From Nancy to Peter

Vegas Baby!

2011-01-03T12:05:00.000-08:00

Been having a killer time here in Las Vegas with great climbing, great friends and the best girlfriend in the world! We have had some great weather until today. The new Southern Nevada Bouldering guide is amazingly detailed, offering up great beta on beautiful areas. Could not imagine spending my vacation any other way. As the weather has turn crappy we are heading home a little early, but with we leave Vegas, each with a few sends and great memories!

Joy

2010-08-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

So, I did not post for almost an entire year and between three weeks of silence Kevin is clamoring for more, Becky and Shannon are giving me shit, pretending not to know who I even am. As if anyone could forget a 6'4 spas whose nickname is the ZEBRA!

Well, a lot has gone down in the last couple of weeks. The Giants are playing like the Giants of old, BADLY!! I have purchased a dream, yes you can do that apparently, god bless a America! A van that is slowly taking steps forward to becoming my ideal road-trip vehicle. The main reason I got it, of course, was to avoid being yelled at by Kevin for making a mess in his trailer. School has started again and I am soooo excited about my new class, iWorld.

However, these only serve to distract me from my elbow. Which at the moment is starting to feel better and slowly recover from its tendonitis. To say it was a setback would be an understatement. I was so psyched to be climbing, training, and seeing friends again. I really was starting to feel strong and even confident, but it was a little too much too quick. The good news is I have started to climb lightly again without much pain. I even had a chance to go climbing again with Vicki and Julie, showing them around some areas they had yet to checkout. Although, I was only hanging out and acting as tour guide. I was overwhelmed by Vicki on one particular problem, where upon reaching the top she expressed such joy. In that moment I wanted to be her. She was feeling what I think all climbers look for, the euphoric feeling of accomplishment.

Here is that moment...

Joy: A short climbing film from Zebra on Vimeo.

A Dead Mosquito is a Good Mosquito

2010-07-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

Did a little climbing this week with Justin up in at the pass on highway 88. We had hoped to time our sessions with the cool temps of sunset, but we failed to take into consideration the booming population of mosquitoes. Needless to say we ‘bugged-out’ earlier than expected.

However, we did get to sample and see new areas (at least to us) up in the Tahoe area. The Crater Lake boulder is amazing rock. Lactose Intolerance: a fantastic line going up the center of the perfect face. The next evening was spent right off the road at three new problems. Gideon: awesome, slightly overhanging face, to a taller top-out both has a sit and a stand, and allows for awesome climbing either way. Denny’s: a short, but amazing compression problem on the opposite side of the road has amazing rock and really cool moves! Justin also did the line behind Denny’s that was cleaned by Noah Kaufman and was said to be a project on a June 8^th blog post, TryHardClimbers.blogspot.com.

Needless to say it was awesome climbing and hanging with my good friend Justin and our dogs Turtle and Gus. But the uninvited mosquitoes truly did put a damper on the trip. Those of you headed to Tahoe make sure to take a bath in DEET before heading up anytime soon.

Back From the Edge of the Earth

2010-07-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

First off. I am alive. I have not fallen of the edge of the earth. I have just been laying low and tending to things that I have been neglecting for some time. I have taken my recent hiatus from climbing as an opportunity to reflect on what I really love about the ultimately silly endeavor of trying to wrestle boulders: friends, the challenge, and the exploring. The funny thing is the one thing I could not get away from was being consumed by climbing, thinking about, dreaming about, scanning climbing porn site after climbing porn site, watching videos, and trying to follow others' great accomplishments. So thank you to those that helped to keep me psyched!

Here is my first attempt at a climbing film with some good friends of mine!

Tahoe Bouldering from Peter Newman on Vimeo.

Sending in South Africa

2009-09-21T17:46:00.000-07:00

zxHere is some video (my first on the blog, so I hope that it works) of Mike climbing in South Africa. Had a great time there and hope to do a slide show real soon, to share my adventure!

