November came fast and the date means moving. The first or the second I embark eastward to a more subtle climate. My headdress is growing tattered torn, for the sun shines brightly, dry and cold on my face. War paint glowed with ferocity while crouching in the woods peering at what was to be my next meal. The fierce animal looked back at me with fury in his eyes. At once we pounced from our hidden wombs in the forest. The light is dim but the sky illuminates our bodies pink, orange, and purple. Lashing out at the wild beast that yearns for my flesh as much as I do his… we stop. Like a dog trying to get a clue, the animal stands in tripod fashion peering over his left shoulder, motionless, waiting for my next move.
With eyes drenched in war paint, they appear droopy with the wear of sunlight as my warrior posture becomes extinct. Yearning for peace, mid-stride, with crooked knife raised, I sit down almost instantly, surprising the now statuesque creature.
I reasoned with the creature, dropped my head to my chest in a tired slump, as the steam rose from my mouth, warming my torso.
The animal lowered it’s paw and walked cautiously over the rich soil that we both found common. His head sagged low as20his eyes peered up, watching for any sudden movement from me.
“There is no more need for me to be fierce.” I said in a voice that described my manner. “My family is not of smiles, the fire is not warm and there is for there is no food for our children’s strength. To fight any longer would be a waste, we must move on. I choose to sit. Either you can take my life beast, or I will walk away.”
The beast looked puzzled. His pupils, black and full of color. He had never seen such wear, such desolation. A man that gives up on his family gives up on himself.
How could I give up? I questioned my statements. The cold was here, though surely on the journey east, without a proper home, without a slay, my children would not survive. I hopped up to my feet with last spurt of energy I had.
I chalked my hands up and looked at the route. Surely I couldn’t leave without doing the thing, I had to stay. It was my obligation to do this route I was only one move short. Surrender would let ‘myself down on the road east. This last attempt had to be flawless, either way I was taking down my draws. The temperatures were great for climbing, but a little hard to bare, I felt sometimes like giving up.
Squatted in front of the beast I reached behind my back and sharpened the blade with the crisp cool air. The sharpness of my knife, produced a reflection. I saw not only a knife, but a mirror image, a mirror into myself. My potential was cosmic and endless (just like yours); the only thing that could limit this was surrender. I had not wallowed this long in the woods without recognizing my life’s mandala. I could never stop learning about myself, and my how I existed with my surroundings. I awoke from my thoughts and peered up slowly with renewed eyes.
The animal now stood like a kitchen table. His mouth, was of elephant tusk borders dripping Saliva that spilled like syrup to the ground. I thrusted the blade eastward into the air pointed in the direction of my target.
At that moment: Rage, love, loss, energy, lack of , space, sky, dirt, tears, blood, stress, jealousy, sadness, beauty, happiness, joy, and excitement, and drew the beast and I together like attracting magnets with the strength of vision from a closed eye. My feet seemed to move like your favorite cartoon on psychedelics. Trailing in the evening light we pounced together in the clearing.
I sat with exhaust and amazement looking back at what I had just climbed. Sitting at the rest for about a minute, I took deep breaths in and out of my chest, I regained my strength to finish what I had started.
I clasped the beast on his spine and felt his body go limp. Turning him from my lap to the ground. His head fell to the left, it was then I realized I had done what I needed to carry on. I carried the beast over my shoulder to my children as I knelt to receive hugs and kisses from the one’s who had admiration.
I had woke up in m car one week prior. I had awakened from a dream that I was hanging with joy from the last jug.
Climbing and life go hand in hand. Listening to your self can be hard sometimes, but determination will surmount. To conquer your goals takes determination. Secondly, you must know you can complete the goal you are trying to grasp. I once read that “a mind without distractions is a tall order”0 It’s the mind’s job to try and sway you from your goal. When you think your farthest away from them, your actually closer than you ever were. It’s in the hardest times we must keep our clarity, and the easier when we must focus to remember what is clear . Stay close to your heart. Remember, life is a journey with all goals in reach, to loose focus is all that can render one from obtainment. You’ll know when distraction hits, you should feel it in your gut.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Ghettobilly Productions
Check out this new climbing films production site from Scotty Fitzgerald
http://www.ghettohillbillyproductions.com/GHP%20Home.html
http://www.ghettohillbillyproductions.com/GHP%20Home.html
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
On the Road, Install#3
Words can only try and describe the blissful nature of being on the road. Listening to the river flow by, looking up at a dark sky mist with clouds, peering through the trees admiring a campfire someone has built. The morning time is so new as I open my car door to feel the moist air wisp my face, changing into my other pants, the sun peering over the horizon highlighting the frozen grass.
I’ve been taking jogs after climbing, finding few partners on occasion. But, this night I looked up at the sky alone, with the stars peering down at me, and felt like, I don’t know, somewhat like my smile could stretch beyond the stars I looked at. Like if I stayed like this forever time would never end. If I only knew what my decisions to stay longer in Rifle would bring, I don’t think the small could have got smaller. I felt dharma had been served and I was perfectly still where I was. There was already a future to my past.
I am so at peace out here. There is no more going to San Francisco, well; at least I don’t think so. I am much more happy sitting out here on my lonesome, saving what ever cash I have, studying, reading, writing, and traveling onto the next area. You meet so many nice people around here. Like Dave from Texas, Nice guy, about 5’10” big old handle bar mustache and a dog named Austin that walked with a limp. He let me hang out in his camper on cold nights. While he read long books he had finished before I was born I sat and studied my Nutrition chapter.
“So where ya’ goin’ next Dave?” We did small talk like this.
“Well, I reckon Moab, wife’s expectin’ me home by the end of the month, and I got some friends out in Moab; guy basically made a career of climbin’ n’ invited me down there.”
“Cool” I thought in my head. What an adventure. Plus, living in Moab, having your main occupation showing people around Ancient Red Sandstone palaces! That’s what I want to do, not spend my money to go see some shit in San Francisco for four hundred dollars. I found out the other day I have my whole life to do what I haven’t done already. I’d rather be dead broke with no gas in Moab in the winter, because I haven’t really done that yet. It’s like every bad thing has a positive reaction. This is the Zen thing: So I get stranded in Moab in the winter, gas is out, but then someone helps me. That help is much more valuable than the gas I lost. All is compensated by something eternally great! This intrigues me though, doing all I haven’t done. Like meeting new girls, hiking in Marin County, accumulating book after bookshelf in my neat room like Japhy. Going to Tibet and hanging out in the snow, or trudging through Yosemite Valley and cooking in the backcountry. Or working for the national park as a search and rescue guy, or studying with some Organic Farmer in India, who works sparingly and spends the rest of the day learning and talking. Going to Europe, donating my time to under privileged youth, and seeing their big smiles, going to big cities and getting culture shock. Living on the east coast and being close to family and smelling new flowers. It’s sort of like I am seeing the world with new eyes, or being born again. Anyways, I’ll probably be hanging out with Dave in Heuco sometime during the winter. But the people sure are great.
One-day Dave's dog puked up some stuff with these fat worms in it. I felt so bad for the young dog, but we both chuckled and got the poor little guy some wormy medication. Good thing Dave’s on his trek back to Texas.
“Austin, your goin’ on home where you and ma’ will get some good R and R”. The dog walked around with his little limp and was happy.
“Hey Dave, let’s cook some pancakes tomorrow morning” I got this awesome whole wheat batter and a ton of fruit I gotta finish before it goes too bad, plus I have fresh nuts and berries.” I questioned.
“Sounds good” Dave replied.
I’ve met so many other cool people: Bolters, Climbers, Rednecks, Child Molesters, Spanish English Teachers, Swedish English Learners, Beer company owners, professional skiers. I’ve developed great relations with the local star bucks and the local library as well. I ought to be in the right place.
I really feel like a dharma bum. Life right now is like a fictional novel; which I am in control of. Cooking out of the back of my car, stacking my dirty clothes in my climbing rucksack, doing dishes in the river, then curling into the back of my car to study, read, write, and think. My mind went from cluttered, to a wide, vast Joshua Tree dessert scene. All I have to worry about is who I’m going to ship a postcard out to tomorrow, or where I am going to this winter to get money for spring and summer. Plus some deadlines for school here and there.
Midterms were due and I had to start focusing. A particular route is still keeping me here in Rifle. The weather no longer feels cold for a shorts wearin’ , surf goin’ San Diego boy like myself. I step out of my car and resist the feeling of chill, I would rather think of it as refreshing.
The sky’s pink exiting my car, I stretch my arms towards the overlapping semi circle of the heavens. The sun still peers from the East over the hills; its beauty beckons me to document each morning with pictures, journals, and my memory.
Mid-terms are due and I’ve been working vigorously on both climbing projects, school, and personal ones alike.
The weather in the canyon is starting to really become ripe. Folks who don’t climb would call it the inside of your local ice cream parlor’s display, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts would call it, well… perfect. You can’t call the environment cold; when you step out from your overheated bag, a better word would be: refreshing.
Each night my dreams float with the wind. While my trunk bed opens, I drift off to sleep, listening to the river and the voices of other campers lingering in discussion.
The ice usually thaws my windows from heat expenditure during sleep. Sitting up fast from my sleeping stance, I raise my arms, stretch my legs and grab my books or laptop to my left. I’ve been working hard on a midterm for MAT 125: a course that shows how to build the fundaments of a website using XHTML design. I’ll ‘plomp’ the lap top in front of me, assume prone position and await to hear the hissing sound from surrounding propane tanks. Sometimes, I’ll get out of the car, sit in my fold out chair and brew coffee before anyone opens their eyes. My work ethic is very good, making sure to work each day on my obligations. The website turned out really cool, pretty much describing my life, climbing travels and sponsors.
I’ve met more and more cool people out here in Rifle (for the month and half I’ve been here). One in particular is Spaniard: Rueben Moriscal. There’s something way cool about Ruben’s vibe. It could be why he’s here in the states: to teach Spanish children English, or it could be his attitude as we traverse between cliffs to climb our projects joking with each other how we need to go out when I get to Denver and go dancing. What ever it may be, Reuben like Dave from last month, is someone I wait to climb with each day. Ruben has invited me to Procrero Chico later this year, and even Spain over the summer. I’m sure that like Dave, I’ve developed a new friend.
Unfortunately, Ruben lives in Denver and the partners are getting scarce. There’s nothing more I would like to do than wait each weekend for partners, and send my project, but the uncertainty of finding a climbing partner I feel like 70 east is whispering my name. No matter what, I can’t lose sight that climbing is not all consumed by sending hard grades. Climbing is more about meeting awesome partners, and linking up with old friends, getting acclimated to new areas, peering wondrously at classic rock climbs, and soaking in the beauty an environment of all the beautiful lands has to offer. Rifle has taught me a lot, and I’ll never lose what I’ve learned.
I’ve been taking jogs after climbing, finding few partners on occasion. But, this night I looked up at the sky alone, with the stars peering down at me, and felt like, I don’t know, somewhat like my smile could stretch beyond the stars I looked at. Like if I stayed like this forever time would never end. If I only knew what my decisions to stay longer in Rifle would bring, I don’t think the small could have got smaller. I felt dharma had been served and I was perfectly still where I was. There was already a future to my past.
I am so at peace out here. There is no more going to San Francisco, well; at least I don’t think so. I am much more happy sitting out here on my lonesome, saving what ever cash I have, studying, reading, writing, and traveling onto the next area. You meet so many nice people around here. Like Dave from Texas, Nice guy, about 5’10” big old handle bar mustache and a dog named Austin that walked with a limp. He let me hang out in his camper on cold nights. While he read long books he had finished before I was born I sat and studied my Nutrition chapter.
“So where ya’ goin’ next Dave?” We did small talk like this.
“Well, I reckon Moab, wife’s expectin’ me home by the end of the month, and I got some friends out in Moab; guy basically made a career of climbin’ n’ invited me down there.”
“Cool” I thought in my head. What an adventure. Plus, living in Moab, having your main occupation showing people around Ancient Red Sandstone palaces! That’s what I want to do, not spend my money to go see some shit in San Francisco for four hundred dollars. I found out the other day I have my whole life to do what I haven’t done already. I’d rather be dead broke with no gas in Moab in the winter, because I haven’t really done that yet. It’s like every bad thing has a positive reaction. This is the Zen thing: So I get stranded in Moab in the winter, gas is out, but then someone helps me. That help is much more valuable than the gas I lost. All is compensated by something eternally great! This intrigues me though, doing all I haven’t done. Like meeting new girls, hiking in Marin County, accumulating book after bookshelf in my neat room like Japhy. Going to Tibet and hanging out in the snow, or trudging through Yosemite Valley and cooking in the backcountry. Or working for the national park as a search and rescue guy, or studying with some Organic Farmer in India, who works sparingly and spends the rest of the day learning and talking. Going to Europe, donating my time to under privileged youth, and seeing their big smiles, going to big cities and getting culture shock. Living on the east coast and being close to family and smelling new flowers. It’s sort of like I am seeing the world with new eyes, or being born again. Anyways, I’ll probably be hanging out with Dave in Heuco sometime during the winter. But the people sure are great.
One-day Dave's dog puked up some stuff with these fat worms in it. I felt so bad for the young dog, but we both chuckled and got the poor little guy some wormy medication. Good thing Dave’s on his trek back to Texas.
“Austin, your goin’ on home where you and ma’ will get some good R and R”. The dog walked around with his little limp and was happy.
“Hey Dave, let’s cook some pancakes tomorrow morning” I got this awesome whole wheat batter and a ton of fruit I gotta finish before it goes too bad, plus I have fresh nuts and berries.” I questioned.
“Sounds good” Dave replied.
I’ve met so many other cool people: Bolters, Climbers, Rednecks, Child Molesters, Spanish English Teachers, Swedish English Learners, Beer company owners, professional skiers. I’ve developed great relations with the local star bucks and the local library as well. I ought to be in the right place.
I really feel like a dharma bum. Life right now is like a fictional novel; which I am in control of. Cooking out of the back of my car, stacking my dirty clothes in my climbing rucksack, doing dishes in the river, then curling into the back of my car to study, read, write, and think. My mind went from cluttered, to a wide, vast Joshua Tree dessert scene. All I have to worry about is who I’m going to ship a postcard out to tomorrow, or where I am going to this winter to get money for spring and summer. Plus some deadlines for school here and there.
Midterms were due and I had to start focusing. A particular route is still keeping me here in Rifle. The weather no longer feels cold for a shorts wearin’ , surf goin’ San Diego boy like myself. I step out of my car and resist the feeling of chill, I would rather think of it as refreshing.
The sky’s pink exiting my car, I stretch my arms towards the overlapping semi circle of the heavens. The sun still peers from the East over the hills; its beauty beckons me to document each morning with pictures, journals, and my memory.
Mid-terms are due and I’ve been working vigorously on both climbing projects, school, and personal ones alike.
The weather in the canyon is starting to really become ripe. Folks who don’t climb would call it the inside of your local ice cream parlor’s display, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts would call it, well… perfect. You can’t call the environment cold; when you step out from your overheated bag, a better word would be: refreshing.
