ulsanbawi towers overhead, bathed in a golden light and a shiver runs up my spine. an impressive piece of stone, this rock has inspired healthy doses of fear in me on more than a few occasions. i recall mornings before work, running up the steep hour long hike to this behemoth's base with andrew. scaring ourselves witless. back in the staffroom a few hours later we would catch each other's eye while other teacher's sipped their morning coffees. they have no idea. days like that truly made us feel like we existed in a whole other realm of reality. and i guess we did. climbing can do that. push you to become something beyond yourself.
standing once again below the base and i'm excited at the prospect of being able to climb again. i can hold out. i can let myself heal. this rock isn't going anywhere. for now, it feels good to be out stretching my legs in the crisp fall air in this beautiful park. the first bit of real exercise i've gotten in a while. my back is a little achy, but i'm considering the hike, i'm pleased with how's its held up. this has been a good test of how well i'm healing. i'm anxious to get back in the midst of seorak, losing myself in its traversing and intersecting trails. i'm just about ready.
