Free form here. Just gonna rattle for a bit.
I've got this fantasy that I'll someday actually write something of note. A screenplay, perhaps. When I'm being more realistic, I sense that it will actually take the form of a series of essays. I think that format would be a better fit for me because I don't take the time to actually plan or outline anything. Hence the blog populated with little more than isolated, esoteric ramblings that are ultimately little more than a chronicle of my daily location and cosmetic feeling. The one post I'm actually proud of is the one that talked about the trip up The Salathe. And I find no coincidence that this was the one I actually worked on.
Fuck! Get it together. This is more of the same.
Take out a notebook and think up a story.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Home Again
As you can probably imagine, returning to Boulder after nearly 5 weeks away is proving to be quite the jarring experience. I'm not sure if it was the necktie, perhaps tied too tightly, or the fact that I'd taken the stairs instead of the elevator from the 6th to the 11th floor of my office building, but when I walked in for a meeting and found myself short of breath, I knew something wasn't quite right. I'm worried that once you start taking extended, enormously fun climbing trips, "reality" just isn't quite as cool.
Looking back, I had one of the most incredible experiences over this past month. I'd told myself (and ex-girlfriends who were probably hoping for a more "normal" looking life) that I didn't want a van, but after driving across the country to the best sport climbing in America in a rig built for a dirtbag king, I realize I might have been lying. Capt. Walter C. Lewis, US Navy (Ret.) is, perhaps, the greatest machine ever made. There are still some details that need to be finished, but even in the rig-in-progress, I was as content and happy as I could imagine.
The climbing proved to be just as good. We had another month of perfect weather, and the friends from this trip provided great partners for climbing days and relaxing evenings. I even had Julia to hang out with, as she came out towards the end of the trip and got to see what all this road trip commotion is all about.
Happily, I can report that I managed to finish Table of Colors. That route is this marvelous book end on either side of the last year of my life. I'm not sure I've ever tried a route that many times, and nearly faltered under the pressure of knowing that if I didn't get it done in the allotted time, I'd have to drive home, all 1,500 miles, empty handed. It took me the better part of a week from last year's trip, and another 4 days of this year's, but I was able to send The Red River Gorge's first 5.13, and one of its absolutely most beautiful lines.
Between Kentucky and Colorado, we stopped by The Farm for the Thanksgiving feast. Normally, I'm kind of a scrooge when it comes to the annual potato ingestion, but there was so much positivity going on this year in central Missouri that even I found it hard to frown. The food was incredible, and we tried to cook up enough veggies to make it almost healthy. The friends and family that was gathered there came together to provide a really caring, positive backdrop. Knowing that my grandparents are getting a bit older, and suffering from some deteriorating health also added to the motivation to find presence in each moment, and create a wonderful reality.
That, primarily, was my focus while I was on this trip. It can be so easy to marvel at the fun and beauty of a day when you're doing exactly what you love with people that you care about. For me, that is many times climbing with friends. But what I've come to realize is that a climbing trip like this, so filled with present mindfulness and satisfaction in the moment, is hopefully an analog to what I want to feel all the time, regardless of situation or backdrop. For me, right now, the goal of being alive is to realize that I exist in the precise moment of my life, and to appreciate all the gifts that come with that. I can't always be climbing, or be in a situation that is basically free from hardship. I can, however, realize that to fully experience, learn from, and grow from each day, I have to know that I'm in the midst of it.
As such, it's good to be back home. I'm happy to settle into a routine that should (hopefully) allow me to earn some money before the holidays. I'm not quite ready to strap on the skis, but with a forecast that's calling for high 50's and sun in and around Boulder on Friday, I may not have to. Hell, even if it looks crappy outside today, I've got friends in the gym and a turkey-leftover feast in the fridge. ABALUBA!
Looking back, I had one of the most incredible experiences over this past month. I'd told myself (and ex-girlfriends who were probably hoping for a more "normal" looking life) that I didn't want a van, but after driving across the country to the best sport climbing in America in a rig built for a dirtbag king, I realize I might have been lying. Capt. Walter C. Lewis, US Navy (Ret.) is, perhaps, the greatest machine ever made. There are still some details that need to be finished, but even in the rig-in-progress, I was as content and happy as I could imagine.
