Climbing into the Unknown

Desperate to get out of New York, out of the States, off the continent, I signed up for a climbing expedition called Hot Rock. None of my friends or climbing partners had ever heard of it.  Well, okay, one friend knew a guy who talked to another guy … you get the drift. The only shred of legitimacy I could hold on to came from the rapid-fire email responses in the Queen’s English from the owner. Some bloke named Duncan that wasn’t actually going on the expedition.

But I had faith.

A summery day in Quito, Ecuador – launch day – I climbed a creaking, narrow staircase to a rooftop bar and found myself immediately embraced by fellow Hot Rockers. These climbers, hailing from all over the world, turned out to be the most adventurous, crazy, and inspiring climbers I have ever met. We trundled through South America on a 14-ton truck, climbing at every crag and making merry at every campsite and detour along the way.

Here are the rules to know when when embarking on a Hot Rocks adventure:

Rule 1: Park as close to the crag as possible.

Rule 2: When bouldering, the more the merrier.

Rule 3: At 13,000 feet, pack lightly and climb efficiently.Hatun Machay, Peru

Rule 4: Make friends with the locals (part 1).

Rule 5: Learn trad climbing on untouched splitter cracks.

Rule 6: Try hard – harder! – to get Ernie out of muddy pits.

Rule 7: Don’t stress about the details.

Rule 8: Glide effortlessly on your journey.

Rule 9: Do not be fazed by inclement weather.

Rule 10: Make your own fun, costumes optional.

Rule 11: Greet the morning sun with open arms.