Finding Joy at 68

Marilyn age 68 wanted to relive her days of rock scrambling in West Virginia’s Seneca Rocks during the late 70s and 80s. She remembered the sense of adventure and empowerment, and wanted to get that back.

With a lightweight backpack filled with the proper technical equipment, Ryan led Marilyn on a short hike to the base of Barrett’s Cove Cliff where the adventure began!

Marilyn discovered many positive things experience; her knees gained more mobility and felt stronger, she found her edge while climbing and descending the climbs, and she felt very accomplished. Joy filled her heart.

Ryan led the vertical paths while trailing a rope for Marilyn, safely securing it to anchors while she climbed and descended. They climbed several routes up and down and four hours went by in the blink of an eye. Once at the top, Marilyn enjoyed a well deserved view of Lake Megunticook and the surrounding forest.

Perhaps Marilyn’s biggest take away from rock climbing in Camden, Maine with Ryan of Northern Vertical is the accessibility of this sport to seniors. She did not let her age be the excuse, rather she stepped right up to the plate and swung for the stars. The result was a grand slam home run and she encourages all to do the same.

Are you curious about going rock climbing? You don’t need prior experience and a strong body, but you do need the courage to reach out to Ryan and he will make sure you feel confident and supported during the experience, just like Marilyn.

Learn more by visiting our website, reading the testimonials, and watching the videos.