Thursday, July 24, 2008

Whoa nelly, Mikey's making goals!!!

With this summer washed away in glory as I get married (9 days) and move, and start a new job, I really haven't climbed much at all. I've barely even ran! So, the planning for next year begins. I'm a little hesitant to plan this far in advance, but I figure I can create a guide and then just keep "pullin' the trigger". First of all, I need to get back on El Cap. It is just one of those things and I didn't do right and want to do again. Suffer, get bruised, learn to live in a vertical world are just a few of the reasons to climb El Cap, mostly it's the movement and just BEING on the wall for so long. Second goal, much bouldering in Berkley and circuit work there as well to get strong for the summer. Goal trios- spend a few weeks in Tuolumne and climb A LOT. Mostly back country routes, but here's a rough list.... Cathedral, Matthes Crest, North Peak - Conness link up that I missed last year (red wine is a bitch). The grand finale for the summer season of '09 will be an attempt on the Sawtooth Traverse. At almost 2 horizontal miles of continuous 5th class climbing, it should be a kick in the pants fun as hell ride! Can you spell bivy??

Now, all of this is great and looks good on the web, but the bottom line is that none of it is done until it's done. Time to pull the trigger.

Don't be a tool.

Mike

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Holla Holla

Today is going to be the first day I will be working in my new classroom in Marin Co. I'm crazy excited, but at the same time nervous. So far in my young teaching career the Summers have brought both joy and apprehension. I want to teach, and I love to teach. However, I want to climb and disappear in the Summer, also. The Battle of Teaching vs. Climbing Life continues.... Ding Ding!

Don't be a tool.

Mike

11 Days

Monday, July 14, 2008

New Pack

I love gear. I'm basically a gear head, though I don't like to admit it. I've got too much gear, but I rationalize it all sooo well, that none are the wiser (though, I suppose now everyone on the web is wiser). I've grown to like my Patagonia Gritty pack, but not love it. It's kinda wierd shaped, and doesn't have a floating top lid, making it look funny with a rope under the lid, and carry wierd. Perhaps the worst, however, is that I can't look up!! Helmet on and pack full, I just can't look up. So, the new ideas... CiloGear WorkSack 40. Really nice pack. Kind of the new and hip pack out there. The next contender is the Black Diamond Speed 40. This looks like a great pack, too. Simple, not much to break, rope strap, compact and light. Which will it be? Will this pack really make the Sawtooth Traverse easier/more doable (this is a goal I have for next summer or spring). Probably not. But perhaps this new pack will help me look better in the pictures, and also help me keep track of my headlamp...

Don't be a tool.

Mike

New Pack

My EYES! Don't poke my eyes!!!!

The evolution of SEEING CLEARLY... First there was glasses. Just put them over your eyes and BAM, we can see all that nature has to offer. Next there were contact lenses. We actually have to put them into our eyes, with our fingers. Awesome, so I just stick my fingers into my eyes and then I can see. Hmmmmm. Interesting option.

So I tried this option. I'm not going to lie, I was freaked. The only other experiences that I've had with contact's was a crazy woman in Lens Crafters who, I was convinced, wanted to poke my eyes out. The other experiences have been watching Allison put them in her eyes. She's much more graceful. Anywho, as it turns out, I'm actually not bad at it and the crazy things work damn well. I've only worn them once, and for a few hours, but I think I'm convinced. I can wear sunglasses without squinting (bonus!) and won't have to bring my glasses to my own wedding. Awesome.

Don't be a tool

Mike

Less thank 3 weeks...

Damn, it seems like just yesterday that I proposed to Allison with much nervousness and trepidation. I couldn't wait to give her that damn ring! Now, we're counting down the days until we are married. I'm pretty damn stoked, and I know she is too. Hope we see you there.

Mike

First blog baby!!!

Wow, this is sooo exciting. I'd like to thank Al, my future bride. My folks, all my climbing buddies and ropemates, my cat Misha and of course Artie, the Leopard Gecko. I'm so nervous... I'll get back to everyone.

Mike