The climbing proved to be just as good. We had another month of perfect weather, and the friends from this trip provided great partners for climbing days and relaxing evenings. I even had Julia to hang out with, as she came out towards the end of the trip and got to see what all this road trip commotion is all about.
Happily, I can report that I managed to finish Table of Colors. That route is this marvelous book end on either side of the last year of my life. I'm not sure I've ever tried a route that many times, and nearly faltered under the pressure of knowing that if I didn't get it done in the allotted time, I'd have to drive home, all 1,500 miles, empty handed. It took me the better part of a week from last year's trip, and another 4 days of this year's, but I was able to send The Red River Gorge's first 5.13, and one of its absolutely most beautiful lines.
Between Kentucky and Colorado, we stopped by The Farm for the Thanksgiving feast. Normally, I'm kind of a scrooge when it comes to the annual potato ingestion, but there was so much positivity going on this year in central Missouri that even I found it hard to frown. The food was incredible, and we tried to cook up enough veggies to make it almost healthy. The friends and family that was gathered there came together to provide a really caring, positive backdrop. Knowing that my grandparents are getting a bit older, and suffering from some deteriorating health also added to the motivation to find presence in each moment, and create a wonderful reality.
That, primarily, was my focus while I was on this trip. It can be so easy to marvel at the fun and beauty of a day when you're doing exactly what you love with people that you care about. For me, that is many times climbing with friends. But what I've come to realize is that a climbing trip like this, so filled with present mindfulness and satisfaction in the moment, is hopefully an analog to what I want to feel all the time, regardless of situation or backdrop. For me, right now, the goal of being alive is to realize that I exist in the precise moment of my life, and to appreciate all the gifts that come with that. I can't always be climbing, or be in a situation that is basically free from hardship. I can, however, realize that to fully experience, learn from, and grow from each day, I have to know that I'm in the midst of it.
As such, it's good to be back home. I'm happy to settle into a routine that should (hopefully) allow me to earn some money before the holidays. I'm not quite ready to strap on the skis, but with a forecast that's calling for high 50's and sun in and around Boulder on Friday, I may not have to. Hell, even if it looks crappy outside today, I've got friends in the gym and a turkey-leftover feast in the fridge. ABALUBA!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Sanctuary Crushing
Good news. The CO crew headed out to Muir Valley and the crown jewel crag of the area; The Sanctuary. Josh, Seth, Brian and I had been there one day prior on this trip, and we'd sussed out a little knowledge of three of the best climbs there. Prometheus Unbound, Jesus Wept, and Triple Sec are absolute classics...all in that 12+, 13- grade range, and by far some of the best in the area.
Seth was able to finish off Triple Sec, and Brian and I both did Jesus Wept.
Here are some pics of Seth:
Seth was able to finish off Triple Sec, and Brian and I both did Jesus Wept.
Here are some pics of Seth:
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Back at The Highlander
Oy.
Back here at The Highlander cabin, backdrop to last year's RRG adventure, and psyched at the comfort. This place is a bit nicer than the cabin where we'd spent each evening of the last week. In the end, the cabin doesn't make or break the trip, but having slightly nicer accommodations makes a subtle difference. For now, it's just Brian (arrived yesterday), Josh, and his brother Seth. Nick and Robin should come down tomorrow after they took a day or so off and headed back to Ohio. That will tighten up the personal diffusion of space, but they add a sense of humor and smart conversation that is great.
These last couple of days have been unparalleled. The weather had taken a bit of a dive at the end of last week, but the weekend was cold, sunny and crisp...perfect for trusting the friction, believing in the eternal lightness of a sport wanker's soul, and really going for it. As an aside, I hear my buddy Andrew did his long standing project Living in Fear out in Rifle. Congrats! I'm assuming he had good fall temps out there in western CO, as well. It does feel so damn good to send...