Andre and His Big Cats

2009-07-31T06:43:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Mike and I escaped the clutches of Clanwilliam and ventured out to the farm land surrounding. There we met Andre, owner and operator of a game preserve. Andre raises game such as Springbok and Orax for people to come and hunt with only bow and arrow for sport. In addition, Andre has raised money to save the lives of 5 lions and 2 cheetahs who escaped the less sporting "cannned" hunts here in Africa for fat, rich and boring men. Andre has created a sanctuary for these big cats to live out the rest of their days in bliss and under his protection. Mike and I had such an awesome time that we decided to go back with more friends, look for boulders and Brie. The two experiences were unforgettable!

On another note I recently have received news that a dear friend, colleague, and mentor will be moving on to bigger and better things. Kris Williams will be leaving Sacramento New Technology High School, in order to work for the New Technology Foundation. Since the birth of the school Kris has been the heart of our efforts, he epitomizes what it means to be a teacher. We are lucky as a society to now have Kris where he belongs, at the foreground of an important educational movement, leading the way!

Update from Rocklands

2009-07-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

After a little rain delay we have decided to take a break from the music video and get back to climbing. Lyn, Paul and Cam have arrived and brought fresh perspective to the domino games and cold evenings.

The first day post rain we hauled ourselves up the Fortress, a V13 compacted area. Since I have done all the 13's up there ;), I showed Wick and Justin the beta on the aesthetic Vice problem and they set to work piecing it together. Since I did not climb, the next day Kevin, Wick and I toured around the Plateau with Lyn, Paul and Cam. There I did Bullet-Proof and Running Out Of... both fun climbs on really good rock. Yesterday, the hard men of our crew with their tick list from the movie PURE wanted to check out the Amphitheater, an awesome looking line that neither the movie, nor my photos could do justice. It is beautiful!

We spent the afternoon at Roadside where I have found this awesome 30 foot jug haul. It was the perfect thing for me to do multiple times on an active recovery day. Tomorrow I am heading back to the Sassie Boulders for Petite Hueco and Springbok to hopefully put them to bed. However, this morning I woke to a story from our friend Walker who was at the Sassies and had a close encounter with a Cobra. As a snake lover...NOT...I am really excited!

Filling Time

2009-07-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

Today marks our third rest day due to rain, and I can honestly say that I am glad to have awesome friends on this trip. It would be so easy for a group to step on each others toes in such close quarters, even more so when you factor in the anticipation of climbing. We have had cookie and chocolate taste tests. We have watched and debriefed the HBO show DEADWOOD. We have produced MTV Cribs episodes and Music Videos. But more importantly we have dedicated our trip to use of Garlic as the main ingredient to all meals!! We have filled time well!

Mike and Pete's Mac & Garlic Pre-Send Meal:

Dice 20 Heads of Garlic (trust me it is not too much)

Dice 1 Onion

Sauté in Skillet with Liberal amounts of Olive Oil, Salt and Pepper

Then Steam until softened.

Boil water and add enough pasta (pasta should have the ability to capture garlic and cheese)

Grate enough cheddar cheese.

Once Pasta is done toss together and stir.

Bon Apetit!

Projects Galore

2009-07-09T06:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Justin, Mike, Kevin, and myself made it to the Sassie Boulders. Although the day was a bit warm, climbs were sent and projects found.

For me I discovered a roof problem called Petite Hueco. I have done all the moves in three different sections. With a fresh effort I hope it will go down rather quickly. Both Justin and Wick made ascents of thy beautiful problem Pinotage.

We have one more guaranteed climbing day before it starts raining, so we are planning on setting to work on our music video project...stay tuned!

Ups and a Down

2009-07-07T06:01:00.000-07:00

So far this trip has been made up of fantastic Ups and one really horrible Down. Most of you already know that Becky has hurt her knee pretty badly. Thank goodness for her positive and "trooper" demeanor, for it has kept us all going.

Wick in particular has been absolutely crushing the sandstone blocs with sends of Oral Office, Hole-in-One and Sunset Arete. Justin has been sick, but learning moves on Barracuda, and Black Mango Chutney, being 100% he will have awesome day at the Eight-Day Rain sector.

We celebrated the 4th of July with some South African beer and some Dominoes. We have been Brieing(bbqing) quite a bit and Justin found an awesome butcher shop.

