An Air Jordan Weekend

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

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

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

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

My Boy; Gus!!!

Gus mid-takeoff!!

Hanging with Grandma Nan and Grandpa J

Someone's Got to Work, Just Not Me!

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

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.