Fear is an interesting thing. I love being outdoors, and absolutely love long strenous hikes. And throughout the years, I have often talked about the hikes I have completed in terms of climbs. But, it was not until I went with the TuE outdoor group to the Italian Alps that I experienced what real climbing is; and for me, it was a tough, but enthralling adventure. I don’t even think this picture rightly places the difficultly of the climb we completed. It was forsure supposed to be for experienced climbers. But considering Rob and I were the only two unexperienced climbers, I guess you could call the group as a whole experienced. And though at times I was truly full of fear, the reward of reaching the top was truly an incredible gift that I gave to myself.