Inspiration...

Inspiration is interesting.  Where does it come from? and where does it go?  It is enigmatic, some people are self inspired while others need 'inspiration.'  I find myself 50% inspired by others and 50% self driven.

A few weeks ago, my friend John (who I hadn't seen in a year) came into Canoe.  Sidebar:  Canoe is a restaurant that I am currently working in.  It is in Centre Harbor, NH.  It's nice, the food is great and I don't mind working there.  While serving John  and his friend Sweet and Sour Calamari, (which is phenomenal) he asked about my travels and said he enjoyed reading my blog.  That stood out to me.  It felt good to hear someone who I hadn't seen in a long time say that.  BAM, inspiration.  However, it has taken me close to a month to actually sit down and write.  The other 50% percent, self motivation.  Truth be told, I have been busy and my computer only works half the time I turn it on.  With that said, I am excited to blog again and set out on another trip!

Yes, that is correct.  Chad and I are hitting the road again.  It is going to be great.  Seasoned road veterans setting out on another epic trip.  (There are plans for another European adventure, but I can't tell you everything at once!)  It is time.  I need to get out.  I moving out of my apartment, and may be saying goodbye to NH for a long time.  It is hard to fathom that completely, but I haven't been happy since returning from Spain.  A large part of it stems from where I am living.  It has been a great, cheap apartment but I am done with it.

I know I have been saying this for a while, but the dream (my life since graduating college) needs a face lift, a  paradigm shift.  The ideal of the dream must continue but I need to promote myself.  Grad School, a move (out west) or a real job.  I think I am going gray from waiting tables! These things are going to happen.

As for climbing, what can be said I love it!  This summer hasn't been the best.  Lot of rain and humidity.  I sent Dodge the Lemons, a 5.13c/d on the Waimea wall of Rumney.  It is a beast of a motherfucker.  I got some recognition in a local climbing magazine for the ascent.  It was cool.  Aside from that, I have climbed Roaring Silence, 5.13b.  I am close on 3 other projects.  Two of the three are perpetually wet with all the rain, and the third, Beat Junky, I hope to send this week!

Opening moves of Dodge the Lemons

Intermediate hold before the toss to the brick.

   All in all it has been a great summer.  I got to witness and be apart of the marriage of two friends.  Anthony Cormier to Casey Martin.  They are both amazing people and I was honored to be apart of it.  I've visited friends all around the Northeast, I have money in the bank to travel with.  Life is good, the coffee I am drinking tastes great.

The adventure continues!

Friends...

I have never been the type of person who has a lot of friends.  Because of this, the friends I do have tend to be special and dear to me.  I have a core group of friends that I grew up with, friends in New Hampshire, and a few close friends in Asheville, NC.  More often then not I will go weeks, months, or even years without seeing some of them.  What I love the most about my friendships with them all, is that we pick up like we never left off.  And for that I am elated to have the friends I do. 

Chad and I found ourselves in Asheville, NC on the final leg of our trip.  It was great because Josh and Cameron were still around and crushing as usual.  Chad and I stayed with Josh and we got in a couple good days at Rumbling Bald.  While there, I spent some time with my Aunt Maggie and my cousin Lola.  Both of whom I have a great relationship with.  No matter how short a time I am in Asheville, I love it.  I wish I had the ability to just move there!  The funny thing is... what's stopping me? Nothing, expect myself.  Which is an interesting thing to say.

Since returning from the road trip, I have and still am (due to snow) spending time home in Stone Ridge.  It is interesting how you can grow up in an area, spend a majority of your life there, and feel like a stranger after living away.  When I'm home I lack motivation and I feel like there is nothing to do.  I am "out of my element?"  Does that make any sense?  Or is it that I have grown past what I know here?  I am also in a debate over work, what to do in February, i.e., go to Spain, go to Asheville for a few weeks, stay in NH... etc.  I am definitely in the post college, mid-twenties purgatory of life!  It really isn't a bad place to be.  It is filled with travels and adventures that are interesting and comical, but it is also a desolate place.  Not knowing what the future has in store is a scary thing.  Funny thing, I am going to see a movie with my mother tonight called Tiny Furniture.  It is about a girl who comes home after graduating college and is going through the same thing!  True story.  Not the movie just the coincidence. 

