Hueco January 25th

The weather has remained cold. It snowed 3 inches marking the first snow in 3 years in El Paso. The days have are barely getting above freezing and the wind is unrelenting. I heard four distinct popping noises from my right shoulder while campusing the finish of a boulder problem called "Shower Cap", unfortunate and painful. My back has also been extremely stiff and sore, my guess is due to the cold. Despite the injuries I managed to climb a V10 called "Dirty Martini on the Rocks" the climb was originally rated V12 but has since been significantly down rated. Rich climbed "Schwerer Gustav" (V11) and "Left Martini" (V10) and has been looking strong on many other difficult boulder problems. Hema went home early to support her family while her dad gets a heart valve replacement. Despite drinking large amounts of alcohol Wade managed to climb "Bare Foot on Sacred Ground" (V12) and bought everyone a cake to celebrate.

Hueco Continued January 16th

The weather has turned quite cold. Yesterday never got above 22F but luckily was a rest day for Rich, Hema and I. We hung out at the YMCA and saw "Borat", very nice! Today Rich nearly climbed Left Martini roof but fell at the end twice. I climbed a new V10 (more like V9) called Black Mamba and we reaped the rewards that the cold weather brings with great friction on the rock.

The Return of Hueco Tanks 2007

Thank the gods that govern America's interstate system as well as the man who decided to put a gas station on top of a hill, mere miles before I ran out of gas on the 26 hr. drive to Hueco Tanks from Minnesota.

I am home now, living at the Hueco Rock Ranch. Johnny Landry is once again the camp host and it looks like the camping will be free, in exchange for emptying garbage, cleaning the barn and occasionally running the store.

The weather has been great and climbing could not be better. Yesterday I repeated "Choir Boys" (V9) and sent "Pumped Full of Semen" (also V9). Today I just climbed and spotted Matt on "Skid Marks" a high ball V11.

Tonight we are picking Rich up at the airport.

Wyoming and South Dakota Sport climbing

Summer 2006, after my trip to Hueco, TX and after catching up on college summer semester 1, me, Chris Hirsch and Ben Bodenhamer went west. This was an ideal journey to the land of motorcycles and giant sized summer travelers and most importantly excellent routes on great limestone. After Spearfish Canyon, SD, we headed further west to Sinks Canyon and the more remote The Wild Iris in Wyoming. Although Woyoming was great we all decided Spearfish was where the best routes can be found. Perfect weather blessed us on this two week journey.

Hueco Tanks 2006

So this year was particularly stressful for me. After much thought I decided to go back to school to begin some courses toward a nursing degree. This quickly turned into 15 credits while working 30hrs a week to save money to go climb. In addition my relationship to my girlfriend of 3 years was coming to a heart wrenching end. All this culminated in a 2 1/2 month stint in Hueco Tanks Texas-turning out to be desert salve for my soul.

Making the time spent at Rob's rock ranch and climbing in the park more memorable was spending time with many wonderful friends from throughout the globe. Especially Danielle and Rich.