Via Ferrata
“Always do what you are afraid to do.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
In early August, we visited our friend Isak, in Andalsnes, which (news to us) is a very popular tourist destination in Norway. It also happens to be a popular destination for those who love extreme sports of varying kinds.
There is some very good climbing in this small town, including what is known as The Via Ferrata or “the iron road” in Italian. This is a specially designed climbing route of steel cables and anchors providing the opportunity to take in incredible views and manage your adrenaline.
We had spoken to the kids about this climbing prospect and they were all in. We told them that it would take courage and that once they had started they could not turn back… This was not a clever parenting technique, it was actually true.
After we arrived, met Isak’s wonderful parents, checked on the weather, and took a drive in a Porsche up the Trollstigen (wow!), it was decided we would ascend the Via Ferrata the following morning.
We woke to sunshine and mild temps. Isak had secured harnesses and helmets for all of us. With just a short walk from their front porch, we were at the base of the mountain and ready to make some memories that will not soon be forgotten.
Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain.
- Mark Twain
Alister:
How did I feel when I was putting on my harness? I felt excited, adrenaline flowing in my body. I was so excited for the adventure.
As I was walking to the base of the climb I was thinking “I’m so excited and, don’t freak out”. I’m not super fond of heights.
Then, when we started the climb I was thinking, “This is easier and funner than expected”. Then when we got to the middle of the climb I thought “wow, this is way steeper than I thought!” I even had some moments where I almost froze and needed some help to get through some really tough parts of the climb.
Sure, at some points I may have been shaking like a leaf, but overall the via ferrata was probably one of the funnest things I’ve ever done. And, I have conquered my fear of heights!
Karalee:
The experience was amazing. With the town of Andalsness spread out beneath you and the blue expanse of the sky above you, you feel so small in the presence of the majesty all around. And when you get to the end of your goal, there is this feeling of satisfaction, but also of disappointment that the adventure is over. I loved the via ferrata and wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to do it again.
Jenny:
The Via Ferrata was a turning point for me; for our time in Norway. Having arrived only a month before, I was both delighted and uncertain about all the newness of this life we were living abroad. I think its strange that a steep pitch up a rock face brought me into the peace I had been looking for. I needed to feel assured in some way, that we were in the right place at the right time. Sitting on a wood bench, attached only by carabiners and overlooking the valley far below, was exactly what I needed to feel at ease. I reflected on a summer in college when I worked at a summer camp in California. During that time, I had to overcome a fear of heights and learn many new and foreign things as a challenge course instructor. The joy of that summer returned to me in the hours we spent climbing and clipping in. Watching our kids focus and overcome fear on such an obstacle was one of the best sights I’ve ever taken in. The climb was a metaphor: we are in Norway to adventure boldly and bravely, with joy and resilience - “Further Up and Further In!” Fear is not a worthy tradein for faith. Ever. I’d rather scale the mountain, together with my family, facing danger and the unknown, than to sit and envy the people who have guts enough to do the extraordinary. I was and am filled with gratitude for this experience produced by our friend, Isak. One of the best days of my whole life; Via Ferrata was just what I needed to experience our time in Norway with the confidence of belonging.
Clayton:
From a father’s perspective I couldn’t have been more proud of my kiddos. Back in 2001, while attending bible school in Schladming Austria, I climbed the Austrian version of a via ferrata high in the alps . So, I had a good idea of what we would be experiencing. I knew that it would require focus, courage, strength, endurance and some good old fashioned adrenaline for them to complete the climb. Although the route that we climbed was the “intro” route, just one look at the mountain side told me that there would be plenty of exposure and challenging sections along the way.
At the beginning of the climb our trusty guide and friend, Isak, was kind and clear in his instructions. “You will always have at least one carabiner attached to the cable at all times. If you fail to do this I will be angry. And you may die.” The message was loud and clear and the kiddos shifted their mindset to adventure/mission mode. And, wow, they were on a mission. To watch both of them navigated the challenges of the course with such attention to safety was impressive. To see how they examined the route and problem solved was remarkable. And, to witness how they overcame fear and asked for help at all the right times made me feel so proud of them! Mission accomplished!
P.S. - Jenny nailed it. I loved seeing the expression of accomplishment and pure delight on her face for days afterward! Well done!!!
P.P.S. - We are so grateful for Isak and his wonderful parents for hosting us. Their kindness and generosity was a huge blessing to our family. Not to mention the wonderful conversations, memorable car rides, and time around delicious meals. Thank you!
“He who overcomes his fears will truly be free.”
- Aristotle
