#dirtbag

Hello all my beautiful people! I hope y'all aren't too cold! I heard Raleigh got a dose of cold and snow as well as the upper midwest! I would laugh (actually, I did, right Dane?) but... it snowed in Bishop too! Sunburn, windburn, snow, wind, rain, what else could we have got besides an earthquake? Anyways, it has been a wonderful week or so since I last wrote. Unfortunately, it did not involve more delicious baked goodies but it had something even better. I'll leave y'all hanging and see if you can find it below :)

snowy Sierra

 So last Tuesday (17), we were resting in the morning and went to the Happies in the afternoon. As according to protocol, we went to Acid Wash so my men could work on their projects. Aaron sent Acid Wash Right (V10?) and Blair worked out the crux moves on Acid Wash. After they tired themselves out and the sun stopped scorching the boulders, we headed on over to Solarium so I could work my project. After multiple burns, I was able to high point and got my fingertips just below the jug! I left feeling tired but accomplished.

Wednesday, oh geez. It's hard to remember back that far and what we did. I think I have it jotted down somewhere, hold on. Ah yes! Today was a great day for everyone. We went to the Buttermilks so we could attack some other projects. Aaron sent Soul Slinger (V9) after a few burns right away in the morning! Then we went over to Junior Achievement (V8) so I could pull on and see if I could work the moves. As it turns out, I had a very difficult time pulling on. Aaron gave me a few power spots/boosts for the first move. I still had a really hard time but I didn't stop trying until I split my fingertip open :( Good thing Aaron is a pro with tape and did something to it so I could keep climbing which is difficult when you cannot feel the rock with one of your fingers. Mom and Dad, yes it sounds silly, but you put tape on a finger and touch a rock and then you tell me if I'm being dramatic or not. Then we went over to the cave area and a bunch of people were working various problems. Blair did a problem that involved crawling through a hole. Aaron sent Moon Raker (V9) which I took some cool pictures. Okay, totally going to go off on a tangent here. I should start a photography company. Jason, help me out brother! It's going to be called 'Hope Photography' and my motto 'making climbers look awesome' Sounds good right? I only say this because there are 50x more photos of my friends climbing than me even though I'm climbing nearly as much as them. I promise you I'm also climbing on this trip despite what the pictures may or may not show :)  Anyways, near dusk we went over to Get Carter Boulder and we all worked Seven Spanish Angels (V6). It was a beautiful looking problem and tons of fun to work but the only person to send was Aaron. You just wait, one of these days I will catch up to him. 

Blair on Soul Slinger

Aaron on Moon Raker 

Final moves of Moon Raker

Thursday, we went to the Ice Caves with our new friend Zach. As it turns out, we had lost the back license plate somewhere along the line. Aaron got close to sending Beefy Gecko (V11). Sam and Steph showed up and Sam worked the problem for awhile too. Since I don't climb V11, I was more than happy chilling with friends and watching them climb. In the afternoon, we went over to the Happies again. I convinced Aaron to work Serengeti (V5) with me. Lana and Trevor were there and Lana sent it! She was super excited she finally got her project. That fueled my excitement for the climb. Although it wasn't a send for me, working out the moves and trying different beta was super fun.

Friday was a rest day. Saturday we went back to the Happies and everyone worked various things. I got bored at one point and took a walk around the canyon. Eventually I ended up at the Solarium where a group of people were working the problem. Naturally I stopped and talked to them. After talking beta for awhile, I got psyched and shoved my feet into my Muiras. I stuck both hands into my dwindling supply of chalk and did my routine of chalking up. Roll the chalk ball around in the loose chalk, squeeze the chalk ball with each hand, and brush my palms 3 times against each other and finally interlace my fingers like I'm holding my own hands. The people there happily let me climb over their pads and gave me a spot as I climbed. I stuck my hands into the starting huecos and got my left foot on. I pulled onto the climb, flagged my right foot, moved my right hand to a small crimp, got my right foot on next to my left and moved my left hand to a nearby crimp. I moved my right foot over to a small foothold and grabbed another crimp with my right hand and made sure my middle finger was on the indent in the crimp for maximum contact. Then I moved my left foot up to get better balance. I eyed up the pocket I needed to stick my left hand with and effortlessly it went exactly where I wanted it to. I got a right foot in a good dish and turned my right hip into the wall and stood up tall and stretched for the pocket pinch. I quick switched my left hand undercling into a small pocket pinch and brought my feet up high to the ticked holds. I focused onto the jug that I needed to launch myself to but told myself it was further away than it really was. Next thing I knew, my right hand was latched onto the hold and I was swinging through the air and held on with everything I had in me. Then I proceeded to do a very ungraceful top-out (I couldn't remember where my feet were and all I was thinking was "don't let go, don't let go, don't let go"). Basically, I flung my leg over the top of the boulder and rolled over onto it. Doesn't matter, I sent my project.