For those of you on your way, the weather seems to be getting better and the sunsets are absolutely breathtaking!

Arrival!

2009-07-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

So for the past three years it has been my goal to climb out of the country. On Wednesday that goal was met in Rocklands, South Africa! We made it after starting in California at 3:30am, with a small stop over in London for some fish and chips and few pints, then an overnight haul on South African Air, we arrived in Cape Town 50 hours later. WOOT WOOT!

South Africa is more than I expected the people are really friendly, house is perfect and the rock quality is bar-none. Every time I look out the back door I feel in awe of this place. To be in this beautiful place with such awesome friends is a dream come true.

Parting Shots

2009-04-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

Wonder Woman

2009-04-10T18:21:00.000-07:00

We took a rest day yesterday, and found out some good news. My finger issue is actually a slight forearm tear. It sounds a lot worse than it is, and according to boulderingdoc after a little rest and vitamin i, I will be pulling on crimps and slopers in no time.

In the mean time I have been hanging with my honey, spotting and pretending to be a photographer. Heather had some awesome goes on Iron (wo)Man and Bowling Pin. They both are sure to go next time!

On another note; to all climbers who take dumps with in the boulder fields of Bishop. Please dispose of your waste appropriately so that humans don't step in it, and dogs don't discover it as tasty morsels, hmmmm!

Hope all is well, ciao.

Peter

Certainty is Not Real

2009-04-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

About 24 hours ago I was psyched as all hell. I was feeling like training hard. Justin and I had fixed the woody. I had just gotten back from a day in Yosemite. I was heading down to Bishop with my girl friend for a four day stay with plenty that we wanted to do. Life was looking up and I was super stoked to be climbing and to be anticipating a trip of a life time this summer.

Certainly, things were going my way. Heather and I decided to go to the Happys for a afternoon session to ease into the weekend. We found a new boulder to warm up on, we both did Big Chicken, and at a recommendation headed to the rim to try Mr. Happy. I pulled into a pocket and shooting pain went straight down my ring finger and to my elbow.

Needles to say I am a little bummed.

Pouring Some Out to the Homies

2009-01-15T21:27:00.000-08:00

A huge shout-out to the Davis crew down in Hueco Tanks! The last 12 days have been SPLITTER!!! Climbing for me will always be about progress, as I am sure it is for many, but more importantly to me it is about having fun with my friends. Whether it is singing the wrong words to the wrong tune, blind taste tests, playing keep away, holding the words of the warrior poet Ice Cube sacred, gluing stallions in un-expecting places, or simply sharing a smile under a piece of rock in order to keep each other psyched; climbing will always be about the people I am with.

Thanks to all my climbing partners, and the many more adventures to come!

Peter

p.s. If everyone could refer to Kevin as “Daisy” that would be great.

Great Times, Great People!

2009-01-13T13:26:00.000-08:00

Leaving for home tomorrow, and real world. This years trip to Hueco Tanks has been filled with good climbing, great energy, and tons of laughter.

Enjoy!!

Don't Mess with Texas

2009-01-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

Three more days of climbing for me on this trip. It has been a trip of highs and lows in regards to climbing. However, the company could not have been better. The insane amount laughter coming from the boulders on tour, or from Daisy's Scamp at night has recharged the soul. Not to jinx the two of them but both Wick and Justin are posed to have some big days in the very near future.

I have been schooled in regards to steep climbing, as well as in the classic game of chess. It seems as though, every time (twice) I come to Texas I pick up yet another game in which I just have no chance at winning. I will be leaving soon renewed for more adventures and a deeper desire to get better, as a climber, a person, and a chess master.

Anyone want a game?
Peter

I'm Back...

2009-01-07T15:12:00.000-08:00

Last year as I left El Paso, I was completely demoralized after spending nine days at Hueco Tanks. On that plane ride I vowed to not let the experience ruin my joy for climbing and rather work harder. Well a year later I am back with the awesome Cali Crew of Justin, Wick, Beth, Randy, Daisy, and Turtle; we have climbed for three days now and have had a blast. Sending the problems we want and finding more we want to do.

