Back to the Muggy Southeast

Strangely, I miss and appreciate that muggy humidity the southeast offers - the humidity that somehow makes you sweat more until you are soaking wet - the humidity that makes me appreciate my chalkbag after not using it all summer - the humidity that encourages me to drink water again while running.

Yesterday, I got my first day of climbing in since returning to Nashville. A friend and I headed out to King's Bluff in Clarksville. That cute little limestone cliffband next to the Cumberland River makes me happy. To make it better, God blessed us with incredible weather with clear skies and a mix of shady and sunny walls.

Our choice of routes: all 5.8s. The first was "Dogon Meets a Dancer." I led this route a few months ago - my first 5.8. However, yesterday, it gave me some problems. It is slightly more than vertical and requires some good smears. Neither one of those is a strength. Additionally, I started a push up and pull up routine the day before, so I was still sore from that. Regardless, I took what was probably my longest fall at the crux - 8-10ft (not huge). I went on the finish it though.

The 2nd 5.8 is called "Slip Slidin Away." I felt very smooth throughout until the top which ends right at a fairly featureless concave slope. After much evaluation and effort, I took the easy way and pulled on a quick draw to reach the anchors. Oh well. My friend then sent the route for his FIRST lead! It was great to be there for that.

We then stepped over to the left for our final 5.8 climb of the day. I can't recall the name, but it was another good one. The start was a little bouldery but it finished off well. I got pretty pumped at one point and sat a little bit.

Overall, I was a little disappointed in the troubles I had. I expected to be a lot stronger after a summer of solid climbing. I learned that different locations (and even days) yield different challenges. I have learned that ratings vary greatly from place to place. For instance, in Buena Vista, CO, I lead 5.9 and 5.10 (which climbed like 5.8 and 5.9). Of course, that lower angle climbing style on rough conglomerate rock was very different from the vertical, smooth and ledgy limestone of the Bluff. All in all, I had a great day climbing. I have plenty of time to get out and improve.

The best part of the day was taking a cool dip in the river apres climb. That was super refreshing. Being only ~50mins away, I plan on spending a lot of time at the Bluff this year.

That's It...

Summer is officially over for me. I drove the last half from Leadville to Nashville today, moved into my apartment and almost immediately felt a sense of stress come over me upon arrival. This is a different environment than my summer one, for sure. Much of the stress can be attributed to two things: (1) Social stress - SO many people. That's not my style. I'm ISTJ. (2) Anxiety over another year of strenuous chemical engineering work, while all I want to do is be in the outdoors and teaching. Boy oh boy.

Summer Recap

I can honestly say that this has been the best summer of my life. It was incredible for several reasons.

- The fulfillment of facilitating growth for students anywhere from 14 to 54

- Personal growth: discovering a passion for teaching and connecting with people from a myriad of different backgrounds

- Having some baller adventures!!

I am very excited for what God has in store for me in this next year. I can imagine some scenarios of my life next summer and fall (hangin in some awesome town like Durango or Chattanooga both teaching and guiding/outdoor ed), but who knows what cards I'll be dealt. The coolest part is that doesn't bother me! I am excited about the surprise and adventure of life!

Groovin' Slowly w/ My Woman (i.e. My visit to Idaho)

Ha! That is one of my favorite John Butler Trio songs, though it has no direct connection to this section. Having the privilege of visiting the lady-friend after a full 3 months separation was phenomenally refreshing. We now only have one more month before she moves back from the wild west.

Our visit consisted of an overnight trip, some less-than-ideal climbing, visiting her favorite local spots and more. My highlights include: sleeping under the stars with her, getting sketched out on our multi-pitch climb attempt and feeling her support, and sharing our passions and dreams for life together. I eagerly await her return to Tennessee!

One More Course Under the Belt

I just completed my first course with the 14-15 yr old age group - a 14-day backpacking course. It was a lot easier than I expected, actually. Folks around here don't like to work those courses, but we had an amazing group. They were incredibly mature and very compassionate.

Some of the highlights include:

-leading a trad line at Monitor to set up a TR

-playing with teenagers

-getting great views from high passes

-working with two hilarious female instructors (rare to have 2 on the same course)

-sleeping under the stars

-seeing real change and hearing thoughtful insight from the students

Some pics are posted on my Picasa site if you're interested.