With the posse here in KY, we've been like locusts on the prowl. We went out to The Sanctuary today, and all spread out to see the highest regarded climbs. Brian nearly onsighted Prometheus Unbound, doing it second try. I had two really quality burns on Jesus Wept, one hanging from the second draw on that second go. Josh and Seth both worked on the powerful and bouldery Triple Sec. The excitement that was in the air was really contagious. It was so easy to look out at the leaves falling off the trees, backlit by a fading sun, and think about how wonderful an experience it was. I'm so damn lucky. I get to do what I really like to do, a lot. I've got a big group of supportive people, have been blessed with youth and health and passion. As my buddy Rob has said, "we're gonna be shoveling a lot of shit in the next lifetime to make up for this one."
Yesterday was just as good. The Finkelstein's and I headed out to Funk Rock to get on two classic routes. Appalachian Spring is a beautiful hanging face up streaked, sculpted sandstone painted orange and black. Orange Juice, the other climb, follows a perfect line of pockets up an otherwise blank panel on a tall, proud wall. While we were working, along with several others, on these two climbs, we ran into our friends from from Maine; Pete and Jen. I've been absolutely loving hanging out with those two. I am startled at the depth of Pete's accent, and the speed at which it can send me into convulsive laughter.
Seth had been on Orange Juice previously on his climbing trip, and had the moves locked into an ironclad beta sequence. He encouraged me to try to flash it, and I figured I'd give it a shot. When I got to each crux section, he'd tell me how he'd done it and then belayed me as I climbed through each set of pockets and into the next rest. He had it on absolute lock down, and the vibe at the cliff was totally positive...Josh and Pete were hooting it up, Jen and another one of her friends were kicking back in the sun, and I had the moment of pure mental flow state. I didn't think about anything except the moves directly in front of me, and without much stress or hubbub, I was clipping the chains. That, Voyeurs, is exactly why I'm on this trip, and is exactly the reason I do this.
Abafuckinluba.
Back here at The Highlander cabin, backdrop to last year's RRG adventure, and psyched at the comfort. This place is a bit nicer than the cabin where we'd spent each evening of the last week. In the end, the cabin doesn't make or break the trip, but having slightly nicer accommodations makes a subtle difference. For now, it's just Brian (arrived yesterday), Josh, and his brother Seth. Nick and Robin should come down tomorrow after they took a day or so off and headed back to Ohio. That will tighten up the personal diffusion of space, but they add a sense of humor and smart conversation that is great.
These last couple of days have been unparalleled. The weather had taken a bit of a dive at the end of last week, but the weekend was cold, sunny and crisp...perfect for trusting the friction, believing in the eternal lightness of a sport wanker's soul, and really going for it. As an aside, I hear my buddy Andrew did his long standing project Living in Fear out in Rifle. Congrats! I'm assuming he had good fall temps out there in western CO, as well. It does feel so damn good to send...
With the posse here in KY, we've been like locusts on the prowl. We went out to The Sanctuary today, and all spread out to see the highest regarded climbs. Brian nearly onsighted Prometheus Unbound, doing it second try. I had two really quality burns on Jesus Wept, one hanging from the second draw on that second go. Josh and Seth both worked on the powerful and bouldery Triple Sec. The excitement that was in the air was really contagious. It was so easy to look out at the leaves falling off the trees, backlit by a fading sun, and think about how wonderful an experience it was. I'm so damn lucky. I get to do what I really like to do, a lot. I've got a big group of supportive people, have been blessed with youth and health and passion. As my buddy Rob has said, "we're gonna be shoveling a lot of shit in the next lifetime to make up for this one."
Yesterday was just as good. The Finkelstein's and I headed out to Funk Rock to get on two classic routes. Appalachian Spring is a beautiful hanging face up streaked, sculpted sandstone painted orange and black. Orange Juice, the other climb, follows a perfect line of pockets up an otherwise blank panel on a tall, proud wall. While we were working, along with several others, on these two climbs, we ran into our friends from from Maine; Pete and Jen. I've been absolutely loving hanging out with those two. I am startled at the depth of Pete's accent, and the speed at which it can send me into convulsive laughter.
Seth had been on Orange Juice previously on his climbing trip, and had the moves locked into an ironclad beta sequence. He encouraged me to try to flash it, and I figured I'd give it a shot. When I got to each crux section, he'd tell me how he'd done it and then belayed me as I climbed through each set of pockets and into the next rest. He had it on absolute lock down, and the vibe at the cliff was totally positive...Josh and Pete were hooting it up, Jen and another one of her friends were kicking back in the sun, and I had the moment of pure mental flow state. I didn't think about anything except the moves directly in front of me, and without much stress or hubbub, I was clipping the chains. That, Voyeurs, is exactly why I'm on this trip, and is exactly the reason I do this.