Each night my dreams float with the wind. While my trunk bed opens, I drift off to sleep, listening to the river and the voices of other campers lingering in discussion.
The ice usually thaws my windows from heat expenditure during sleep. Sitting up fast from my sleeping stance, I raise my arms, stretch my legs and grab my books or laptop to my left. I’ve been working hard on a midterm for MAT 125: a course that shows how to build the fundaments of a website using XHTML design. I’ll ‘plomp’ the lap top in front of me, assume prone position and await to hear the hissing sound from surrounding propane tanks. Sometimes, I’ll get out of the car, sit in my fold out chair and brew coffee before anyone opens their eyes. My work ethic is very good, making sure to work each day on my obligations. The website turned out really cool, pretty much describing my life, climbing travels and sponsors.
I’ve met more and more cool people out here in Rifle (for the month and half I’ve been here). One in particular is Spaniard: Rueben Moriscal. There’s something way cool about Ruben’s vibe. It could be why he’s here in the states: to teach Spanish children English, or it could be his attitude as we traverse between cliffs to climb our projects joking with each other how we need to go out when I get to Denver and go dancing. What ever it may be, Reuben like Dave from last month, is someone I wait to climb with each day. Ruben has invited me to Procrero Chico later this year, and even Spain over the summer. I’m sure that like Dave, I’ve developed a new friend.
Unfortunately, Ruben lives in Denver and the partners are getting scarce. There’s nothing more I would like to do than wait each weekend for partners, and send my project, but the uncertainty of finding a climbing partner I feel like 70 east is whispering my name. No matter what, I can’t lose sight that climbing is not all consumed by sending hard grades. Climbing is more about meeting awesome partners, and linking up with old friends, getting acclimated to new areas, peering wondrously at classic rock climbs, and soaking in the beauty an environment of all the beautiful lands has to offer. Rifle has taught me a lot, and I’ll never lose what I’ve learned.
Monday, September 29, 2008
From the Road..Install #2
There is no more dream or ecstasy than smelling the bread of the future, being baked behind a barefoot princess. The fall wind is blowing while the landscape is new, and your work is done and talk is to be made, and maybe more so love. The kids run barefoot playing pleasantly where ever your mind pictures them playing, for they are the relaxation of a kerosene lamp that burns while you read your favorite book.
You can sit with your friends at the boulders or routes to walk around while the crisp winds blow in another season fashioned by your mind. Damo's bare head resembles no sign of age, but signs of wisdom and Buddha monks. We joke and walk and eat and climb, and poke fun, and sleep, and dream, and meditate and wake. The sun shines on the steam of Soy milk and coffee. Schatt's bakery brings good notions, where ever I am I'm sure I'll find this same pleasant company.
I can't wait to indulge in a family gathering meal or restaurant, now that my moneys is saved. Either breakfast or dinner with Pancho Joes and Senorita Misses.
The plan was to go to San Francisco, though the truth was the sun shone on me here in the mornings with such peace and tranquility it is too hard to move. The night was the same but the stars and dim fires tickled my eyes. The river is so nice to wash with in the morning and night. I didn't move, and three hundred bucks goes and does much more than just three hundred bucks.
Standing out front of Wendll's gift shop getting post cards, for Mom, Dad, Cousins, and my girlfriend , I informed Lahna I wouldn't be coming out, (Lahna's my girlfriend, well..). She then informed me that it just wasn't working out. I thought it was working out, I mean I was calling to let you know I had just almost been enlightened and that the peacefulness of the woods would just have to prolong my stay a bit. Who wouldn't want a counterpart that had been so at peace while alone? Or the type of guy who could fix up the best plate of beans and rice and vegetables and oil and nuts and raisins and apples and oranges, and flax seed and soy milk and homemade pancakes! And who reads and writes a lonely zen scripture, when lonely is not lonely just nothing that is nothing.
I'm not here to proclaim love, or not proclaim love, I am only here to inform, my words will lead you.
My dreams of love are in different sights and pastures, and ranges and mountains, and friends and food and family and new experiences delightful and pleasant so spare, to mornings of changing in chilly and bare, temps that excite you to just hug a friend, my road trip is surely now never to end.
It makes you want to surrender industrial ties and just go on rucksack revolution never dies. Bumper stickers you make, and t-shirts from Dad, who the hell could ever be sad. Come and join me. Come talk Buddha, poetry, and sit down with me, under the sky or under a tree. On the road, Kerouac, and books to be unwrapped, reading and writing has replaced my rap. But, I keep on rapping and rapping on I will do, when the season is winter I will be with you. In the peace of your mind with snow flakes that are peace, home alone, elementary school, parents, and a new niece. My mind is being born again, and you search but have found, what is whole, cause what is the new now are: those visions of old. Like feelings you get about things that you miss, don't be mistaken cause you may just miss, those old thoughts are more real and alive in present, and now, like when I miss days of schooling I am learning now.
As for the baked bread in the kitchen with walnuts, and olive oil, and berries and dates, and almonds, and soy milk and love and cooking mitts and snow and leaves and children and new images of places you have never seen but know they make you happy. Those are my mind right now. My imagination is no longer imagination, because my life is imaginary. I am the director in the screenplay of life, so buy your ticket, because I have my whole life to do what I haven't done already. To all my friends I love you, and my family you are my comfort and love and joy I look forward to; and my girl who ever you are I know your there and I love you also. I don't care what you look like anymore, as if I ever did. For now for you readers, just put on that imaginary head dress, and walk around cause now one will see it except you. 50 feet tall with feathers and beads and wind blowing front yard rainbow twirlers, and Buddhas, and crosses, and little shrines. No one else will see you walking through the fall's leaves with the head dress, only you know it is there. That is your mind, and with that, going out or not, my love will always be there for who ever loves me.
You can sit with your friends at the boulders or routes to walk around while the crisp winds blow in another season fashioned by your mind. Damo's bare head resembles no sign of age, but signs of wisdom and Buddha monks. We joke and walk and eat and climb, and poke fun, and sleep, and dream, and meditate and wake. The sun shines on the steam of Soy milk and coffee. Schatt's bakery brings good notions, where ever I am I'm sure I'll find this same pleasant company.
I can't wait to indulge in a family gathering meal or restaurant, now that my moneys is saved. Either breakfast or dinner with Pancho Joes and Senorita Misses.
The plan was to go to San Francisco, though the truth was the sun shone on me here in the mornings with such peace and tranquility it is too hard to move. The night was the same but the stars and dim fires tickled my eyes. The river is so nice to wash with in the morning and night. I didn't move, and three hundred bucks goes and does much more than just three hundred bucks.
Standing out front of Wendll's gift shop getting post cards, for Mom, Dad, Cousins, and my girlfriend , I informed Lahna I wouldn't be coming out, (Lahna's my girlfriend, well..). She then informed me that it just wasn't working out. I thought it was working out, I mean I was calling to let you know I had just almost been enlightened and that the peacefulness of the woods would just have to prolong my stay a bit. Who wouldn't want a counterpart that had been so at peace while alone? Or the type of guy who could fix up the best plate of beans and rice and vegetables and oil and nuts and raisins and apples and oranges, and flax seed and soy milk and homemade pancakes! And who reads and writes a lonely zen scripture, when lonely is not lonely just nothing that is nothing.
I'm not here to proclaim love, or not proclaim love, I am only here to inform, my words will lead you.
My dreams of love are in different sights and pastures, and ranges and mountains, and friends and food and family and new experiences delightful and pleasant so spare, to mornings of changing in chilly and bare, temps that excite you to just hug a friend, my road trip is surely now never to end.
It makes you want to surrender industrial ties and just go on rucksack revolution never dies. Bumper stickers you make, and t-shirts from Dad, who the hell could ever be sad. Come and join me. Come talk Buddha, poetry, and sit down with me, under the sky or under a tree. On the road, Kerouac, and books to be unwrapped, reading and writing has replaced my rap. But, I keep on rapping and rapping on I will do, when the season is winter I will be with you. In the peace of your mind with snow flakes that are peace, home alone, elementary school, parents, and a new niece. My mind is being born again, and you search but have found, what is whole, cause what is the new now are: those visions of old. Like feelings you get about things that you miss, don't be mistaken cause you may just miss, those old thoughts are more real and alive in present, and now, like when I miss days of schooling I am learning now.
As for the baked bread in the kitchen with walnuts, and olive oil, and berries and dates, and almonds, and soy milk and love and cooking mitts and snow and leaves and children and new images of places you have never seen but know they make you happy. Those are my mind right now. My imagination is no longer imagination, because my life is imaginary. I am the director in the screenplay of life, so buy your ticket, because I have my whole life to do what I haven't done already. To all my friends I love you, and my family you are my comfort and love and joy I look forward to; and my girl who ever you are I know your there and I love you also. I don't care what you look like anymore, as if I ever did. For now for you readers, just put on that imaginary head dress, and walk around cause now one will see it except you. 50 feet tall with feathers and beads and wind blowing front yard rainbow twirlers, and Buddhas, and crosses, and little shrines. No one else will see you walking through the fall's leaves with the head dress, only you know it is there. That is your mind, and with that, going out or not, my love will always be there for who ever loves me.
Friday, September 19, 2008
On the Road, Install #1
Scotty hits the road!!
Freedom on the open road, the bars of modern reality. I gripped the steering wheel with tight-clenched palms, because the road in front of me was foreign. San Diego drifted far behind me, not visible, even through the obscured view my packed trunk provided. My aim was Las Vegas to a friend’s house, where I would rest one night and continue on my travels.
I hadn’t climbed for three weeks, while not on the rock; long distance running and surfing had been a ritual of mine.
“I hadn’t driven by myself for five hours for a long time” I reminded myself.
The trip to Las Vegas seemed some sort of natural psychedelic experience. “This is a turning point in my life,” as my mind wandered in retrospect. Alone that day, I tried to forgive myself for some of the things I have done in the past. For years that seemed deterred I replace with positivism. For others I may have harmed, I would have to forgive and thank them for their patience. My jealousy, yearning, and gluttony to may have lead in another path, had to be surrendered.
Apple Valley had an interesting notion, “when you drive with posture, your energy is better.” I slumped. and returned to posture, slumped and returned. “Ha” that’s funny how that is.
I was getting hungry so in Baker I ate some left over rice, Nan, and Vegetable Curry. Baker was desolate. Under a king of Egyptian desert skies, the skies rotated endlessly with toxic beauty. But, the only animals that walked the city were undernourished rats that sipped high fructose corn syrup on nomadic ventures between Saudi Arabian drive thru liquor stores.
The day before the trip, I ran 20 miles continuously in four hours in ten minutes. The run was the farthest I had ever done. I think my body responded harshly nearing Clark Mountain. Engulfed by Flu like symptoms: Chills, Nausea, and a headache, I told myself:
“I’m getting sick…Great!” I cursed.
Just the time to be getting sick, right at the beginning of a four month road trip. I rolled into Vegas delusional. The bright lights and the mixed thoughts that ran through my head were nothing less than distracting. I pulled up in front of the house, and my phone rang immediately,
“Where are you?” Chris questioned me.
“I’m out front dude, I’ll be there in a second."
I got the news that the some of the Big Up posse was going to inhabit my sleeping spot.
“Sweet” I thought to myself, “looks like this trip is starting off great.”
Stepping onto the outside patio Chris showed me my sleeping area. I grabbed my Sir Lands A lot crash pad and lay down.
I was running a pretty bad fever so I grabbed frozen Bananas from the fridge and a jug of water from the car. I got sleep, then woke, sleep, then woke. I chugged almost a whole gallon that night, and it turned out to be the trick. I woke in the morning feeling like I didn’t sleep enough, but the groggy state I slumped in the house with, was gone.
The next morning I sipped coffee with Brett Lowell, Chris Sharma, Dahlia, and a charming suspect named Cooper. My schoolwork was at my fingertips, while my hands urged to be on the wheel driving to Rifle.
I entered my car around 2 p.m. and started venturing to Colorado. I aimed for Grand Junction considering I could sleep there, wake, and do some homework before meeting with Eduardo Baca, my partner, and El Prechero Chico native.
The sleep there was peaceful, for I was now in uncharted land. My first breakfast on the road was pleasant and while the sky cried I watched time fly by, fully realizing how lucky I really am.
I met my partner Eduardo and his friend Scott in town around three at Rifle Community Library. I worked on homework till the library closed, and took a quick run to de-stress from the homework load. I then jumped In the Colorado River, changed my clothes and ventured back to my car to cook a Vegetarian Cuisine.
The sky the next morning had been kissed by the moon as she skipped away to make room for the sun. The skies were gorgeous and I had now decided to go check out Rifle State Park.
The leaves here are taking on beautiful colors. Fall is starting and the temperatures are perfect. The climbing in Rifle is like your typical limestone, just a lot of it in a very small concentration. Rifle has styles from technical vertical faces, to steep overhanging jug hauls.
Ethan Pringle and Scott Cory just rolled into town, and we scoped this area called the Fortress. East Coast Ballers Joe Kinder, his girlfriend Colette, and Dave Graham are also out here having fun and sending all the hard routes. Joe is really close to sending Kryptonite(14c) up at the Fortress. I have enjoyed climbing with my friends at this cool, not so well traveled cliff. I would definitely like to spend more time up at the Fortress sometime later in the season.
As for myself, school is occupying all my rest days! I am taking 2 online correspondence courses: One course is Nutrition and the second learning how to build a website using XHTML code. It’s really amazing I produced this blog update, because all my rest days I am swamped with school work. I told myself before the trip that school would come first. Climbing has slowly crept up again, and I know find myself sacrificing homework days for climbing days more often than vice versa.
Going Solo my dreams have never been in such vivid color. Driving from Rifle to town in the morning, I’ve never felt so refreshed, knowing that climbing and the beauty of my surrounding is providing a comforting home for a temporary time. The beauty of traveling is so amazing; I really don’t see myself getting home anytime soon. Until then, I have a test to study for!
I hadn’t climbed for three weeks, while not on the rock; long distance running and surfing had been a ritual of mine.
“I hadn’t driven by myself for five hours for a long time” I reminded myself.
The trip to Las Vegas seemed some sort of natural psychedelic experience. “This is a turning point in my life,” as my mind wandered in retrospect. Alone that day, I tried to forgive myself for some of the things I have done in the past. For years that seemed deterred I replace with positivism. For others I may have harmed, I would have to forgive and thank them for their patience. My jealousy, yearning, and gluttony to may have lead in another path, had to be surrendered.
Apple Valley had an interesting notion, “when you drive with posture, your energy is better.” I slumped. and returned to posture, slumped and returned. “Ha” that’s funny how that is.
I was getting hungry so in Baker I ate some left over rice, Nan, and Vegetable Curry. Baker was desolate. Under a king of Egyptian desert skies, the skies rotated endlessly with toxic beauty. But, the only animals that walked the city were undernourished rats that sipped high fructose corn syrup on nomadic ventures between Saudi Arabian drive thru liquor stores.