The best way to explain the Hueco climbing for me is "in your face, physical climbing." Spending the fall in Yosemite did not prepare me for the climbing that is in Hueco. But never the less I glad to me back in Texas. Daisy said it best "its Hueco!"

Til later
Nasty Pete

Can You Believe Someone Actually Likes the Rain?

2008-12-14T20:09:00.000-08:00

So it turns out Gus REALLY likes the rain. Me on the other hand, am looking forward to dry Texas days.

Dam Zebra

2008-12-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

The weekend was packed with festivities. Friday Crank’N the Series started, Saturday the Homecoming game and dance (a 15 hour work week), but Sunday, oh Sunday. Early Sunday morning Gus and I headed down to the Valley with one goal in mind; Prowess. Upon arrival we headed over to Swan Slab for the warm-up. A few of us climbed this awesome 5.6 slab. Afterward the crazies did this dirty, sketchy, and mantel-happy highball; inspiring, but still a little crazy.

Post warm-up a few of us headed to Dogwood to cheer and spot Justin. In between burns Randy, Patty, and I took it upon ourselves to level out the horizontal pillar for all future loved ones to come, enjoy the view, cuddle, and sit PERFECTLY level.

After the Dogwood session, Justin came to the horror show that was my attempts on Prowess. Although I made some progress on the problem, reaching a new high point, getting as far as I did, I should have sent!!!! As much as I would hate to admit it, El Zebra reared his head, and as my feet once again flew toward the earth it was too late for the lion to roar.

Here’s to next weekend, sun or snow, I’ll be there!

Peter

Anyone wants some Eggs?

2008-12-02T17:58:00.000-08:00

The drive home started out horribly. All I could think about was the pathetic climbing trip I had just been on. Over the course of nine days I climbed seven, sending only two problems, warmed up every frick’n day at camp “f’n” four, and the rain was bad enough to soak a problem that I had gotten really stoked about. All in all I was not a happy camper.

As I got closer to the rim of the valley, I stopped at a turn-out to take one last good look at Yosemite. Gus and I stepped out of the car and sat on the guardrail chill’n. After a few moments, Gus nudged my elbow and gave me look that melted my heart. Seemingly he knew exactly what to do to snap me back to reality. Yes, he’s that good!!

For the rest of the drive I thought about the fun the week possessed. From the four dogs, the shit talking, the eggs, a fantastic Thanksgiving meal, the hanging with good friends and the making of new ones; the week pulsated with fun. Over all I was inspired by those around me trying hard, be dedicated and having fun. The memory allowed me to drift back over the last two months in Yosemite, this season has started off great!!! It has made me wanting more.

How about next Sunday?

Peter, the Zebra!!

P.S. Please don’t take me off your blog. I promise to do better!

P.S.S Please return me to your blog. I like to party!

An Air Jordan Weekend

2008-10-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

So Gus and I headed to the Valley in search of an escape from the grid. This trip was something that I had to do, and no sickness was going to get in my way. As I was driving to the unknown, about to miss my beautiful girlfriend for a month, and questioning whether it was worth going down being sick; I almost turned the car around in Stockton, after realizing that I forgot my sleeping bag. Needless to say the cards seemed to be stacked against me. However, when I did climb I sent two of my projects (in two Michael Jordan moments), Chocolate Bunny and the Unnamed Problem at Bridal Vail, form the Spring.

In addition, my friends provided me with great company and inspiration. Kevin, who flew in from Colorado for a recon mission, was inspiring on Panic Room. Justin killed on, and is getting quite close to, Yabo Roof. Shannon showed no fear on Flat Line. John got crazy on that Unnamed problem at Bridal Vail. Gus melted hearts!!! Mike and Paul chilled watching two ants sprinting up El Cap.

All in all, the weekend was awesome and made me thirsty for more. If the weather stays as good as it was, we are in for one hell of a fall.