And I was laughing because Raleigh got snow... I learned my lesson

Sunday was a rest day because of snow and rain. Monday, we went to the Buttermilks which looked like the pictures below. Nonetheless, we didn't climb there. I dropped Blair and Aaron off at the Happies (yes, Aaron let me drive his truck (he was scared to let his prize possession go (although my work trucks dwarfed his!))) and I went to shower. I met them there later in the afternoon and pulled onto Serengeti and Carrot Top. Aaron, Blair, and Sam were working Sucker Punch (V5) which looked awesome. Oh, and I found the lost license plate. What are the odds? Tuesday, we packed up camp, drove through Death Valley (yay for 100 feet below sea level!) on our way to Red Rocks.

Death Valley

Wednesday, we started off the day with a 5 mile (roundtrip) 2000 ft gain hike on Turtlehead Peak. There was some snow close to the top and it was beautiful! After the hike, we headed over to the Tsunami boulder so I could work Amazing Grace and the men could work Red Wave (V10). Three weeks of climbing outside can do wonders to your strength! The first move that seemed so difficult back then was easy peasy this time. I ironed out beta and am amped to go back and finish it off. Aaron and Blair worked the dyno Red Wave and Aaron sent it! All in all, a great first day back in Red Rocks.

Aaron sticking the dyno!

Thursday, Aaron and I dropped Blair off at Kraft Daycare and headed on over to Rose Tower. After a lovely hike in, we stashed our bags, geared up, and found our way to the base of Olive Oil (5 pitches, 5.7). We were planning on swinging leads but we found out that every pitch required the climber to build an anchor (which I have done only once with my feet firmly on the ground). We decided in was in our best interest to let Aaron lead all the pitches and we would go over anchor building more thoroughly and let me practice a few times before I lead a pitch where I had to build an anchor and belay him up. We got stuck behind two groups, the first of which was really slow. It was a beautiful day so we took our time and enjoyed the climbing and views. We linked the 2nd and 3rd pitches so Aaron had to be more conscious of gear placements. To keep my mental game up to par, I pretended I was leading so I could think of what gear I wanted to place wear while also keeping in mind how much further I had to climb and what gear I would have left to place. The last pitch was hands down my favorite. It started out with a long traverse out right and then up a chimney. The climbing was varied and kept you thinking the whole time. I managed to wiggle up the chimney without taking off the pack. I totally wedged myself into the crack at one point so I could take both hands off and rest/take out a piece of gear. Then at one point, I tested how far my wingspan could actually reach (which is surprisingly far for being 5'4"). We reached the summit, took some pictures, ate some food, and did the descent which was MUCH MUCH MUCH better than the Mescalito descent. This is one that I felt totally comfortable on and never saw my life flash before my eyes. We found Blair working Angel Dyno (V7) and headed back to camp.

Summit of Rose Tower!

Friday was another good day of bouldering. We started off at the Monkey Bar Boulder. Blair worked a V7 and I worked a V6. I didn't make it too far off the ground my sure gave my shoulders a workout. Aaron attempted Atomic Wedgie (V10). Then we headed over to The Muffler (V4) so I could work out the beta. I got the first few moves dialed and worked the crux move a few times and stuck it once for a very short second before I fell. Definitely need to go back and just do it. Then we headed over to Stand and Deliver (V10) so Aaron could work on it. Lo and behold that was a fantastic idea. We were there for awhile when the one and only ADAM ONDRA appeared. You know, only one of the best climbers in the world. Yeah, no big deal. So naturally we openly stared and watched him easily flash a V12. Hmm, just when I thought I was getting good... 

Today, Saturday the 28 of February, we are kissing the end of the month goodbye with a rest day. We did a lot of errands, I bought a 48L pack, and now am soaking  up the internet at Starbucks. I even got to Skype with Anna for a short time :) Today is good.

Baked Goodies and Summit Selfies

Whoa, so I haven't posted in awhile! I know - how dare I do such a thing to y'all?! I bet y'all are just going crazy wondering what I've been up to this past week or so! I could write a super short blog summing it up and it would go like this: I've been tearing up my fingertips, hiking until my glutes are sore for a few days, eating delicious baked goodies, slept under a roof for a few nights, and watched my TRC kids crush at the ABS comp. But that wouldn't make for a fun read would it? Okay, so here is the long-winded story.

Last Saturday was a rest day and we watched the ABS open competition, specifically to watch Kai Lightner (Team TRC) compete in his first ABS open comp. I love watching how all the competitors attack the problem differently and watching their muscles work to keep them on the wall. Funny how a rest day can teach you so much about climbing!

Sunday was Aaron's birthday! We did a morning session at the Buttermilks. Aaron and Blair worked the moves on Soul Slinger (V9). I pulled onto Junior Achievement (V8) and got really close to sticking some of the moves which naturally just made me want to go back and get it later. Anyways, then it started raining so we left. We watched the ABS finals round, went out for Chinese per Aaron's request, and saw American Sniper in the theater.

