GREETings from Grenoble: Praying for Rain

Today, I prayed for rain! Why, you ask? Today was the day for Via Ferrata (a different link to this particular via ferrata is here). It is very difficult for me to explain this with the clarity that it deserves so I really suggest you visit one of the excellent websites on the subject such as this one, this one or this one. In short, a Via Ferrata is a “path” (I use this term very loosely) that goes up the side of the mountain and then across the rock face consisting of rock holds, iron bars and most importantly a safety cable that must be used at all times. There are some iron spikes in rock faces (these are the easier parts) with various forms of torture including single line cable bridges, rock gaps, etc. Historically, it developed in the Austrian Alps and, as it’s considered to be a bit easier than rock climbing, it allowed people to reach new heights (literally). In the early 1900’s the Italians built Via Ferrata routes through the mountains to transport troops, artillery, etc. during war time. In much of the late 20^th and early 21^st centuries, Via Ferrata has become an adventure sport. France is probably the modern capital of the sport and the French are among the most active participants.

When we first arrived in Grenoble, Christophe took us to the park to show us the Via Ferrata route to Le Bastille. It is in two sections and according to ViaFerrata.org (I looked this up AFTERWARDS, thank goodness) the first section, the one we did, is ranked between difficult and very difficult on the various sites, while the second section is ranked extremely difficult, the highest ranking. Christophe had the idea that we should experience this for ourselves. In my younger (and thinner) days, I had no problems with such activities and actually really enjoyed them. Of course those who know me, know that I’m no longer younger or thinner. At any rate, this is something that I really, deep down wanted to do, but also something that I doubted I would be able to accomplish and thus my pride would be wounded in front of my new Alpine friends and colleagues, not to mention the very real and very serious possibility of being stuck on the side of a mountain. If you could see this rock face, you would understand why I was concerned. According to the statistics, its 120 m high (I think this might be a bit off as it seemed less) and 250 m long – I believe this value.

So back to rain – I knew the only thing that would save my pride was rain. It’s just too dangerous to do in the rain with a slippery granite face. I’ve been watching the forecast all week and there has been rain predicted for Thursday, our chosen day. At 11:45 today, my prayers were answered – it began to rain and my pride (and for that matter the rest of me) would be intact. However, the rain was short lived and before noon the sun was out again. So, Via Ferrata, here we come!

We arrived at the park and “saddled up” in our safety harnesses, etc. Then we took a practice loop through the introductory course to make sure we knew what we were doing (the answer is still probably no, for me at least, though I have to admit Mark looked like a pro). This loop was about 15 m high and 15 m across before descending (the really tricky part). Then, it was off to the real “trail”.

I’m not sure if it was the best thing or the worst thing, but Mark and I had no idea the path that the “trail” would take or when it would end. An hour later and a lot of hard work hanging over the side of a rock face that was very high above the park below and we reached the top (of the first section). A very important thing to know about Via Ferrata (at least this one) is that there is NO turning back (it’s a one way adventure) and there’s NO opportunity to quit along the way. There is quite literally, only one way out so when you do this, you are ALL IN. To be sure, there were times I wondered if I would make it but we plugged on and made it to the end. It was the single most exhilarating and exhausting thing that I have ever done.

Afterwards, it was off for a very well deserved lunch. I must thank our hosts Christophe and Michel, as well as our colleague Nico, for taking us on this extreme adventure. It was certainly a first for me and the experience of a lifetime. I look forward to one day trying the second section (maybe on sabbatical).

I am very glad it did not rain!!

Note, it is extremely difficult to take pictures while hanging for dear life over a large drop but our host Michel Vivaudou managed to do so and we will post them when he provides them. For now I have provide a few taken with my cell phone when I wasn't clinging with all my might.