Postcard from a Wall over a River

We climb a wall along a popular walking path perched over the St. Croix River. As the women in the group go up, mothers with knee-high girls stop, crouch over and point up.

“Do you see her up there? That could be you some day. Would you do that?” the mothers ask.

“Yeah!”the girls say enthusiastic, or if shy they shake their heads and grab their mother’s hands to pull them away and keep walking.

This is my third year hosting a women’s rock climbing event in Interstate State Park with Climb Forged. The first year we had two groups of six and I was exhausted by the end. The second year we only climbed Sunday, and it was nearly 100 degrees out but everyone showed up and climbed anyhow. The past two years we’ve had a fall run up in Tettegouche State Park as well, but this year I didn’t have the September availability.

We camp on the Wisconsin side of the park on the river, and sometimes hike in the evenings. We do a group dinner around the fire — I’ve settled into a rhythm of hot dogs and veggie dogs over the fire the first night, and Greek-inspired quinoa bowls with fresh vegetables the second night.

Watching climbing feels like watching a high stakes sporting event.

There’s no sport, no gathering I’ve experienced where people are more invested in each other success. The women who aren’t climbing are watching, cheering, and encouraging. It is a uniquely supportive place, and I think about that as the mothers pause and point with their little girls.

Find the next group trips you can join here!

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The inside of my new Durston X-Mid Pro 1 (gifted) on an early morning on the women’s climb weekend.

In general I struggle with early mornings. At home there’s no where better than bed. In a cabin that runs cold, there’s definietly nowhere better than bed.

In a tent though there’s something about first light through the trees and early morning dew that makes me crave the slow boil of water and smell of instant coffee and the next mile.

Happy trails and hope you’re enjoying your June! You know I am!

xMaddy