Somthing In the Air

2008-08-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

Me On My First Obsession of the Season

School has started, which means that when Gus gets up so do I. Our ritual has been pee outside, eat breakfast, get dressed together, and then I drink coffee outside while he chases Turtle around the woody. One cool crisp morning I was sitting in my plush camping chair sipping on my joe and this strange but familiar feeling came over me. All of sodden I was back on Justin's porch looking up at the falls, or sitting on my tailgate at the Milks, anticipating the day to come. In an instances I was psyched. I am in the process of making my goals and plans for this year's climbing. I've stepped up my training. In reading everyone's blogs as of late, one thing is clear, "psyche" is in the air. I would like to thank those of you (who deserve it) for the reading material and pics, and Kevin for coming out to Cali and bringing his enthusiasm.

Game On!!

Kevin Having Fun on Hobo Travers

Friendship

2008-08-08T11:41:00.000-07:00

After some touch and go moments. These two have finally bonded. Looking forward to hanging with friends under boulders this fall!

Peter

Two More Summers Till 30

2008-07-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

Gus giving new meaning to, "What was once yours is now mine!"

Headed up to the Saddle Boulder yesterday with Justin and the Dogs. It was Gus' first climbing day and he did awesome! With the heat, the smoke, and the horseflies; the conditions could not have been worse. However, the progress made on "Midnight Train" was exciting and made me thirsty for more. Watching Justin get one foot placement away from "The Real Deal," shocked me quickly back into psyche-mode after a two week hiatus. On the drive back I started to count my free days remaining. The only good news that came from it was that Fall is right around the corner. But don't talk about Falls to come with Justin it is just a tad bit depressing.

The Adventures of Caesar Augustus "Gus" Newman

2008-07-07T17:05:00.000-07:00

My Boy; Gus!!!

Gus mid-takeoff!!

Hanging with Grandma Nan and Grandpa J

Someone's Got to Work, Just Not Me!

2008-06-29T23:08:00.001-07:00

The summer has gotten off to a great start! Since truly being done with school responsibilities I have been to the coast, Donner, the Valley and South Lake. Not bad for only seven days. When I was in my youth I would always seemingly let summer run by me. I would get up late watch “Saved By the Bell,” eat ice cream and conjure up deals with my sister to make chocolate chip cookies daily. These days I have been trying to live up to my commitment to my own sanity. Many say that teachers have it so easy, always pointing to the fact that we get all this time off. Well, without these six weeks off in the summer you probably would be reading a news article of the teacher on trial for killing his students, rather than this pathetic excuse for a blog. But alas, you are! In the last week I have found awesome boulders at the coast, my project still within my reach, the valley climbable until 3am, it fun to climb until your tips resemble ground-chuck, and tons of great information in my puppy parenting books.

Here is to five more weeks!
Peter, Self-Sponsored Athlete

Justin Trying to Stay Awake at Fort Ross

3am in the Valley

Below Vicki Using Stave's Beta

The Snags

2008-06-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

So I know that I have been lacking on the posts as of late, but I only have three more days of work and then it is on like Donkey Kong.

Heather on Two Face

Today, Heather, T-Rex and I made our way to the Secret Boulders for a little fun in the sun. I left the guide in the car and showed the girls the circuit. The circuit is something that I like to do when I want a little bouldering mileage. There is nothing too outstanding, just a cluster of fun problems.

T Testing Her Heel Rubber

It was a perfect day to be a little higher in elevation with temps in the 90s down in the central valley. Unfortunately, Vicki was unable to join us, but we could all tell she was keeping a eye on us.

Awe the Valley

2008-05-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

Valley Live'n

Last weekend, I took an extra day due to the fact that I was working until Saturday night. After Warp Tech, a school fundraiser, Turtle and I headed down to the Valley for the first time since last November. Justin has just moved back to the ditch for work and it was great to see him and catch-up. As always, the valley was beautiful. Although the weather was a bit warm, I made a conscience attempt to do a little reconnaissance for future problems and projects. Before Mission I’m-lost-and-don’t-know-where-to-begin began, both Justin and Wick wanted to work on their respective goals. For Wick it is an obsession of Thriller that could plausibly cause his school grades to take a back seat until it is sent, while for Justin it is the goal of doing a new problem every time he heads out. The day’s choice was All Hands on Deck, a problem that requires nerves and the ability to perform circus tricks on command. For me the mission of the weekend was made easier due to the fact that Wick and Colton were down to explore the valley’s bouldering a little more. The discovery was Cathedral and two lines called Octagon and The King.

