Friday, July 22, 2011

Da souf is own furrr

There is no denying that I am enjoying this break from projecting rock climbs.  My life has ceased to revolve around scheduling my next attempts and exerting a minimal amount of energy unless directed toward the send go.  With freedom and a tank full of energy I have found myself teeing up for eighteen holes, chilling by the pool, and playing on the lake regularly.  While my golf game has improved, I wouldn't say that I am good by any means.  Success is not always measured by score.  The other day I only lost one ball!  And found two!!!  The higher the score the better your day.  A couple of us hit up Nickajack for some deep water soloing the other day.  We rented a pontoon boat and did it up, tufa style!   About 15 of us and 4 dogs rallied up the beautiful limestone walls, well the dogs stayed on the boat or in the water, and then hurled ourselves from the cliff into the murky lake water below.  The highlight of the day was Andrew's victory beer from a ledge on route.  Nice dude!   I returned to the cliffs the next day with Anthony Meeks and John W.  in Jah Cool.  The flies were relentlessly biting us though.  We had to cover up, no joke,  from head to toe (towel wrap and long sleeve shirts) when not climbing or be had for a fly's lunch.  So we left after about two hours.  





On the ride back from the lake one day I saw some crazy local roads that inspired a return visit with my camera gear.  Since I got my camera I haven't really been shooting much other than climbing, so I was really stoked to go out as a photographer and shoot to capture a particular image.  The following was the result of a photo shoot that started out in 90% humidity with a foggy lens that nearly ended my amateur shoot before it started.  




......and back to climbing.  The weeks of anticipation leading up to Beg, Borrow, and Steel were finally over.  I was on the vendor list to run an Evolv and Salewa (first ever on this side of the Mississippi) shoe demo.  This fundraiser hosted by Adam Henry and his crew of ladies and gentlemen was set in the backyard of his majesty's royal estate, just below the towering sport cliffs that were carved by the flowing waters of the nearby river and will heretofore be known as the most successful fundraiser of it's kind ever in the region.  These kats threw an awesome party by planning non-stop entertainment at the attendants own expense.  Contests like Sumo-pad wrestling, best belly flop, bolt-clipping, and a costume contest (never happened)  were only a few of the many ways for the participants to humiliate and make fun of each other.  Of course it's all in the name of buying more bolts and anchors.  I have to say that I really enjoyed myself and the company of those we were hanging with.  I haven't really been able to figure exactly what made it so enjoyable.  Honestly, I think it was a combination of all things being just right.  The weather was pleasantly mild for this time of year.  The climbing was superb and very easily accessed.  The people were all here for the same reason and in good spirits.  It was really something I won't want to miss next year.  


















Tomorrow I leave for the Summer OR in Salt Lake City.  I am so stoked to be attending the hub of all events that makes the outdoor industry what it is and see how the work gets done.  I know, it's a week from now.  Well, that's what makes this trip that much sweeter.  I'm heading to Kurt's house in WV for a day of fun on Summersville Lake before we load up the Sprinter and drive west across the country doing Evolv shoe demos and climbing along the way.  Rifle?  Hope so.  

Later

Cheddar