The day before the trip, I ran 20 miles continuously in four hours in ten minutes. The run was the farthest I had ever done. I think my body responded harshly nearing Clark Mountain. Engulfed by Flu like symptoms: Chills, Nausea, and a headache, I told myself:
“I’m getting sick…Great!” I cursed.
Just the time to be getting sick, right at the beginning of a four month road trip. I rolled into Vegas delusional. The bright lights and the mixed thoughts that ran through my head were nothing less than distracting. I pulled up in front of the house, and my phone rang immediately,
“Where are you?” Chris questioned me.
“I’m out front dude, I’ll be there in a second."
I got the news that the some of the Big Up posse was going to inhabit my sleeping spot.
“Sweet” I thought to myself, “looks like this trip is starting off great.”
Stepping onto the outside patio Chris showed me my sleeping area. I grabbed my Sir Lands A lot crash pad and lay down.
I was running a pretty bad fever so I grabbed frozen Bananas from the fridge and a jug of water from the car. I got sleep, then woke, sleep, then woke. I chugged almost a whole gallon that night, and it turned out to be the trick. I woke in the morning feeling like I didn’t sleep enough, but the groggy state I slumped in the house with, was gone.
The next morning I sipped coffee with Brett Lowell, Chris Sharma, Dahlia, and a charming suspect named Cooper. My schoolwork was at my fingertips, while my hands urged to be on the wheel driving to Rifle.
I entered my car around 2 p.m. and started venturing to Colorado. I aimed for Grand Junction considering I could sleep there, wake, and do some homework before meeting with Eduardo Baca, my partner, and El Prechero Chico native.
The sleep there was peaceful, for I was now in uncharted land. My first breakfast on the road was pleasant and while the sky cried I watched time fly by, fully realizing how lucky I really am.
I met my partner Eduardo and his friend Scott in town around three at Rifle Community Library. I worked on homework till the library closed, and took a quick run to de-stress from the homework load. I then jumped In the Colorado River, changed my clothes and ventured back to my car to cook a Vegetarian Cuisine.
The sky the next morning had been kissed by the moon as she skipped away to make room for the sun. The skies were gorgeous and I had now decided to go check out Rifle State Park.
The leaves here are taking on beautiful colors. Fall is starting and the temperatures are perfect. The climbing in Rifle is like your typical limestone, just a lot of it in a very small concentration. Rifle has styles from technical vertical faces, to steep overhanging jug hauls.
Ethan Pringle and Scott Cory just rolled into town, and we scoped this area called the Fortress. East Coast Ballers Joe Kinder, his girlfriend Colette, and Dave Graham are also out here having fun and sending all the hard routes. Joe is really close to sending Kryptonite(14c) up at the Fortress. I have enjoyed climbing with my friends at this cool, not so well traveled cliff. I would definitely like to spend more time up at the Fortress sometime later in the season.
As for myself, school is occupying all my rest days! I am taking 2 online correspondence courses: One course is Nutrition and the second learning how to build a website using XHTML code. It’s really amazing I produced this blog update, because all my rest days I am swamped with school work. I told myself before the trip that school would come first. Climbing has slowly crept up again, and I know find myself sacrificing homework days for climbing days more often than vice versa.
Going Solo my dreams have never been in such vivid color. Driving from Rifle to town in the morning, I’ve never felt so refreshed, knowing that climbing and the beauty of my surrounding is providing a comforting home for a temporary time. The beauty of traveling is so amazing; I really don’t see myself getting home anytime soon. Until then, I have a test to study for!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Anticipation of a New Season
OK, I'm finally beginning to believe that the Boise weather is truly changing. It always teases the senses this time of year with s touch of chill here and there. The evenings are getting cooler and cooler and the scooter ride to work is beginning to get almost unbearable in shorts. I look out my back door and hope that the weather holds long enough for the tomatoes on the vine in my garden will get just a couple more weeks to ripen and turn their brilliant red.
But truly, all of these things only eat up a little of my attention. Most of my thoughts these days are the upcoming bouldering season. As the giant stone beauties spend the evenings and nights in the cool air, their molecules align for perfect climbing. The feel of my cool tips and the friction on the rock will soon be a reality. It’s training and sending time. I have so many projects and new lines in my head; I can hardly get anything else done. I just want to sit under the boulder and stare up at the sequences, becoming entranced with the potential movements…
But truly, all of these things only eat up a little of my attention. Most of my thoughts these days are the upcoming bouldering season. As the giant stone beauties spend the evenings and nights in the cool air, their molecules align for perfect climbing. The feel of my cool tips and the friction on the rock will soon be a reality. It’s training and sending time. I have so many projects and new lines in my head; I can hardly get anything else done. I just want to sit under the boulder and stare up at the sequences, becoming entranced with the potential movements…
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
On What's Important---from the coffee shop
Idle in San Diego, I belay at the local coffee shop in San Diego. Sipping green tea with milk I search my mind in retrospect over the last week of travel.
I left San Diego one week ago to attend the Salt Lake City Outdoor Retailer Trade show. I hitched a ride with Carlos Mason and Anayo Baldassari to Vegas. There, I met up with Chris Lindner, Spencer Mcrosky, (two climbing buddies whom I've spent a lot of time with this summer), and Joe Brooks. We left early Tuesday morning for Nephi, shortly west of our destination, Maple Canyon. The boys ate Taco Time right off the exit, where I was surprised to find whole wheat.
Annually, an event dubbed, "Cobble fest" attracts road trippers from all over the states. The event offers an opportunity to hang out before the seasonal retailer show. One of the event organizers: Jeff Petterson, even put together t-shirts for the low key, unsponsored event. We only had about 24 hours, 3 people (joe climbed at another cliff), jet lag, and 1 rope; so it was a bit hard to get super psyched. I worked on a juggy line called 'Sprout', which involved fairly easy movement on good holds following a line out the right side of the "Pipe Dream Cave". I camped on the soft soil that night, my clothes, a burrito, wrapped in an inside out sleeping bag case, fearing rain would escape the sky. I woke more refreshed than any bed had ever hosted, I was happy to be natural.
We left for Salt Lake around 2 or 3 p.m., checked into a hotel (that was under Chris's name, supplied by Maxim) and got to partying. Even if you're competing, your main objective for the trade show, should be to drink. Don't drink much? Have a few, kick back, and shut up, cause there ain't much else to do. My shrieks of laughter pierced the car, for I laughed at no punch line, just my alcohol laden life juice, that sparkled with energy in the night.
My main objective besides letting loose, was to make some contacts in the industry. Contacting Urban Climber was a priority, as was speaking to some people from PrAna clothing. Both initiatives turned out positive. Joe Iurato from Urban Climber magazine is psyched on me doing some work, as well as I am psyched to be offered such a great opportunity. Jeff Leads handed me the unique opportunity of being able to represent PrAna climbing for years of traveling to come.
True friends are the images that come to mind, in the time we find to periodically intertwine. I find my sign corresponds to others, with people from different situations, upbringings and mothers. Like Buck Branson for instance, met him four years ago, in the front of coffee shop, his cell phone he beholds, "check out these photos from black mountain you see, this is a v10 and that person is me." Now four years have passed, and I'm on the v10, it's amazing to compare the present to then. Buck and I sat at a table this trip, and Buck is my only friend that doesn't talk shit. I respect him for that, and respect his kindness, because it's not very often on earth that you find this. It's amazing to notice, small things affect another, so next time you talk, think of the words that you mutter.
San Diego is going well. I have rekindled my fascination with running, and with sore arms and pecs from pull ups, have decided to take a few days off from climbing . Tomorrow I work at Vertical Hold, where I volunteer mornings to help young future athletes rock climb. After I'll attend a Padre game with my dear girlfriend Lahna, her mother, Dena and her mother, Lou.
Tonight, my mother's fiance, Kannen had his birthday at a nice Thai restaurant in town. Here I met a man named Jim who is the chancellor at Mira Costa College. Jim was a professional skier for Ten years. He rested at the best skiing areas when in season, and related positively toward the climbing I pursue. In a discussion ranging from Utah's blondies, to job opportunities, I concluded with a goal: Self worth cannot be measured in material wealth, or a degree. The only thing that can make one happy is a sense of spiritual fulfillment, plus the hard work that led up to it. By building climbing walls and taking kids outside, I want to help Urban Children get out of the environment they live. If I earn no money doing such, than I earned even more worth in respect, from others and myself. I want to step out of the world for a second, take a look at myself, and disengage from the selfish routine we all seem to enjoy. I have never been afraid of giving myself to the less fortunate, and along with climbing, this is something I have always been passionate about. Stay strong. -Scotty
Also my cousin Mark and awesome wife Christine have brought Charlotte Frances Lear into the world! Congrats guys, and bless my new second cousin!
Plus, don't stress, OdUb international climbing rap star and myself should be coming out with a bangin' track this season, so keep yo' headz up!
I left San Diego one week ago to attend the Salt Lake City Outdoor Retailer Trade show. I hitched a ride with Carlos Mason and Anayo Baldassari to Vegas. There, I met up with Chris Lindner, Spencer Mcrosky, (two climbing buddies whom I've spent a lot of time with this summer), and Joe Brooks. We left early Tuesday morning for Nephi, shortly west of our destination, Maple Canyon. The boys ate Taco Time right off the exit, where I was surprised to find whole wheat.
Annually, an event dubbed, "Cobble fest" attracts road trippers from all over the states. The event offers an opportunity to hang out before the seasonal retailer show. One of the event organizers: Jeff Petterson, even put together t-shirts for the low key, unsponsored event. We only had about 24 hours, 3 people (joe climbed at another cliff), jet lag, and 1 rope; so it was a bit hard to get super psyched. I worked on a juggy line called 'Sprout', which involved fairly easy movement on good holds following a line out the right side of the "Pipe Dream Cave". I camped on the soft soil that night, my clothes, a burrito, wrapped in an inside out sleeping bag case, fearing rain would escape the sky. I woke more refreshed than any bed had ever hosted, I was happy to be natural.
We left for Salt Lake around 2 or 3 p.m., checked into a hotel (that was under Chris's name, supplied by Maxim) and got to partying. Even if you're competing, your main objective for the trade show, should be to drink. Don't drink much? Have a few, kick back, and shut up, cause there ain't much else to do. My shrieks of laughter pierced the car, for I laughed at no punch line, just my alcohol laden life juice, that sparkled with energy in the night.
My main objective besides letting loose, was to make some contacts in the industry. Contacting Urban Climber was a priority, as was speaking to some people from PrAna clothing. Both initiatives turned out positive. Joe Iurato from Urban Climber magazine is psyched on me doing some work, as well as I am psyched to be offered such a great opportunity. Jeff Leads handed me the unique opportunity of being able to represent PrAna climbing for years of traveling to come.
True friends are the images that come to mind, in the time we find to periodically intertwine. I find my sign corresponds to others, with people from different situations, upbringings and mothers. Like Buck Branson for instance, met him four years ago, in the front of coffee shop, his cell phone he beholds, "check out these photos from black mountain you see, this is a v10 and that person is me." Now four years have passed, and I'm on the v10, it's amazing to compare the present to then. Buck and I sat at a table this trip, and Buck is my only friend that doesn't talk shit. I respect him for that, and respect his kindness, because it's not very often on earth that you find this. It's amazing to notice, small things affect another, so next time you talk, think of the words that you mutter.
San Diego is going well. I have rekindled my fascination with running, and with sore arms and pecs from pull ups, have decided to take a few days off from climbing . Tomorrow I work at Vertical Hold, where I volunteer mornings to help young future athletes rock climb. After I'll attend a Padre game with my dear girlfriend Lahna, her mother, Dena and her mother, Lou.
Tonight, my mother's fiance, Kannen had his birthday at a nice Thai restaurant in town. Here I met a man named Jim who is the chancellor at Mira Costa College. Jim was a professional skier for Ten years. He rested at the best skiing areas when in season, and related positively toward the climbing I pursue. In a discussion ranging from Utah's blondies, to job opportunities, I concluded with a goal: Self worth cannot be measured in material wealth, or a degree. The only thing that can make one happy is a sense of spiritual fulfillment, plus the hard work that led up to it. By building climbing walls and taking kids outside, I want to help Urban Children get out of the environment they live. If I earn no money doing such, than I earned even more worth in respect, from others and myself. I want to step out of the world for a second, take a look at myself, and disengage from the selfish routine we all seem to enjoy. I have never been afraid of giving myself to the less fortunate, and along with climbing, this is something I have always been passionate about. Stay strong. -Scotty
Also my cousin Mark and awesome wife Christine have brought Charlotte Frances Lear into the world! Congrats guys, and bless my new second cousin!
Plus, don't stress, OdUb international climbing rap star and myself should be coming out with a bangin' track this season, so keep yo' headz up!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
NEWS FROM THE COBRA
A BLOG ENTRY FROM KEVIN JORGESON
BOULDER OF THE YEAR 2007
Hi Everyone!!I'm hanging out in a coffee shop/kids play center. Who thinks of thesethings? Seriously! Combining one of the greatest pleasures in life (coffee)with screaming infants! Oh well.The weather has been, well, hot. Very hot. And very humid. Its kind of likedipping your hands in butter and then trying to climb holds made of glass.Still fun though!For a day by day blow of the trip, check out my "journal" on my site, but Iwanted to share some other stuff with you guys. Like pictures! Check out theattached mini trip report.Every morning I crawl out of my stinky tent (VERY STINKY), stumble around"Tarplandia" (our camp name) for some coffee, then walk up a hill to admirethe view of the valley and lake. Yesterday morning I was doing just thiswhen I saw my first bald eagle! So cool!There is sooo much to climb here. The Grand Wall, or The Chief, features 1- 7 pitch trad climbs on impeccable granite. I've get to climb this featurebut plan on it soon. I did the classic Exasperator Crack, laughing the wholeway (see pic. Its not me though).The bouldering in the forest is small and concentrated. The granite heredoesn't lend itself to many holds, so most of the boulder problems are liptraverses. There are a few good lines though, like the one in the tripreport, called Be On 4, a classic v7 Charlie Barret and I did. Super fun. Ohyea, Charlie is here! It's been awesome to hang with him this whole time.Guy is a riot. I've been up to the Cobra Crack 3 times now. See attached pic. It's reallyhard! It starts in the dihedral with some 5.12 stemming and finger locksbefore pulling onto the slab and a no hands rest. Next is another section ofhard 5.12 finger locks to a jug. From here, it's sick. Two set up moves getyou in position for a seriously hard reach for a distant lock. I've onlydone this move maybe twice. 4 or five more moves set you up for the secondcrux. You reach high with your right hand for an undercling mono with theright middle finger, backstep the left foot, and do your best to lock it offfor the next reach. Stick this, reach left hand up, pinky down lock, andkick your feet above your head into a heel toe lock. Hang off the heal toeand reach out left to some edges. Swivel out of the heel toe and high stepto a jug. Heinous! Its hard to maintain psyche when it is SO PAINFUL. Myvery first try yesterday yielded a torn pinky finger, through the tape!Anyway, enough climbing talk. The weather is taking a turn for the worst.Its raining right now and will be for the next few days. I anticipate manyrest days in front of the computer, so email me so I look like I'm doingsomething while I stare aimlessly at this screen for hours at a time, jackedup on caffeine and pastries!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Relationships and Climbing...a tough subject
by Scotty Glasberg
With only one week back at home. My mind raced between crucial decisions I had to make between school, love and climbing. “Is this class still open?”” Will it even help my future?” “I can’t take a rest day, I will become weak. Is the Outdoor retailer show worth the time and effort?” “Will it damage my relationship?” Either a “yes” or “no” would have been a sufficient answer, but only my indecisiveness would respond. Trying to meditate as I drifted over the ocean swells on my surfboard was hard. These thoughts were the mist of my mind; easy penetrable by the rays of the sun, but would take time to burn off.
