didn't know and will never know. The best photograph in my collection.
Dennis M.
What a pity that you did not have a camera with you. Of the hundred's of photographs, the one of 'her' is my most cherished. We never spoke, meeting at stances on Via Gomez-Cano on the Penon d'Ifach, Calpe on the east coast of Spain but, I took a 'secret' photograph of her. She didn't know and will never know. The best photograph in my collection.
Dennis M.
In reply to Nim: Thandie Newton.....
Oh, those EYES!!!
I fell in, and haven't surfaced yet....
Tim, the Grey
Oh, those EYES!!!
I fell in, and haven't surfaced yet....
Tim, the Grey
In reply to Dennis:
No I know its a pity. However I wasn't really expecting anyhting to photograph you know! Been there countless times...oh damn! oh damn! oh damn!
still I have the memories....
No I know its a pity. However I wasn't really expecting anyhting to photograph you know! Been there countless times...oh damn! oh damn! oh damn!
still I have the memories....
In reply to Nim:
That is how Gill and I met. One look across a crowded pub. It is still fantastic six years later, and I feel genuinely as though a vital part of me is missing if I'm without her.
It is the fiercest passion I have ever felt.
That is how Gill and I met. One look across a crowded pub. It is still fantastic six years later, and I feel genuinely as though a vital part of me is missing if I'm without her.
It is the fiercest passion I have ever felt.
In reply to Jo: But if you love someone, set them free!
It's like a fistful of sugar, mate. The tighter you grip it, the more it leaks out.
Cup it, gently, there's loads more to go round....
This is beginning to sound like the bad lyrics round on Buzzcocks?
Oh, congrats on the 100 up, Jo!
Tim, the Grey
It's like a fistful of sugar, mate. The tighter you grip it, the more it leaks out.
Cup it, gently, there's loads more to go round....
This is beginning to sound like the bad lyrics round on Buzzcocks?
Oh, congrats on the 100 up, Jo!
Tim, the Grey
In reply to Tim, the Grey one.:
Tim, i know what you are refering to...and that is true...i meant Sammy to hold onto the passion, not the person! Passion has to be kept alive to keep everything else going.
and thank you! my first 100!
Tim, i know what you are refering to...and that is true...i meant Sammy to hold onto the passion, not the person! Passion has to be kept alive to keep everything else going.
and thank you! my first 100!
In reply to Jo:
Amazing! I've just read your post and have worked out from my diary that your tanned, muscled Adonis must in fact have been me! I'm flattered that I made an impression and would love the opportunity to do so again! I've put on quite a lot of weight since then, most of my hair has fallen out and my bouldering standard has plummetted, but hey, I know that you saw more in me than a mere object of physical lust. Didn't you?
JAMIE B>
Amazing! I've just read your post and have worked out from my diary that your tanned, muscled Adonis must in fact have been me! I'm flattered that I made an impression and would love the opportunity to do so again! I've put on quite a lot of weight since then, most of my hair has fallen out and my bouldering standard has plummetted, but hey, I know that you saw more in me than a mere object of physical lust. Didn't you?
JAMIE B>
In reply to Jamie B:
Jamie, Jamie, Jamie......if only it had been you. And to cover the nicely concealed snipe you just made....my b/f is 6ft 3, 16.5 stone, considerably older than me.....he is gorgeous, I don't actually go for rock god men!
Jamie, Jamie, Jamie......if only it had been you. And to cover the nicely concealed snipe you just made....my b/f is 6ft 3, 16.5 stone, considerably older than me.....he is gorgeous, I don't actually go for rock god men!
Attention all Cyberstalkers!
Jo's boyfriend is BIG! You have been warned.
JAMIE B>
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