Another OP (Outdoor Program) trip in the bag. This weekends agenda, The Via Ferrata in Telluride, CO. I think the perfect way that I heard it described was that it was neither climbing, nor hiking. It's a hybrid of the two... like extreme hiking.
It’s pretty basic. Clip in, shimmy along the rock, unclip, repeat. However there are some sections with out cables or handholds. And because I’m short I couldn't reach some of the footholds, so those arm workouts came in handy during those sections of the climb.
Via Ferrate means “Road with Irons” in Italian. In climbing the term Via Ferrata refers to a route with additions like ladders or cables. It’s so hikers and climbers can feel safe while above exposed terrain. The concept for Via Ferratas started in the Dolomites during World War I when the Austrians and Italians were fighting in the mountains. Routes were built and permanent lines installed to help troops climb.
This is a link to a video that will give you a look at exactly what we did this weekend. No this isn't a video of my group but it is the same exact route we took.
Pretty awesome right?
After we passed, what I think was the most extreme part of the trek I had to go to the bathroom BAD. And as you may of guessed, there aren't many public restrooms up 700 feet above ground. So, with the help of another woman,Julie, we tied a rope around my harness and attached that to a cable and repelled me off the side of the cliff to a spot where I could do my business. Needless to say there couldn't have been a more beautiful spot to go. While that was probably the most memorable part of the trip I was the talk of group for the rest of the trip haha with every time someone said "shit" or "poop" heads would turn and you'd hear someone say "Jess? you gotta go again?" haha I can cross that off my list of most awesome places to relieve myself.
The girls. It was a blast because all of us signed up for the trip together and early, so it turned out to be an all girls trip! Well.... for the most part, we had three guides who were guys. But by the second day (when we did the Via Ferrata there was only one). I've got some pretty BA girls who love doing outdoor adrenaline stuff as much as I do:)
Me and Kenzie :)Telluride was BEAUTIFUL!! It was just tucked in between mountains, and you could see in the aspen trees that fall was approaching by the gorgeous yellow color of their leaves. The blue skies, great company and gorgeous view made this trip definitely one of the most memorable for sure. I am sure I will never forget this trip.
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