This actual meteorology and the fictional weather of my mind, was a common setting in the San Diego life. School was stressing me out, which made it hard to deal with the person I am most fond of, my girlfriend, Lahna. Between the time I spent in the morning surfing, and the effort I put into climbing during the day, it was hard to give her the quality time that both of us needed. Hence, I was soon to learn, that out of the deepest moments of stress and despair, is in concealment one of the biggest lessons to be learned.
I found myself trying to live the life of a traveling climber at home. I felt more connected to climbing by doing this; life was like a constant road trip. Eating healthy is an important lifestyle to me. I consume organic Granola in the morning, covered with Dates, Bananas and covered with Soy Yogurt. I then proceed to the library, sending out emails to different people who I had to respond too.
Concurrently, I had to enroll for a good class at school, so a lot of my time in S.D. involved several trips of dropping, adding classes, meeting with counselors, and seeing if specific online classes would transfer. My mind was foggy, running around, the distractions of life became so overwhelming I couldn’t grasp anymore, what it was to be glad, simple and at peace.
Hanging out my window like a dog trying to absorb life and breathe, my girlfriends inherit beauty wisped through my hair, in the form of the wind from my open window. . It was my fault to tell Lahna that I was having trouble making decisions, because the most attractive person is a competent one. I wanted her next to me, and for all my other priorities to be unknown, or at least for only me to know. I worried about my imperfections, and tried to show her, the girl that I love so very much, that I could deal with pressures maturely.
I listened to the soothing sounds of reggae as I traveled in the misty early morning to go admire the glassy surf. Taking deep breaths eased the constant distractions that moved fluidly through my mind.
Things between Lahna and I were getting harder to deal with. She is leaving for a four year university, and I am attending online classes and practicing my rock climbing on the road. The stress seemed to climax one night when I discovered that she was not sure she wanted to consider our long distance relationship. Even if we were not going to see each other every day, our strong love would hold us together; I thought we had already worked all this out. I was amazed to her struggling with the stress of the times, just as much as I was. We proclaimed our love for each other, but I thought that night was the last time I would kiss her sweet lips.
Ironically, the next morning, I rose up singing in the summertime. Ironic because I had heard Janis Joplin speak of this phenomenon. I tried not to focus on my newest loss, and hopped quickly in the shower.
I ate my grains, yogurt, dates, and bananas accompanied with plain coffee. We drove in the morning sorbet skies to the Riverside Quarry. I received a message on my cell phone from my love, “are you in Riverside are you o.k.?”, Even though I desperately wanted confirmation she missed, I declared I need time to think. I wanted to focus on my climbing for the morning and have one day without speaking to Lahna.
I traveled home, trained at the gym, went for an afternoon surfing session, and delivered a letter to my so called “former girlfriend”. After I ate food with my mother and her fiancé, Kannen whom I enjoy, I skated down to the local market and bought the most expensive pint of beer I could find. I proceeded up to my friend’s house where I started to drink the beverage and started to loath over my loss.
I returned to my casa and couldn’t take not speaking to Lahna. Receiving a private call that night with no one on the other line, I sensed that we missed each other just the same, I then called. Her voice sounded like morning after a good night’s rest, as we then proceeded to inform each other that we wished we had hung out that day.
The next morning there was no fog at the beach, and the sun flowered across the ocean revealing the clarity of the water. We planned to meet at the local organic food store after I was done surfing. As Lahna walked in the store her face looked more beautiful than ever, and as I wrapped my arms around her beautiful frame. Buying her a drink I found no more value in the money that I would selfishly save for my climbing journeys; I felt a sense of renewal, I was so grateful to have her back, that no material item or worldly distraction could take that joy away from me. I had learned that sometimes you don’t realize what you really have until it is gone. Like Peter Tosh once said “you do not miss your water, till your well runs dry.”
We sat on the bumper of my car while listening to Jimmy Cliff and ate our meals. The pressures of school seemed minimal when everything took care of itself through online enrollment. All the classes that I needed to transfer were transferable, and I confidently walked back to the car with Lahna in the front seat feeling ready and embark to the Outdoor retailer tradeshow.
I gained knowledge about love in the time that I was back at home. When you love something so much, it is hazardous to let minor distractions come between you and something so close to your heart. Treat every moment that is to be enjoyed, with a perspective that is like the first day you were ever to experience it. With every new day, pretend like it is a new item or experience. Excited like a child, open the present of each day like it was Christmas morning. The distractions of life will ease themselves off like the ebb of the tide when I walk from the surf back to my car. Stay tuned…
With only one week back at home. My mind raced between crucial decisions I had to make between school, love and climbing. “Is this class still open?”” Will it even help my future?” “I can’t take a rest day, I will become weak. Is the Outdoor retailer show worth the time and effort?” “Will it damage my relationship?” Either a “yes” or “no” would have been a sufficient answer, but only my indecisiveness would respond. Trying to meditate as I drifted over the ocean swells on my surfboard was hard. These thoughts were the mist of my mind; easy penetrable by the rays of the sun, but would take time to burn off.
This actual meteorology and the fictional weather of my mind, was a common setting in the San Diego life. School was stressing me out, which made it hard to deal with the person I am most fond of, my girlfriend, Lahna. Between the time I spent in the morning surfing, and the effort I put into climbing during the day, it was hard to give her the quality time that both of us needed. Hence, I was soon to learn, that out of the deepest moments of stress and despair, is in concealment one of the biggest lessons to be learned.
I found myself trying to live the life of a traveling climber at home. I felt more connected to climbing by doing this; life was like a constant road trip. Eating healthy is an important lifestyle to me. I consume organic Granola in the morning, covered with Dates, Bananas and covered with Soy Yogurt. I then proceed to the library, sending out emails to different people who I had to respond too.
Concurrently, I had to enroll for a good class at school, so a lot of my time in S.D. involved several trips of dropping, adding classes, meeting with counselors, and seeing if specific online classes would transfer. My mind was foggy, running around, the distractions of life became so overwhelming I couldn’t grasp anymore, what it was to be glad, simple and at peace.
Hanging out my window like a dog trying to absorb life and breathe, my girlfriends inherit beauty wisped through my hair, in the form of the wind from my open window. . It was my fault to tell Lahna that I was having trouble making decisions, because the most attractive person is a competent one. I wanted her next to me, and for all my other priorities to be unknown, or at least for only me to know. I worried about my imperfections, and tried to show her, the girl that I love so very much, that I could deal with pressures maturely.
I listened to the soothing sounds of reggae as I traveled in the misty early morning to go admire the glassy surf. Taking deep breaths eased the constant distractions that moved fluidly through my mind.
Things between Lahna and I were getting harder to deal with. She is leaving for a four year university, and I am attending online classes and practicing my rock climbing on the road. The stress seemed to climax one night when I discovered that she was not sure she wanted to consider our long distance relationship. Even if we were not going to see each other every day, our strong love would hold us together; I thought we had already worked all this out. I was amazed to her struggling with the stress of the times, just as much as I was. We proclaimed our love for each other, but I thought that night was the last time I would kiss her sweet lips.
Ironically, the next morning, I rose up singing in the summertime. Ironic because I had heard Janis Joplin speak of this phenomenon. I tried not to focus on my newest loss, and hopped quickly in the shower.
I ate my grains, yogurt, dates, and bananas accompanied with plain coffee. We drove in the morning sorbet skies to the Riverside Quarry. I received a message on my cell phone from my love, “are you in Riverside are you o.k.?”, Even though I desperately wanted confirmation she missed, I declared I need time to think. I wanted to focus on my climbing for the morning and have one day without speaking to Lahna.
I traveled home, trained at the gym, went for an afternoon surfing session, and delivered a letter to my so called “former girlfriend”. After I ate food with my mother and her fiancé, Kannen whom I enjoy, I skated down to the local market and bought the most expensive pint of beer I could find. I proceeded up to my friend’s house where I started to drink the beverage and started to loath over my loss.
I returned to my casa and couldn’t take not speaking to Lahna. Receiving a private call that night with no one on the other line, I sensed that we missed each other just the same, I then called. Her voice sounded like morning after a good night’s rest, as we then proceeded to inform each other that we wished we had hung out that day.
The next morning there was no fog at the beach, and the sun flowered across the ocean revealing the clarity of the water. We planned to meet at the local organic food store after I was done surfing. As Lahna walked in the store her face looked more beautiful than ever, and as I wrapped my arms around her beautiful frame. Buying her a drink I found no more value in the money that I would selfishly save for my climbing journeys; I felt a sense of renewal, I was so grateful to have her back, that no material item or worldly distraction could take that joy away from me. I had learned that sometimes you don’t realize what you really have until it is gone. Like Peter Tosh once said “you do not miss your water, till your well runs dry.”
We sat on the bumper of my car while listening to Jimmy Cliff and ate our meals. The pressures of school seemed minimal when everything took care of itself through online enrollment. All the classes that I needed to transfer were transferable, and I confidently walked back to the car with Lahna in the front seat feeling ready and embark to the Outdoor retailer tradeshow.
I gained knowledge about love in the time that I was back at home. When you love something so much, it is hazardous to let minor distractions come between you and something so close to your heart. Treat every moment that is to be enjoyed, with a perspective that is like the first day you were ever to experience it. With every new day, pretend like it is a new item or experience. Excited like a child, open the present of each day like it was Christmas morning. The distractions of life will ease themselves off like the ebb of the tide when I walk from the surf back to my car. Stay tuned…
Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Road Rants from Scotty G
After a severe drought in Lander, Rain has finally trickled, rythmically from the heavens. Spencer and I, busy circuiting routes, felt the sun one moment, and noticed clouds the next. We retired to the community pool, after a long down patrol session.
The pool is really cool. A huge family gathering spot, they have a good sized pool, and some interesting features to boast. At the corner of the pool lies a 15 foot climbing wall, but we were unable to climb it because some sort of bolt was missing. Spencer was a swimmer in college and challenged me to a friendly race. I thought I'd done well, until I found out that he was doing the butterfly stroke, while I was in freestyle. Carlos, Chris, Spencer and myself moved to the showers, washing the earth's dust from our flesh and down the drain. The coffee shop awaits! Where I sit now, looking at shades of grey that move over wispy trees, on an unknown avenue. My imagination has time to span while writing here. The limits of my sight through the coffee shop window expands my vision upon what is possible. For all I know this could be an avenue in San Francisco, and the year could be 1960, and maybe I could just be philosophizing.
Everything has been going extremely well this trip. I have been sending a lot of climbs, having a jolly time with friends and have made some great decisions about my future. Only one unfortunate happening; which I'll arrive at later.
As far as decisions, Humboldt County looks like y place of residence for next fall. Since I started climbing, living central to some awesome climbing has been a goal for myself. I've jumbled with trips to Vegas, Utah, Texas, East Coast, Cali , Nor. Cali. Coast, Canada and Spain. All of the above have some of the most amazing climbing I've ever witnessed. Although Vegas and Utah were very appealing, and obviously Spain and the East and it's plusses, Humboldt county seems right. With amazing climbing, diverse people, and located in some of the most aesthetic wilderness environments. I thought Humboldt would be interesting
, and suitable homestead. Humboldt places me in close proximity (4.5 hours) from my beautiful girlfriend Lahna, and the area has central climbing to boast.
"Lost Rocks" is located just to the south of the Klamath River mouth. Situated at the base of a beautiful forest filled with redwoods, Sitka Spruce, Douglas Furs, Maples, and Red Alder trees, some of the most creative and exploratory bouldering (plus new routes) lies about an hour away from my house. The climbing if forever changing at lost rocks because the tides vary the levels of the sand. This allows the boulder heights to change constantly. Where pirates seem like they could appear out of the mist, I predict, solidarity, hands covered in magnesium carbonate, sifting my hands through the wet sand, tyring to send my project.
On top of all the good bouldering, lies a bundle of quality limestone sport areas. The Trinity Aretes have the highest concentration of hard limestone routes. With 3 5.14's, Trinity Aretes will be my main area of concentration. You can check out some of the footage from the Trinities in "Spray", Brian Solano's film about Northern California Rock Climbing. You can buy this video through chrislindner.com
The Marble Caves are another area along the Redwood Coast I can't wait to see! I've seen pictures of the area through Chris, and though I've never been there climbing, the quality of routes is superb, with grades ranging from warm up range to hard. The rock is blue, gold and white. I just heard Ceacilville bluffs as well, another killer sport area to add to my tick list.
I just found that the Coast has a bunch of sandstone nestled in the woods just above the Paul Bunyan statue. There area has nothing above 12c but is worth a look for undone lines, and also has an abandoned project.
Above all, I'm siked. Along with established climbing, my search to find new areas will be relentless. I want to be able to show Chris (a nor. cal enthusiast) and friends when they come to visit, a new Nor. Cal gem. Whether sending hard routes or finding new areas, leaving my mark in Northern California will be a goal for the fall.
With the trip in Wyoming winding down, I've really only had one unfortunate occurrence. Everything was going fine on this beautiful Saturday afternoon. Waiting for the temperatures to cool down, I decided to go stock up on Bananas, Tortillas, some beans, and rice. I ran across the street, while leaving my groceries unattended in Safeway (Don't hate), and quickly inserted my ATM card in the slot. Withdrawing $60, the ATM wanted to know if I needed any more assistance.
would you like a balance?
Sure, why not, I clicked yes.
Taking the receipt I walked hastily back to the grocery store, forgetting one crucial item, my ATM! I didn't recognize that the card was missing until 2 hours later while buying a hole repair kit for a hole in my sleeping pad (another unfortunate event, but doesn't bug me in the least). The kid at the climbing store was amazed.
"Holy shit dude, the same thing happened to me when I was in San Diego! "
I looked through my wallet and still couldn't find it.
"You know what man" the store clerk said. "There's a green bike outside the back door, go ahead, use it."
I raced out the back door hopping on the two wheeler and hauled ass to the bank. Ill-fated, no card was by or in the ATM, at the safeway, and the bank I left it at was closed.
