Gazing up at the cliffs on Railay Beach in Thailand a lump catches in my throat. Rock climbing in Krabi with its soft sand beaches and jaw dropping cliffs was the first adventure to make the dream list. Yet there had always been valid reasons to not make the trip to Thailand over the past twenty years. Political unrest, lack of funds, family commitments, the excuses piled up like peaks on a mountain range.
After fifteen years of rock climbing in North America our climbing ropes were hung up for the last time. With it the Thailand climbing dream fell from its once top spot to a sad addendum on the bottom of the page.
Cycling would finally bring us here to Thailand, often referred to as the land of smiles. I can with some confidence say no smile larger than mine this day. Rock climbing at Krabi had been a last minute decision in the final days leading to departure. All kinds of excuses why not to climb in Thailand spewed forth from doubtful me.
“I haven’t climbed in years.”
“I’m not strong enough.”
“I should have done it years ago when I was more confident!”
It would be a nudge of encouragement from our daughter in law that sent us researching climbing guides at the famed destination at Krabi.
“Are you going to go rock climbing when you are in Thailand?” The photos of her smiling on the limestone cliffs from her own climbing trip to Thailand years earlier popped into my memory.
“Climbing at Krabi was the first thing on my bucket list” I sighed back to her with the tone of regret heavy in my voice.
“Well you should do it then!”
So with a flurry of research, thanks to my husband, the private lesson with an experienced guide was booked.
Picked up from our hotel in Ao Nang and transported by longboat to Railay beach, we make an unusual pair. The others headed for a day of climbing appearing twenty to thirty years our junior. Our guess is they hoped their day of rock climbing in Krabi did not include hanging on ropes with the grandparents.
So how was the rock climbing in Krabi?
Where once I would have coached others where to place their hands and feet our Thai guide did the same for us. Like a rusty bicycle covered in cobwebs the moves came in slow lurches and lunges. Sweating hands and churning stomachs gradually settled under the gentle guidance. With each climb the rust and spider webs gave way to memories of one’s body moving with some sense of rhythm.
Were we as strong rock climbing in Thailand as we had been in our glory days a decade prior? Absolutely not. My hands and forearms so useless following our Thailand climbing I required assistance to open doors for days.
At the top of each climb I would hear our Thai rock climbing guide from below.
“Sit back and look how beautiful it is. Take your time.”
It had taken a great deal of time to arrive. The beauty of those cliffs at Railay Beach and the chance to climb them will forever etched in my magical memories.
This post is not sponsored and we paid for our own experience. We would highly recommend Krabi Rock Climbing should you want to fulfill your own dream of a lifetime.
How wonderful to finally achieve your dream. It sounds like you had the perfect guide, patient and careful. I bet the view from the top was spectacular.
We did have such an amazing guide. The essence of patience and yes very careful with us. Such a wonderful feeling to have this memory now in the life vault.
Ah, you fixed it. Comments now open! I am so impressed you did this. When you posted it on Facebook the other day, I thought, “Is that really Sue rock climbing there?” And it was! Good for you.
Carrie we are having big internet challenges currently so something went wrong when I posted it. Thankfully our son and daughter noticed it and fixed it from back home. As to the rock climbing yes we really did and it will always be a treasured memory that is for sure. Thanks for dropping me a note on Facebok about the issue. Wonderful to have a village of support.
Soooo awesome, Sue and Dave! We are never too old to realize (maybe a smaller part of) our old dreams! My dream was to climb Mount Everest (crazy but true) and though I probably never will, I did realize a smaller goal by hiking to Everest Base camp in both Tibet and Nepal. Your accomplishment is scarier than mine, and you look amazing scrabbling up that rock and I hope you are incredibly proud of yourselves!
Lex what a massive accomplishment to get to basecamp and twice no less! I think it is wonderful that you dream big. From all of our years of climbing this was definitely like riding a bike, albeit a rusty one. Yes we are proud of going for it and thankful for our daughter in law’s little push. It’s now a treasured memory rather than a regret which is always a wonderful feeling.
Oh yay! You finally did it! It must have felt amazing.
Alison
It truly did Alison. Still have to pinch myself.
So glad I can comment here… it’s easier!!
I loved seeing you rock climbing on Facebook! I am so happy for you to achieve this amazing feat! Impressive my sweet friend!
Apologies for the challenges with the comments. Not sure what happened. Thanks for the kind feedback Nancy. Such a true gift to have the chance to make the dream come true.
This is so beautiful, I’m glad you had a chance to go and that you went!
Amy I feel so grateful to have had the chance.
