sirwoofalot Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 (edited) Trip: Mt. Si - Scramble Date: 5/26/2008 Trip Report: I was planning on a short and easy hike with my wife and children, when my daughter hurt her heel and the wife decided that she will stay home. So my son (12) and I got a last minute hall pass to do something. He has never climbed Si, and lately has been bragging about no longer having any fears of heights….. So Monday morning we were off to the super highway that is Mt. Si. We started hiking at 10:00 am and after many “no, we are not there yet” and “It is just around the next switchback”, finally we made it to the bench just bellow the scramble at 11:47. Nice work! After a few PB&J’s, Bananas and Rice Crispy snacks we were feeling refreshed and time to take a look at that scramble. We started up the scramble and I pointed out to him where we wanted to go. Off he went. About half way up he slows, and than stops. Looks around and asks, “How far up did my little sister make it before she turned around?” Oops. Not a good question. Many thoughts were flashing through my mind in an instant. Does he want to stop because he is not comfortable? He looks strong and can make it. But I don’t want him to compare himself to his sister. In my understanding climbing is not about competing against others. I don’t want him to get in the habit of forcing himself into something beyond his ability just because someone else does it. So I says to him, “First of all your sister went a little further than you are now, but you don’t need to worry about what you sister did, or did not do. You already made it past how far I went my first time on this scramble. You need to go only as far as you are comfortable, and that will be great!” With in a few short minute later we were standing on top of Hay Stack and my son exclaimed, “Wow! What a great view!” And it was. As we started down off the top my son was totally freaked out! I think he showed a lot of courage coming down, but we made it back to the car. Then it was time to head into North Bend to that Scotties Dairy Freeze, The Burger Joint to collect the obligatory Double Bacon Cheese Burger. Well, at least for the 12 year old. Gear Notes: Advil Approach Notes: Cash for Bugers Edited May 27, 2008 by sirwoofalot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
builder206 Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 That goes into the TR Hall of Fame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hendershot Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 Does he want to stop because he is not comfortable? He looks strong and can make it. But I don’t want him to compare himself to his sister. In my understanding climbing is not about competing against others. I don’t want him to get in the habit of forcing himself into something beyond his ability just because someone else does it. That is the best principle you can instill in your boy. Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KaskadskyjKozak Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 I took my 10 year old up Si last year. We went up to the base of the haystack and he looked up and said "please, don't make me do that". I of course said he didn't have to. Maybe next time. Good job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmncwrtr Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 Great TR! Wonderful advice to give your son Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bug Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 My step son and I did that when he was 12 or 13. I had to throw rocks at him to keep him moving. Nooo. Actually, he surprised me and cruised it all the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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