Abafuckinluba.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Resting Today
I'm up in Lexington, waiting out the rain. The weather had been perfect up until now, but we seem to be in for a few days of relative shittyness. Oh well, I need the rest.
Josh and I went to a crag called Purgatory yesterday, and we got on what might be one of the greatest pitches of rock climbing ever sculpted from stone. Starting in one crack system, you climb up for only 15 feet or so, then traverse on small pockets up towards a striking, steep, and intimidating arete. With total body tension, you climb the prow to ever more difficult moves, and finally get a chance to breathe...when you clip the anchors from the only big hold on the route.
AMAZING.
Table is still closed because of the fire, but the rain today should help.
Otherwise, it's more of the same...climbing until I can barely move, shuffling back to the cabin for a massive feed preparation, and then passing out for 10 hours of sleep. This is nearly a perfect life....just missing the good company of those left in CO.
Hope everyone is well!
Josh and I went to a crag called Purgatory yesterday, and we got on what might be one of the greatest pitches of rock climbing ever sculpted from stone. Starting in one crack system, you climb up for only 15 feet or so, then traverse on small pockets up towards a striking, steep, and intimidating arete. With total body tension, you climb the prow to ever more difficult moves, and finally get a chance to breathe...when you clip the anchors from the only big hold on the route.
AMAZING.
Table is still closed because of the fire, but the rain today should help.
Otherwise, it's more of the same...climbing until I can barely move, shuffling back to the cabin for a massive feed preparation, and then passing out for 10 hours of sleep. This is nearly a perfect life....just missing the good company of those left in CO.
Hope everyone is well!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
A week in
Good God, Kentucky is amazing right now.
The weather is holding really well, and things are just perfect out there. Well, almost perfect. I am unfortunately stymied at the moment when it comes to getting back on Table of Colors. In a nearly comical similarity to what's going on back home in Colorado, a fire has shut down the road into, and also the trail that serves, Left Flank, the area that hosts the climb I really want to do on this trip.
I'm holding out hope that after a few more days, the access will be opened again, and I'll get back there. Since I have been held back from getting right back on the familiar project, I've been climbing down at the Motherlode a bunch, and I also had a really good day up at The Solarium. The grades there are mostly pretty soft (though I didn't try Mirage...a crimpfest 12c) so I managed to easily onsight a 12b called Super Best Friends. I also was able to onsight another 12a, and thought I'm less concerned with the fact that I'm doing those routes, I am very happy with how things feel right now in comparison to how my fitness was going at this point in the trip last year.
Last fall, it felt like it took me a couple of weeks to get into the position where I could really recover on those archetypal finger buckets that make up a large portion of 5.12 here. I think a big part of it is the "4 wheel drive" mentality I've been trying to repeat in my head like some kind of mantra. I've been consciously taking the weight into my legs as best I can, and pulling with my hamstrings....keeping my feel high and moving them before my hands. That strategy is paying off. It feels amazing to be on terrain that is very steep, and know that I'm learning how to make it feel slightly less so.
I nearly sent 8 Ball today, a classic and hard 12d, coming really close after only 3 tries on the route. There is a dihedral through most of the crux, and I've been busting out the Rifle inspired knee bars to occasionally take some pressure off my hands. I know that some of the old school, hillbilly locals pout when they see that kind of intelligent beta employed, but what do I care? I wanna send, and I don't have time to waste.
Other than the great climbing, I'm picking up Josh this weekend, and am really happy to have a familiar face arriving.
This last week had me finding an easy pattern. I'd get up, make breakfast in my chilly van, get packed up, wrangle on the cell phone hoping to get a partner out of the dozen or so people I know that are down here, and after I found one, I'd head out and meet them at the cliff. Don't get me wrong, I had a fantastic week with people I really like, but I'm just not as close to the people I was climbing with as I am, say, to Josh or Brian, who arrives next week. I've been so lucky to cultivate these great friendships with people back in Colorado, and climbing is even better when you're with people sharing a deeper connection than just grabbing rocks.
