As is usually the case at some point in the year I take a look back at our blog and think “Damn! I really need to update that!” How busy we are seems to be inversely related to how often we get a post out, and that’s unfortunate. As the slow trickle of posts over the last month then indicates, Robyn and I have been very busy! I started back at the CAIC on the first of October and have been putting in hard hours getting myself and the office ready for the onslaught of the winter forecast season. Luckily this year I actually get a chance to prepare however and I don’t have to deal with the challenges of moving thrown right in the mix.
The cook and class hut during my Wilderness First Responder recert course near Buena Vista, CO.
A beautiful sunrise during my WFR recert course. I got to stay a few nice nights here in this yurt all to myself!
Daz reviewing spinal assessment protocol. He was a great teacher.
Snow arrives!
I just got home from teaching a 3-day mountain weather course, and the prep was pretty intense. It’s a double-edged sword loving what you do. In the end I am always happy with my work, but it’s easy to put loads of pressure on myself to consistently perform and improve. It seems to be a pretty good problem to have as long as I can make sure to take the time to relax now and again (hence the nice Wednesday at home writing this post!).
Some of my awesome co-workers at the CAIC!
Beautiful sunset on my way over Red Mountain Pass to Silverton.
I felt honored to teach a really qualified group of industry professionals in a 3-day Mountain Weather course in Silverton.
Hiking around Kendall Mountain during lunch in Silverton, CO.
Driving toward Ouray, CO.
Ouray Colorado may be the prettiest mountain town I have ever seen. Robyn and I are going to try to make it down for the Ouray Ice Fest this winter!
The last month has been an interesting shift. We are focusing less on climbing performance and more on just climbing. We have a shared super-stoke for the arrival of winter that hasn’t been matched since our first year in Valdez. We bought a freakin’ couch! Yeah, you may not think that is to big a deal, but after sitting on the floor for 6 months this baby is a godsend. When my folks came to visit my pops left us his old fly rod. I grew up fishing but never fly fishing. The rod and reel needed a little TLC but I think we have finally arrived! Robyn and I may try our hand at a few casts this evening when she gets home from work.
We were psyched to finish out some really cool routes in the dark at Canal Zone in Clear Creek Canyon. Now for the short bike ride home!
Didn’t touch the colors on this one. An unreal sunset out our window looking up Clear Creek.
A new snow year and a new challenge. Time to learn to ski!
Robyn pulling some freaking magic out of her hat. Barely touching the rock but holding on for the send! Convicted Felon (5.12b).
A rare photo of the two of us hanging in Clear Creek Canyon on a nice afterwork climbing session.
Stoked to send Anarchitect (5.12d) in Clear Creek Canyon. I sent on the fifth go of the day despite arms cramping and hand jams bleeding. So stoked!
Behold! The Arabian Pillow Bench!
Ha. Sanitas Brewing/Scarpa 80’s party. I got to go work the event for the CAIC.
If I was feeling more introspective I think I could relate a few really cool feelings I have been having about life in general – but I’m not. Maybe it’s because the feelings and thoughts are fleeting albeit relaxing. It’s easier instead to describe some basic outward conclusions rather than describe the emotions behind them. One conclusion is my ever-increasing appreciation for Robyn. It’s just really hard to imagine my life without her. Another is the simplicity of the mountains. There is something very hard to explain about the calming effect they have although I am sure it has something to do with the layers of societal complication that is shed as you gain altitude.
I hope you are all having a wonderful fall.
Still have dibs on that couch. I mean surfin hasnt yet been defined.
It has been tested, but is far from worn out!