The time I have spent home has been fun.  I saw my friend Toby for his birthday and met his new (only new to me) girlfriend.  I went to Long Island for my friend Andrews 25th birthday, spent a few days with Dave and ended up in the Hampton's for New Years.  It defiantly ranks among my best New Years'.  I also went Ice Climbing with my friend Brad.  Yes, I am addicted to it again.  And yes, I need new crampons, the Rambo 4's have seen there day and are no longer safe to climb with.   

With all that said, life is a great adventure that I am honored to be apart of.  Yes, it has its down but it is predominately great.  Oh, don't ever watch a movie called The Fourth Kind.  I watched it last night with Scott and it is one fucked up movie!               

Interesting Tan line!

So, it has just occurred to me.  That, at some point in the future when I shave my beard, I am going to have a reverse goggle tan.  It is sunny on the west coast.  I have a thick beard.  I am getting tan.  The sun light doesn't penetrate my beard.  Therefore, I am going to have a fascinating tan line after I shave. 

The time spent in Bishop went too fast.  Was I having that much fun?  Must have been.  It seemed like Chad and I were only there for a week.  In fact, we had been there for three weeks.  Most notable sends in Bishop:  Flash of Solarium V4, Flash of Mister Witty V6, The Hulk V6, High Plains Drifter V7, and Soul Slinger Right V8.   

It can be said, that we left NH, a state that borders the Atlantic Ocean, and drove all the way to the Pacific Ocean.  Chad and I gave his girlfriend Jenny a ride to Ventura, California.  She is visiting a family that she used to nanny for.  They are a nice couple.  The mother Dianne just began a job working for Patagonia and Sacha is an independent graphic designer.  Their son Amato, is an over energetic smart 3 1/2 year old.  I wanted to steel their dog Emma!  She was the sweetest dog (next to Josh Cooper's dog Layla (Shes my girl)). 



Amato and Emma enjoying my sleeping corridors

Diane and Sacha were great hosts.  They kept apologizing for the lack of furniture.  They had just moved  from Boulder, CO.  It was quite alright and it was nice to sleep indoors for once!  Their house was the first place I had slept indoors for weeks.  We spent some time checking out Ventura.  It is a beach community for sure.  Tattoo parlors, board shops and blonds!  We walked the beach and had some tacos!  If you are ever in Ventura and you want cheap Patagonia clothing, go to Really Cheap Sports.  They sell Patagonia gear cheap!  It's still expensive but not as much. 

Vegas is Vegas.  The climbing is really fun. But, to have fun in Vegas you need to have money to spend.  It is still fun to walk around and see the sights and sounds.  The other night, while walking around, I met a real hooker.  She began to yell and Tim and I from across the street.  She came over to me and introduced herself.  I can't remember her name.  She put out two fingers and asked me my name.  Upon telling her, she motioned for me to shake her hand.  With her two fingers in my hand she did a curtsy and said, "pleasure to meet you Emile.  Where are we going to do this thing?"  At that point I informed her that I was looking for a place to eat and that was all.  She instantly started to tell me all of her favorite places to eat.  She was nice, but a real life hooker. 

We've sport climbed the past few days and went bouldering today.  The bouldering is really fun, but I wouldn't commit an entire trip here to it.  We plan on doing a day in the canyons, climbing the bigger stuff.  We won't be able to do anything super classic and long because of the temperatures.  It is warm at the crags, but cold up in the canyons. 

There is a strong chance that Chad and I will stop in Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. It is in Arkansa.  We have herd a lot of good things about it, and it is on our way back.  We plan on driving I-40.  If we take that route. I will have driven I-80, I-90, I-70, and I-40 across the country. 

