Two months

July 13, 2015 by Stevie Lewis

I've hit the two month mark already! I feel like so much has happened and there's no way that it only took two months. Squamish kind of feels like school again. Familiar faces, friends asking how your day went at the dinner table, playing chess and cards on rainy nights under the picnic shelter. People playing guitar and singing songs to pass the time. It's simple living.

So far, the trip has exceeded my expectations. I'm also working on my children's book projects. I really enjoy the break it gives me from climbing, and I feel like I'm enjoying working now more than I did when I had a full time job. Maybe it's the flexible schedule, or maybe it's the more balanced work/fun ratio.

One thing I've noticed that doesn't really change is how content people can be in their lives. When I first moved to San Francisco, I really enjoyed the energy, the exciting places to go, the amazing food. But, soon I became less content, and antsy for the outdoors a more spontaneous life. However, sometimes here in Squamish I overhear people saying, 'Ugh the weather is such a bummer lately', or 'These are the times when I wish I had an apartment', or 'Man, why do I even climb? I don't feel like I'm progressing'. Hah, I might have said a few of these things. But my point is, even people living the dream of traveling and climbing everyday, still have moments of discontent. Maybe, as humans, we'll always want something more. Maybe we'll never be 100% content with our lives, even when it's at its best. It's interesting.

I have a few climbing goals I'd like to accomplish in the next couple weeks before I move on to Banff and Calgary. Then on to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, Ten Sleep, and possibly Devils Tower if the temps aren't too hot.

climbed with my friend, Ranae, she's awesome :)

Squamish Life

July 01, 2015 by Stevie Lewis

I woke up at 630am this morning and began my morning ritual of cleaning out my car for the day. It gets pretty messy if I don't keep up with the routine. As I worked, base jumpers were flying off the top of the chief (in the photo above), their parachutes releasing soon after their fall from the ledge. Within a minute they touch down to the ground next to my car in the parking lot, pack their chutes, and head out. What a cool morning ritual.

Squamish is amazing. So much climbing, so many types of climbing, so many traveling climbers, so much time to climb. I've been leading more cracks on gear, did a little bit of bouldering and sport climbing. The past few days, went up Slot Machine, East Bullets, and Exasperator Crack. Such fun routes!!

Today is Canada Day, and the place is bustling with people trying to get away for the long weekend. Hopefully we can get a big group from the campground to go to the lake, drink beers, and rest up for another full few days of climbing!

Seattle, not really

June 22, 2015 by Stevie Lewis

Headed back to Seattle yesterday to meet up with a friend of a coworker. We ended up going to an amazing Cuban place called Un Bien, per their recommendation and it was so delicious. I haven't had such amazing sandwiches in a while!! Then we wandered over to the Nevermind Wall off of exit 38 near Seattle and did some sport climbing. I was there last week with Tony. It was cool to go back and get on some different routes. Marc and Ben are crushers!! Got some cool photos of them on some 5.12s.

Father's Day

June 21, 2015 by Stevie Lewis

Dear Dad,

When I went hiking yesterday up to Deer Lake, I thought about when you used to read stories to me when I was little. I remember Treasure Island was one of my favorites. Sometimes, I'll find myself thinking about you. I don't visit often, but I do think about you. It makes me sad most of the time, not because you're not here anymore, but because you're not around to see how different I used to be. I feel like I've grown as a person and I think as a daughter. When you were sick, I didn't know how to connect with you and my head was focused on other things. I was selfish, and I'll always feel terrible about that.

Sometimes, I feel like you're nearby, in the trees, in the fresh mountain air. That somehow you're there to comfort me, and tell me not to worry. On this trip, I've learned to worry so much less. Society puts so much weight on silly things that don't matter, and less on what really matters. Family, friendship, love, adventure, our passions and dreams. I'm trying my best to follow my heart and do what makes me happy. I feel like if I do, somehow, people I surround myself will want to follow their hearts and be happy too. I wish I could have shared that with you.

I hope my memories of you won't fade over time. Making birdhouses in the garage, watching you work on your scripts, eating tv dinners, endless trips to the hardware store, flushing my dead fish down the toilet, playing games with me even when you didn't want to. I miss you and wish I could have loved you more when you were around.

Love,

Stevie

Olympic National Park

June 20, 2015 by Stevie Lewis

Its my third day in Olympic National Park, its very lovely here. The rainforest is a nice change from the desert heat of Smith or the Valley heat from Leavenworth. I have to wear my down jacket here! I've been going on a few hikes here and there, ranging from 5-8 miles. I feel like when I'm hiking, I have alot of time to think about things. Today I hiked up Deer Lake trail off of the same road that goes to the hot springs. At the top, when you think you're never going to get there, the lake comes into view, and it's lovely. A lot of backpackers on the trail, going for multi-day hikes. I'd really like to try backpacking someday, but I'd like it to be with a friend first.. it's scary going alone! What about the cougars and the bears!

This morning was peaceful, I tried to find a place the night before to park and not pay for camping... because it's so expensive here ($20/night). When you haven't been paying anything for the last month, it's a bit hard to justify the cost. Especially when I'm not even setting up a tent, nor using much of their facilites. I found a pull off/day use area near Lake Crescent that didn't seem to get much traffic, so I parked there. But, I woke up to the most beautiful view of the lake, and made my breakfast there. I haven't felt so at ease in a long time. I wish everyday forward could be as calm and chill. Heading back to the mainland tomorrow, psyched for Squamish!

Leavenworth

June 19, 2015 by Stevie Lewis

Leavenworth, a Bavarian town hidden in the mountains of central Washington. I went there for a week after being in Oregon for a month. My friend, Duncan, tagged along from Smith and he also turned 27 while he was there. Exciting! Leavenworth was cool, lots of bouldering and traditional climbing there. mostly bouldered in Mad Meadows and the Forestlands. Spent alot of downtime swimming in the river up Tumwater Canyon.. basically how we showered. Lived a little and went into the rapids for a minute or so, scariest thing I've ever done! Water scares me!

On Saturday evening, after doing a little bit of climbing at Castlerock, there was a Rockfest being held in Fromm's field. Different outdoor companies giving away free things, and a presentation by John Sherman, inventor of the V scale. What a rad guy, bouldering back in the day without proper climbing shoes or crash pads. We were wondering why Leavenworth's problems were so sandbagged...

Leavenworth was cool, I'd definitely go back! On to Seattle!

Robert and Duncan searching for The Sword V3