The van has been a CHAMP, though, and I've been so happy to have that as a traveling home. I really want to get the kitchen built this winter, and feel lucky that I've been able to spend some time in it before that "remodel." It's so much easier to build what you actually want if you've been in there a few nights and had the chance to say, "this would be really nice if it were just so..."
So now I've got a long list of stuff to do here in Louisville, and as always, I'm so lucky to have the Parrish family extending their enormous hospitality. Off to get a little work done, and then head back to the gorge. Missin' my Voyeurs back in CO...
The weather is holding really well, and things are just perfect out there. Well, almost perfect. I am unfortunately stymied at the moment when it comes to getting back on Table of Colors. In a nearly comical similarity to what's going on back home in Colorado, a fire has shut down the road into, and also the trail that serves, Left Flank, the area that hosts the climb I really want to do on this trip.
I'm holding out hope that after a few more days, the access will be opened again, and I'll get back there. Since I have been held back from getting right back on the familiar project, I've been climbing down at the Motherlode a bunch, and I also had a really good day up at The Solarium. The grades there are mostly pretty soft (though I didn't try Mirage...a crimpfest 12c) so I managed to easily onsight a 12b called Super Best Friends. I also was able to onsight another 12a, and thought I'm less concerned with the fact that I'm doing those routes, I am very happy with how things feel right now in comparison to how my fitness was going at this point in the trip last year.
Last fall, it felt like it took me a couple of weeks to get into the position where I could really recover on those archetypal finger buckets that make up a large portion of 5.12 here. I think a big part of it is the "4 wheel drive" mentality I've been trying to repeat in my head like some kind of mantra. I've been consciously taking the weight into my legs as best I can, and pulling with my hamstrings....keeping my feel high and moving them before my hands. That strategy is paying off. It feels amazing to be on terrain that is very steep, and know that I'm learning how to make it feel slightly less so.
I nearly sent 8 Ball today, a classic and hard 12d, coming really close after only 3 tries on the route. There is a dihedral through most of the crux, and I've been busting out the Rifle inspired knee bars to occasionally take some pressure off my hands. I know that some of the old school, hillbilly locals pout when they see that kind of intelligent beta employed, but what do I care? I wanna send, and I don't have time to waste.
Other than the great climbing, I'm picking up Josh this weekend, and am really happy to have a familiar face arriving.
This last week had me finding an easy pattern. I'd get up, make breakfast in my chilly van, get packed up, wrangle on the cell phone hoping to get a partner out of the dozen or so people I know that are down here, and after I found one, I'd head out and meet them at the cliff. Don't get me wrong, I had a fantastic week with people I really like, but I'm just not as close to the people I was climbing with as I am, say, to Josh or Brian, who arrives next week. I've been so lucky to cultivate these great friendships with people back in Colorado, and climbing is even better when you're with people sharing a deeper connection than just grabbing rocks.
The van has been a CHAMP, though, and I've been so happy to have that as a traveling home. I really want to get the kitchen built this winter, and feel lucky that I've been able to spend some time in it before that "remodel." It's so much easier to build what you actually want if you've been in there a few nights and had the chance to say, "this would be really nice if it were just so..."
So now I've got a long list of stuff to do here in Louisville, and as always, I'm so lucky to have the Parrish family extending their enormous hospitality. Off to get a little work done, and then head back to the gorge. Missin' my Voyeurs back in CO...
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Red Report
Kentucky is, odd to say, kind of lonesome right now. I've misjudged the arrival time of my friends from Salt Lake (they get in at this end of THIS week, not last) and, as such, have had to scramble a little. The good news is that I was able to climb at The Dark Side with Erin and her boyfriend Kennan, who used to live in Boulder and have since moved to Stanton, KY. Then I got a half day at The Motherlode with my buddy Thomas, a medical student up in Lexington.
The climbing partners haven't been the problem. The nights hanging in the van, reading or talking on the phone, but either way, wishing my buddies were out here, have been sort of long. But the good news is that it looks like the SLC crew arrives tomorrow, and Josh is out this weekend.
