Additionally, each climber is fully equipped with the same safety equipment and trained to the same safety standards and procedures as active-duty. I was heartened to hear that, in 80 years, there had only been 6 climbers that had come to grief. Lastly, experienced members of active-duty were strategically placed amongst the ratlines, should a climber need any help or encouragement. I can say that I needed none as I mumbled often to myself, “I’m not gonna be number 7…I’m not gonna be number 7…”
COMO Vin Pica
OVER
UCH ATTENTION
was paid to my “up and
over” efforts, i.e., climbing
the ratlines (“rat-lins”), which
includes being somewhat upside
down for the last 10 io 12 feet, up
to the yards, across the platform and
then down the identical path on the opposite
side. Much attention is paid to being on the
windward side on the way up so that the wind
is holding you close to the ratlines while conducting
the much more difficult part of the effort – going up.
M
OVER
M