Colorado Springs 1995

My first American friend Heather was working in Colorado Springs in the summer of 1995. I thought it would be shame to miss an opportunity to visit her. Made it in two days. Colorado stole my heart. "Better than mountains could be only mountains where you haven't been yet" (V. Visotsky)

I made it! It is amazing what a casual stroll through the Garden of the Gods may turn in to. Heather and I observed a little kid climbing a rock. This caught our attention. Other man was securing him on the ground. I asked how can I try that. Man looked at me from top to bottom. "$20... I tell you what to do and you'll be OK." Few moments later I got my harness and began my first ever rock climb. I made it!

Next day we hiked to the top of Kissing Camels and vertically repelled. 200m. It was scary and great!

That is the rock that we repelled from.

Then I went white water rafting. Class 4.5. It was really intense. First time ever I was afraid that I might actually die. Still alive and I'd do it again.

We were on the seventh cloud (or fifth from the top) and on the top of the world (almost). God blessed me with friends.