Phoneless

I've been in Moab for a week now.  It's taken some getting used to the rock here (sandy, much?).  But, boy it's lovely.  After spending Thanksgiving in Denver with my friend, Amanda, we decided to wander over to Moab to boulder, and climb some desert cracks.  It's been really fun, but after 7 straight days of climbing, I'm literally exhausted.  Yesterday, I made a new friend, and we wandered into Longs Canyon and climbed some cool routes.  But, after he dropped me back off at my car, I couldn't find my phone.  I searched and searched, drove back up Long's canyon (the most horrific dirt road my van has been on.. and it survived!) didn't find it, and as I was driving back to town, fully expecting it to be lost forever, I spot something white in the middle of the road.  Then, I spotted all these broken pieces nearby.  My phone got run over... probably by me as I had followed my friend back to town.  Such is life!

Good times though, I was surprised how at peace I was, upon discovering the loss.  So silly, how connected we feel with this little rectangle of metal.  Last night, as I made dinner, instead of browsing my phone, checking insta-face-gram, seeing how many likes I'd received... I read a book, wrote a letter, did some yoga, and reflected on the day.  

After I found the phone in the middle of Potash road, in the darkness, surrounded by a glorious star-lit sky, I wandered over to the market dumpster (which I've been frequenting all week), found tons of bananas, squash, peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Then, as I was walking back to the van, in the dark, an old creepy-looking man carrying a box startled me, and then, to my surprise offered me a bunch of bagged chips ahoy cookies, and went about his evening.  Then, I went to the market (for the first time in 2 weeks), bought some bacon and eggs.  One egg was cracked, and the cashier sold me these 5$ organic, free range eggs, for 1$. And, to top it all off, I'd made a new friend who was supportive and fun, and offered me a warm shower, and a place to cook dinner.  .  I couldn't be happier with how the day turned out :)

Amanda and her van, Penny at Goose Island Campground

Beautiful Moab!

climbing in Kane Creek!

Van build #1

So.. I recently bought a huge hunk of a van.  And, I thought.. oh! I can finish this build out in 2 months, no problem.  Well, it's been 3 months and I haven't even gotten all the walls up! Sigh, but I've learned a lot! How to saw things, cut & drill into metal.  Working with wood is really fun.  I would have never pictured doing something like a few years ago.  Even though it's taking forever, it's already starting to turn into something pretty neat :)

shortening the step

step complete! 

endless insulating .. 

figuring out the window frame

Baptiste's fancy woodworking!

starting to feel like something!

these cedar fence panels don't look too shabby!

bed frame construction 

Potrero Chico

Tent life.  Early mornings.  Endless cups of tea.  A little bit of Work.  Slowly, people drift from their tents into the kitchen to make their morning cup of coffee.  Oatmeal, eggs, avocados, mangoes, more coffee, climbing plans.  Mornings are usually slow here at Homeros, a small campground with a big community of dirtbags, from places like Ireland, Austrailia New Zealand, Canada, Argentina, and the States.  After arriving in Potrero, I already felt welcome.  Ran into old friends, and made new ones, all whom live out the days climbing, reading, playing guitar, and sleeping under the stars.  

Josh climbing at the Virgin Wall

On this sleepy Friday morning, a group of us glance up at the large wall in front of us, where we spot the tiny dots on the wall, Derek and Chino, who are attempting to climb El Sendero Luminoso, the classic 15-pitch route (which Honnold notoriously soloed), half the pitches going at 5.12+.  They've been up since 4am, in hopes to finish it by dinner time.  Soon, we all file into Bob's van, drive down to the market for some fresh vegetables, tamales, and El Buho coffee.  The market happens every Tuesday and Friday, and is crowded with stands filled with random goods ranging from combs to pokemon cards.  Then, over at the tamale shop (that also sells thrifty clothing) Katelyn, Colum, and Bob enjoy delicious homemade food, while sitting on broken chairs and old crates.  Post-market, we all wander over to El Buho, the local Christian-owned coffee shop with a friendly climber vibe.  

Back at Homeros, we frequently look up toward El Toro, tracking Derek and Chino's progress.  They're now about halfway, with most of the 5.12 climbing behind them.  While it's a long day for them, it's a rest day for us, as we sip margaritas and dine on fresh guacamole.  

View of Outrage Wall