Thursday, December 20, 2007

FUUUUUCCCKKK!!!!!!

Just before the hurt begins

Yesterday started out nicely. I warmed up on a couple of nice problems at the Kraft Boulders, among those was the classic "the Pearl". It was classic. Yeah! We then headed over to the Monkey Bar boulder where I flashed the "Monkey Bar Traverse". I was feeling saucey so I decided to try the direct start to the previous problem. On the flash attempt I mistook a thumb-catch for a two finger pocket and when my feet cut I felt an 'electric' shock shoot from the tip of my finger to the middle of my forearm. There was no audible sound, but I knew pretty much instantly that my day/trip was over as far as climbing was concerned. Actually, my main worry was the thought that I might not be able to climb on my up coming Hueco trip. Later that evening I gave my friend Noah a call to consult with him about my injury. Noah is a climber and an MD who loves trauma patients. He assured me that he knew exactly what happened from my discription and that it was not a serious injury in the long run. Basically, if I follow his instructions it will heal 100%. That is good news. Bad news is that I won't be able to climb my hardest in Hueco. I've waited a long time to go there and it is pretty disapointing that my first trip will be handcuffed like this. The rocks aren't going anywhere though so I guess I'll just have to go back when I'm strong as an ox.


In other news...



Peter (ahem... Nancy) and I are now gambling addicts. Nancy likes to bet the ponies and I can't get enough of football. I'm planning on putting all of my savings on Falcons this weekend, its a 'can't miss' game.




Well, for now Peter is going to continue to climb rocks and I'm going to heckle him and stuff my face. I'll probably have more fun. Take that tendon!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Vegas Baby!


Peter on "Underwhere?"


So, yesterday we spent the afternoon bouldering in Moe's Valley in St. George, Utah. It was a pretty cool spot with potential for more. Turtle had a particularly good time running free in the sun.


We decided to continue south in hopes of escaping the incoming storm so we motored down I-15 to Las Vegas, and the vaunted Red Rocks. I've been here a couple of times before, but just to climb routes, I've not yet bouldered here and neither has Peter. Speaking of Peter, he was so caught up in the Vegas experience he asked me if we could have strippers delivered to our campsite. I assured him that that would probably not fly and that we didn't have that kind of money to spend. Maybe if we hit it big at the roulette table tonight...

"The Beast"

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

I'm Famous!


Ha ha! yeah right. I am, however, currently featured in a short bouldering video on Momentum Video Magazine's website. Mike Call (MC) was here for a brief visit a few weeks ago and took some footage of me climbing on the "Pine Box". The footage is from the Sunday prior to when I actually sent. Fortunately, through the magic of the movies MC makes it look like I did it then... they'll never know!


Anyway, it costs money to watch but it is totally worth it because you'll get to see me climb in a pair of women's pink pants (which I wore on the real ascent too). A friend gave them to me a few days before on the condition that I rocked them bouldering from time to time. Little did I know how comfortable they are to climb in. In fact, they're easily the most comfortable pants I've ever climbed in so I'll be holding them on reserve for those special occasions when I need a little extra sending power.


Oh, if you're a total cheap ass you can just wait till you see me next and I'll log on to the site so you can watch it then.