The van is working really well. I've realized some small details that might make things way easier. A cargo net here, a shelf there. But basically, I'm camped in total comfort. I might make a trip to Wal-Mart to see about a net, but let's be honest...I may stay for the people watching.
As for projects, I haven't been able to get up to try Table of Colors again, but I did get on a couple of other harder climbs that should keep me intrigued. It looks like I have really good weather lined up, so after my rest day today, it looks like I'll get to totally enjoy the fall here.
The climbing partners haven't been the problem. The nights hanging in the van, reading or talking on the phone, but either way, wishing my buddies were out here, have been sort of long. But the good news is that it looks like the SLC crew arrives tomorrow, and Josh is out this weekend.
The van is working really well. I've realized some small details that might make things way easier. A cargo net here, a shelf there. But basically, I'm camped in total comfort. I might make a trip to Wal-Mart to see about a net, but let's be honest...I may stay for the people watching.
As for projects, I haven't been able to get up to try Table of Colors again, but I did get on a couple of other harder climbs that should keep me intrigued. It looks like I have really good weather lined up, so after my rest day today, it looks like I'll get to totally enjoy the fall here.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
A Return to Abaluba, A Return to The Red
It’ s been a long time since I’ve posted. When I left off, I was planning to head to
Burning Man, and figured I’ d have a report on par with my essay from The Salathe wall.
Instead of heading out to Black Rock City in Nevada, home of debauchery and cradle to
tales of transcendent chemical/sexual/musical/artistic visions, I went to Minnesota. Quite
the trade., I had to backtrack on the idea of partying my brains out because the chance
to buy a ridiculously cool Dodge Sprinter van fell into my lap. I know the term "ridiculously cool" isn't typically associated with Dodge and Sprinter, but after Josh and I spent three weeks in California in his recycled USPS Mail Van, I had to follow suit with a purchase of my own.
Not to disparage his fine Ford find, but my van, Capt. Walter (Wally) C. Lewis, US Navy (Ret.), or Wally for short, allows for even finer dirtbag fabulous road trips. The extended height allows for me to stand in the cabin of the turbo diesel, 26 MPG beast, and the interior is so designed as to allow for maximum relaxation/cooking area/sleeping quarters/boombox. I, loyal voyeurs, am very excited with the purchase. I'm sure my lovely girlfriend Julia would assure you likewise. She's been quite the trooper, allowing me to talk about beadboard paneling, self tapping screws, swivel seats and bio diesel without even a roll of her eyes.
Dan, the friend I was supposed to meet in Nevada, still maintains that the Burning Man experience was one of legend. He was patient enough to understand my leaving him high and dry in the desert. I'm sad to have missed out on that trip with him, sure...but I'm psyched he's still taking my phone calls.
Behind the wheel of Wally, I am headed out on a climbing trip somewhat similar to the one I took last fall, with a few exceptions. Instead of rolling out for three weeks, this trip is closer to five. Josh, my partner from Yosemite, and Brian, my roommate, are both planning to come out from Colorado at various points in order to climb with for a while. I’ m meeting up with about
a half dozen other Colorado climbers, as well. That part is going to be amazing. The
ones that can’ t make it, especially Julia, have me missing home, but I’ m
so lucky to have the chance to chase the autumn here in the Southeast, climbing on amazing overhanging sandstone, and doing battle once more with projects like Table. I have to be out here.
Like last year, I stopped at the farm for a couple of days before arriving in Kentucky. It’ s
been great to spend some time in central Missouri, and I got to work on the
new garage that’ s going to house mowers, machines, and tools. The major difference here on the Arth family estate is that my grandmother is battling lung cancer, and I wonder how many more times I’ m going to be able to stop by while she’ s still here. She’ s looking pretty spry, so I’ m assuming that this Thanksgiving is a very safe bet. Past the end of the year, though, and I’ m not so sure.
Morbid thoughts aside, I’ m really excited to head towards Kentucky. I have a project
from last year that I’d LOVE to finish up. I tried Table of Colors enough times to leave
my hands raw and bloodied, but couldn’t ever link the moves together into a successful
effort. I’m hoping that I’ m a year stronger, a year smarter, and a year hungrier. If none
of those happen to hold, at least I’ve got the moves, all 28 of the hardest for me, written
down in a journal from 2009. There’ s got to be some significant advantage in having
been there before.
