After a devastating accident, this Estes Park rock climber moved forward using lessons she’d learned from the sport

Melissa Strong didn't set out to be a writer. In her twenties she was an accomplished rock climber. In her early forties, she was working on a new chapter in her life: opening and running her own restaurant in Estes Park, called Bird & Jim. But in 2017, a devastating accident threw all of her plans into chaos. Melissa details her experience in a new memoir is called Climbing Through: A Courageous Story of Grit, Healing, and Second Chances. In it, she traces not only her physical recovery from the accident, but also how building a sense of resilience in one part of your life can help you through a challenge in another part. Melissa spoke with Erin O’Toole onstage at the Historic Park Theatre in Estes Park on Tuesday as part of a live edition of In The NoCo. We’re listening to highlights from that live interview. * * * * * Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: [email protected] Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks! Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole Executive Producer: Brad Turner Theme music by Robbie Reverb Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.