After spending an exciting day of rock climbing on the Gunks a few weeks ago, my friend George and I visited the ancient rocks on Moss Island just north of here in Little Falls.

    We didn't attempt climbing the old, weathered cliffs that day, but we did spend a while talking with climbers, observing their techniques and gathering information. After all, rock climbing isn't something you just go out and do without some knowledge, experience or instruction. One fall or one mistake can mean a few broken bones or even worse.

    Wednesday night, we decided to go to the Clark Gym in Cooperstown and try out their new indoor climbing wall. They have open climbing from 5-8 p.m. several evenings a week, charging $10 per person for non-members. We had our own equipment, but everything is available for anyone who needs shoes or harnesses. Two experienced attendants were there to provide guidance.

    We talked our wives into going along so they could belay us while we climbed. A rope is secured to the climber's harness, goes up over a solid anchor at the top and extends back down to the belayer, who controls the climbing rope by constantly taking up the slack. That way if you fall, you don't hit the ground. The belayer also lowers the climber back to the floor after the task is completed.

    The climbing wall is on one end of the pool area of the gym. It is constructed of a synthetic, rock-like substance and has a multitude of hand and foot holds that help you get to the top. The wall actually resembles a real cliff with cracks and crevices, and some of the climbs with the roofs (overhangs) are very realistic.

    I made my first attempt on a moderate section of the wall. I felt the hand holds were a little different than real rock. It seemed as if I could get a better grip on the actual stone, but I suppose that no two places will ever be the same. As I reached the top I grabbed the rope and Pat easily lowered me back down to the floor.

    George and I made several climbs up different sections of the wall before our wives tried it.

    Finally, an assistant named Eric urged me to attempt climbing one of the vertical cracks in the wall. I was game.

    Without using any of the hand holds, I reached into the crack and started up. I didn't get but a few feet up before I realized that I needed some chalk on my fingers. The chalk absorbs sweat and allows you to get a better grip.

    After hanging a chalk bag on the back of my belt and getting some on my hands, I started back up once more. With my right hand pushed deep into the crack, I reached up and wedged in my left hand. Slowly, going hand-over-hand, I made my way up the wall until I reached a small overhang. It was different climbing without the hand holds and quie a bit harder, but I made it.

    Next week, I'll try it again with the toes of my climbing shoes jammed into the crack as well. That will be even tougher.

    Climbing on the wall will be a great way to practice during the winter, but sometimes one thing leads to another. Eric mentioned they teach ice climbing in the winter, and they even provide all the equipment.

    I'll let you know how that turns out.