Monday, we went back to the Happies after a slow morning of getting ready. Aaron and Blair attempted the moves on Red Rum stand start (V7) whilst I worked out the moves on Rendezvous with an Alien (V3). My men worked on Morning Dove White (V7) for awhile. I attempted the first moves but the pockets weren't very friendly for my tendons so I saved it for my project. After awhile we headed over to Mr. Witty (V6). I didn't have quite enough lock-off strength to reach the mono (I have the picture to show how close I am). Aaron sent it shortly after. He was also kind enough to give me a power spot so I could feel the mono and see if I could pull off of it. Yeah, I'll have to try again. Then we went over to Every Color You Are (V6) so Blair could work out the top moves. Unfortunately, I didn't take any sick pictures of Blair on it even though he looked awesome! I waited for the sun to stop touching my project and then we headed over to Solarium. GOSH DARN IT! I am so close to wrapping this project up! I have all the moves dialed and now I just have to stick the lip. I didn't stick it - my fingers grazed it a few times - but I found better feet beta for the jump.

Campground Boulder in Rock Creek

Tuesday, our friend Caitlin joined us! She had been in Heuco, TX for about 5 weeks climbing (not jealous at all). Caitlin and Blair went bouldering and Aaron and I went of to ORG again for some sport climbing. We warmed up on Paradise (5.9), then cruised through a 10c and 10b where I pulled a little too hard with my ring finger and irritated my tendon again (one day I'll stop doing that I swear), then Aaron did Love Stinks (11a). We wrapped it up with Wedge-O (10b). I'm getting much better at the hike out ever since Aaron taught me the mountaineer walk thingy. Wednesday was a rest day for us.

Not the best picture but this is the view from the Campground Boulder

Thursday we went to the Happies with Caitlin and met up with Erin and Ian. Our friend Maddy was supposed to meet us there but got delayed and met us at camp that night. Caitlin spent most of the morning working Acid Wash Right (V7). Aaron and Blair worked on some V9s (Fast Dance and Last Dance) and then went after Kill Onsight (V12 / V11 stand start). I tried working the moves on Monkey Hang (V3) but I was so stretched out and didn't have the abs to keep my feet from peeling off and me cartwheeling off the holds. Anyways, we joined Caitlin - which was a whole 15 feet away - and we worked various problems over there. In the afternoon we went over to the Happy Boulder and Solarium Boulder. They worked on Hulk (V6), Disco Diva (V8), Disco Hulk (V9) and who knows what else. I took a little break, worked Rendezvous with an Alien again as a warm up before I hit my project. My fingers once again grazed the hold a few times but STILL DIDN'T STICK IT!! Unfortunately we had to leave early to meet up with Erin and Ian for dinner so I didn't get to fully thrash myself on my project.

Friday we went to the Checkerboard area in the morning. I wasn't really feeling it so I didn't climb but was more than content to just hang out, be outside, and watch my friends work on some problems. It was getting hot (like Wisconsin summer hot) so we headed up to Rock Creek. I was going to work on a V4 but it turned out that a massive hold broke and it was then a V7. There were a ton of people - which is awesome for hanging out but not so much climbing - so I decided to hang out most of the day. Anyways, Maddy got the V7, Aaron got Osama Sit-start Eliminate (V10), and Alex also got the 7. Then we headed over to a different boulder where people were working the V9 Overzealous. Alex and I went over to a nearby boulder to work a V3 Twisted Sister. He sent that rather quickly and we moved over to Groove and Arete (V4). Eventually, Ian and Aaron came over and worked Dude (V9). It got cold so we left. And by left, I actually mean we packed up and headed to Ridgecrest for the weekend. Alex and Sarah were amazing hosts and let us crash in their house. Whoa, did I just say that? I mean, did we actually have running water, electricity, a roof over our heads, a real stove, and access to a shower?! Oh, and that's not all. Sarah is a baker. Enough said.

Saturday (Valentine's Day), Maddy, Aaron, Alex, Blair and I took a long hike. We hiked the Pacific Crest Trail to the summit of Mount Morris and Mount Owens and did a through-hike so we didn't have to hike the same path down to the car. I think Aaron was impressed my improved hiking abilities, as was I. We had a long ways ahead of us once we hit the summit. We hiked down and made it to the road. We decided running would be a good idea and Blair took off like a bat out of hell with his messenger bag. And he kept running. Maddy and I slowed down and did a brisk walk and chatted. Eventually we got to the truck and took off for an Indian buffet (yay for chana masala)! I fell asleep very quickly that night. I didn't even hear the cats wandering about in the room at night, haha.