Remembering when my mom or dad lost a credit card, I knew what to do. I called Wells Fargo (which was fortunately open) in San Diego, and immediately cancelled the card. The balances were straight, and I rode back to the coffee shop still on my phone. The crew got their kicks in seeing me ride up on a random bike.
"What the hell scooter?!" Carlos exclaimed.
"Your a fricken' crack up dude" Chris followed.
I had put no effort into explaining, for I was getting my tellers info on the phone.
"So they'll be no problem if the balances change tomorrow? I just contact you right."The teller could sense the stress in my voice.
"Yes sir,"he assured me. "Everything will be fine."
I got back to the coffee shop and let the others know what had happened. Good thing I had bought the majority of the groceries I would need for the remainder of Wyoming. Plus, I had about $14 in my pocket from the previous grocery run. I laughed the event off, and was happy to return to our camp by the river.
Timeless on my cosmic journey, I realize those afraid of death, dare to experience life. Life is short, so time cannot be defined. It can either have value, or none at all. We've entered the fourth dimension of time, when the future's imaginary objects, turn into real life symbolism. Love is the greatest power in life, for it's energy rains eternally. LOVE (don't hate).
I hope you enjoy the pictures enclosed. For those who have heard me talk about my local bouldering area that I have developed (back in San Diego).
Here are a few pictures. The pics portray some of the area's classic problems, both old and in the future. Thanks for the pictures Jason (volunteer).
And expect more pictures from the area once I get them on CD from Jason (volunteer). Plus more from the Vegas Trip are comin'.
Chris Lindner hooked it up with the Trinity Aretes photo of a route called "Spliff." And I found Tim's photo of Ethan on Google. Thanks Tim
for being a master photographer. Plus I think I was there.
The pool is really cool. A huge family gathering spot, they have a good sized pool, and some interesting features to boast. At the corner of the pool lies a 15 foot climbing wall, but we were unable to climb it because some sort of bolt was missing. Spencer was a swimmer in college and challenged me to a friendly race. I thought I'd done well, until I found out that he was doing the butterfly stroke, while I was in freestyle. Carlos, Chris, Spencer and myself moved to the showers, washing the earth's dust from our flesh and down the drain. The coffee shop awaits! Where I sit now, looking at shades of grey that move over wispy trees, on an unknown avenue. My imagination has time to span while writing here. The limits of my sight through the coffee shop window expands my vision upon what is possible. For all I know this could be an avenue in San Francisco, and the year could be 1960, and maybe I could just be philosophizing.
Everything has been going extremely well this trip. I have been sending a lot of climbs, having a jolly time with friends and have made some great decisions about my future. Only one unfortunate happening; which I'll arrive at later.
As far as decisions, Humboldt County looks like y place of residence for next fall. Since I started climbing, living central to some awesome climbing has been a goal for myself. I've jumbled with trips to Vegas, Utah, Texas, East Coast, Cali , Nor. Cali. Coast, Canada and Spain. All of the above have some of the most amazing climbing I've ever witnessed. Although Vegas and Utah were very appealing, and obviously Spain and the East and it's plusses, Humboldt county seems right. With amazing climbing, diverse people, and located in some of the most aesthetic wilderness environments. I thought Humboldt would be interesting
, and suitable homestead. Humboldt places me in close proximity (4.5 hours) from my beautiful girlfriend Lahna, and the area has central climbing to boast.
"Lost Rocks" is located just to the south of the Klamath River mouth. Situated at the base of a beautiful forest filled with redwoods, Sitka Spruce, Douglas Furs, Maples, and Red Alder trees, some of the most creative and exploratory bouldering (plus new routes) lies about an hour away from my house. The climbing if forever changing at lost rocks because the tides vary the levels of the sand. This allows the boulder heights to change constantly. Where pirates seem like they could appear out of the mist, I predict, solidarity, hands covered in magnesium carbonate, sifting my hands through the wet sand, tyring to send my project.
On top of all the good bouldering, lies a bundle of quality limestone sport areas. The Trinity Aretes have the highest concentration of hard limestone routes. With 3 5.14's, Trinity Aretes will be my main area of concentration. You can check out some of the footage from the Trinities in "Spray", Brian Solano's film about Northern California Rock Climbing. You can buy this video through chrislindner.com
The Marble Caves are another area along the Redwood Coast I can't wait to see! I've seen pictures of the area through Chris, and though I've never been there climbing, the quality of routes is superb, with grades ranging from warm up range to hard. The rock is blue, gold and white. I just heard Ceacilville bluffs as well, another killer sport area to add to my tick list.
I just found that the Coast has a bunch of sandstone nestled in the woods just above the Paul Bunyan statue. There area has nothing above 12c but is worth a look for undone lines, and also has an abandoned project.
Above all, I'm siked. Along with established climbing, my search to find new areas will be relentless. I want to be able to show Chris (a nor. cal enthusiast) and friends when they come to visit, a new Nor. Cal gem. Whether sending hard routes or finding new areas, leaving my mark in Northern California will be a goal for the fall.
With the trip in Wyoming winding down, I've really only had one unfortunate occurrence. Everything was going fine on this beautiful Saturday afternoon. Waiting for the temperatures to cool down, I decided to go stock up on Bananas, Tortillas, some beans, and rice. I ran across the street, while leaving my groceries unattended in Safeway (Don't hate), and quickly inserted my ATM card in the slot. Withdrawing $60, the ATM wanted to know if I needed any more assistance.
would you like a balance?
Sure, why not, I clicked yes.
Taking the receipt I walked hastily back to the grocery store, forgetting one crucial item, my ATM! I didn't recognize that the card was missing until 2 hours later while buying a hole repair kit for a hole in my sleeping pad (another unfortunate event, but doesn't bug me in the least). The kid at the climbing store was amazed.
"Holy shit dude, the same thing happened to me when I was in San Diego! "
I looked through my wallet and still couldn't find it.
"You know what man" the store clerk said. "There's a green bike outside the back door, go ahead, use it."
I raced out the back door hopping on the two wheeler and hauled ass to the bank. Ill-fated, no card was by or in the ATM, at the safeway, and the bank I left it at was closed.
Remembering when my mom or dad lost a credit card, I knew what to do. I called Wells Fargo (which was fortunately open) in San Diego, and immediately cancelled the card. The balances were straight, and I rode back to the coffee shop still on my phone. The crew got their kicks in seeing me ride up on a random bike.
"What the hell scooter?!" Carlos exclaimed.
"Your a fricken' crack up dude" Chris followed.
I had put no effort into explaining, for I was getting my tellers info on the phone.
"So they'll be no problem if the balances change tomorrow? I just contact you right."The teller could sense the stress in my voice.
"Yes sir,"he assured me. "Everything will be fine."
I got back to the coffee shop and let the others know what had happened. Good thing I had bought the majority of the groceries I would need for the remainder of Wyoming. Plus, I had about $14 in my pocket from the previous grocery run. I laughed the event off, and was happy to return to our camp by the river.
Timeless on my cosmic journey, I realize those afraid of death, dare to experience life. Life is short, so time cannot be defined. It can either have value, or none at all. We've entered the fourth dimension of time, when the future's imaginary objects, turn into real life symbolism. Love is the greatest power in life, for it's energy rains eternally. LOVE (don't hate).
I hope you enjoy the pictures enclosed. For those who have heard me talk about my local bouldering area that I have developed (back in San Diego).
Here are a few pictures. The pics portray some of the area's classic problems, both old and in the future. Thanks for the pictures Jason (volunteer).
And expect more pictures from the area once I get them on CD from Jason (volunteer). Plus more from the Vegas Trip are comin'.
Chris Lindner hooked it up with the Trinity Aretes photo of a route called "Spliff." And I found Tim's photo of Ethan on Google. Thanks Tim
for being a master photographer. Plus I think I was there.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Scotty Spew
Waking up early is routine from all the surfing I was doing before work back at home. Waking up here in Sinks Canyon, is a little bit different than waking up in San Diego. I begin my day by rising early, and catching a glimpse of the fiery, round, luminous sun peering between the eastern cleavage of Sinks canyon. I open the cab of the truck to reach into my toiletry bag, and grab my travel size apricot face scrub. I look forward to this routine: grabbing my face wash, heading down to the river (which is right next our tent), kneeling down and throwing the ice cold water upon my flesh. I proceed to mask my face with the sand feeling substance, lather, and wash. I then stand up feeling clean, ready to begin the day. My sleeping pants are comforting, keeping me warm while standing out in the ripe morning air. I put on my Prana Sweatshirt, which I can grab easily,conveniently adding one more comforting layer. Breakfast is my favorite meal, buying the most natural cereal I can find, my stomach yearns for a pick me up. I pour dates, almonds and whole grains into my camping bowl,add some blueberry yogurt, banana, and effuse a glass of rice milk or coffee. I like eating large portions, it is not that I crave so much the food that I eat, but climbers sometimes eat so little, that there metabolism doesn't have much to burn. I feel that it is important to maintain a healthy calorie intake, so that your body doesn't acquire strange eating habits. After we all finish our breakfasts, our rest day commences. We had heard rumors of an awesome, natural water slide at the top of sinks canyon. Miah (or Jerimiah) from SLC gave us the beta on how to get there.
"Right before the bridge park at the lot on the left, the trail will lead about 3 miles up to a series of waterfalls, hit the second one. Splash some water on the right side, where the shoot is, and friken' go dude!" Jerimiah exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Alright. We'll check it out." We agreed.
The hike turned out only to be about a mile and a half. Along the way we stopped at some Eddies and tried to bait some fish with our lure. Spencer managed to catch two small trout, one didn't make it, the other one did; we were sad for the one who didn't live.
Spencer McCroskey is a good guy. He's medium sized in height, but stands strong like a bull. His brown shaggy hair is childish, and at 26 you can't get much more playful. There's something sincerely kind about Spencer, it's sort of unexplainable. Maybe, it is his stories about smuggling climbers across the border into Mexico, an onerous action. Or his tales about in- school detention; where Spence and his buddy got their other mate drunk, coaxing him to jump out the third story window to escape detention. Little did they know, under the bush he jumped into, was a retaining wall that broke the kids femur. Or maybe it's because he's got a brother named Scotty, which he let's me know from the top of a route he completes, "Hey Scotty, you know I got a brother named Scotty" He yells from the top.
"Oh yeah, Really?" I reply.
"Yeah! so you my brotha'." I've never had a brotha' so it felt pretty cool.
Continuing on the hike we finally reached the slide. About 30 feet in length, the water polished granite acutely angles down and drops into a deep pool of water. Of course, I was the first one to test it out. Sitting at the top of the slide, I reminisced of Wild Rivers or the local San Diego Water park with my friends, cross your arms and just go. Chris counted me down, " Five, Four, Three, Two, One!" I didn't hesitate a bit. Throwing my arms out, I plunged into the unknown, taking no hesitations, just going. Maybe, that unique ride into the water was a materialization of my current experiences; making an ambivalent decision and having a refreshing outcome. Everyone had their turn after myself, and we couldn't get enough. Soon others started to come up and we jovially watched them throw themselves down the water slide. One zany character would always slip and fall, sliding down the areas that looked quite scary and dangerous.
I sat in the sun, in a natural recliner, soaking in the relaxation that encircled me. "You gonna eat?" Chris and the crew exclaimed behind me.
"Sure." I didn't know they were eating behind me, but as Chris said that, my stomach was just beginning to growl. Carlos and I had bought Hummus and Avocados the night before, along with Organic Garlic Bread. We all shared what was there and I had what I could, without being greedy.
The hike really took it out of us, and the heat was starting to come down, making us weary. We began to hike down and took pictures of the beautiful sites that we heretofore visited. Spencer and I trailed behind Chris and Carlos as we made our way down to the car.
The gate to the lakes above the waterfall (which all seems so interesting now because I visualize the pattern in which naturalness is defined. Looking down from space, I imagine the beauty of geography. Natures organic rhythm that percolates all over the lands of the earth, in other respects the synchronicity of nature) opened at four o'clock. We followed a pilot car which lead us up a windy dirt road (that was being paved) up to a beautiful body of water. Chris pulled the end of his truck up to the river and we opened up shop. I sat in the front seat typing the beginnings of an Asana climbing article. The rest and the beauty of our day was a fount of inspiration for me write. No fish were biting so we moved on to another part of the lake. I sat in the car with Carlos for a little bit while Spencer and Chris fished below at a pond. I was absorbed by the Nas interview that played on XM radio, which gave insight into the world of Hip Hop music. We all congregated at the car once more and sat a top an cyclonic drain, relaxing on it's sides. I dipped my feet in the water, thought about whom I love, and sang to the others.
"When the lights go down, in the city" "I want to be theeeerrrree in your city." Letting out a howling "woah", I think the others may have felt me pleas of love and hope, and although my actions may have seemed like a story from a book, I feel like that is what makes life beautiful. Life is a book, write it.
The sun was starting to fade, and the days heat turned into nights environment. We reached camp just before twilight permitting just enough time to prepare an evening meal. Everyone was tired, and faded from the days hike and excitement. Just like in San Diego I wanted to hit the hay early to gain rest and strength for the next day of climbing. Tomorrow was dawn patrol, dawn patrol is where we get up early and seize best temperatures of the day. I look forward to waking up early and getting my heart racing, I can't think of a better morning activity. Commencing the day out with one of the things I love the most, Rock Climbing.
As I laid my head upon my pillow, I stared up into space and thought about my life. How things were going to turn out, and what I could do to make the best decisions. As my eyes closed and my mind drifted off into sleep, I would receive an email that would help me settle my chagrin. Making changes is part of maturing, some changes work and some do not, that is just a part of growing up. The process of life is intriguing enough, and the anticipation to see what the future holds in my fruitful age is exciting. Thanks for the advice
"Right before the bridge park at the lot on the left, the trail will lead about 3 miles up to a series of waterfalls, hit the second one. Splash some water on the right side, where the shoot is, and friken' go dude!" Jerimiah exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Alright. We'll check it out." We agreed.
The hike turned out only to be about a mile and a half. Along the way we stopped at some Eddies and tried to bait some fish with our lure. Spencer managed to catch two small trout, one didn't make it, the other one did; we were sad for the one who didn't live.
Spencer McCroskey is a good guy. He's medium sized in height, but stands strong like a bull. His brown shaggy hair is childish, and at 26 you can't get much more playful. There's something sincerely kind about Spencer, it's sort of unexplainable. Maybe, it is his stories about smuggling climbers across the border into Mexico, an onerous action. Or his tales about in- school detention; where Spence and his buddy got their other mate drunk, coaxing him to jump out the third story window to escape detention. Little did they know, under the bush he jumped into, was a retaining wall that broke the kids femur. Or maybe it's because he's got a brother named Scotty, which he let's me know from the top of a route he completes, "Hey Scotty, you know I got a brother named Scotty" He yells from the top.
"Oh yeah, Really?" I reply.
"Yeah! so you my brotha'." I've never had a brotha' so it felt pretty cool.
