Been home for over a month now. It's a bit strange to be back in California after all that traveling. I covered so much ground in such a short time. I guess 8 months isn't that short, but since I've been at home, it feels like it all just flew by. Sometimes I have to remind myself, 'It happened, right?' I'm eager to get back out there though. Excited to explore Potrero Chico in Mexico, and to see some friends again. Then probably off to Indian Creek again to climb some cracks and hopefully head over to Colorado after to see what that's all about. I don't really have a plan to be honest.
Where the heck are we??? O_O
This past year has been a whirlwind of new experiences. I don't think I've had time to process them all. Plenty of ups, and a few downs, lots of laughs, and a handful of cries. I was worried I would barely meet anyone on the road. It took so long to cultivate a good group of friends in the big city, that I worried it'd be even harder out there. But, the climbing community is one of a kind. Many of the insecurities I had before these adventures have nearly left me. I think, meeting all the lovely people on the road, has reinforced that I have no reason to feel insecure about anything, about art, climbing, myself, my life. That we're all different, and come from different places, different circumstances, but we somehow find ourselves spending it together enjoying each other's company, even if it's just for a short while.
Kenny and Charlotte making veggie burgers
Kenny & Charlotte, who I met in the Red, invited me over to hang with them on Char's uncle's yacht, which was quite epic. It had something like 8 beds, and a full kitchen and living room area. We went kayaking and paddle boarding one morning out on the bay, watching the seals nest themselves up against the back porch of expensive boats. At night we played mah-jong, went for a drive down through Laguna beach, ate an entire carton of trader joes ice cream, and talked. A couple weeks later, my friend's Adam and Sarah (who were incredibly kind to get us into Disney at no cost, and join us for a few hours), Kenny, Charlotte, and I went to Disneyland. I was hoping that they'd get a chance to go before they left the states. After stuffing our faces the night before with my mom's cooking, we ended up spending 12 glorious hours riding rides, and trying not to purchase all the sweets. It was prettyyyy fun :)
Claire :)
stannn
Took a detour, went up to San Francisco for a few days to catch up with old friends :) It was lovely to see everyone again, bustling about in their busy lives! Making things, going places, living life. Mostly stayed with Stan and Emily, who were kind enough to host me for 4 nights, (thanks guys!). Finally saw Star Wars, made lots of gluten-free pancakes, listened to a lot of Justin Beiber. Met up with Marc and finally had some Solfood :) Boy, it was delicious! It was such a good side-trip, and so good to see everyone.
Ojai hills
Took a quick trip to Ojai to check out some boulders. It's really pretty over there, a lot of rolling hills and lovely sights. Tigger joined me too, I thought it'd be nice to see how he'd go if I took him bouldering. He did really well! Sat patiently while I climbed, and followed me up and down the trail. Maybe he'd do well on the road? We'll see...
tigger my man