As the temperature drops, many people might seek shelter from the cold by doing indoor activities, but for one college student, colder weather affords a better experience in rock climbing.
Greg Mulherin, of Southampton, began rock climbing as a sophomore in high school. He climbed for a while and stopped until he was a senior when he really got into it, especially as a form of exercise.
"It's a way to stay in shape and relieve stress," he said.
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Greg Mulherin, of Southampton.
ALYSSA MURPHY/Sun-Gazette
Now a junior at Pennsylvania College of Technology, Mulherin has been frequenting the Milton Rock Gym, 45 S. Front St.
Yet autumn weather is a better time to rock climb outside because climbers can get a better grip since they aren't sweating and there aren't as many bugs, Mulherin said.
"I prefer outside," Mulherin said. "I can connect with the surroundings."
Climbing outside also allows him to have variety. A rock gym has the same rocks all the time. Outside there are different mountains to climb.
"Each climb has a different feel," Mulherin said. "Inside is repetitive."
As a student, Mulherin finds autumn does not allow as many opportunities to go outside. In the summer, he would spend four days a week rock climbing. Now he only can go once a week.
Rock climbing is something that can be safe, if a person knows what to do and uses equipment such as a bouldering pad.
"It has a lot to do with experience and knowing limits," Mulherin said.
One of the most important things to learn is how to fall safely. He said a climber can feel when a fall is coming, so it is important to look down to make sure the fall will not be on the person's back.
"A lot of people struggle with control of a fall," Mulherin said. "It's kind of dangerous if you don't know what you're doing."