On a side note: I bought a new Giants hat under the sole condition that I keep it and wear it, without buying a new one, until the G-men win the pennant. It might take them a few years, but I felt that as my hat grows in comfort and shape the team would grow together in ability. Hum-Baby Go Giants!! And thank God Zito is out of the rotation!!!

-Peter, the Fan

A New Season

2008-04-15T22:33:00.000-07:00

Here is to Late Night Sessions and Good Times

Sunday marked the beginning of a new season with a bbq and session on the wall. People came from far and wide to take part in the festivities. The glorious weather we had over the weekend was an inauspicious reminder that the Valley and Bishop are starting to get too hot for climbing. I have started to realize that summer time climbing is not the most ideal, but in many ways the most important. Last summer the time spent at Donor and on the wall, were the biggest contributors to the success of the fall and winter. Where as last summer I fell into summertime training with the guidance of Master Jedi Justin, this season I am making the conscious and “force” driven decision to use the next months to push new limits and train for those on the horizon.

Nasty Pete

The Flow

2008-04-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

So I went to Bishop this weekend with two young ladies who were kind enough to let me tag along. This weekend was all about determination, mixed in with some physical sarcasm. The mornings started with a great tradition I hope to carry with me, espresso in bed!!!

Julie Turning the Lip on Sky Dance.

Vicki and Julie were my inspiration; both made progress on their perspective projects. Saturday we did the long hike up to the Druid Stones. On the way we met an awesome couple who were quite interested and taken aback by the fact that we were carrying up big pads of foam to the top of the steep hill. After explaining what they were for, I tried to gain a little sympathy by telling them they weighed 60-70 pounds, but of course, because she is tough. Vicki took the approach saying that they could not have been more than 15-20. Both Vicki and Julie continued the trend as they pushed themselves to gain more clarity in the solving of their problems, while losing enough skin to do a skin graft on my ass. It was DOPE!!!

Vicki Styling in Buttermilk Country

The awesome thing about working on projects is the spectrum of emotions one goes through in order to eventually achieve partial or total success. In many ways working on a problem is kind of like starting a new relationship. When an attraction speaks to you, the hardest thing to do is to be yourself. With people one has to trust that the person really just wants to find out who you really are; rather than for you to create a person who you think they want you to be. Similarly, when walking up to a boulder problem one has to allow oneself to come through, they have to trust that their physical and mental ability will “match-up.” When meeting a new interest it is easy to not trust enough to let it flow.

Let it Flow,
Peter

A Good Time

2008-03-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

Despite Justin's injury, this trip has been total fun. Joe's has a ton of great lines to offer every climber. Kevin, Wick, and Ryan each made ascents of Nerve Extension, an explosive connection to the hard Big Joe. Yesterday, to catch the evening sun, Justin, Ryan, Turtle and I made our way to New Joe's. Justin and I did Spam, a fun little line; later Ryan and I did the classic Pocket Rocket. Although, I think I let Justin down because I was unable ( but unwilling if you ask him) to do the dyno problem static. I am tall, just not that tall.

Justin Staying Strong on Save Yourself.

The other day Kevin took us up to the Wills of Fire Boulder, where Justin fired both Call Him Jordan and Wills of Fire. This boulder is a perfect example as to why Joe's is such a special place. The rock is perfect to the touch and the eye.

Wick getting through the crux of Big Joe, and on into Nerve Connection.

Ryan avoiding the look of a beach whale, on the top of Save Yourself.

My dear friend Vicki told me that I must do the Angler. She was right. The line is perfect, up a sloping rail towards a beautiful emerald pond.

As the days pass, and our time slowly runs out I am rejuvenated for society, and more climbing.

The Rest of the Crew

Turtle

Bran

PS. Sorry, this post should have gone out three days ago, apperently Kevin only likes to save pictures of himself.

Kevin already has this one of himself on They Call Him Jordan.