I find this trip to be surreal.  In the fact that, I haven't worked in almost two months and I was able to pack up and leave my life behind.  Or is this my life?  It is a hard thing to determine.  I would like to be able to do this again next year.  At the same time, the thought of working in a restaurant in NH or anywhere for that matter is depressing.  However, that is the only industry that affords me the luxury of travel.  I hope, one day to be able to determine what I want to do.  I hope I am not destined to be perpetually perplexed. 

At the present moment, I don't see myself doing anything different.  All I know is this:  I have an epic beard, I am enjoying a Mammoth Brewing Company's Epic IPA, I am about to make some dinner, and I would like to travel some more this winter.  Maybe I will go to Spain or France, or maybe visit my friends in Asheville.  At this point, there is nothing stopping me from anything. I like that feeling.  I wish I could find a "real" job that would afford me this.




The view from Dianne and Sacha's place in Ventura.  You can't see it, but the ocean is down there.




 

Morning Coffee!

Chad and I are in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada!  Call me corny, but I love this town.  I am not a gambler, nor am I usually attracted to flashy things.  However, I get a kick out of Vegas!  Our friend Tim Greene flew in from Boston and rented a gorgeous house for the week!  Once again, he is letting us stay with him for next to nothing!  It is crazy! 

Good friends are both rare and cherished.  It is a great feeling.  I value the people in my life.  Granted Tim has the means to rent a house like this, but it is extremely nice of him to let Chad and I stay.   

I will post more later.  We are excited to go climbing and everyone is giving me the hairy eyeball!   

33 Days...

I have been on this trip for 33 days.  What an experience it has been.  Is it sad that there is an end date?  Chad needs to be back for a job, and I would like to be home for friends birthdays.  Between December 20-22, Chad and I will return to the Northeast!  Yes, those dates are still far, and there is plenty that can be done and experienced in that time.  However, today was the first day that we talked about a termination date. 

I haven't found my calling in life.  It was an unreal "dream" of mine to accomplish on this trip.  Though the trip isn't over, it does not feel like I will find it.  What I have found, is a greater appreciation for life and what is around me.  My mornings are lazy, which I love.  I get out of my tent around 8, once the sun has heated it to a point that I feel the outside world is bearable.  I have coffee with Chad.  Either French Press of Espresso!  After which, breakfast is had, and depending on the day (rest day or climbing), I embark upon it.  It is a freeing and amazing feeling.  I do know this, and it is not a shocker to those that know me...  I am tired of restaurant work!  I hope to not return to the industry.  I still have some money.  More then likely I will travel around the northeast and visit friends for a while.  Depending on what develops in the months to come, i.e., job opportunities, picking up and leaving (moving west), returning home (to Stone Ridge), going to graduate school, or staying in New Hampshire; will determine what I do.  Could I spend another summer waiting tables?  Yes, as long as I have another trip to look forward to. 



The Pit!

The vagabond/dirt bag way of life is accepted here.  Maybe accepted is the wrong word, but there is a larger presence of it.  Bishop (from what I have seen) is home to many passerby.  Yes, there is world class climbing and fly fishing here, and climbing more so then fly fishing attracts people who choose to live out of there vehicles.  Coming from the east, you don't see it as much.  Of course, it is not uncommon to see a few vehicles at Rumney that people live in.  But, its different here.  There are more of them and they are more elaborate.  There is free camping on BLM land, or two dollar a night per car at the Pit.  The two coffee shops in town are receptive of the climbers.  There are brilliant gear stores in town, great laundry facilities, a place where you can shower with natural, hot spring water for only a dollar!  Where are these things on the east coast?  There are expensive camp grounds, that not always supply wonderful showers.  Some people I meet, who are living out of their vehicles own their own business.  They have found a way to make a living and still have time to travel and climb.  Others, are people my age, older and younger, who, don't know what they want to do.  Some appear to be trust fund babies and others are like me.  They work, save and travel.  It is a great culture, one that those who participate in appreciate.  There is an unspoken bond between us all.  None of us have a lot to spare but would help the other out.

