Kids are funny

Last week I went to the middle school my wife teaches at to give a presentation to 6th Graders about climbing and more specifically my climbing adventures. We also went though how climbing gear is used when on a route. (I think they just liked to play with the ice axes)

The accelerated classes are reading a book called Peak by Roland Smith where a kid goes to climb Mt. Everest. While not very technically accurate as far as climbing goes, the book is still a fun read.

These kids have spent most if not all of their lives living in Illinois and have no clue that "normal" people actually do this kinda thing. They are used to seeing all the specials on Discovery "Climbing Everest" etc. while yes... that is "climbing". There is a lot more to the sport.

There were a few questions that I found rather brilliant.

Student: Do you want to climb Mt. Everest?
Me: No not really, to many people and to much money. Though I would try K2 or Annapurna.

Student: Have you climbed anything that we would have heard about?
Me: You have all heard of Everest, K2, Hood, Rainier and Mt. Mckinley / Denali is because they are in the news and lots of people climb them. I like to climb where there is little to no people. Although I would try one of the less climbed routes on Denali.

Student: Is the "Cussin' Crack" named that because people swear a lot on it?
Me: Yes
Students: ::giggle::

Student: What is the most dangerous place you have ever climbed.
Me: The Wind Rivers, due to it's remoteness. You have no cell phones, very few people and pretty rough terrain.

Student: What does the top of a mountain always look like a point?
Me: Because you are seeing it from very far away.

This is my second year going in and talking to the kids and talking about climbing and I look forward to doing it next year with a few more adventures under my belt.