View along the Pacific Crest Trail

Sunday was next. We went to a nearby sport crag. Unfortunately, my muscles got more and more sore as the day progressed so I did very limited climbing. They did some 10a and 10c slab climbs, Aaron did a 5.8 crack trad route that I TR'd. Alex did a route nearby and had an interesting landing. Aaron discovered he had forgotten his lunch so Alex and I donated food to him. I think I deserve some good girlfriend points right? Haha, just joking, I would never let someone go without lunch. We went grocery shopping and bought pizza ingredients. We let Sarah spoil us with her AMAZING cooking and baking skills and she made homemade pizza, a chocolate orange cake for Alex's birthday, and brownie/marshmallow deliciousness. We watched an episode of Peaky Blinders and the movie Snatch. I know, I know, not very dirtbag of us. But there were baked goodies!

Summit shot!

Monday, we went to Alabama Hills for sport climbing. Aaron put up a 10b which I cleaned. Then he hung draws on Rodeo Queen (10d). I then lead it which, by the way, was the second hardest outdoor sport lead I have EVER done! I had to hang a few times but I did make it to the top and it was a fantastic climb! Then Aaron lead an 11d which I attempted to clean on TR but didn't quite have it in me. Then he lead a 12b before we switched corridors and took it easy. Well, Alex didn't but we did :) We said our goodbyes and headed back to Bishop.

So now it is Tuesday and here I am writing my blog listening to music that was most likely played at one of my proms. Time to change pandora stations apparently. It went from Shakira to music that I don't know how it even made it big. Dang, I'm easily side-tracked at the moment. Now I'm waiting for it to be 12:30p my time so I can skype Anna!! Later today we are going to head out to the Happies for a late afternoon session. See ya soon!

Five Fingers

Bishop

Hey cuties! Sorry I haven't posted in so long! Last rest day I was too antsy to sit still and write a blog. So now I have quite a bit to catch y'all up on!

Wednesday it was still too wet to climb in Red Rocks and we were forced to take another rest day. After sitting at Starbuck's for awhile, we hiked Kraft Mountain which was a great time! We hiked up the east side ridge and hiked off the west side.

Thursday, Aaron and I climbed Birdland (5.7+, 5 pitches). It was my duty to direct us to the base of the climb (he's teaching me all sorts of skills!) and since he already did this route, he could correct me if needed. Anyways, we got the climb and racked up. I lead the first pitch and felt pretty good about gear placement. I started leading the second pitch, got scared at one point, got lowered, and Aaron lead that pitch. I still didn't like that section toproping. Aaron lead the third pitch. The fourth pitch was all me. It started with a 20ish foot runout traverse section. I finally got some pro in and kept on going. The route was kind of hard to follow (Aaron warned me I may be getting off route at one point while kind of running it out aha), but I found the crack about 10 feet up. Closer to the top of the pitch I somehow managed to get myself in a spot without good gear placement so I ran it out a bit again. I placed a sketchy cam as a mental piece and then placed a better cam a few feet up and shot straight for the anchor. Not really my proudest lead but I'm fairly confident that the cam above the sketchy cam would have caught me if I fell. Anyways, we rappelled down to find that some goat animal ate part of our lunch. We were hungry.

View from our campsite in Bishop

This is why i love climbing. You get views like this at sunset.

 Friday was more rain so we left for Bishop. No climbing :(  Saturday we went to the Buttermilks and I learned the definition of a highball. I met Aaron and Blair's friend Ian. Aaron worked Evilution (V10). I took the morning off and warmed up later. I tried a V4 cave problem but it was really reachy and I struggled. We then went over to the Iron Man boulder and I worked Iron Man (V4). After a few burns my finger I injured started hurting again so I decided to stop. Ian, Blair, and Aaron were working this V9 dyno on the boulder and I got a few cool pics!

Iron Man (V4). When the tongue is out, you know I have my send face on.

Ian sticking the dyno

Sunday we went to the Happies and I met Ian's girlfriend, Erin. Also Alex and Nathan came up for the weekend to climb. We warmed up on some V1 and VB highballs and I attempted the V1 Heavenly Path but the height scared me on the committing move to the slab and I downclimbed it. We went over to a different boulder and I played around on two V3s but wasn't able to make it much past the first few moves. Aaron sent Acid Wash (V10) and a V7 variation of Acid Wash. It was really fun watching all the guys work the problems because they all had different beta for their body type. I actually can learn a lot from watching them! Then we went over to the Solarium and I worked that problem (V4, stiffish?)

