Carroll Center Group Climbs Cathedral Ledge

Blind climber descending the ledge

The Carroll Center’s Outdoor Enrichment Program recently completed a successful rock climbing trip on Cathedral Ledge, North Conway NH. Six blind climbers, most of whom were beginners, spent the weekend meeting the daunting challenge of climbing Cathedral Ledge, the same location where famed blind mountain climber, Erik Weihenmayer, was introduced to climbing over twenty years ago.

With a light rain falling the morning of the climb, the group decided they had traveled too far to let a little rain stop them. They put on their climbing gear and listened to instructions by the professional climbing guide from International Mt. Equipment. The trek into the climbing area was equally as challenging, requiring hand over hand crossing of boulders to get to the base of the ledge. Once at the base, the group learned the skills required for rope climbing on belay and took turns climbing the ledge. The light rain made the rocks slippery and more difficult to get a good grip, but the blind climbers met the challenge successfully. To finish the day’s climbing experience, the trek down from the ledge was another type of challenge that all were successful at conquering.

Completing the Cathedral Ledge climb were blind climbers Matt Chao, Bruce Howell, David Kingsbury, Mark Bos, Nancy Jodoin and Jenn Harnish assisted by sighted guides Tim Simoes, Vanessa Howell and Mary McKinnon

The climbing experience was considered by all to be very rewarding in knowing that when confronting a new and difficult challenge, that proper techniques, a bit of tenacity and a positive attitude can get you far.