Continuing on the hike we finally reached the slide. About 30 feet in length, the water polished granite acutely angles down and drops into a deep pool of water. Of course, I was the first one to test it out. Sitting at the top of the slide, I reminisced of Wild Rivers or the local San Diego Water park with my friends, cross your arms and just go. Chris counted me down, " Five, Four, Three, Two, One!" I didn't hesitate a bit. Throwing my arms out, I plunged into the unknown, taking no hesitations, just going. Maybe, that unique ride into the water was a materialization of my current experiences; making an ambivalent decision and having a refreshing outcome. Everyone had their turn after myself, and we couldn't get enough. Soon others started to come up and we jovially watched them throw themselves down the water slide. One zany character would always slip and fall, sliding down the areas that looked quite scary and dangerous.
I sat in the sun, in a natural recliner, soaking in the relaxation that encircled me. "You gonna eat?" Chris and the crew exclaimed behind me.
"Sure." I didn't know they were eating behind me, but as Chris said that, my stomach was just beginning to growl. Carlos and I had bought Hummus and Avocados the night before, along with Organic Garlic Bread. We all shared what was there and I had what I could, without being greedy.
The hike really took it out of us, and the heat was starting to come down, making us weary. We began to hike down and took pictures of the beautiful sites that we heretofore visited. Spencer and I trailed behind Chris and Carlos as we made our way down to the car.
The gate to the lakes above the waterfall (which all seems so interesting now because I visualize the pattern in which naturalness is defined. Looking down from space, I imagine the beauty of geography. Natures organic rhythm that percolates all over the lands of the earth, in other respects the synchronicity of nature) opened at four o'clock. We followed a pilot car which lead us up a windy dirt road (that was being paved) up to a beautiful body of water. Chris pulled the end of his truck up to the river and we opened up shop. I sat in the front seat typing the beginnings of an Asana climbing article. The rest and the beauty of our day was a fount of inspiration for me write. No fish were biting so we moved on to another part of the lake. I sat in the car with Carlos for a little bit while Spencer and Chris fished below at a pond. I was absorbed by the Nas interview that played on XM radio, which gave insight into the world of Hip Hop music. We all congregated at the car once more and sat a top an cyclonic drain, relaxing on it's sides. I dipped my feet in the water, thought about whom I love, and sang to the others.
"When the lights go down, in the city" "I want to be theeeerrrree in your city." Letting out a howling "woah", I think the others may have felt me pleas of love and hope, and although my actions may have seemed like a story from a book, I feel like that is what makes life beautiful. Life is a book, write it.
The sun was starting to fade, and the days heat turned into nights environment. We reached camp just before twilight permitting just enough time to prepare an evening meal. Everyone was tired, and faded from the days hike and excitement. Just like in San Diego I wanted to hit the hay early to gain rest and strength for the next day of climbing. Tomorrow was dawn patrol, dawn patrol is where we get up early and seize best temperatures of the day. I look forward to waking up early and getting my heart racing, I can't think of a better morning activity. Commencing the day out with one of the things I love the most, Rock Climbing.
As I laid my head upon my pillow, I stared up into space and thought about my life. How things were going to turn out, and what I could do to make the best decisions. As my eyes closed and my mind drifted off into sleep, I would receive an email that would help me settle my chagrin. Making changes is part of maturing, some changes work and some do not, that is just a part of growing up. The process of life is intriguing enough, and the anticipation to see what the future holds in my fruitful age is exciting. Thanks for the advice
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
the eye feature
Carving holds is becoming an art form for me. Many things fit into the category of "art form" Just the other day I was watching a show and watching a Jack Russell terrier tear away at a canvas with its claws and teeth creating art that sells for $3000 a piece.
When I started chopping away at foam over a year ago, I was trying to create holds close to the likeness of a piece of rock. I thought this is what would be most inspiring for me, imitating nature. Over the past few months I have change that perspective. I have found that shaping the familiar is more fun. It is becoming more of an artistic process for me. When I imagine people in a gym talking about a route or a boulder problem, I get most psyched imaging them calling out the holds by name. "Grab the big eye!" sounds much more interested than "Hold the pinch" or "Crimp down on that tiny thing". This involves more of a connection to the grip. I like this connection to climbing.
Going to the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City is always exciting for me because it gives Asana an opportunity to bring new gear and products before buyers and potential customers. This year we'll be bringing the new Gunther pad, our new hangboard, and several of our new hold shapes. This big eye feature will be a part of the newness for sure. Knowing that people will hold it and look at it as an art form is thrilling. If they are a climber, they will inevitably scope it for its potential as a good feature, but I am hoping that they will also get that cool feeling whenever you see an interesting piece of work for the first time.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Adam McKenzie Update
Hey Asana,
I just wanted to give you a quick update of what I have been up to lately. I have been getting a lot of video footage of me and my friends and making some movies for my site and other video sites on the web. I have also managed to get outside to Evans quite a few times and get on my projects and find some new ones as well. This past week I spent four days at Mount Evans. I came real close on No More Greener Grass and Clear Blue Skies; I need to get back ASAP to finish this amazing lines off. I hope to get some footage of these sends. I have also been finding some time for route setting as well. I would also like to discuss with you about the opportunity to design a pad that works better for areas with longer hikes. This idea came to me over the issue of pad stashing and also carrying my pad into Mount Evans every other day last week. I hope you had a great fourth an everything is well. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Adam McKenzie
I just wanted to give you a quick update of what I have been up to lately. I have been getting a lot of video footage of me and my friends and making some movies for my site and other video sites on the web. I have also managed to get outside to Evans quite a few times and get on my projects and find some new ones as well. This past week I spent four days at Mount Evans. I came real close on No More Greener Grass and Clear Blue Skies; I need to get back ASAP to finish this amazing lines off. I hope to get some footage of these sends. I have also been finding some time for route setting as well. I would also like to discuss with you about the opportunity to design a pad that works better for areas with longer hikes. This idea came to me over the issue of pad stashing and also carrying my pad into Mount Evans every other day last week. I hope you had a great fourth an everything is well. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Adam McKenzie
Monday, June 23, 2008
From Brett Johnston- ASANA ATHLETE
my long weekend in salt lake city
The vertical world climbing team went down to Salt Lake City on June 13th to compete in the USAC divisional championship. Since i am not competing this year i went down as assistant coach. Of course through this competition i get a two day climbing trip to utah. Me and my coach Tyson went to American Fork and climbed many 1990's test pieces put up by greats like Boone Speed. At 95 degrees it was hard to climb in the sun but a nice shady wall wasn't too bad. Between watching the Vertical World kids tear it up and the sweaty limestone cliffs it was an overall good trip.
The vertical world climbing team went down to Salt Lake City on June 13th to compete in the USAC divisional championship. Since i am not competing this year i went down as assistant coach. Of course through this competition i get a two day climbing trip to utah. Me and my coach Tyson went to American Fork and climbed many 1990's test pieces put up by greats like Boone Speed. At 95 degrees it was hard to climb in the sun but a nice shady wall wasn't too bad. Between watching the Vertical World kids tear it up and the sweaty limestone cliffs it was an overall good trip.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Trash Talk about Gym Climbing
From Asana Athlete and Climbing Advocate, Scott Glasberg
Youth, Adults, Demographics, and Impressions
Gym Climbing has became the new playground for the Modern Climber. No longer is climbing on plastic training for climbing, gym climbing is now the place to climb. Growing up in San Diego, where surfing and road biking are more acknowledged than climbing, it is easy to see how more people are being introduced to climbing in a gym, rather than in a natural environment. Let’s examine how has this recent influx of gyms changed the demographic and face of climbing in general. Also, how does plastic influence the mentality of someone new to climbing? Climbing gyms are breeding grounds for young, upcoming dedicated climbers. Indoor climbing gyms are replacing after school activities, summer camps, and organized sports for many youngsters. Climbing gyms bring in younger kids, wielding more experience for those youngsters planning to keep climbing. This increases the amount of kids climbing, the overall popularity of the sport, and the strength of these future climbers. I can only forecast that with more kids becoming involved, the greater chance there will be stronger and stronger climbers appearing. As indoor rock replaces a location to introduce Rock Climbing, Gym Climbing is more readily available for those wanting to crank. The business-man who dislikes traditional work out regimen; or the stay at home mother, who doesn’t always have time to go on weekend trips, both find their escape through a couple hours of activity at the gym. From a young teen getting their kicks on lunging between small holds, to the over 40 woman increasing their fitness level, the density and population of climbing is increasing because of climbing gyms. Simply, Climbing Gyms make climbing a growing sport. Now what does this mean for the future of the nation? Analysts say that gas prices will decrease. The demography of climbers in climbing areas will increase, more gyms will be built, and people will have to commute less, sources claim. “Climbing gyms and our morals and virtues will restore humans to a more “natural man” state.” Said the last dirt-bag vagabond. Secondly, demographics regarding birth, marriage, disease and death, all are staggering with the influx of climbing gyms. With more single climbers mingling with one another, the rules of attraction (which were mentioned in a previous article, “Climbing Grades: Advantages, Disadvantages, and sex”) are sure to prevail. We notice that two main factors that attract two partners are Similarity and Proximity. Climbing Gyms act as a medium to increase these factors. The similar interest of climbing will most definitely attract two figures. Once a common similarity bond is shared, these two sweaty gym rats will realize how close they live to one another. This defines proximity: where we tend to fall in love with those who live close to us, rather than our possible soul mate who lives in Constantinople. Climbing critics believe demographics regarding disease and death will drastically decrease once people become familiar with climbing. I asked Hangontodat Crimper, and he stated, “The climbing mentality could save the world. Healthy Eating, Obsessive Exercise, and an Ecological mindset can only wield positive results’ climbing just needs to get more popular!” Notice climbing gyms are wielding positive results in society. The youths are getting stronger, and folks uncommon to climbing are now common, and the world could be saved because of climbing. Let’s take a gander at the only worry I have about climbing gyms: Their effect on how people perceive what climbing is all about. The Gym being the new medium for climbing, influences the mentality of someone who is being newly introduced, to be obscured. The gym climber does not have the privilege of a first impression. He or she lacks the impression of what climbing really is. First Impressions can be the most important things that determine the passion of a relationship. Indoor Climbing does not offer the same impression that outdoor climbing does. Until, a rock climber has an outdoor experience will he/she realize if they are passionate for climbing or not. For instance, the aspects of mentors and patience play a huge factor. A mentor from an outdoorsman’s perspective may give insight into the patience of the climbing journey for the climber. Where as, a new climber in a gym atmosphere does not recognize the true power of the climbing process, and may grow frustrated. It is only until the climber is reaffirmed with a natural connection, an uplifting second impression, that he or she will begin to love ‘real’ rock climbing. Those who have outdoor experience fuel the right atmosphere for these children, and adults alike. Impressions are everything, when meeting a woman, getting a job, or a random person on the street; impressions dictate the future of a relationship. This is how impressions and attractiveness work: When you have an impression of something that goes from bad to good, this is great, you will tend to like what ever the impression is of, more. Vice Versa when impressions go from good to bad, forget about it being attractive. Gyms can either build someone’s relationship with the climbing world, or quickly snatch their interest away. With this in mind, I can’t stress enough to encourage outdoor activity enough. The outdoors gives children a respect for nature, a chance to for a unique insight into virtues, and life long lessons to stand for.
Youth, Adults, Demographics, and Impressions
Gym Climbing has became the new playground for the Modern Climber. No longer is climbing on plastic training for climbing, gym climbing is now the place to climb. Growing up in San Diego, where surfing and road biking are more acknowledged than climbing, it is easy to see how more people are being introduced to climbing in a gym, rather than in a natural environment. Let’s examine how has this recent influx of gyms changed the demographic and face of climbing in general. Also, how does plastic influence the mentality of someone new to climbing? Climbing gyms are breeding grounds for young, upcoming dedicated climbers. Indoor climbing gyms are replacing after school activities, summer camps, and organized sports for many youngsters. Climbing gyms bring in younger kids, wielding more experience for those youngsters planning to keep climbing. This increases the amount of kids climbing, the overall popularity of the sport, and the strength of these future climbers. I can only forecast that with more kids becoming involved, the greater chance there will be stronger and stronger climbers appearing. As indoor rock replaces a location to introduce Rock Climbing, Gym Climbing is more readily available for those wanting to crank. The business-man who dislikes traditional work out regimen; or the stay at home mother, who doesn’t always have time to go on weekend trips, both find their escape through a couple hours of activity at the gym. From a young teen getting their kicks on lunging between small holds, to the over 40 woman increasing their fitness level, the density and population of climbing is increasing because of climbing gyms. Simply, Climbing Gyms make climbing a growing sport. Now what does this mean for the future of the nation? Analysts say that gas prices will decrease. The demography of climbers in climbing areas will increase, more gyms will be built, and people will have to commute less, sources claim. “Climbing gyms and our morals and virtues will restore humans to a more “natural man” state.” Said the last dirt-bag vagabond. Secondly, demographics regarding birth, marriage, disease and death, all are staggering with the influx of climbing gyms. With more single climbers mingling with one another, the rules of attraction (which were mentioned in a previous article, “Climbing Grades: Advantages, Disadvantages, and sex”) are sure to prevail. We notice that two main factors that attract two partners are Similarity and Proximity. Climbing Gyms act as a medium to increase these factors. The similar interest of climbing will most definitely attract two figures. Once a common similarity bond is shared, these two sweaty gym rats will realize how close they live to one another. This defines proximity: where we tend to fall in love with those who live close to us, rather than our possible soul mate who lives in Constantinople. Climbing critics believe demographics regarding disease and death will drastically decrease once people become familiar with climbing. I asked Hangontodat Crimper, and he stated, “The climbing mentality could save the world. Healthy Eating, Obsessive Exercise, and an Ecological mindset can only wield positive results’ climbing just needs to get more popular!” Notice climbing gyms are wielding positive results in society. The youths are getting stronger, and folks uncommon to climbing are now common, and the world could be saved because of climbing. Let’s take a gander at the only worry I have about climbing gyms: Their effect on how people perceive what climbing is all about. The Gym being the new medium for climbing, influences the mentality of someone who is being newly introduced, to be obscured. The gym climber does not have the privilege of a first impression. He or she lacks the impression of what climbing really is. First Impressions can be the most important things that determine the passion of a relationship. Indoor Climbing does not offer the same impression that outdoor climbing does. Until, a rock climber has an outdoor experience will he/she realize if they are passionate for climbing or not. For instance, the aspects of mentors and patience play a huge factor. A mentor from an outdoorsman’s perspective may give insight into the patience of the climbing journey for the climber. Where as, a new climber in a gym atmosphere does not recognize the true power of the climbing process, and may grow frustrated. It is only until the climber is reaffirmed with a natural connection, an uplifting second impression, that he or she will begin to love ‘real’ rock climbing. Those who have outdoor experience fuel the right atmosphere for these children, and adults alike. Impressions are everything, when meeting a woman, getting a job, or a random person on the street; impressions dictate the future of a relationship. This is how impressions and attractiveness work: When you have an impression of something that goes from bad to good, this is great, you will tend to like what ever the impression is of, more. Vice Versa when impressions go from good to bad, forget about it being attractive. Gyms can either build someone’s relationship with the climbing world, or quickly snatch their interest away. With this in mind, I can’t stress enough to encourage outdoor activity enough. The outdoors gives children a respect for nature, a chance to for a unique insight into virtues, and life long lessons to stand for.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Update from Scott Fitzgerald, Asana Athlete
Hey Asana!