Dialing in the beta for Solarium

Monday we rested. Blair and I did an afternoon session and Aaron continued to rest. We went back to my project and I dialed the beta for the lower moves and got a high point. I have some pictures to prove I was climbing! We also went back to Blair's project, the V7 variation of Acid Wash. Tuesday was back to the Buttermilks. Aaron and Blair worked Evilution again and Aaron made some great progress! I took a rest for the morning. We met up with Sam and Steph (a very sweet couple that is near our age) at the Sads for an afternoon session. Little did we know there was a top-secret parking spot that made for a much shorter approach. Sam, Aaron, and Blair worked on Beef Cake (V10) and Sam worked Beefy Gecko (V11). WARNING: I am about to shamelessly build myself up. I was able to pull on and make the first move on the problem! I could get to the toe-hook but didn't get it to stay. So yes, shameless.

A 5.9ish arete warmup. Classic highball on the Grandma Peabody

And the downclimb. Aaron is in blue and Sam in red.

Wednesday, Aaron and I went to Owen's River Gorge for some sport climbing. We had a very interesting approach (got great glutes and quads now). Aaron hung the draws on a 5.8 and I started to lead it. Unfortunately, only a few bolts up my tendon started hurting (forgot to tape it) so I had him take and shake it out. Then I went for the next bolt and I felt it pop :(  Do not fear! Aaron dummied my finger so I couldn't use it and I could continue climbing! I stuck to top roping so I could really focus my mental energy on being gentle on my fingers as to not hurt them anymore. I climbed another 9, 8, and 7 which were all super fun. I cannot wait to go back when my finger is feeling better so I can lead all the sweet looking 10s and maybe 11s! We went to the Sads to go pick up Blair which actually turned into them working Beef Cake again. Aaron sent it after a few burns. My man is strong :)

Thursday was Sam's birthday so him and Steph and a bunch of their friends went to the Druids and invited us. Unfortunately I had a terrible migraine so I didn't really climb for awhile. Eventually, I took a crashpad and wandered around and climbed a bunch of super easy things with my dummied finger alone (noises were not good for the migraine). It started feeling better and the crew went over to the Thunder Wall which had a 3, 4, 6, and 8+ problems. I pulled onto the 3 (Thunder) and struggled to find beta which wouldn't stress my tendon. Unable to, I gave up before hurting my finger too bad. Migraine kicked in extra high gear so we headed home for the night. Still had a great time seeing Steph and Sam and the crew!

Aaron sticking a move on Evilution

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Friday, today, we did a morning/early afternoon session at the Happies again. I warmed up a bit and started working Solarium again. A big group stopped by so we had tons of pads. Aaron and Blair were sending The Hulk (V6) on a nearby boulder. Me and a bunch of other ladies took turns giving the Solarium burns. I dialed in better foot beta which is very helpful for the launch to the top. On one of my first burns, I stuck the lip (not the ticked spot haha) but one of my feet blew and I came off. Let me tell you, that hold felt good! Well, good enough to get to the ticked jug. Psych was through the roof. A bunch of the other ladies were getting to the same spot and we were determined to stick it. I got Aaron to come over and spot me/pump me up. I eased through the bottom part and made a big move to the pocket. I turned the pocket into an undercling and got the thumb catch. I got my feet situated and launched for the hold. My finger tips grazed the hold but I wasn't able to grab it. It was a very sad moment but at least I know I can get there. Now I just have to stick in and make the bump to the jug and I'll send my problem! Next time. Oh, by the way, it was super windy and we had a mini-dust storm which kind of threw our stuff all around the campsite but we recovered everything so it's all good.

Have some pictures. I'll rest my finger. Aaron is going to get this knot out of my back (whether he knows it yet or not). You are going to have sweaty palms. Bye loves!

Panorama view from atop a climb at the Happies

Only one more move to the lip. So close!

Sunset behind the Grandma and Grandpa Peabodies. This picture makes them look small but they are giant boulders.

Everything but a Free Solo

Well hey there! Another rest day means this bloody knuckled lady has the opportunity to catch y'all up on her climbing adventure! So this adventure can start with...

So it has been 10 days since I've taken a shower. Patrick approved of my new lifestyle (probably because he doesn't get the honor to smell how wonderful Blair, Aaron, and I smell). It's okay, you're not missing much in that department! Thankfully, I got to take a shower last night, get most of the smoky scent out of my hair, shave my armpits (that hair is something else after 10 days, let me tell you), and realize that my tan was just dirt. Anyways, now to the more fun part: climbing stories.

