So there I was (isn't this how all climbing stories begin?), more than halfway up a pitch of 5.9+, hanging on for dear life. So near but so far, I could see the top not more than 15 feet away. My arms were pumped up and numb from the stress, my face looked like it was a balloon about to explode. One look at the route and I knew it would be hard, if not absolutely out of my abilities, but my trusty climbing partner Loyal had faith in me. Yet there I sat, afraid to make the next move, unable to stay where I was any longer. Just when I thought I'd have to succumb to exhaustion, I heard words of encouragement from below, "Just make you're move! Dude, you're not going to fall, you're not going to fall, YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FALL! Come on, stick it! You can do it!" Then, with all my courage and strength, I lunged from my purchase with all my strength and reached for the next set of holds! In a blink of an eye, and a feeling of utter disbelief, I had made it. I was past the crux, with only a few easy moves to the top. Was I on some lofty spire in the North Cascades? Maybe on a multi-pitched sport route in Leavenworth? Nope. Just on my first attempt at a 5.9+ at the local climbing gym. OK, OK. No big deal, I know. But the point here wasn't the climbing, it was the moral support from a fellow, more experienced climber.

That day seems like eons ago, but it was nary more than a year back from today. When I'm faced with a difficult or tricky move, I still hear his words echoing in my head. These were my first experiences with someone mentoring me for climbing, and soon after, I was starting the Mountaineers Basic Climbing Course. I figured I could use all the help I could get.

Several people had told me about the Mentor program built into the course, which was optional, but some believed to be the best part of the course. I have to be honest. Realizing the time commitment involved to take the course, and the fact that I am a very active volunteer with the club, I was a bit skeptical about joining a mentor group. The last thing I felt I needed was more course activities, but against my better judgment, I signed up for a "high intensity" group

Our first meeting was tense, you could cut the tension with a knife, and I must admit I let that tension get the best of me. Having had a few bad experiences with fellow outdoorsman, I decided to share my thoughts on safety and risk management. Unfortunately, I came across more like a New York prison warden than a concerned student. Later in the course my fellow mentees told me, "We were worried about you man, we're so glad you aren't always that tense!"

As the course continued, we all got to know each other. We started signing up for field trips together, and camaraderie grew. Even though we possessed vast diversity and widely ranging experience levels, we complemented each other well. Maybe even a little too well, as at our Snow 1 field trip. Let's just say "loud and boisterous" may be a little bit of an understatement as to the presence we projected. I think some of the instructors were a little afraid of working with us, not knowing what they might be getting themselves into! Our work ethic also grew. We not only did field trips and mentor group activities together, but we also started meeting outside the course as well (we had a lot of strange looks at the park setting up z-pulleys!).

Our efforts and growing friendship became relevant to me at Snow 2. In freezing conditions and sideways sleet, no one was particularly excited about yanking folks out of crevasses. After just lowering one of our group into the depths, a moment of great anxiety came over me. I looked over to my partner and said, "Holy ****, we just lowered so & so into a crevasse! Let's get her out Équick!!!". I don't remember feeling as proud and confident as I did that day when we pulled our fellow mentor student out of that hole. My life felt complete!

We got our climbs in by late July, and even though the course is over and behind us we still get together from time to time. The Climber's Reunion Potluck was particularly memorable, and we cheered each other as our names were called. One of our group, the quiet shy guy, managed to get in 12 climbs this year. As if that weren't enough, he actually did enough to get his 5-peak pin, including Mt. Baker twice! Our mentor group leader was present also, receiving awards for his own accomplishments. We all plan on taking the Intermediate course, and look forward to much more fun and memories in the coming years.

All said and done, the mentor program for me was my favorite part of the Basic Climbing Course. Confidence, pride, life long friendships, unforgettable memories; all part of the experience. Not all mentor groups turn out this way. I think our commitment and eagerness, leaders included, made this one special. My advice to mentor group leaders and "mentees:" pursue this endeavor, your group is what you make of it. It can dramatically enhance your time in the Basic course, if not be your favorite part. It was for me.