I am not a stranger to vertical ascent (or descent) twice or even thrice higher than my modest five feet height. One of the striking features of the Peak 2 Mt. Makiling climb is a 10 feet 90 degrees climb at around the 3rd hour of the trail. To assist hikers, a permanent rope with strategic knots along its whole length was installed in the area, tied to a steady gnarl of "ancient" roots. This happened eons ago and it made me wonder how it felt to go down the side of a boulder as the stuntmen would do it in the movies.At present time, the opportunity presented itself in the form of an invitation to participate in a school-based Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Training. Heights, or the fear of it, is something that I am wont to combat at every chance I get. Palpitations, clammy hands are not uncommon for me in these activities so I chose to relax a bit and let the students finish first before taking my turn at it. Not only will the sparse light spare me from seeing what lies await at the ground should I fall or the reaction that a misstep would elicit from the bystanders. Hahaha!
I actually felt heady when xxx started assisting me with the harness. There are two sets: one for the lower body and another one for the upper torso. It was only after climbing on the other side of the railing did yyy orient me about the anchor and brake hands to use on the rope that was attached to the "eight rappelling device."
On count, I started descending steadily using my right hand as anchor and my left hand to break my fall. Boy, was I heavy, I had very little difficulty getting down and was on the ground in a little more than 30 seconds. The eight-ring was hot to the touch at the friction that my weight created on it and the rope.
It was exhilarating I wanted another go at it however it was dark already. Hopefully there is a next time very soon.
