Wine Country Times

Two peaks framed against the vast canvas of clear skies- while nature spread its wings effortlessly around the towers. Goat Rock looked deceptively small. A month of relentless rain yielded a few precious days of sunshine and 71-degree weather. Perfect for the climbers heading down the path with gear, backpacks, and prayers in hand through the muddy trail still draining to the ocean below. 

Inspired by the epic tale of Kevin Jorgeson's ascent of the Dawn Wall, the climbers pondered the parallels between his conquest of El Capitan and their pursuit of recovery. Could the same inner grit that propelled him to greatness be harnessed to overcome the daily challenges of addiction?

With this question lingering in their minds, three courageous alumni accepted the invitation from Women's Recovery Services to embark on a ninety-day rock climbing experience-and a chance to translate the physical and mental rigors of climbing into tools for reclaiming their lives. 

The journey from addiction to triumph began at Sessions gym, where they immersed themselves in the intricacies of climbing, learning to tie knots, secure harnesses, and trust in the importance of a belay -a rope system used to support, catch or to rest a climber during a climb. On the very first day, each woman scaled a 39-foot wall, showcasing their spirit and determination. As their skills grew, so did their ability to confront the daunting difficulty of the next wall, mirroring the obstacles in their own lives. 

Each upward movement symbolized a triumph over doubt and fear, overcoming daily challenges, rebuilding relationships, finding housing, combating stigma, maintaining sobriety. The journey was not just about conquering physical heights but also about forging bonds of trust and resilience within themselves and their community.

They were learning the tools and resilience to face whatever obstacles lay ahead on their path to recovery. Only the final test awaited: Climbing Goat Rock. 

Chalked hands reached out, to find leverage, a foot hole, on the edges of the stone jagged wall.  The sounds of deep guttural strain could be heard reverberating through the silence, filling every crevice as we held our breaths below.  

The intensity of the climb, challenged their limiting thoughts, their bodies, their spirit. Every strain of muscle, every bead of sweat, echoed the inner battles. Each handhold gained, each foothold secured, became a metaphor for their journey toward reclaiming control of their lives.

At one point a climber hung suspended by the very belay that would save her life, and yet, she did not quit. She climbed higher. 

One by one, the climbers disappeared above Goat rock. Tears of exhaustion mingled with tears of triumph and redemption could be heard with resounding joy!  

We cheered as they descended victorious. They had not only conquered the physical challenges but they discovered the true essence of inner fortitude—not just in climbing walls but in overcoming life's challenges, one foothold at a time—their recovery journey far from over, but their resolve unwavering!