Just a few short years ago, I was asking "How do you get the rope up there?"

The Cashiers-Highlands area has ample opportunities for those interested in the sport of rock climbing. Within a few hours drive are dozens of crags with hundreds of climbing routes. The definition of crag is a steep rugged rock or cliff, but there are many climbing routes in this area that are not so steep or rugged.

Many people think rock climbing requires great upper body strength, but the unique granite domes around here are conducive to friction climbing, where balance and footwork are more important than strength.

Is rock climbing dangerous? Well, it can be, although proper training reduces the risk substan­tially. In this sport, however, there is zero tolerance for some types of mistakes.

The beginner should learn how to tie a few important knots, wear the harness and helmet cor­rectly, properly tie in to the rope, and belay. (Belaying is the act of applying immediate friction to a rope to stop a falling climber.)

The first-time climber should employ a qualified climbing guide to learn the basics.

A good way to practice basic climbing moves is to use a top-rope. The climber is tied into one end of the rope, which goes up to an anchor and back down to the ground. The partner, after attach­ing the other end of the rope to a belay device on her harness, pro­tects the climber from the bottom of the rock wall. Using this method, you can take more risk trying difficult moves because your fall would be relatively short.

The next step would be to climb with an experienced lead climber as his second. The lead climber ties into one end of the rope and climbs, placing gear (cams and nuts for example) into cracks and crevices to catch a potential fall. The second is tied into the other end of the rope and belays the leader.

Once the leader completes one rope length, or pitch, and builds a secure belay anchor, the second climbs to the anchor retrieving the gear on the way. After the second is attached to the anchor, the leader can then con­tinue to climb and the process is repeated. This is called multi pitch.

When the route is complete, the climbers can either rappel down or hike off at the top if there is access to a trail.

The cost to get started is rela­tively modest. Your personal gear could cost several hundred dol­lars and should include harness, helmet, shoes, chalk bag and belay device. But, if you serious-

ly get into the sport, you may spend several thousand dollars in ropes and gear.

A couple of good outlets for climbing equipment are Highland Hiker in Cashiers and Looking Glass Outfitters in Brevard.

While in Brevard, check out Looking Glass Mountain and its companion mountain, Cedar Rock. They are considered one of the best climbing areas in the southeast and have many climbs of moderate difficulty. Remember, no matter what peo­ple tell you, there is no such thing as a rope gun. The climber really does take that rope up there!