It looks like your time at the Teva Games was well worth the effort!Amazing job on the flooring!!Another month has passed like lightning and is full of adventure and learning.The job at the local restaurant and saloon is going well. I'm learning a lot about the restaurant business and local Wyoming ranch culture..lol.Climbing this last month has been devoted mainly to getting multi-pitch rock guide certified and doing some guiding on the tower.In mid May, I took a 7 day long 7a-7p guide certification course. It went super well and I got certified to multi-pitch guide. It was a lot of work and we put quite a bit of rock beneath our shoes.Other than the multitudes of easier guiding routes this last month, I haven't done too much hard stuff on the tower.My life has been eaten up by waiting tables and guiding...but hey, I have to work sometime. :-)I have had a Yosemite trip in the plans for at least 4 months, so on May 31st we (I and a friend from home) packed up and left the tower for Yose to do walls and long free routes.We got here to the Valley late on the 1st and headed straight for our first wall of the trip. (West Face of Leaning Tower) We stayed on the wall the 2nd-3rd and came down that night. Since then we have been doing longer free routes to get ready for our goal of the trip. We want to do the Nose in a day together.We are taking a much needed 1.5 day's of rest before getting back on the rock and shooting for that goal. We hope to get on the Nose within a week to try our NIAD venture.
In other news, the production company "Ghettohillbilly Productions" out of Arkansas is doing very well. We are having a time of it by working together over 2000 miles apart, but we are making headway. It's another hot summer in AR, so we are devoting it to learning how to edit and produce. We are waiting on better conditions in the south to get harder problems/routes and better shots.Right now it is a three person production company with only 2 people actually in AR. I have one of the 2 cameras with me getting some western footage. The Devils Tower video still might work out depending on my free time and schedule later this summer...we shall see."Ghettohillbilly Productions" got on the front page of UCMag.tv!!! Check it out! Things are looking good.
I'd still really like to swing by Boise on the way back to Wyoming, but it is still up in the air depending on how long it takes us to accomplish our goals here in the valley.
I think the rest of the day calls for hanging out in the El Cap Meadow starring at the Captain.
That's about it for now,--Scott
It looks like your time at the Teva Games was well worth the effort!Amazing job on the flooring!!Another month has passed like lightning and is full of adventure and learning.The job at the local restaurant and saloon is going well. I'm learning a lot about the restaurant business and local Wyoming ranch culture..lol.Climbing this last month has been devoted mainly to getting multi-pitch rock guide certified and doing some guiding on the tower.In mid May, I took a 7 day long 7a-7p guide certification course. It went super well and I got certified to multi-pitch guide. It was a lot of work and we put quite a bit of rock beneath our shoes.Other than the multitudes of easier guiding routes this last month, I haven't done too much hard stuff on the tower.My life has been eaten up by waiting tables and guiding...but hey, I have to work sometime. :-)I have had a Yosemite trip in the plans for at least 4 months, so on May 31st we (I and a friend from home) packed up and left the tower for Yose to do walls and long free routes.We got here to the Valley late on the 1st and headed straight for our first wall of the trip. (West Face of Leaning Tower) We stayed on the wall the 2nd-3rd and came down that night. Since then we have been doing longer free routes to get ready for our goal of the trip. We want to do the Nose in a day together.We are taking a much needed 1.5 day's of rest before getting back on the rock and shooting for that goal. We hope to get on the Nose within a week to try our NIAD venture.
In other news, the production company "Ghettohillbilly Productions" out of Arkansas is doing very well. We are having a time of it by working together over 2000 miles apart, but we are making headway. It's another hot summer in AR, so we are devoting it to learning how to edit and produce. We are waiting on better conditions in the south to get harder problems/routes and better shots.Right now it is a three person production company with only 2 people actually in AR. I have one of the 2 cameras with me getting some western footage. The Devils Tower video still might work out depending on my free time and schedule later this summer...we shall see."Ghettohillbilly Productions" got on the front page of UCMag.tv!!! Check it out! Things are looking good.
I'd still really like to swing by Boise on the way back to Wyoming, but it is still up in the air depending on how long it takes us to accomplish our goals here in the valley.
I think the rest of the day calls for hanging out in the El Cap Meadow starring at the Captain.
That's about it for now,--Scott
Monday, June 9, 2008
Adam's thoughts on Teva Games
Every year during the first weekend in June, the Teva Mountain Games come to Vail. This year promised to be bigger and better with the addition of the World Cup event taking placing. This was the first time in 20 years that a World Cup has come to the states. I competed in the citizen’s competition and the speed bouldering comps. On Saturday morning I made the drive up to Vail to compete and see what this year would bring. In years past there has been 3 inches of snow and then a bright sunny day the next minute. This year the weather held up and the comp had nice sunny weather. The wall this year was changed from the familiar mushroom boulder to the World Cup wall. Eight sections of varying terrain from vertical to intense overhangs. They limited the registration to avoid long lines and ensure people would be able to climb, since they had to run a tight ship for the World Cup in the afternoon. Everything was going great then the plan to avoid long lines to get on a climb failed. Climbs crossed onto other sections and people were forced to wait even longer. Eight judges for each of the sections with 32 problems spread out along the wall. There were 132 competitors and most only got 8-10 climbs in in the three hours. It was a problem to say the least. You did not have time to warm up and usually only got one try maybe two on a given problem. On the bright side, the wall was amazing. The problems were some of the best that I have seen from a comp in a long time. One problem on the overhang section started on a big feature with two crimps then a dyno to a split jug then some moves followed on slopey crimps into a cross for a good crimp, then a few crimps tackled the head wall before latching the final jug. On the far left slightly overhanging section, a problem started on a slopey pinch and a big jump up to a climb it sandstone hold. You then swung your foot over and rocked over to a bad pinch. Followed by a hard move to come into a another pinch for the left hand. You then brought your foot up to the sandstone hole and went to another sandstone hold. You had to adjust your hand and do a big dyno move to the finishing jug. I managed to do the big jump move as static as possible by locking that sandstone hold off for as long as possible before the final leap of faith to the jug. They also left two problems up from the World Cup Qualifier to test people’s skills.Hopefully next year they get the wall situation settled and more climbing can take place.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
World Cup in Vail
Just arrived in Vail and went up to take a look at the competition wall. The Pyramide wall looks fantastic and the Asana pads look spectacular as well. The folks at USA Climbing, unfortunately, are having to set routes in the rain. It has been pouring most of the day, but they have the entire wall tarped off.
Tomorrow the qualifiers for the World Cup begin. There should be tons of excitement in the air as competitors come from all over the world to compete. This is the first time the United States has hosted this international climbing event, so we are thrilled to have the opportunity to have done the flooring for the wall.
Tomorrow the qualifiers for the World Cup begin. There should be tons of excitement in the air as competitors come from all over the world to compete. This is the first time the United States has hosted this international climbing event, so we are thrilled to have the opportunity to have done the flooring for the wall.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Climbing Grades: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Your Sex Life.
More Insight From Scotty Glasberg>> Asana Athelete
Grades have been classifying our the difficulty of outdoor activities since the early 20th Century. The Sierra Club in the 1930’s categorized activity harder than class 4 hiking as class 5 rock climbing. This “Rock Climbing” involves technical free climbing involving a belay and a rope. Later, a young Gymnast and Mathematician was one of the first rock Climbers to legitimize bouldering as a sport in itself. John Gill developed the B Scale, classifying boulder problems into 3 levels: B1 is defined as the harder than the traditional free climb. B2 was something harder than that, where B3 was something that had not been repeated. In the early 1990’s John Sherman developed the V-scale to rate boulder problems, this is still in effect today. Throughout history climbers have been pushing the limits of physical strength on rock. In the 1950’s a V7 was in effect, the occasional V9 move was executed, but nothing was ever thought to be graded as such. In the 1970’s pioneers like Jim Holloway regularly cranked V12. Holloway still has problems that have not seen a second. You can take It as you want, but this whole grading thing, has gone a little bit out of control.
Grades are stepping stones for the modern climber. There are advantages and disadvantages of Rock Climbing Grades. First things first an analogy:
You go to your local surf shop and check out a surf guide. You notice that most of the surf spots around you are for beginners, but you’ve been surfing your whole life, and you want some gnarl waves to get shacked in. You turn the pages reading further, and find the perfect spot: big waves, shallow reefs, and this beach is known for the hot ladies or men (depending on your sex) tanning on the shore. Hold this picture… Let’s take this back to rock climbing. Climbing grades provide insight into what an area has to offer. You wouldn’t take a novice climber to a cliff that has 5.12 warm ups, nor would an advanced climber ideally want to go to a spot with everything below 5.12. The novice would have a hard time having his/her tendons holding up, and the advanced climber would have no fun working routes. Grades like surf spots have different levels of difficulty. An advantage to grades is that they provide the climber with the most opportune climbing for their ability. Grades can provide a safe atmosphere suiting a climber’s ability. Grades can save your life, and can also save your tendons.
Now what disadvantages do climbing grades pose? The relentless pursuit of climbing the hardest grades makes us lose sight in the natural enjoyment of climbing. Wouldn’t it be nice to walk up to a route and climb just for the fact it’s beautiful line? If too hard no grade would be there to serve as a disadvantage. Point being, besides personal experiences, there is no real reference chart for grading climbs. It depends on the style of the climber, and their motivation to succeed. This is why some of the best climbers don’t grade their climbs, there is no concrete logic behind grading, they want everyone to try it. There is reason for everyone to climb what they want to climb, and a number shouldn’t dictate that. In some ways grading is disadvantageous to the sport of climbing. I mean, Midnight Lightning wasn’t established because the grade would be tough, Midnight Lightning was established because John “Yabo” Yablonski , Bachar, Kauk, and who ever else was there had the passion and imagination to climb something futuristic. All they knew, was that it was hard. John Gill’s early B1, B2, B3 is hard to apply to today’s bouldering standards because we have pushed the standards in sport and traditional climbing very high. I do find a similar scale to be quite suitable: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Super Advanced scale could give climbers a larger spectrum that takes away the hype of high grades and could be designed to translate well from modern standards.
The V scale and the YDS have obviously gone out of control. High Grading techniques and ability to climb them is now used to attract the opposite sex. This new increase in grades is obviously evolution in mating techniques for the modern climbing savage. When I first arrived in Hueco Tanks in 2006 I was told that if I wanted a lady, a had to send V10 first.
“Why was this?” I asked myself.
Is it the muscles on a V10 climber? Is it their superior wisdom? Or is it the size of their “crash pad”? These plus many factors are why the screams of an expert climber attract the opposite sex while in heat. First, we like those that are competent, or almost perfect. Socially Psychologically proven, those who are perfect, that commit a small blunder are dubbed more attractive. When sending for the opposite sex, make sure you make a very stupid mistake the first burn, and send it the next. This is sure to result in an intense mating ritual, and if not increases your attractiveness.
Another strategy used by the wild animal sender is their overall ability to help those around them progress. We are attracted to those that help us progress rather than assist our downfall. When the savage beast sender completes a difficult route, his/her attractiveness rises a considerable amount. Those around him/her can deduce that the savage can in fact teach them how to climb well and survive in the wild climbing world. When out at the cliff, make sure you spot these wild animals and protect your significant other, or these beasts may end up wooing him/her over.
In conclusion, we can recognize that grades can provide a safe haven and fun atmosphere for the progressing climber. Also notice that grades can deter from the natural enjoyment of climbing: We climb what looks beautiful and challenging for us. We have also recognized that climbing hard can increase attractiveness. By climbing hard routes your chances of pro-creation increase considerably. Competence and looking Progressive are the keys to attracting the opposite sex. Maintain those guidelines and you will be able to survive in this wild climbing world.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
OBSESSION
--from scotty glasberg, Asana athlete--
ob•ses•sion n1. an idea, or feeling that completely occupies the mind
Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.I am obsessed with climbing. My mornings are not of leisure but of dedication. The same haul to the crag, can symbolize a monk’s bowl of rice in the morning. Not another thought can cross my mind between reminiscing of last nights dream, and how much time I have to climb before I have to attend to my daily errands. I feel stressed, like the unknowing feeling before you get on a roller coaster. It’s all worth it to the obsessed climber, me and climbing comes before all. For this is my meditation, my discipline, my life. Walking away from the dawn filled east approaching my local bouldering development, I see my shadow cast in the morning dew. More spiritual than anything, I most times find myself alone, sitting aside a river or at the bottom of a Mt. Woodson crack thinking of how happy this spiritual routine makes me. As the sound of water, and the smell of pine engulfs my senses:“Boy do I wish I had someone to share this with.” I say to myself, looking back up at the newly discovered climb. “No, I don’t.” This oneness is ‘Zen like’. Sitting here obsessed there is no one here to judge me, no color, no personality, or hype. Only my animal instinct about how I must finesse my way up the oversized pebble. Figuring out new sequences till the perfect one clicks. Either this ascent was the most beautiful rock climb ever, or it wasn’t but doing it sure made me feel great. An obsessed rock climber, creates new friendships, with new boulders, new routes, and people alike. Now is obsession better than not being obsessed? Well my brotha, let me tell you. I can’t really because it is all about preference. It’s like whether you like riding a skateboard goofy or regular; or if you like your tea hot or cold. Although there are consequences of both, like cold tea on a cold day, if your seven days on, you might not have that same power or endurance at the beginning of the cycle. Either you like being outdoors 7 days a week (with the possibility of fatigue), or you enjoy rest, with more time for your skin to heal (maybe a few more ounces of muscular energy). Despite your skin and muscular fatigue, climbing daily gets you more fit, there’s no doubt about it. For me I believe it is best to overload. Climb obsessively, be totally involved, have your whole life centered around your single focus of sending. When your skin it totally raw and you can barely do those pull ups in the morning, you then know that it’s your time to rest. Take a few days off. You could think of yourself as a Buddhist monk who has just been disciplined for 7 days now being sent out to the woods to reflect on your teachings. Your mind will process all this climbing you have just done, 7 days of cramming you need a bit of time for your brain tissue to absorb. These spiritual siestas are about your body being the temple. Notice what is sore, where you feel strength gains and keep your thoughts positive. Eat extremely healthy and don’t stuff with junk. When you feel yourself peaking in strength,, it is then time to think about returning to the cliff or bouldering area.
