Take the Iron Road (Via Ferrata) in Mammoth

So maybe you saw my article about our rock climbing excursion to Horseshoe Lake. (If not, click here.) And maybe you saw this pic of my 10 year old clinging to the side of a huge chunk of granite. What you don't know see is that this picture was taken by my 15 year old who was also hanging-- much higher-- off of this giant piece of rock-- while using his cellphone to take a selfie and a couple of not selfies of his brother. One of those specks at the bottom is me. 

​Are you suddenly having mean-mom judgmental feelings about my lack of concern? Are you wondering how I qualified for my mom card? Are you debating as to why on God's green earth I am allowed to care for small humans? 

If so, I don't imagine that you're the first person to feel that way about my free-range parenting. ​

​But with the new Via Ferrata you can liberate yourself from all those feelings.

Via Ferrata is "a protected climbing route that allows guests to more safely experience the thrills of rock climbing and mountaineering." As with the Via Ferrata in the Alps or Dolomites of Europe at Mammoth's Via Ferrata, guests will be able to clip into a steel cable that is permanently fixed to the rock. With a guide, guests ride the gondola up, climb one of 6 routes,  and "end with the elation of having climbed to one of the best viewpoints in the Sierra."

Honestly, I just can't wait. And although the Via Ferrata will be great for all abilities and fitness levels, I think I wanna build my skill a bit before I get out there.

Check out this great video, showing the Via Ferrata construction. OMG. I can't wait.