The climbing keeps getting better.  I am becoming more familiar with the style and have been climbing a lot of great problems.  I haven't been able to return to High Plains Drifter.  The top of the boulder is still covered in snow.  Hopefully it will be dry and free of snow tomorrow!  Chad and I are leaving Bishop on the 8th.  We are giving his girlfriend a ride to Ventura, CA.  She flew in a few days ago.  Chad is extremely excited to see her, and now and again I feel like a third wheel.  It was to be expected. 



Drinking water in the Happies!

From Ventura we hope to meet with Tim Greene in Red Rocks!  After that, if there is time we might hit the Southeast for a bit.  Who knows!  That is the beauty of it all!



Me Flashing Mister Witty V6

 
      
  

Cold nights and Hot Springs!

Great news!  I have kicked the 24 hr stomach flu!  It was brutal.  Word is, it is going around the PIT!!!  (The Pit is the campground Chad and I are at.  It literally, is a pit.)  I have talked to some people, and it sounds like they had it worse then I did.  That sucks, because what I had was terrible. 

Climbed at the Buttermilks two days ago.  They are amazing.  I like the style of climbing there a lot more then the Happys and Sads.  Although, the Happys and Sads are fun too.  There are so many boulder problems I want to get back on.  Each area has it's own special characteristic. 

I guess it is to be expected:  There are hordes of strong people here.  Figures a world class bouldering destination would attract some of the best climbers.  It is amazing and humbling.  Boulders' walk up and onsight V8's that I am trying.  Everyone I have met is nice, so far.  The strangest people are the Europeans.  But, that is usually the case. 

Needless to say, the mercury has dipped into the single digits the past nights.  That is cold!  They are especially brutal after a day of bouldering in the sun.  Chad and I will return from climbing, start to make dinner and freeze!!!  It is a battle to stay awake and entertain oneself at the campground.  I am often in my tent by 8, and probably asleep before 9!!!  What!!!

We bumped into friends Chad made on his last trip here.  They invited us over for a Thanksgiving fire cookout!  It was great.  Chad and I splurged and bought steaks.  Cameal and Nate, (Chads friends), made more then enough sides.  We had sauteed potato's, casserole, and stuffing made with leftover jalapeno bagels.  It was a great treat. 

The remainder of Cameal's crew showed up on Friday.  We climbed with them yesterday in the Sads.  After climbing and dinner, we all went to the Hot Springs near Mammoth.  The Hot Springs were amazing.  Picture this, 8 men and 4 girls, naked in a hot spring surrounded by mountains and snow.  The Hot Spring is 30 miles north of Bishop.  Heading North on 395 you pass elevation markers: 5000, 6000, finally 7000.  Much colder at those elevations.  Bishop is at 4130.  It was fun. 

Before I forget.  Wednesday night.  To escape the cold, Chad and I went to the Bishop bowling alley.  This place has amazing burgers!  The restaurant/bar is inside the alley.  While having dinner, Chad and I saw the worst public display of affection.  Affection isn't even the correct word.  Between passing out on her partner, scratching her hypodermic needle scars and being fondled, this decrepit mentally unstable woman was OBSCENE!!!  Her man friend, equally as repulsive was loving every moment of it.  When she would pass out, he would slap her sagging breasts to wake her up.  She would proceed to kiss him, (almost vomited in my mouth thinking about this), jump up and down... not sure why.  After a while, they decided to leave.  When he man got up to leave the woman refused to.  The man says, "your embarrassing me."  What!  There entire scene was embarrassing and repulsive.  Then she replies, "I don't give a fuck!"  Oh my lord!!!  Did I mention the restaurant was full of families, including children!  

Well, I will leave you with a beard update, via picture I just took at the coffee shop.  Hope all is well.  Things are looking better, weather wise. 

  

I am so sick!!!

