1983: Got inspired by my trail crew supervisor in Zion (John Gangemi), he was an animal on and off the rock.
Got back home, dug out the classic 1974 issue of Nat Geographic with the hammmerless ascent of Halfdome, I studied the knots and gleaned what I could from the text.
I got the Spire rock guide book and bought some used gear from a dude at High school and started self teaching myself at Spire.
Mom felt I needed something organised so I enrolled in the mounties basic course. I stayed in it long enough to get the rock climbing info, meet Pope and then I bailed when we got to the snow and ice part.
The rest is history, with Pope and I learning alot those first few years 1985/1986 but challenging ourselves and scaring ourselves.
The best years EVER!