I Was Scared of Heights... Until I Climbed the Summit of Puy Griou

I would like to share one of the many special moments during a trip to the mountains. One of my firsts.

I happen to be married to an adventurous man who loves to push himself to his limits. Some of you here might know Hive account@iamyohann. He loves extreme sports (although the pandemic turned him into a couch potato nowadays, sorry Sweetie 🙂) and flying in a small open cockpit aircraft. I, on the other hand, am a reserved homebody who regularly experiences itchy feet. I have always been afraid of heights. The kind that brings panic and weak knees while walking on glass floors or being inside observation elevators.

Through him, I have discovered my adventurous side. He often gets me into some adrenaline-pumping activities and I always end up having fun.

Throughout our years together, he made me discover my love for hiking. May it be in a tropical jungle, a cacti-clad island in a salt desert, or a deep forest of pine trees. I had walked trails along ravines (almost fell at one time) but I had never reached the summit of a mountain.

There's always a first.

Puy Griou is a sharp volcanic chimney in the department of Cantal, Auvergne France.

At a height of 1,690 meters above sea level, it is the sharpest mountain in Cantal. It is located between the valleys of Cère and Jordanne and accessible from both valleys.

It started with a lovely walk through the Auvergne woods. We took the Vallée du Lioran route. Before reaching the above site where I took this photo, there was a 7.5-kilometer ascent on a pleasant trail of about 3 hours. If you're coming from Le Lioran Ski Centre, it will be about 8.5 kilometers via Font d'Alagnon.

The path in the woods led us to the ridge heading up to the sharp summit. There were many marked trails leading to Puy Griou but it's always better to check out the local Tourism Office or your hotel reception for hiking maps to see the best possible route.

Nightlock? (Hunger Games) Not really. Blueberries can be found along the trail.

Challenge to Climb the Summit

Hive account@iamyohann challenged me to reach the summit. I was hesitant at first because I wouldn't really know whether it would be possible for me to move forward and upward when panic attacks.

Pardon me, but that's the expression on my face when I was challenged to reach the peak of the steep conical mound.

My in-laws decided to rest at the foot of the mountain.

I drank in huge gulps of water as I stared at this intimidating phonolite-made cone. I heard that the final climb could be quite technical and those prone to dizziness usually back out.

I inhaled and breathed, "I can do this."

I began my ascent on the sharp volcanic rocks. I managed 3 quarters of the climb, avoiding looking down but the last bit was definitely the hardest. I had to push my weight up and was crawling on these basalt and phonolite rocks wishing I was spiderman.

Then it happened... I froze!

I found myself at a seemingly dead-end where the rock was too steep for my next step and my knees were about to melt.

My fear kicked in. Dizziness. I started panicking and crying at the same time. Yohann was behind me. I heard him explain how my shoes had great grip and that if ever I slipped, he'd be there to stop my fall.

I started chanting, "I can do this...I can do this."

Against fear, I pushed my weight with my legs while my arms reached for some rock crevice that could anchor further support. I did this slowly, one step at a time. Cheering myself internally with every rock and every stone I threaded on. Looking forward, I could never look down.

All tension, stress, and fears were released. I had to cry when I got to the top.

My Takeaway

Ecstatic and pleased, the experience was a bit spiritual.

The descent was fairly easy. I looked down while I reflected on life. How much the journey upwards is a personal reflection of one's attitude towards life.

When I reached the toughest bits, I began crying, sulking, and screaming pausing only to push myself forward, always rising to the challenge. In real life, I do the same. I cry, sulk, scream but eventually do it anyway.

What touched me in this experience was the truth that we are never alone.

There will always be a guiding force that will catch us if we fall. May it be family, a friend, or a stranger inspired by a higher power and touched by grace.

Then I am no longer afraid.

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Thank you for reading. Weak legs and panic attacks on high altitudes started to decrease as I grew older. I look forward to sharing more height-related adventures here whenever I get the chance. I wish you all a lovely weekend.

Inspired by my original post