ob•ses•sion n1. an idea, or feeling that completely occupies the mind
Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.I am obsessed with climbing. My mornings are not of leisure but of dedication. The same haul to the crag, can symbolize a monk’s bowl of rice in the morning. Not another thought can cross my mind between reminiscing of last nights dream, and how much time I have to climb before I have to attend to my daily errands. I feel stressed, like the unknowing feeling before you get on a roller coaster. It’s all worth it to the obsessed climber, me and climbing comes before all. For this is my meditation, my discipline, my life. Walking away from the dawn filled east approaching my local bouldering development, I see my shadow cast in the morning dew. More spiritual than anything, I most times find myself alone, sitting aside a river or at the bottom of a Mt. Woodson crack thinking of how happy this spiritual routine makes me. As the sound of water, and the smell of pine engulfs my senses:“Boy do I wish I had someone to share this with.” I say to myself, looking back up at the newly discovered climb. “No, I don’t.” This oneness is ‘Zen like’. Sitting here obsessed there is no one here to judge me, no color, no personality, or hype. Only my animal instinct about how I must finesse my way up the oversized pebble. Figuring out new sequences till the perfect one clicks. Either this ascent was the most beautiful rock climb ever, or it wasn’t but doing it sure made me feel great. An obsessed rock climber, creates new friendships, with new boulders, new routes, and people alike. Now is obsession better than not being obsessed? Well my brotha, let me tell you. I can’t really because it is all about preference. It’s like whether you like riding a skateboard goofy or regular; or if you like your tea hot or cold. Although there are consequences of both, like cold tea on a cold day, if your seven days on, you might not have that same power or endurance at the beginning of the cycle. Either you like being outdoors 7 days a week (with the possibility of fatigue), or you enjoy rest, with more time for your skin to heal (maybe a few more ounces of muscular energy). Despite your skin and muscular fatigue, climbing daily gets you more fit, there’s no doubt about it. For me I believe it is best to overload. Climb obsessively, be totally involved, have your whole life centered around your single focus of sending. When your skin it totally raw and you can barely do those pull ups in the morning, you then know that it’s your time to rest. Take a few days off. You could think of yourself as a Buddhist monk who has just been disciplined for 7 days now being sent out to the woods to reflect on your teachings. Your mind will process all this climbing you have just done, 7 days of cramming you need a bit of time for your brain tissue to absorb. These spiritual siestas are about your body being the temple. Notice what is sore, where you feel strength gains and keep your thoughts positive. Eat extremely healthy and don’t stuff with junk. When you feel yourself peaking in strength,, it is then time to think about returning to the cliff or bouldering area.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
The New
I feel like going big again today, like "big picture". So if this psychobabble is too much for you, then you may need to talk to someone about it. I am a psychology major, so taking the simple to ridiculous levels of analysis is seemingly what I do with my life. Rather than watching soap operas or making others around me miserable trying to create drama, I look deeper. There is plenty of interesting stuff deep in the psyche. None of what I have to say today refers directly to climbing, but it has everything to do with how you accept challenges.
Stress is created by "The New". We experience new things all of the time: new jobs, new schools, places to live, marital status, changes in our mind. When I was 28 I somehow managed to do all of these big "first time" things within a 6-month time frame. I moved across the US, got a new job, got a new dog, got married, and tried to find a new group of friends to make it all seem natural. To add to these experiences, a year and a half later, I was proud new father. Let me tell you, I was a wreck for a while. All of the change created too much stress and strain. Making constant adjustments like this can be hell on a person. I don't have that job, that house, or that marriage anymore. Of course I still have my daughter. She is my favorite reminder of what true love is. She keeps me stable. She makes my life very worth living.
So you're probably thinking that I sit in a calm existence now, making every attempt I can to keep my life stable. You're probably thinking that I have rejected all things new so that I can avoid stress. Well, you're wrong. In fact, I've done the exact opposite because guess what? I survived all of that craziness that I went through. EMERGING IS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. In fact, I recommend it highly.
These days, I do my best not to set myself up for failure like I did somewhat unknowingly in my in my late 20s. All this being said I much state that I still take risks, big ones in fact. But they seem a little more calculated. "The New" is too fun to pass up. It is my life's adventure, my next day, my horizon in the distance. Without the excitement of a unique, new experience, we become stale. I don't want to ever become that guy sitting on the couch scared to go outside, scared to take on a new challenge, scared of failure. I want to throw myself into the new.
You should do the same. Go for it, dive in with all of your energies. I know you've had that thought to make a move, to do something slightly out of your comfort zone. Sitting around contemplating it isn't nearly as thrilling as doing it. If there is passion behind your decision, then it's bound to work out. Your motivations will be oozing from your pores. Sure, you may scare a few people with your energy, but that's their problem. You'll surely scare some because most of the time people are doing their best to stay asleep, to steer clear of things that might make them feel uneasy, to avoid something that might change their life. Don't fall into that trap yourself. There's too much to gain from taking that first step.
Just to make sure you understand how much I believe in what I am saying, I have , in fact, recently taken on a new venture, and the chemicals in my brain are screaming with such excitement that I have a hard time sleeping. I have a hard time getting through a day without distraction. I would swear that the world is a brighter place. "The New" has such a enticing draw for me and I am giving into it again with all that I have, moving towards a new horizon. Not everything in my life is changing, just one thing. So I think I'll easily survive this one. There isn't a doubt in my mind that I will emerge from this one a better person.
I can feel the growth already.
Stress is created by "The New". We experience new things all of the time: new jobs, new schools, places to live, marital status, changes in our mind. When I was 28 I somehow managed to do all of these big "first time" things within a 6-month time frame. I moved across the US, got a new job, got a new dog, got married, and tried to find a new group of friends to make it all seem natural. To add to these experiences, a year and a half later, I was proud new father. Let me tell you, I was a wreck for a while. All of the change created too much stress and strain. Making constant adjustments like this can be hell on a person. I don't have that job, that house, or that marriage anymore. Of course I still have my daughter. She is my favorite reminder of what true love is. She keeps me stable. She makes my life very worth living.
So you're probably thinking that I sit in a calm existence now, making every attempt I can to keep my life stable. You're probably thinking that I have rejected all things new so that I can avoid stress. Well, you're wrong. In fact, I've done the exact opposite because guess what? I survived all of that craziness that I went through. EMERGING IS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. In fact, I recommend it highly.
These days, I do my best not to set myself up for failure like I did somewhat unknowingly in my in my late 20s. All this being said I much state that I still take risks, big ones in fact. But they seem a little more calculated. "The New" is too fun to pass up. It is my life's adventure, my next day, my horizon in the distance. Without the excitement of a unique, new experience, we become stale. I don't want to ever become that guy sitting on the couch scared to go outside, scared to take on a new challenge, scared of failure. I want to throw myself into the new.
You should do the same. Go for it, dive in with all of your energies. I know you've had that thought to make a move, to do something slightly out of your comfort zone. Sitting around contemplating it isn't nearly as thrilling as doing it. If there is passion behind your decision, then it's bound to work out. Your motivations will be oozing from your pores. Sure, you may scare a few people with your energy, but that's their problem. You'll surely scare some because most of the time people are doing their best to stay asleep, to steer clear of things that might make them feel uneasy, to avoid something that might change their life. Don't fall into that trap yourself. There's too much to gain from taking that first step.
Just to make sure you understand how much I believe in what I am saying, I have , in fact, recently taken on a new venture, and the chemicals in my brain are screaming with such excitement that I have a hard time sleeping. I have a hard time getting through a day without distraction. I would swear that the world is a brighter place. "The New" has such a enticing draw for me and I am giving into it again with all that I have, moving towards a new horizon. Not everything in my life is changing, just one thing. So I think I'll easily survive this one. There isn't a doubt in my mind that I will emerge from this one a better person.
I can feel the growth already.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Focus
Focus has always been an issue for me...hey, wanna go ride bikes?
Kidding, but not really. My days are packed with activities ranging from one side of the brain to the other. I am crunching numbers, working out new pad designs, writing and editing code for the website, and shaping new climbing holds. I almost feel like I might just spin out of control and fall off the side of the earth sometimes. The funny thing is this is who I have always been. I like to keep it interesting. Most of the time, when I'm not driving others completely bonkers with my erratic behaviors, it works.
When I'm sitting under a boulder, it can sometimes be a problem, no pun intended. This is when I have to pull it all together, one-pointed concentration. My mind can't be on my professional projects, the beautifully clouded sky, or sound of the wind. It has to be right here, in the moment, below the boulder.
Ever been up on a problem and all you can hear is your peeps cheering for you? All of a sudden your mind transports from the rock to their point-of-view of you climbing? Not a good place to be; I know from experience.
To deal with my "issues" in a more proactive way, I have been attending a meditation class once a week. We do sitting meditation for 20 minutes, then walking meditation for 20 minutes, then we sit for another 20. When I first pondered this venture, I about freaked out. "Doing nothing for 60 minutes, no freakin' way."
Unbelievably, it work. We are encouraged to sit and think about our breath. "I am breathing in, I am breathing out." Yeah, it's tough at first, and I am constantly having to call myself back. But given enough practice, it works.
These days I sit under boulder problems and in about 3 breaths I am in the moment. It hasn't help me climb V12 yet, but maybe some day. In the meantime, the peace I get from those moments are totally worth it.
Focus can be good thing, wanna play Guitar Hero?
Kidding, but not really. My days are packed with activities ranging from one side of the brain to the other. I am crunching numbers, working out new pad designs, writing and editing code for the website, and shaping new climbing holds. I almost feel like I might just spin out of control and fall off the side of the earth sometimes. The funny thing is this is who I have always been. I like to keep it interesting. Most of the time, when I'm not driving others completely bonkers with my erratic behaviors, it works.
When I'm sitting under a boulder, it can sometimes be a problem, no pun intended. This is when I have to pull it all together, one-pointed concentration. My mind can't be on my professional projects, the beautifully clouded sky, or sound of the wind. It has to be right here, in the moment, below the boulder.
Ever been up on a problem and all you can hear is your peeps cheering for you? All of a sudden your mind transports from the rock to their point-of-view of you climbing? Not a good place to be; I know from experience.
To deal with my "issues" in a more proactive way, I have been attending a meditation class once a week. We do sitting meditation for 20 minutes, then walking meditation for 20 minutes, then we sit for another 20. When I first pondered this venture, I about freaked out. "Doing nothing for 60 minutes, no freakin' way."
Unbelievably, it work. We are encouraged to sit and think about our breath. "I am breathing in, I am breathing out." Yeah, it's tough at first, and I am constantly having to call myself back. But given enough practice, it works.
These days I sit under boulder problems and in about 3 breaths I am in the moment. It hasn't help me climb V12 yet, but maybe some day. In the meantime, the peace I get from those moments are totally worth it.
Focus can be good thing, wanna play Guitar Hero?
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Working through difficult problems
ARGHHH!!!
I'm sitting here with with a look of dissapointment on my face and holes in my tips again wondering why ALL of my friends sent my project seemingly without effort. So while I have a chance to chew through these thoughts, I'll share how I usually deal.
1) The Myth of Ego- First and foremost, I dont get caught up in the ego. I am not what I think I am. I am a human, not a V-rated human. Although I may pull off that sweet rating from time-to-time, it doesn't make me a different person.
2) Learning-- Just chill and know that there are a lot of factors involved in sending those projects. Bouldering is a learning process. So even though I may know I am supposed to drop-knee to gain a little more reach, there may be more subtleties I am missing. Staying open to others' support and beta will certainly give me some insight.
3) Take it easy-- As an athlete, I have to remember and realize that I will experience highs and lows. Everyone trying to reach new heights and to push new personal levels will have good days and bad days. On days when things aren't quite going my way, I like to run around on some easier problems. This regularly reminds me that climbing is fun and that I am actually much better than I am giving myself credit for.
4) Leave it alone--Walking away for a little time may be frustrating, but doing so can always be great for you. Not only will it allow you to build some new tips, it will provide a fresh new perspective. Come back next time a remember to stay open to a new experience.
Keep pulling hard!
I'm sitting here with with a look of dissapointment on my face and holes in my tips again wondering why ALL of my friends sent my project seemingly without effort. So while I have a chance to chew through these thoughts, I'll share how I usually deal.
1) The Myth of Ego- First and foremost, I dont get caught up in the ego. I am not what I think I am. I am a human, not a V-rated human. Although I may pull off that sweet rating from time-to-time, it doesn't make me a different person.
2) Learning-- Just chill and know that there are a lot of factors involved in sending those projects. Bouldering is a learning process. So even though I may know I am supposed to drop-knee to gain a little more reach, there may be more subtleties I am missing. Staying open to others' support and beta will certainly give me some insight.
3) Take it easy-- As an athlete, I have to remember and realize that I will experience highs and lows. Everyone trying to reach new heights and to push new personal levels will have good days and bad days. On days when things aren't quite going my way, I like to run around on some easier problems. This regularly reminds me that climbing is fun and that I am actually much better than I am giving myself credit for.
4) Leave it alone--Walking away for a little time may be frustrating, but doing so can always be great for you. Not only will it allow you to build some new tips, it will provide a fresh new perspective. Come back next time a remember to stay open to a new experience.
Keep pulling hard!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Thanks to the CWA
Just a quick shout-out to all of the folks at the CWA Summit in Boulder, CO.
Bill, Andrea, and the board really put on a great show.
It is always nice to see the indoor community come together and share ideas and information.
I particularly enjoyed hearing about how the industry continues to grow as we support the youth. It is great that we are creating a community that emphasizes education, fun, and a focus on learning to succeed and to work through struggles.
Bill, Andrea, and the board really put on a great show.
It is always nice to see the indoor community come together and share ideas and information.
I particularly enjoyed hearing about how the industry continues to grow as we support the youth. It is great that we are creating a community that emphasizes education, fun, and a focus on learning to succeed and to work through struggles.
Climbing in Joes Valley
Just got back from Joes in Orangeville, Utah.
That place is unbelievable in the sense that there is a dense collection of high quality bouldeering problems like I haven't seen before. The wetaher in late April beats every other time I have been there as well. It was 60 degrees during the day and 30 at night. The wind one evening was a bit to bare, but I just slept in and made up for the restless sleep.
Problems to check out, or better stated>>must do problems at Joe's.
Skins Game- V4
The Dyno behind Scrawny and Brawny- V5
Wills a Fire- V6
The Runt- V7
3 Weeks - V8/9
Wind Below- V8
The crowds were thin during this time of the year and everyone we came in contact with was super approachable and nice. Thanks to everyone for creating a cool vibe.
That place is unbelievable in the sense that there is a dense collection of high quality bouldeering problems like I haven't seen before. The wetaher in late April beats every other time I have been there as well. It was 60 degrees during the day and 30 at night. The wind one evening was a bit to bare, but I just slept in and made up for the restless sleep.
Problems to check out, or better stated>>must do problems at Joe's.
Skins Game- V4
The Dyno behind Scrawny and Brawny- V5
Wills a Fire- V6
The Runt- V7
3 Weeks - V8/9
Wind Below- V8
The crowds were thin during this time of the year and everyone we came in contact with was super approachable and nice. Thanks to everyone for creating a cool vibe.
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