Smith Rock #2

Leaving Smith Rock today.  Wow, what an amazing place.  There's so many cool, chill people around the campground.  I hope that future campgrounds are as cool! The guys I've been climbing with are pretty rad, crushing it on 5.11s and 12s.  I don't understand how they're so strong.  We climbed in rain or shine.  Yesterday (sketchy) Mike and I climbed a multipitch route (that I can't remember the name of) and it started downpouring rain.  I've never climbed in heavy rain before! I had to convince Mike to not keep climbing up wet rock.  We retreated to another area of the park and found a dry climb, which we think was rated 11c/d, and once we got to the top.. Mike dislodged a frying pad sized boulder and it crashed to the ground.  Boy, was I glad both of us were at the anchor.  Hurray for adventures in Smith! :D

Jay going for the dyno on Heresy

James and Kristi chillin on the tailgate

Smith Rock

Its my 6th day of traveling.  First stop was Smith Rock in Terrebonne, Oregon.  What a beautiful place.  I can't believe how much I love this place.  When I first arrived, I was terrified of being alone.  I was too shy to talk to anyone on Thursday night.  All the weekend warriors slowly rolling into the park to get in some good climbing.  Families and groups of families crowded the picnic tables.  The route, five gallon buckets, had lines waiting to get on the park classic.  A lovely girl came up and asked if I had a partner.  Kristi from Washington!  We climbed the next day and met some more folks.  Everyone is so friendly here!  Then we went to the re-opening of the Redpoint shop, which attracted climbers hungry for some food, beer, and music.  Met some more friendly dudes climbing hard in the park and they've been so gracious to let me tag along.  Man, I love Smith!

Off we go!

Finally, it's starting to feel like home! 

I think I'll name her Calico.  My home for a little while.  She's the color of the trees, a little out of shape, and has a pretty nice looking trunk.  I'm excited to get to know her better.

I'm nervous for this trip.  I'm completely elated.  I'm ready for it.  But, I'm also thinking, 'Am I making the right decision'?  I guess we'll see.  There's so much I don't know.  I see lonely days ahead, but I also see days full of adventure and new friends.  There's always balance in life, whether it's good or bad.  

First stop, Smith Rock in Oregon.  Then on to Portland, Ilwaco, Seattle, and Vancouver!  I'm looking forward to meeting up with a couple of old friends along the way.  

I couldn't have done it without the carpenter/craftsman Mikey Sauls, without him, this would not exist!!!

Mom & Dad

Avner came over!

if it fits in a box or two...

And thank you to my lovely, patient mom.  Without her, this trip wouldn't be possible, my car wouldn't be as nifty, and my mindset wouldn't be as calm.  Thank you!!! I love you!

Bogota & Medellín

I had such a lovely time in Colombia.  Even though it was pretty crazy teaching 6, 10 hour days, it was pretty fun.  I learned how difficult teaching can be!  It's not easy to be focused so intensely on giving feedback one after another.  I couldn't have done it without the students though, everyone was so kind and took feedback really well.  I'm so proud seeing all the final projects and the progress everyone made.  

And I managed to order something amazing in Spanish!  I really need to go to school and relearn everything... Anyway, thank you again to Naska Digital for organizing everything, and to all the people to took my class, such an honor to have met you all! :) 

Colombia first thoughts!

Hola! I'm here to teach a course at a vocational school called Naska Digital, in Bogota, Colombia.  It's a small school that offers various classes relating to 2D and 3D animation.  Today, I finished the first class of three that I'll teach while I'm here, all are about character design.  It's been fun, and I've been learning new things too.  It's my first time teaching anything, and it's really encouraging to see student's progress in the class.  Looking forward to class numero dos!

I'm also in Bogota for much longer than last time I was here, in 2011.  I've been walking everywhere, ordering food in my terribile limited spanish, and trying to experience the neighborhood more.  So far Usaquen is very cute!  Quaint little streets with much less traffic, and cute homey restaurants.  Going to a climbing gym tomorrow! :)

Here's workshop #1's students! 

Ginger gets married