Rained Out

I decided I needed a weekend of rock climbing and so made plans to head up to Squamish. I had some friends that were up there all week and it was a wet week. I had my fingers crossed that I'd get clear weather. The initial reports were looking good, but the word was that Sunday was 100% chance of rain. Against the odds I made my way to the rock with a new climbing partner, George. We arrived Friday afternoon and proceeded to do a few runs up Burger and Fries. It was short lived as I was hungry and wanting to find a place to camp.

We had a nice evening with the crew, and by 11:30 we decided to go to sleep. We woke to a grey sky and no rain. Good news for us, so George and I headed to the Apron. As I was gearing up my cell rang. I thought -- this is the call. My sister was having a baby! It was my mom telling me that the kid already came -- No name had been decided yet. George and I proceeded to hunt down our climb. It was a bit of a trek but we got to our climb and no one was on it. Whew.

We did Banana Peel, a eight pitch 5.7 climb, with some great places you could actually run up the rock. We followed that up with Memorial Crack (5.9) and a rappel into the pond. Our beer was earned and we headed back to camp after dinner.

I was feeling pretty tired after all the climbing and so lay down to rest a bit. I'm not sure how long I was out, but George came over, and apologized for waking me -- "Oh, no, I wasn't asleep," I responded as I wiped the drool from my cheek.

Sunday just couldn't hold out for us. It was full down pour. George and I packed up and hurried to wait in a two hour boarder line. That sucked, but the rest of the ride home was fantastic. Now that the new niece is here, I have plans to head out again. Road Trip 2008. I'm going it solo....wish me luck.

Starting anew.

Welcome.

I'm glad you have decided to continue reading my blog on my climbing adventures and other events of my life. As you might have guessed, my previous life has come to an end. It is a sad thing, but it is the for the best and it is time to begin the newest chapters in my life.

So let me begin this new life with a new blog. Again, welcome friends and family.

I am preparing for the next climbing trip at the end of June. This involves counting gear and reading the guide books. I intend to spend an entire week in Squamish with friends, and I'm looking forward to doing some leads on gear. It has been a long time since I've lead on gear but my fear of leading seems to be gone with my old life. I'm taking on harder climbs without much fear. I seem to trust myself more and my confidence is allowing me to climb harder than before.

I've been improving my strength and patience while climbing. This has been a real trial as I have less time now than ever before. The summer will be filled with people coming to help prepare my home for sale. So many decisions have to be made these days. I'm thinking I will have to head out in the Fall and visit my family in Denver which when I do I plan to climb the Flatirons. Of course, I will have to buy more gear. My old life left me missing so many pieces. I think I'll need to do a bit of research on what the weather is like in the Fall for the irons.

I have many goals too for this summer. I'm hoping to also get to the City of Rocks. Maybe I will do this when I head to Denver? I will need to organize some friends for this process. I will need to make some new friends to be climbing partners with...which isn't easy. Most climbers my age have been climbing for almost five to ten years, and if they are my age, they have families they won't want to leave for a week. But the adventure begins whether I want it to or not.

Many more crunches, and hanging on the boards will be required.

So with that, you have read the first blog of many more to come.  New lives are difficult but in the immortal worlds of Grover from Sesame Street -- "Don't forget to breath -- In and Out!"