My climbing journey is a story I’ve wanted to share for a while now. Especially since I only have a handful of months left in Tallahassee before I move. TRG (Tallahassee Rock Gym) has opened up so many opportunities for me to grow and explore my talents. Including having the chance to paint my third mural on their building, shown below!
The mural is on the front of their building in Railroad Square. You can see my previous murals here.
It was in early February 2017, when I first stepped foot in Tallahassee Rock Gym. My friend, India had invited me to climb with her many times before, and this time I decided to take her up on her offer. After spending a couple of hours awkwardly navigating this new environment I had chalk all over me and was grinning from ear to ear. In my heart I knew that there was no going back, climbing would become a part of my lifestyle. Though I didn’t know how much it would affect the next two years of my life in Tallahassee.
After buying a membership, my first pair of climbing shoes, and a bag of chalk, I slowly started spending more time at the rock gym. I loved the laid back community and began to make new friends with other climbers. That led me to be a part of the Florida State Climbing Club. With the encouragement of my friends, I went on my first outdoor climbing trip in late February to Rocktown, Georgia.
That trip was all it took to get me hooked. Over the last 24 months, I’ve climbed in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Texas and Utah. Mainly with my boyfriend, Noah and some of our close friends.
You can read about my first climbing trip at Rocktown here: Rocktown Round 1
Rope Climbing at Sandrock, Alabama.
My favorite routes are Misty, Six Toes, Too Pumped Chump, Something-ness and Golden Flake.
Spending time at HP40 in Alabama freezing our butts off, as you can tell from the many layers we’re wearing.
Climbing in Utah: Potash Road & Arches National Park. You can read the blog post below. Utah Roadtrip: Arches National Park
Can you see the tiny climbers on top of the odd looking rock? That’s what we climbed!
Climbing at the Red River Gorge
Boatrock, Atlanta GA
Who knew there are boulders right outside of Atlanta? This unexpected climbing spot has some of the slabbiest bouldering in the Southeast. My face says it all.
Not only has climbing opened new doors for outdoor trips. I’ve also had the opportunity to participate in TRG’s annual competition. Save the South. Last year I designed the logo for the competition t-shirts and this year I’m helping sponsor the event by donating my artwork.
Save the Date: Save the South 2019 Saturday, April 6th: Click the link to register.
I’m excited for everyone to see the new mural. Charlie (another TRG member) & I are super proud to have our artwork displayed in front of the gym.
Who knows, maybe one day another college kid will see the mural and it will lead them to climb at the gym. That one decision could change their life.