So Friday, Aaron and I climbed Cat In The Hat (5.6, 7 pitches). After some bush-whacking, retying a rope backpack way too many times, getting stabbed by some holly-bush-esque plant one too many times, we made it to the bottom of the climb. I got the highest honor there possibly is: carry the pack up the pitches! The first pitch irritated me only because we had what felt like 400 pounds of water in the pack. The second pitch went better but then the straps started rubbing and I wasn't too psyched on that. The next three pitches went smoothly and were really enjoyable. Then came about 400 feet of fourth class scrambling. I spent a solid 7 minutes trying to get the rope untangled from one of those prickly-ass holly-bush-esque plants. Anyways, that pitch went fairly well and we made it to the bottom of the 7th pitch which was a chimney. After much struggle with the pack and removing gear, I decided to ditch the chimney and climb the face. Aaron and I had lunch on the summit. We were doing pretty good on time and started the descent. At first it wasn't so bad, but then came some (in my opinion) terrifying downclimbing which felt way harder than the stuff we ascended. I'm pretty sure the carins/zen stone/pile-of-stones-used-as-directions were pointing us in the hardest way down possible. There was one point I was ready to just sit and anchor to a tree and never come down. A panic attack, an almost death-sentence-down-climb (okay not really, but that's what it was in my head), and two unplanned rappels, we made it to the bottom. It was dusk and we hiked out in the dark. Poor Blair had gotten lost in the bouldering area but we found him starting the hike back to camp and we picked him up. Let's just say I don't really want to to do that again any time soon.

Meditation View

View from Tailpipe and Muffler

 Saturday was awesome! We all hiked to the Gateway boulders. Aaron and Blair worked Tailpipe (V9) and I projected Muffler (V4). Aaron send Tailpipe and I dialed in the beta for the bottom moves on muffler. Hopefully one of the two post a photo or two of me climbing so y'all actually believe me. After a solid session, we headed to their project ($500 V8). Aaron sent it and Blair looked super solid on it as well! I was on a nearby boulder which had two V3s (Butterfly Kiss and ??). I worked most of the moves on Butterfly Kiss but couldn't stitch it together. Next time.

Sunday, all three of us climbed Geronimo (5.6, 4 pitches). Aaron lead the pitches and Blair and I each climbed up after him. It was jugs upon jugs and had rappels much to my happiness. It was an enjoyable climb (although the desert wandering to the climb not so much). We set up rappels and I had the honor of going first and continually untangling the rope which got stuck on every chickenhead there was. I think I got more of a workout doing that than the climbing itself haha.

Monday, we went bouldering the Red Springs area. Blair sent his project (Monkey Wrench V7). Then we went up to Ultra Violet (V10). They worked the moves on it and I proudly hauled my butt a whole 4 inches off the ground! They kept working at it and I wandered off to go meditate. Then we hiked on over to the Tsunami boulder. I sent The Offering (V2) and worked the moves on Amazing Grace (V4) but didn't stick a big move to a crimp. Cough, cough: project. Blair and Aaron worked The Prayer (V5/6) and Aaron sent it and Blair is bound and determined to get it. So therefore, we must go back solely for my selfish purposes on getting Amazing Grace and for Blair to get The Prayer.

The Offering

Monday night it rained and today is a rest day. Feast your eyes on my posted photos :) I will be out abusing my tendons and skin again tomorrow! Oh, and Dane, still not jealous of you guys pulling on plastic :D

Red Rocks

What is up? So, many of you may guess this, but I'm in Red Rocks! And obviously I am loving it. Sunday was full of travelling (that's always an adventure) and Aaron got me from the Vegas airport. A hop and a skip and we were at the campground. We slept in the back of his truck and then the morning came. Let's just say it looked like a dream.

view from Kraft boulders. 

 Monday we climbed at Kraft and Gateway boulders. We warmed up on some 0s and 1s, I worked a 2/3 which doesn't really have a name. Blair and Aaron climbed Alexisizer and worked Timmy's Problem as I played on some 1 & 2s on a nearby boulder. Then we went to Gateway area. I tried Pork Chop (2/3) a few times but never made it to the top :(  Aaron and Blair worked Americana Exotica (V9) for awhile and then worked on The Abstraction (V8). After awhile we went to Monkey Bars and I worked the V2 Monkey Bars which I finally got after much heel-hooking and making a big throw. I would love to do that one again! They worked some V6s and V7/8 which was fun to watch them and a few others get on. All in all, it was a good day!

My men (Aaron and Blair) and I heading off to Kraft.

Tuesday, we went to Black Velvet Canyon area. We warmed up on a bunch of 1s on the Brown Warm Up Boulder. I attempted 2 V2s. I got some of the moves but didn't quite make it. Then we went to The Fountainhead (V9) that Blair and Aaron were projecting. A few attempts later, Aaron finished his project! Blair continued to work it for awhile. Then we went to American Gothic boulder where we all worked Gargoyle (3/4). I was able to pull on a few times, they got a few more moves but we decided to stop and go somewhere else. We went to the Twin Towers and I worked a V4. I think I went off route... and got scared but topped out! So that was fun!

Aaron on his way to sending his project (Fountainhead V9)

Blair projecting Fountainhead!

