It’s been raining every day here, which makes rock climbing difficult. You need (mostly) dry rock to climb. However, there are so many routes to choose from in this area that some are protected even in the most horrific downpours. The cliffs here are so high and the rock formations so spectacular that it’s reallyContinue reading “Climbing in the rain”
Tag Archives: rock climbing
Finding climbing partners in Tonsai
Everywhere you look here in Tonsai there are the shirtless, smooth-skinned, compact bodies of climbers, the men short with overdeveloped lats, or lanky and stringy, the women with well-muscled shoulders. Some have aged like leather, pliable, rugged, striated, brown. I gather my climbing gear together and I set out to see if I can meetContinue reading “Finding climbing partners in Tonsai”
Milan in the rain, on the cheap
I arrive in Milan on a gray and sopping wet day, and am greeted in the baggage claim area by a bevy of tourist fliers, all of which appear to be for shopping. Haute couture shopping, fine leather goods, discount malls in nearby Switzerland. The fliers and the weather are so discouraging, in fact, thatContinue reading “Milan in the rain, on the cheap”
Sunny side up in Moab, Utah
As it turns out, everyone goes to Moab for recreation, especially on the weekends. Especially on a long weekend. To be honest, after a week and a half of driving, climbing rocks in the Flatirons, staying out late with friends and family, and eating a lot of Whole Foods deli meat and $7 chocolate bars,Continue reading “Sunny side up in Moab, Utah”
Europe 2011
From the beaches near Barcelona to Foixarda to the canyons outside Perpignan, I spent a good portion of my trip to Europe with climbers. It was delightful.
More on climbing
As I sank exhausted each night into the thin padding of the chilly space on the right side of the tent, I had just enough time before crashing into cough-broken slumber to ask myself if I was really enjoying this. And then I woke with the sun, savored the luxury of a cup of hotContinue reading “More on climbing”
Palouse Climbing Festival 2011
I placed first (out of one) in my category at the Palouse Climbing Festival. Above, one of the contenders in the male open category. More photos are available to participants.
Climb on
I have been climbing lately. During my undergrad, and even grad, when I had the time, I would go over to the University of Idaho climbing gym and boulder or, if I could find a partner, rope up and try a route. I always felt sort of like I was pretending; goofing off and tryingContinue reading “Climb on”