The County of Marin

There are some good things about the county called Marin. Let's start with fog. Absolutely great to wake up in the morning to a nice blanket of fog. Even better to stand in our backyard and watch the fog roll in over the Redwood studded hills that make up Muir Woods. Shore birds will be topic 2. I have never seen so many egrets and herons, sandpipers and pelicans in one place. I'm not a birder by any means, but I still dig on birds. I admire their patience and stealthy moves. 3 is Marriage. It's nice. Al is great and life is good. 4 is the VALLEY. Heading down with Paul to work on Middle Cathedral for a few hours/most of a day. Bring your batteries! 

The Tyranny of being Isolated (and lame)

Ok, we got married, moved, started new jobs and are adjusting to a new place and a new pace. This is an interesting place. Not as many smiles, everyone speeds, people are go, go, go, and every road needs to be repaved. It's also a complete drag to not be around people who are psyched to climb. In fact, I don't know what people are psyched to do here because they don't really talk and I haven't met anyone here who climbs. There's my pity party. Done, enough bullshit.

On to the Valley. Soon. October, when it's nice and cool, and the tree's are starting to turn, and only a few are around. No motor homes. It's all building up to next summer and my trip to the Sierra. No bullshit this time. I'm going, it must be done. I've got to figure out if this is me. With or without partners. Solo, 4th class, 3rd class, hiking, with a team of 5, whatever. I want the freedom to look at a wall, walk to it with all that I need, and climb it. If I fail, I rap, who cares?

No bull shit, just climbing.

Don't be a tool.

Oh my JARGON!!!

We're back, with an amazing trip behind us and a huge task in front of us, only compounded by the fact that our luggage is somewhere inbetween Germany and San Francisco... Other than that we made it baby!! Thanks to everyone who checks this blog that came to the wedding, it was amazing. Pic's to come soon....

Don't be a tool.

Mike

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

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

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