Yosemite Montage

I've put together a montage of my recent stay in Yosemite.  It is mostly footage from rope antics we got into (Tyrolean across Lost Arrow Spire, and Rope Swing from the Southeast alcove of El Capitan).  Featured in order of appearance are: Joe Stern, Sean Taff-Morales, Nick McKean, Roxy Kornelsen, and myself.

Campo Quattro y Mas

Yosemite Valley........ a place where breath taking views lurk around every corner.  There is so much to do and see; literally a lifetime of adventures await.  During my 3 week stay in the valley, I was amazed by the intense energy that radiated from the heart beat of climbing, Camp 4.  Camp 4 is like the melting pot of NY.  People travel from all over the world to climb, slack-line, hike, and sight-see.  For me, meeting new people was the highlight of my trip.  People like Mash from Costa Rica, Maria and "Nacho" from Argentina, Nick and Gareth from Australia, Shauna Potocky from Santa Cruz (basically a local), and Sabastian from Switzerland.  The day-to-day life was great.  Every morning was spent making a fantastic breakfast and drinking at least two cups of coffee before doing anything.  My partners in crime on this trip were one of my best friends, Joe Stern, and his friend Sean (who soon became a good friend).  It became apparent to me that this trip wasn't just about climbing, but about renewing my spirit and soul with the positive energy that the atmosphere of Camp 4 provided.  So come next fall, (October) you can be sure to find me in Yosemite again!

Let the games begin!

Getting ready to hike up to Lost Arrow Spire

Tyrolean across Lost Arrow Spire

The "Good Book" Highlighted in red. 5 pitches, 600 ft., 5.10d

Pointing down to Camp 4 atop the 2nd pitch of Good Book

This is how you spend a rest day.  Polky's Pool hotspring outside Mammoth

Joe on-sighting "Leanie Meanie" 5.11b 

Sean entering the crux of "Gripper" 5.10b

Sending fuel and a work of art - Apple Cinnamon Pancake

Hot Sauki

Perching bobcat at Church Bowl Crag

Half Dome amidst a low-light sunset and rising moon (almost full)

Rocktober

It's Rocktober, my favorite month of the year!  Every year I wait for this magical month.  The temperatures start to cool, the leaves begin to change, and outdoor activities are ideal.  Last weekend (26-28th) Trevor and I spent another weekend in Black Canyon.  We climbed two routes new to me: Checkerboard Wall (5.10+) and Maiden Voyage (5.9).  Checkerboard Wall had a super-spicy 3rd pitch (which most climb as the 4th) and allowed me to hone in on my mental, rather than physical abilities.  Maiden Voyage may be one of the best 5.9's I've done anywhere, and a must-do for the Black Canyon aficionado.   On Sunday (Oct. 5th) I head out to Yosemite for 2 weeks, and will be meeting up with by good buddy Joe Stern.  I can hardly wait! From Oct. 5th-20th posting will be non-existent, but I will have some great action from Yosemite coming.

Driving south on Route 92
Driving north on 550, north of Durango

2nd pitch of Checkerboard Wall

3rd pitch Checkerboard Wall, just before the spice.

Sunset shooting through the North Rim Campground