Yesterday was awful.  The morning started out as any other.  I awoke to the sun shinning and the mountains covered in snow.  I had my morning coffee with Chad.  However, instead of feeling inspired and amped!  I was left with an upset stomach.  I felt like vomiting but the sensation went away.  So, I continued on with my day, made breakfast and went climbing.  I should have listened to my body.  While climbing, I felt weak and all my joints hurt.  The feeling did not go away, in fact it only worsened.  Although I felt shitty, I flashed Mister Witty (V6).  After the accomplishment things got worse.  Chad and I headed into town around 230.  We had had an early start, I wasn't feeling good and Chad wanted to save some skin.  We went to the Loony Bean; one of the coffee shops in town.  Sitting in one of the leather chairs, I felt progressively worse. 
After 30 minutes of shivering with all my layers on, I decided to get a motel room.  It wasn't a prize winner, but it had a toilet, bed, heat, and a TV.  All of which were used.  Chad being the gentleman that he is, went to the store and got me some provisions.  Tylenol, chicken noodle soup and ginger ale got me through the night.  I wish I could say I slept well.  I woke up frequently covered in sweat.  I feel much better today, but not fully recovered.  Hopefully I will sleep well tonight and kick the remainder of this!

The other day while resting.  Chad and I had some interesting and truly unique experiences in Bishop.  I honestly believe these things only happen when you are on the road.  Or, are in a new area.  Maybe you are more attune to such things, or maybe climbing destinations bring you to more culturally interesting areas. 

Our rest day (a couple days ago) started out at the Loony Bean.  Chad was on his computer drinking coffee and I was doing a cross word puzzle on my phone.  I am quite addicted to them.  While trying to discern a cross word puzzle clue, an old man entered the coffee shop.  He had with him a guitar in a guitar case which he kept in a cart with wheels.  Trembling and shaking slightly, he began to talk to a gentleman in the establishment.  Todd, who Chad and I had met the day before, talked with the old man but never took his eyes off his work.  After explaining how he came into possession of the 12-string guitar, the old man asked Todd if he would like to hear him play.  In tune with his shaking and quivering, the old man played and sang beautifully.  I wish I could hear him play every afternoon.  It was a unique experience.  I never would have guessed the old man was capable of playing so well. 

The Mysterious Guitar Player

After the free concert, Chad and I wandered over to the local bar, Rusty's for happy hour.  The enticing part of happy hour was free pool and darts.  Beers were .50  cents cheaper too.  While being carded after ordering our beer, I over herd an intriguing conversation.  I herd a woman in form a man that she, "...was going to paint her nails today, but I got drunk."  The man responded, "I like getting drunk."  We took our beers and started to play pool.  No more then 20 minutes later, the man who likes getting drunk stumbled over to the pool table.  He asked if he could play the winner.  After putting his name on the chalk board, he asked what the rules for 9 ball were.  This was alread shaping up to be special.  




Local Drunk

I had won the game of 9 ball with Chad and had the pleasure of playing the old drunk.  He wasn't very good, neither am I, but I won.  He thanked us for letting him play and his parting words were; "I never mind loosing to a better player!" 

After the bar we went to the Keough Hot Springs.  They are located just outside of town and are nice.  They could be warmer, but that is not the fault of the hot springs.  There is a resort just up stream that hogs all the hot water.  The beta is to go to the springs later, after the resort has closed down and is no longer steeling all the hot water!!!!

The climbing has been fun so far.  I was just warming up to bouldering and then I got sick.  Hopefully this is only a minor set back.  I hope to climb tomorrow.  If I don't feel well I won't push it.  I don't want to be perpetually sick the entire trip.  Chad and I went and hiked around the Owens River Gorge.  We saw some very cool sport and trad lines.  I'm sure we will spend a day or two there. 




The Happys and Chad looking confused!

 I am really enjoying the trip.  There is a feeling of euphoria I get, and I feel it over some of the simplest things.  For instance, I really like making breakfast and dinner at our camp.  There is no source of running water, the only amenity at the camp ground is a pit toilet.  Yet, we still eat well.  Our meals are high in protein and calories and mixed with vegetables. It feels great to eat well while living simplistically.  It makes you realize how little you need in life to be happy.  Maybe happy isn't the right word, but it fits for now. 

The temperature is going to drop down to 10 degrees tonight.  Hope to stay warm and wake up feeling better!