*
*
Other than this trip and the new wheels, I’ve spent the summer spending lots of good days with Julia, working a little harder on my job, watching Arrested Development on DVD,
fishing a little more, and trying to be a bit more present in my day-to-day existence.
I’ d like to blame/credit that mentality with the lack of blog posting, but in truth, it may
have been sloth. Whatever the reason, I’ m greeting the autumn with a renewed take on
writing. Hopefully, the content will be a touch better, and there won’ t be such gaps in
between posts.
Burning Man, and figured I’ d have a report on par with my essay from The Salathe wall.
Instead of heading out to Black Rock City in Nevada, home of debauchery and cradle to
tales of transcendent chemical/sexual/musical/artistic visions, I went to Minnesota. Quite
the trade., I had to backtrack on the idea of partying my brains out because the chance
to buy a ridiculously cool Dodge Sprinter van fell into my lap. I know the term "ridiculously cool" isn't typically associated with Dodge and Sprinter, but after Josh and I spent three weeks in California in his recycled USPS Mail Van, I had to follow suit with a purchase of my own.
Not to disparage his fine Ford find, but my van, Capt. Walter (Wally) C. Lewis, US Navy (Ret.), or Wally for short, allows for even finer dirtbag fabulous road trips. The extended height allows for me to stand in the cabin of the turbo diesel, 26 MPG beast, and the interior is so designed as to allow for maximum relaxation/cooking area/sleeping quarters/boombox. I, loyal voyeurs, am very excited with the purchase. I'm sure my lovely girlfriend Julia would assure you likewise. She's been quite the trooper, allowing me to talk about beadboard paneling, self tapping screws, swivel seats and bio diesel without even a roll of her eyes.
Dan, the friend I was supposed to meet in Nevada, still maintains that the Burning Man experience was one of legend. He was patient enough to understand my leaving him high and dry in the desert. I'm sad to have missed out on that trip with him, sure...but I'm psyched he's still taking my phone calls.
Behind the wheel of Wally, I am headed out on a climbing trip somewhat similar to the one I took last fall, with a few exceptions. Instead of rolling out for three weeks, this trip is closer to five. Josh, my partner from Yosemite, and Brian, my roommate, are both planning to come out from Colorado at various points in order to climb with for a while. I’ m meeting up with about
a half dozen other Colorado climbers, as well. That part is going to be amazing. The
ones that can’ t make it, especially Julia, have me missing home, but I’ m
so lucky to have the chance to chase the autumn here in the Southeast, climbing on amazing overhanging sandstone, and doing battle once more with projects like Table. I have to be out here.
Like last year, I stopped at the farm for a couple of days before arriving in Kentucky. It’ s
been great to spend some time in central Missouri, and I got to work on the
new garage that’ s going to house mowers, machines, and tools. The major difference here on the Arth family estate is that my grandmother is battling lung cancer, and I wonder how many more times I’ m going to be able to stop by while she’ s still here. She’ s looking pretty spry, so I’ m assuming that this Thanksgiving is a very safe bet. Past the end of the year, though, and I’ m not so sure.
Morbid thoughts aside, I’ m really excited to head towards Kentucky. I have a project
from last year that I’d LOVE to finish up. I tried Table of Colors enough times to leave
my hands raw and bloodied, but couldn’t ever link the moves together into a successful
effort. I’m hoping that I’ m a year stronger, a year smarter, and a year hungrier. If none
of those happen to hold, at least I’ve got the moves, all 28 of the hardest for me, written
down in a journal from 2009. There’ s got to be some significant advantage in having
been there before.
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Other than this trip and the new wheels, I’ve spent the summer spending lots of good days with Julia, working a little harder on my job, watching Arrested Development on DVD,
fishing a little more, and trying to be a bit more present in my day-to-day existence.
I’ d like to blame/credit that mentality with the lack of blog posting, but in truth, it may
have been sloth. Whatever the reason, I’ m greeting the autumn with a renewed take on
writing. Hopefully, the content will be a touch better, and there won’ t be such gaps in
between posts.
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