 Wednesday, we dropped Blair off at some boulders and Aaron and I went to do some trad! Aaron taught me about placements, top belay, building an anchor for top belay,  and a few other necessities. Then he lead Physical Graffiti (5.6/5.7) two pitch and I follow and cleaned. Then it was my turn to lead the first pitch! He racked me up, told me not to fall and die, and I was on my way. I placed a few nuts right away, I placed a cam, didn't like the placement, took it out, climbed a little higher and then placed it again, and kept going upward and placing pro. At the top, the wind started, some random people were yelling, I got out of my headspace, looked down (mistake because I was kind of running it out), took a few deep breaths, placed my last piece, and traversed over to the bolts to anchor in. It took me a bit to get everything in the proper position and then Aaron started the climb and cleaning my gear. After struggling with the rope for a bit, I finally got into the swing of top belaying. Once Aaron got to the anchors, he told me I did pretty well with placing gear (7/10!!), and then we got the rappel ready to got. We simul-rapped to the bottom, packed up, and hiked on out. Then we went to go find Blair who was working $500 (V8). Aaron and Blair worked it for awhile as I took pictures. Then we went over to The Chess Boulder and I tried Queen's Gambit and a V2/3. 

Aaron on  $500 (V8)

Blair making the big move on $500!

 And now it's Thursday, our rest day. Clearly I have internet access and phone service so I'm writing this up quickly! I'll add some photos quick, answer some texts, make a phone call, and then back away from society! Hope y'all are enjoying the stresses of 'real life' as I'm living the life!! And yes, this blog is pretty much about making Dane and Alex hate me a little bit more everyday while they are stuck in college ;)  Kidding, I miss y'all!

Live the Life You Love

Hello hello! 1028 miles over the course of 16 hours, I made it back to Elkhart Lake, WI. Yay! Oh jeez, where do I even start? How about the fact that last week it was colder in Wisconsin than Mars?! Or that it was 19F in Raleigh for a high?! Or that I didn't even hit bad traffic in Chicago?! Yeah, that's what I thought. I'll start from the top.

Look what book I found at Epic!! Never been so excited before!

 Alright, so after winter break, I had one more week in Raleigh. I worked my last three shifts at TRC, ate some delicious Nepali food, climbed until my fingers ached, and soaked in all my friends' "love" in my last days. So Monday, I went to work, ate some dinner super quick, raced out to TRC MV, climbed with Dane and Alex and whoever else showed up. Yay climbing! Tuesday, I went to work, ate some dinner super quick, raced out to TRC MV, climbed with Dane, Patrick, and Alex and whoever else showed up. Wednesday, I went to work, ate some dinner super quick, raced out to TRC NR, climbed with Dane, Manish, Alex, and whoever else showed up. Thursday, I ran errands, climbed at TRC NR, the power went out, children screamed, I chatted with the route setters, power came back on, crushed some boulders, said goodbye to my coworker Evan, and had a lovely dinner at Nepali Himalayan Cuisine in Cary with Alex, Dane, Kate, Geoff, Manish, Eric, and Patrick. 

Friday, early afternoon climbing session with Dane, Alex, and Eric, watched Harry Potter (?), ate some dinner super quick, raced out to TRC MV, climbed with Dane, Alex, Andi, Eric, Ryan, Olivia, and whoever else showed up. Alex and I then left for Charlotte. He had to coach the team kids on the ABS Divisional competition and I promised Miss Kelly I would go and cheer her on and all the other team kids. After a good night's sleep and sleeping through all 3 coaches getting up and making noise at 6am, a cup of coffee that slipped all over me, getting lost on the way to Inner Peaks, I made it to the comp. I'm going to try and remember everybody's name I went to support: Kelly, Dorrit, Ashley, McKenzie, Kai, Caleb, Hannah, Alisha, Henry, Mark, Josh, Charlie, Emma Grace, Alexa, Hollis, Jason, Paxton, Luke, Rowan, Teya... maybe that's all of them?? And dare I mention that Team TRC is Divisional Champions!!! That's my kiddos :)  Also, I want to send all my love and healing to McKenzie - I hope you heal quickly!! So that was my Saturday! Sunday, we packed my car (all thanks to Alex for playing tetris within the confines of the trunk) and watched Harry Potter. In the afternoon, we went to TRC NR for one last climb. I got to see all my climbers one last time. I got many hugs, I'll miss yous, come back soons, we must meet up and climb together soons, and even a 'behave yourself, Megan'!! Then Andi and Dane came over for pizza. Way too soon I was waking up and hopping into my car.

Alright, here comes the fun part. In 16 hours, I drove 1028 miles from Raleigh, NC to Elkhart Lake, WI. Here is one big perk for leaving at 4:30a EST: you miss morning rush hour :)  And the second perk (if you don't stop often or for very long), you only get caught in the beginning of rush hour in downtown Chicago! Yeah, that's right. I took I94 through downtown Chicago and didn't even have to fully stop my car. I rolled along at 2mph but never was at 0 :) Skill or luck? At 7:30 central time, I rolled into good old Elkhart Lake. I even managed to stay up until 10pm woohoo! This morning I went to Gma and Granddad's for breakfast! Then I emptied the contents of my car into the entryway (expecting a good reaction from mom when she came inside but DIDN'T). She forced me to move everything I own into the living room. Want a pic? Good, because I just took one.

