July 8th, 2019: Chris gained the exposed ledge marking the top of Pitch 1 of the North Ridge of Vågakallen. It was his first time climbing outdoors. I (Erik) grinned at him, but as he strode towards me I noticed something wasn't right. “You better fucking smarten up,” he said, pointing an accusatory finger at me. “I don’t know what I’m doing. That Norwegian couple down there told me I was belaying wrong,” he said, pointing down to where the climb began on an airy ridge. “And they told me my harness was on upside-down.” I laughed, but Chris was not amused. I swallowed. “You’re right. I need to smarten up. But don't worry! It gets better. Just remember to breathe.” Chris, hands on knees, had relaxed a bit but didn’t say anything. This would turn out to be a proper adventure after all! I thought. And I wasn’t wrong. Classmates from engineering school, Chris and I had both moved to Norway around the same time. In July, 2019, we set out together on a bike tour in North-Norway. Along the way, I convinced Chris to rope up with me and try a few classic moderate climbs. Amazingly, he agreed.
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