Walk the long footbridge towards Bates West. Look left, and you'll see a giant wooden structure surrounded by residence halls, train tracks, Blatt and the band grounds. The high ropes course, also known as the Alpine Tower, is one of the coolest places on campus. I got to scale the tower for the first time in September.
Since I first saw it last year, I yearned for a stab at the tower. I got to try out the complex a few times my freshman year, but I stayed on the low ropes portion. I was further intrigued when I worked for a summer camp, where I had the opportunity to run a high and low ropes course, a rock wall and a zip line.
I had all this experience, but I had never climbed the Alpine Tower. It was time.
The instructors warmly greeted me when I arrived and expressed my desire to climb the tower. I had to sign a waiver for the course, since injuries can occur, and was given the rundown on putting on a harness.
An instructor took me to one of the three empty corners and attached me to the rope with a double figure eight knot. After completing the necessary belaying procedures, I was on my way.
My goal was to grab a swinging log, which is one of three moving obstacles placed on the edges of the tower. They are the toughest obstacles to climb because of the tiny rocks you have to grab onto. Unfortunately, this proved to be too much of a challenge for me because I couldn't get a grip on the rocks without pushing the suspended object away from me. Most of my path had very small rocks, so I ended up wrapping myself around the pole to stay in place.
Finally, I reached the top.
For those who haven't experienced it, being at the top is fascinating. I was 50 feet off the ground, above everyone walking on the footbridge. I waved at some of the passersby, even getting a wave back.
Getting down was an adventure. I was told to slide off the edge of the top platform so the instructor could belay me down. He said I would only fall three inches — but I hate free-falling — especially at that height. After freaking out for a minute or two, I slid off and I returned to safety on the ground.
Overall, it was an encounter that I was extremely proud to accomplish. For those who may be reluctant to scale the tower, you should give it a try. Fears can be conquered with execution and accomplishment brings one’s gratification to new heights.
