BUAA Mountaineering Team's Dragon Boat Festival White River Wild Climbing
The 2014 BUAA Mountaineering Team went rock climbing at the White River on June 1, 2014, setting up five routes over the course of a day and a half, and returning at 3:30 p.m. on June 2.
6Month1Day at7a.m., after gathering at the east gate of the Shahe Campus, they took a chartered bus to the White River climbing area in the Heilongtan Scenic Zone. Arriving at the destination around 9:00 a.m., the team leader arranged accommodation and meals for the driver before the members took a short rest and then hiked into the climbing area.
The experienced team leader Wang Zhaofeng carefully surveyed the routes before shouldering his gear to pioneer and set up the first two lines. The other members held their breath to create a focused environment, and the process went smoothly—both lines were set up in about twenty minutes. Meanwhile, the leader assigned members to set up tents at the campsite, and everything proceeded in an orderly fashion. The first day’s routes were moderately challenging, allowing most participants to reach the top. In the evening, as everyone was cooking dinner, distant thunder gradually approached the campsite, and almost simultaneously, heavy rain began to pour down, growing more intense. After quickly packing up their gear and cooking utensils, the team rushed into the tents to take shelter.4Inside tent number eight, games began first, and members dashed into4tent number nine regardless of the rain. Outside, thunder roared and the wind and rain lashed fiercely, but inside the tent, everyone was having a great time, thoroughly enjoying themselves. About half an hour later, the rain began to ease, and the team ventured back out to start cooking again. Gathered around the campfire, the members savored their dinner, chatting freely. Laughter dispelled the post-rain chill and the fatigue of the day. At 11:30 p.m., silence was enforced, and everyone went to bed on time to rest up for the next day’s climbing.
At 7:00 a.m. the next day, the leader urged everyone to get up. The members, just waking from sleep, quickly got into gear after a brief adjustment. Logistics and food teams performed their duties, and breakfast was soon ready. The second day started smoothly. The team leader took the lead, pioneering a slightly more challenging route called “Volunteers,” and then opened two easier routes. Everyone participated enthusiastically, giving each route a try. Although some sections were tough, the team’s unyielding spirit eventually overcame the obstacles. After several attempts, a significant number of members successfully completed the designated routes.
In the afternoon, the team returned to camp early to break down and prepare for departure. After cleaning the campsite, they set off on the return journey, bringing this White River trip to a fulfilling close.
This wild climbing experience was entirely new for the entire mountaineering team. Through the process, everyone challenged themselves, improved their climbing skills, and tempered their indomitable will. Most importantly, it fostered a strong sense of teamwork among members, deepened trust between them, and brought the whole team closer together.