December 22nd is the Winter Solstice. During these short days in Eldo, the sun barely peaks above the Bastille, then creeps westward along the canyon rim in a shallow arch. For a few golden hours, warmth soaks into the towering striped maroon and red walls and gives climbers respite from gym hibernation. Much of the [continue reading]
Jan 012012
Dec 112011
For hard, quality sport climbing in high concentration around Boulder, there is no competition for the Industrial Wall. I’ve lived here for five years, but not until the last few weeks have I visited this phenomenal area. The Industrial Wall hosts a 5.11d warm-up and a handful of 5.12s, but 5.13 and 5.14 are the [continue reading]
Nov 232011
I reach into my chalk bag, yet again surprised at the lack of actual chalk. Not sure why though. I’ve had the same experience for the last six sessions. Anyway, after the fourth dip for each hand, I’m satisfied they’ll be dry for the next week. A quick blow across each palm and I rehearse [continue reading]
Nov 092011
In the late 80′s in Seattle Washington, bars and clubs were crawling with bands that would be members of one of the most influential shifts in popular music. Years later these bands would be hailed as the end of the superficial music of the 80’s and the ushers to a new era in music. At [continue reading]
Oct 262011
After the long hike to The Slab’s north face, I peeled off my drenched shirt and hung it on a nearby tree branch. The cold air and shady area quickly chilled my skin, leaving a slimy layer of sweat. We picked a warm-up route and I cinched my harness and grabbed some draws. When I [continue reading]
Oct 192011
I love being reminded that I have great friends. Although the weekend was far too short, our trip to Moab for the Other Half marathon was reminiscent of a whirlwind Shelf trip from Nebraska when I was a college student. After arriving at our camp site in the Sand Flats at 1 am, we settled [continue reading]
Talk