What an accomplishment and a dream come true after all these years. Never too late to do something, and that view at the top must have been such a treat. It sounded like you had no problem ascending to the top and you were in tip top shape 🙂 Even looking at you going up, I feel tired already lol. Safe travels for the rest of the trip. Looks like Ms Wifi is being cooperative with you 🙂
Mabel my arms were sore for days following. Definitely not the muscly limbs they once were but got to the top. Ms Wifi has been a bit temperamental but managing to get some posts out. Thanks for the good wishes and kind comment.
Awesome 🙂
Thank you Joshi!
Once again you are totally my hero. I have been in awe of Thailand’s magnificent pinnacles but am far from having the guts to scale them. Hope you are enjoying your cycle through Cambodia. Hug from Langkawi.
Hugs to you Lisa! Having had all those years of climbing in our history made this far easier. Thank you for your most generous comment. No hero just keen to live as fully as possible. Xo
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I don’t know if I’d have the courage to do what you guys did, Sue, but it looks like a lot of fun—challenging, but exhilarating nevertheless. I feel like I’d need to beef up on my nonexistent upper-body strength before undertaking climbing like that. Once again, thank you for sharing yours & Dave’s memory-making experience!
We were definitely apprehensive about having the strength and stamina to accomplish this dream, so it turned out unexpectedly more fun than we expected. Your legs do a lot of the heavy lifting, so to speak?. Thanks for following along Leigh!
What a great post, Sue! It catches your qualms and your thrill in a very immediate way.
Thanks kindly Maureen for your feedback. I’m glad to hear the feelings I had came through in the writing.
You did it! How wonderful <3 I have never been a climber, did it only once, just because I have to try everything 🙂 Loved to read about your experience!
Good for you to try it! Rock climbing was a huge passion for so many years for us. Having the opportunity to revisit this dream was a gift.
So wonderful that you realized this dream at last – didn’t you post a video of this earlier? I remember how amazed at your feat I was then!
Carol I posted a video on Facebook and that was the day of the climbing I think. It is wonderful to have this in the treasured memory bank.
Well you can see what an impression the video made on me – bravo!
Thank you Carol. It was one of the big highlights of the trip.
Good for you, Sue. Hanging up there in the air like a rock star! Who needs arms. 🙂 –Curt
Haha well I’m afraid a lot of my technique is not what it once was so the poor arms took a beating. Still a thrill of a lifetime and yes who needs arms?
🙂
Wow, Sue. I’m so proud of you! And, happy for you. You did it! It would have been a shame to be right there at Krabi (or close by) and watch others climb, to then regret it forever. I’m glad you received the nudge you needed and the courage to succeed in this bucket list item. Up to the next one! 🙂
Liesbet Many thanks for your kind and enthusiastic feedback. Yes I’m afraid it would have been a great regret to not to have done it being so close by. A good reminder when other such opportunities present themselves.
Congratulations – you did it! That’s awesome!
…For you, anyway. The photo of you perched ‘way up there on the rock face made me shiver. I always thought I’d love to try rock climbing, but I think that ship has sailed. I’ll add it to the list of “things to watch Sue do”. 🙂
We high- fived each other at the end of the climbing saying “we did it!!”. It’s comforting to know one is safely secured on a rope when that high! Never say never Diane!?
Dave (Hubby)
Really impressed by your courage, tenacity and passion to do this climb and so happy for you that you got to do something that you aspired to doing, for so long. Kudos to your daughter in law or you would be kicking yourself now for not doing it. It is a great feeling to actually do something we are passionate about and dream of doing. It feels good. Amazing photos, very inspiring!
Peta
Thanks so much Peta. We have to admit as the time rapidly approached for our climbing adventure, second thoughts were creeping in. So, yes it felt so good to accomplish this dream!
Dave (Hubby)
Good on you Sue and Dave. Nothing warms the heart like finding out that someone’s dreams have come true. I’m so so happy for you!!! And the Guide sounds awesome. Experienced and keeping people on track with taking time to admire where they are. Never too old for adventure.
Thanks Annie!! I know you know the feeling as well!! Yes the guide was so great to keep reminding us to pause and look around! So amazing! Keep the adventures coming, right? ?
Dave (Hubby)
I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that even though I’ve been to Thailand three times, I’ve never ventured out of Bangkok. Rock climbing in Krabi sounds interesting, and Sue, you and Dave really rock! I’ve only rock climbed once, but it was not too high nor too challenging. I remember loving every single step and grab I made. Speaking of grandparents doing rock climbing, I remember a few years ago watching an episode of The Amazing Race where this elderly couple conquered a steep wall like they were 40 years younger! I was so inspired by them I decided to start living more healthily. Keep inspiring!