Alright everyone. This is everything I own (besides a bin of clothes). Yup. Everything I own is right here in this picture. Well, besides my car that is. Everything....

So my plans for the rest of this week? Tomorrow, get breakfast again by Gma, go to walmart and pick up shipping supplies, sort my stuff into three piles, and take over the living room. Thursday I plan on reading a book all day long and causing trouble with the bro. Friday, get everything in boxes and ready to be shipped. Saturday, don't know, don't care. Sunday, get on that plane and be in Vegas by 10pm local time and start climbing to my heart's content. And now, a sappy little interlude for my climbing friends in NC:

Manish and I

You guys and gals know who you are. The ones that made my life here in Raleigh a great time of my life. When I first moved over 1000 miles away from everything I've ever known and loved and didn't know I single person, I was scared and lonely. Soon my labmate, Megan Sexton, and I started hanging out. When classes started, I began climbing at State's wall where I met Dane, Patrick and Kate. One day, Dane brought me to TRC and I was hooked on climbing. Shortly after I became a member and met new people every day. A few months later I started working at TRC and met even more amazing people. Members became familiar happy faces I looked forward to seeing. Climbing partners became extensions of myself and best of friends. When Dane or Alex or Patrick can be climbing and I could practically belay them with my eyes closed because I know exactly how they climb and like their slack. When Dane can tell me to "man up and just do it" and I just sign and do it. When two people can "peer pressure" me into doing I climb I think is stupid (and then actually really like it) and take my peer pressure right back. When it's okay to give slack when Dane says take. When it's okay to poke fun at Patrick because he is tall and can't give me short-person beta. When it's okay to tease Alex that his warm-ups are sometimes my projects. When Kate boulders halfway up the tall walls or forgets like 4 clips. On top of that, coworkers became my backbone when I was caught in a tornado, hurricane, and blizzard all at once. When they gave me unexpected hugs at exactly the right time. When they listened to my worries and joys. When they became my close friends. When I looked forward to work because it meant hanging with the coworkers. I love y'all sooooo much!!

Life in the Fast Lane

Hello hello! So I realize I haven't posted anything in awhile. That is likely because life took me in the fast lane for a bit. Let's see... from roommate drama to grad school disasters and everything in between, I've been in a tornado that is finally slowing down. Now I get the honors of trying to remember what all happened since my last blog post. That is always fun.

Every once in awhile, something catches my eye and I just have to stop and stare. 

Alright, so first things first. I am no longer a graduate student at North Carolina State University. I have decided that it is best for me to put that on pause and find a program better suited for my interests. After 18 months of grad school, I've come to realize that lab research is not meant for me. I cannot and will not sit inside 60+ hours a week doing the same thing every single day. Yes, I learned a lot but I also learned that labwork is not for me (which I kind of knew beforehand but was willing to give it a try). What gets my blood racing and my heart pumping out of my chest is working with plants in their natural environment. Yes, I get sunburned, stung by unknown insects, get pollen in my eyes, cut by leaves, hauling hefty bags of supplies around, things never go as planned, but I can't imagine doing anything but that. If I don't have dirt under my nails by the end of the day, that isn't a fulfilling day. So yes, go ahead a judge me for putting grad school on pause. But if you have not spent a day as a graduate student, please be nice in your judgement.

A sunset like this over a frozen lake makes me realize how lucky I was to have spent all that time in Madison, WI. But like everything good in this world, it comes to an end. So long farewell. May the future shine as bright as this.

So, that being said, there is something else going on. I have moved out of my apartment, am crashing at a friend's place for a bit, am moving my belongings back to Wisconsin, and then peacing out to go rock climbing for about 2 months. My TRC friends and family have heard me go on and on and on and on and on about this trip (which I'm super psyched for). I will be starting at Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas, NV. That's about all I know for sure because the rest is still up in the air. I am most likely going to be going to Joshua Tree, Bishop, Yosemite, and maybe Zion? Yes, I'll take photos. Yes, I'll make my TRC friends jealous. Yes, I'll have the time of my life.

These pictures aren't showing the true beauty of the sky. It ranges from the faintest of blue to the color of jeans.

In the meantime, I'm looking for jobs in the Seattle area and applying to them. I'm also looking at tentative graduate programs for the future. I guess I'll see what happens. On the other hand, I had a wonderful winter break back in Wisco! I got to see all 3 sides of the family plus Aaron. On top of all of that, I get to make more life-altering decisions. But I better get back to application and resume fixing. Hopefully Aaron makes it safely to his destination, I get my shit done, I can play in the snow, and life will ease up on the stress. Oh and Happy New Year!