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The Gift of Travel: Scaling New Heights Together

Tracy L. Barnett
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Ricky Silverman, Teri Gerber, and Sammy Gerber

VICTORY AT THE SUMMIT Ricky Silverman, Teri Gerber, and Sammy Gerber (pictured, from left), triumphant, nearly at the top of their epic climb at Via Ferrata Ouray.

What started as a simple family reunion quickly transformed into an unforgettable adventure, pushing 60-something Teri Gerber, her younger brother Ricky Silverman, and Teri’s 23-year-old son Sammy to their physical and mental limits. In the majestic San Juan Mountains of Colorado, a rock-climbing experience on the Via Ferrata in Ouray tested their courage, endurance, and, most importantly, their bond.

“Via Ferrata,” or “Iron Way” in Italian, is an approach to climbing in which iron rungs are installed into cliffsides to make rock-climbing more accessible. It has been popular for decades throughout Europe, with more than 1,500 Via Ferrata routes throughout the world. But in the US, there are only a couple dozen or so, partly due to a prohibition on the installation of permanent anchors on public lands in the US. That ban is being challenged, but meanwhile the trend is starting to catch on in the US as private landowners like the one at Via Ferrata Ouray are installing routes.

Ricky Silverman

Ricky stops near the top for a little fun and a photo opp.

Ricky, who had recently moved from Houston back to Durango after nearly 30 years, suggested a special family adventure. Teri, always up for a challenge, was excited to join him, not realizing what she was about to embark on. “I thought we were going on some special hike,” Teri said with a laugh. The surprise came when Ricky revealed they would be tackling the Via Ferrata, a challenging rock-climbing route that involves climbing steep canyon walls using metal rungs, cables, and carabiners.

Ouray, Colorado, known as the “Little Switzerland of America,” is a picturesque mountain town nestled in the San Juan range. It’s renowned for its stunning scenery, with jagged peaks, waterfalls, and towering canyon walls, making it a paradise for adventurers.

Ricky had first spotted the Via Ferrata a year earlier, while hiking with his daughter. “We were above this canyon, and I saw these metal bars soldered into the wall. I thought, ‘What the hell is this?’ I knew then that I had to come back and try it,” Ricky said. When Teri and Sammy came for a visit, he saw the opportunity to share the adventure with them. “I thought it would be the perfect adventure, something we had never done together.”

For Ricky and Sammy, the thrill of the climb was immediate. Sammy, an adventurer at heart, embraced the challenge. “He had no fear,” Teri said. “I was so proud of him. He just went for it without hesitation.”

But for Teri, the reality of the climb set in quickly. As they began to ascend the canyon walls, attached to cables with carabiners, the magnitude of what they were doing became intimidating. “I kind of had a panic attack maybe a third of the way up,” Teri admitted. Suspended thousands of feet above the ground, the overwhelming reality hit her hard. “My heart started racing, and I just thought, ‘I can’t do this.’”

Teri Gerber

Teri on the side of the mountain, trying to find her footing.

The Via Ferrata is not for the faint of heart. At several points during the climb, Teri had to confront her fear of heights. “There were these two long bridges – just cables really – that you had to walk across, and you’re clipped in, but it still feels like you’re walking on nothing,” she explained. “It was so scary.”

For Teri, the mental challenge was just as intense as the physical one. Suspended on the side of the mountain, she recalled, “I just go, ‘I can’t do this.’ It was fun, but I just kind of realized the overwhelming part of it all... but there was no turning back. The guide said it’s easier to go up than down.”

Ricky noticed her struggle and stepped in to help. “Her heart was racing, and she needed to stop and collect herself,” Ricky said. The guide, Mark, also helped keep Teri calm. “He talked me through it, helped me take it one step at a time,” Teri said. “Then he gave me these little dried mango slices, which really helped.”

The climb, which is typically a three-hour journey, took them five hours. “We were not in a hurry,” Ricky explained. “It was about the experience, about being together, and taking in this incredible place.”

For Ricky, the climb was euphoric. “I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face,” he said. “You’re climbing up these rebar rungs, thousands of feet in the air, with nothing but air beneath you. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Despite the fear and exhaustion, Teri pressed on, encouraged by her son and brother. “Sammy and Ricky were amazing,” she said. “They kept pushing me, telling me I could do it, even when I wasn’t sure I could.” The climb became a test of mental strength just as much as physical endurance. “You can’t let fear stop you. That was the biggest lesson for me.”

Teri Gerber

Teri peeking up at the photographer (brother Ricky) during her first climb.

As they climbed higher, the views became even more breathtaking – jagged peaks stretching into the sky, the town of Ouray far below, and the sun casting a golden glow over the landscape. “When you looked out and saw how far you’d come, it was incredible,” Teri said. “The beauty of the place, and the fact that we were doing this together – it was unforgettable.”

By the time they reached the top, Teri was completely drained, but the sense of pride she felt made it all worth it. “I was completely depleted but very proud of myself. I was like, here's a woman from Texas in her 60s doing this. I was sure there weren’t that many of us.”

Ricky shared her pride. “ It had been quite the experience through her eyes...I think that she would just say that accomplishment was enough.”

After the climb, the trio celebrated their achievement with burgers and a well-deserved soak in the hot springs. “That hot spring saved me,” Teri said, laughing. “I think it brought me back to life after everything we’d been through.”

For Teri, Ricky, and Sammy, the trip to Ouray wasn’t just about conquering a mountain. It was about conquering fears, deepening their bond as a family, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. “It was the ultimate gift of travel,” Teri said. “We’ll never forget it.”

Sammy Gerber

Sammy “hanging” out at a cable bridge crossing.

Tips from Our Travelers

From Teri Gerber

Worth the splurge: Ouray has incredible hot springs. Go to a private hotel that has day passes. Much nicer than the public hot springs. We got a pass at Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs.

Favorite restaurant: Maggie’s Kitchen for really good burgers. 

Don’t forget: Be open to new experiences. Never goes as planned but usually is the story you ended up remembering. 

Safety tip: We did a day trip from Durango. Very incredible drive but treacherous. Not recommended if you have an RV or not used to driving mountain roads.

If You Go Source: basecampouray.com

Like most Via Ferrata sites, the Via Ferrata Ouray offers multiple routes you can take with differing levels of difficulty. Check the website before you go to see which route is right for you.

What to bring: Gloves (Leather is good, and fingerless are cool); mid-layer insulated jacket; waterproof shell jacket (if there is any chance of rain); at least 1 liter of water; snacks; a cellphone/camera; sunscreen. You will be required to use certified safety gear, which can be rented from Via Ferrata Ouray, including: Climbing helmet (to protect from rockfall); climbing harness; Via Ferrata Lanyard; adequate footwear (either dedicated hiking shoes or approach shoes with sticky rubber soles).

You can find a list of other Via Ferrata sites in the US in the September 2023 edition of Afar Magazine. Ferrata Guide (ferrataguide.com) gives you everything you need to get started as well as a window onto the wide world of Via Ferrata.

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