Thanks so much Bama. No need to be embarrassed about not venturing out of Bangkok. Definitely lots to do there!! It is great having occasional inspirations to keep us going!! We’ve come across many “older than us” folks who could run, climb, jump, cycle circles around us. Definitely encourages healthy living!
Dave (Hubby)
Fantastic, Sue! So glad you were given that gentle nudge. You are one brave lady. Well done to you 🙂 🙂
Thanks Jo! I agree with you that Sue is a brave lady! I think we all need those gentle nudges on occasion!?
Dave (Hubby)
I love rock climbing and this place seems pitch-perfect fr it, Sue! Thanks for bringing it closer. Was it easy to find a rock climbing guide/agency there?
Pitch-perfect…. I get it!!?. Yes, a fantastic and popular climbing destination. I (Dave) researched the climbing guide options ahead of time and the one we chose (link at the end of the post) was highly rated and definitely didn’t disappoint. There are other climbing companies as well which can easily be found through Google which also had good reviews.
How exhilarating to have made that dream come true Sue! You still have it girl! Congratulations!
Exhilarating indeed! Glad our daughter-in-law reminded of this! I agree, Sue still has it!!?
I’d say you both do!
Love this Sue! you truly live life to the fullest! Congrats on accomplishing and fulfilling a long term dream and inspiring us to do the same! 🙂
Thanks Nicole! Sue keeps us hopping indeed! She definitely keeps me inspired!!!
Dave (Hubby)
Good for you….looks awesome…in hindsight by now, I’m sure you’re glad you did it!!
Thanks Kirt. Yes, we were saying we were so glad we did it as early as walking onto the beach and looking up at the rock cliffs!
Dave (Hubby)
I am glad that your climbing dream became true, dear Sue… Loving your updates on Thailand. (here & on Instagram).. Such a great trip. Wish you the best <3 xx
Thanks so much Aquileana. We definitely are having a great trip! Next stop – Tokyo!
What an incredible adventure, Sue! Dreams come true, how cool!!
Thanks Amy! Yes, it really was awesome to finally have this dream come true!!
Dave (Hubby)
You two are amazing!! I looked at that first photo of you up there and I could not believe it. Bicycling seems like a big enough adventure, so to see your pink shirt way up there on the cliffs just left me in awe. Both of you are inspiring adventurers. Congratulations. SO glad to see you’re having a great time and living your dreams.
Thanks so much Jet!!! It was a bit surreal looking out at the beautiful scenery while clinging to the rock above! The cycling was also great however somewhat challenging with both temperatures and humidity slightly higher than at home ?
Dave (Hubby)
That’s super cool, Sue!! It’s impressive to climb the mountain in such heat – I don’t think that’s an easy one to do. Well done and congratulations!
Thanks Indah. Luckily the climb was in the shade. It was a dream come true!
I know I’ve been neglectful of the blogging world when I find this post from you in my mailbox that’s weeks old!!
As beautiful as those cliffs are, I just can’t imagine climbing them. I’m so grateful you mentioned the part of about your arms being useless for days afterward. It makes me feel less pathetic! ?
I think it’s wonderful that you followed your daughter-in-law’s nudge. Now you can smile with pride that this long-time goal was checked off the list. Those are the experiences that are truly priceless.
Your guide sounds amazing to remind you to relax, take your time, and enjoy the view. Our tri-coach used to remind us of that when we were attending training camps in Europe. We’d get so focused on what we are doing that we forget to look around and enjoy where we are. Her words still ring in my ears when I’m out riding or hiking. Savouring the moment re-enforces it in our memory ?
Joanne no one is farther behind than. Between being away and now with my Mom while she recovers from surgery I have been mostly absent.
The rock climbing will be a treasured memory from our trip. I think I could use a daily voice in my ear telling me to slow down and enjoy the beauty.
I haven’t been away, but I can relate to what a whirlwind couple of months it’s been. It feels like the past two days have been the first time since before we went to Greece that I’ve had a chance to slow down and catch my breath.
It sounds like your mom is doing really well. She’ll be back up and running circles around you in no time!! ?
Yes a few bumps along the way but hoping for discharge today or tomorrow. Thanks Joanne. Here’s to catching our breath. 🙂
Yes, spring will be here in no time and then we’ll be running again ?
Spring sounds fabulous!
Your post brought back so many wonderful memories from Thailand, Sue! Besides being known for its beach destinations, the country has amazing mountain terrains which are great for natural rock climbing. The beauty of these cliffs won’t be easy to forget, that’s for sure! 🙂
Lydia the beauty of Thailand with its unique cliffs and gorgeous sand beaches will not be forgotten by us to be sure. Happy to have brought some hapy memories back to you.