Spring Break 2008

2008-03-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

So I am back in Utah. The climbing is great and there is only a small percentage of snow left over from the trip back in December. The stone is awesome, beautiful and majestic. The climbing is inspiring. Like always when I come to a new area I feel so overwhelmed. Usually, I follow people around to their projects in hopes of finding something that gets me psyched. This is something that is easy to do here, in Joe's Valley, all on one's own. All you have to do is look left and right. Today, Kevin showed the way to The Wind Blow. This Ultra Classic is sweet, tempting, and intimidating; but still it makes one want to be a better climber just to be able to feel worthy enough to climb it. So far this spring break is off to a great start, more to come from Joe's!!

Wick standing under The Wind Below

Three Shots of Expresso

2008-03-03T21:43:00.000-08:00

This weekend was awesome! As always the days started out at Schat’s with pastries and a large cup of joe (X 3 shots of espresso). I love waking-up in Bishop, the day is always filled with potential. Saturday morning the motivation was right to finally get me up to the Druid Stones. Justin, John, Turtle and I hiked the long path up the hill, out of town and away from the weekend crowds (that I have come to expect in Bishop). Upon arrival at the top, I was struck by how unique the area is. In addition, the stone yielded some amazing lines to try: The Arch Druid, Cayla, and Sky Dance. All should not be missed.

Colton on Integration

It was also good to see Kevin back in California. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to climb together but he’ll be there for awhile and I am sure to be heading down. Wick and Colton were also down for a long weekend, climbing hard and going after resends since the “2007 Reset.”

John on Integration

On Sunday, Justin and John each made quick sends of Vic’s riverbed problem, “Integration.” This has been the first season that I have spent any significant time on the East Side; and I have been lucky enough to spend some sessions with some veterans to area. It is energetic to climb with people who are inspired to climb for climbing sake, looking for new problems and redoing old classics.

-Nasty Pete

The Road

2008-03-02T22:39:00.000-08:00

It is easy to forget how much I love my job with all the crap that goes on. Since the beginning of school I have been in a world-wind of newness and obscurity. The fact that my boss, who is fantastic, trusted me and my team teacher to completely change our curriculum has been a pressure-cooker. I don’t want it to fail. But more importantly I don’t want it to fail my kids. We have a lot riding on the change…young people’s lives. In addition I was asked to head up the student government, without think of the consequences to my life and climbing I said yes. I have spent the last nine months asking a lot of question, going to high school dances, and becoming the one person on staff that people run in the opposite direction to in the hall way for fear of being asked to help out. Basically, for the past six months I have truly been questioning my desire to teach. My search for answers has ended a relationship, made my family think that I belong in a loony-bin for taking my frustration out on them, and hurt my experiences on climbing trips.

It took a twelve day work week, a school project that just does not want to end, a student fight, and a six hour drive to Bishop to allow me to come to the realization that I love my job. The 27 hours I spent last weekend at school helping the Junior class raise money for prom at game-day was not only worth it, it was fun. In the eye of talking about TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD for eight straight weeks with freshmen, I have been utterly amazed at their capabilities to organize and plan groups of forty to write, direct, and produce a modern adaptation of the story for the stage. Essentially, demonstrating collaboration skills far beyond that of divide and conquer. Hot-diggitydog they could be learning something! Today after school four young ladies got into a brutal fight (I know what you are thinking, what kind of twisted mind would think this could ever be positive?). Although, every stupid within the moment, lets just say that it was the relationship between students and teachers that allowed the fight to end, and then be dealt with. Lesson, we are doing something right; relationships are the way to get to students. Relationships lead to relevance which will eventually lead to rigor, in other words who would want to due anything for a jackass. After the fight I eventually got into my car and headed to Bishop, there is something about a long and empty road that gets the thoughts bubbling in my head.

-Peter Newman, Teacher

The Beginning

2008-02-19T17:33:00.000-08:00

This is my journal, something that I have been thinking about doing for that last few months. It could be a mistake, but at least it will have one reader, thanks mom. The goal of this blog is to simply give myself a forum to talk to myself about work, climbing and life. Will any of you care, probably not, oh well!!!

Kevin on Jingusbells.