Monday, November 5, 2007
Blogging
So, I really like the idea of blogging, but honestly, I can't ever seem to come up with something to say. I used to have a journal or "diary" when I was younger, but that's always just silly girl stuff... It seems like these online blogs should be more meaningful, have a little more depth. Maybe I'm wrong? Sometimes I think I'd like to use it as a way to vent when things in my life are frustrating, but if its on the internet, then really, you probably have to be careful what you say so that someone you know doesn't read it and get all upset or whatever. And, if I know in advance that someone is going to read this, then its obvious that I will probably not tell the complete truth(depending on the situation), or that I would select my topic on purpose to provide better reading for those of you who might want to read my random thoughts. But I'm sure that no one is, so I guess I should just write what I want and realize that no one is listening, so its just a way to vent... right? hmm... I will have to think about this one... while I'm on my way to check out a projector for my next meeting.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
To trad, or not to trad, that is the question... Part 2
Last weekend I tried Seneca Rocks again. The hike, well, just plain sucks. I mean, I hate it, with a passion. The only thing I have to look forward to is that the second day there we usually only do like 1/4 of it. Thank goodness.
Anyways, so day one we head out and the plan is for me to climb with John and second Old Man's Route (5.4). After the grueling hike, we arrive only to wait while 2 other parties complete the first pitch. But I was ok with that, because I needed a long rest after that hike anyways.
Finally we got going, it was a nice climb. There was one spot that I got a little stuck, needed a take... then saw the foot that I was missing right away and was able to continue. 3 Pitches later we are at the top of traffic jam hanging out while other members of our party headed to the summit. John and I didn't feel the need to do that last little bit so we just hung out and waited. Unfortunately we waited quite a while, then we had to wait some more because traffic jam held up to its name and there were 2 groups with a total of about 6 people in front of us to rappel down. That sucked. I started getting pretty anxious and really just wanted to get down. I think I have discovered what I don't like about multi-pitch climbing. I do not like just sitting at the top and waiting to get down. If we could have rappelled down as soon as we had reached the top, or within 30 minutes, I think I would have been ok and it would have been a good day. But, because I started getting anxious it made it much worse for me on the rappel again and I freaked a little. Plus Steve and I did a Simul-Rappel, and I had never done that before, so I think that made it harder too.
Ok, so day 1 ended, no real issues, other than wanting to get off the rock as soon as possible.
Day 2, short hike, hooray! John lead up the first pitch of Ecstasy Jr (5.4) and I attempted to follow. About 1/3 of the way up... maybe only 1/4 of the way up... I got stuck. I was trying to mantle up over this edge, but the next placement of gear was a tree that was slung about 5 feet to the right of me. So as I'm trying to get up over this thing, I can't get a take or have the rope tight because it will pull me off, and I'm freaking out because if I fall I will swing, a lot. I got so exhausted that I had to take... so I asked for a take, then had to try and down climb a bit, ask for a take again, then finally had to let go and I still swung a little bit and ended up beneath that tree. I tried for another 10 minutes or so, getting increasingly frustrated that I couldn't get up this section. I had barely started, John was waiting at the top, there was a group of 4 waiting to start. I felt so stuck. I was freaking out. I kept trying to tell myself to calm down and think things through but I found myself practically crying and wanting to give up. I told John I didn't know what to do. I kept walking back and forth across that area trying to figure out a way over the ledge. To the left wasn't working, way to the right I lost the current ledge I was standing on. Ugh! I hated that. Finally, I decided to try and climb up directly beneath the tree. There seemed to be better feet and there was a solid hand hold just behind the tree, not to mention there was the tree itself... and, the fact that I was directly below where the rope was clipped it was easier for John to give me a take and keep me really tight while I tried to pull over the top. Finally I made it. Whew! I was really frustrated with myself, but John was very encouraging, as well as the group below me. They had learned my name by that point and were saying good job and what not. That was very nice of them. So then I got through the traverse, which sucked, I was scared, but I went pretty quickly. Then up the rest of the crack. The rest of the climbing was a little challenging, but no major issues like before. I managed to get all the gear out, except this damn tri-nut. But a nice guy rappelling down next to me offered to try and get it out, he was successful. So I was on my way again. I finally made it to the top of the first pitch. I was exhausted and in pain, as just two moves prior to reaching the top I slammed my shin into the rock. Ouch!
After getting to the top of the first pitch, I looked and John and said something like... do you mind if we don't do the 2nd pitch?! :) He was very understanding and was even honest saying that the next pitch was harder so it might be better to just go down. So we did a Simul-Rappel as well and reached the bottom safe and sound.
It was a long weekend, full of a few firsts and a few scares, but it was good. I think I have decided that I don't mind multi-pitch climbing, at least 3 pitches anyways, as long as I don't have to wait hours to rappel down again. I'm not sure about more than 3 pitches, cause I've never done that before, but maybe I can work on adding one pitch at a time and see how much I can stand before going crazy.
That's all for now!
Anyways, so day one we head out and the plan is for me to climb with John and second Old Man's Route (5.4). After the grueling hike, we arrive only to wait while 2 other parties complete the first pitch. But I was ok with that, because I needed a long rest after that hike anyways.
Finally we got going, it was a nice climb. There was one spot that I got a little stuck, needed a take... then saw the foot that I was missing right away and was able to continue. 3 Pitches later we are at the top of traffic jam hanging out while other members of our party headed to the summit. John and I didn't feel the need to do that last little bit so we just hung out and waited. Unfortunately we waited quite a while, then we had to wait some more because traffic jam held up to its name and there were 2 groups with a total of about 6 people in front of us to rappel down. That sucked. I started getting pretty anxious and really just wanted to get down. I think I have discovered what I don't like about multi-pitch climbing. I do not like just sitting at the top and waiting to get down. If we could have rappelled down as soon as we had reached the top, or within 30 minutes, I think I would have been ok and it would have been a good day. But, because I started getting anxious it made it much worse for me on the rappel again and I freaked a little. Plus Steve and I did a Simul-Rappel, and I had never done that before, so I think that made it harder too.
Ok, so day 1 ended, no real issues, other than wanting to get off the rock as soon as possible.
Day 2, short hike, hooray! John lead up the first pitch of Ecstasy Jr (5.4) and I attempted to follow. About 1/3 of the way up... maybe only 1/4 of the way up... I got stuck. I was trying to mantle up over this edge, but the next placement of gear was a tree that was slung about 5 feet to the right of me. So as I'm trying to get up over this thing, I can't get a take or have the rope tight because it will pull me off, and I'm freaking out because if I fall I will swing, a lot. I got so exhausted that I had to take... so I asked for a take, then had to try and down climb a bit, ask for a take again, then finally had to let go and I still swung a little bit and ended up beneath that tree. I tried for another 10 minutes or so, getting increasingly frustrated that I couldn't get up this section. I had barely started, John was waiting at the top, there was a group of 4 waiting to start. I felt so stuck. I was freaking out. I kept trying to tell myself to calm down and think things through but I found myself practically crying and wanting to give up. I told John I didn't know what to do. I kept walking back and forth across that area trying to figure out a way over the ledge. To the left wasn't working, way to the right I lost the current ledge I was standing on. Ugh! I hated that. Finally, I decided to try and climb up directly beneath the tree. There seemed to be better feet and there was a solid hand hold just behind the tree, not to mention there was the tree itself... and, the fact that I was directly below where the rope was clipped it was easier for John to give me a take and keep me really tight while I tried to pull over the top. Finally I made it. Whew! I was really frustrated with myself, but John was very encouraging, as well as the group below me. They had learned my name by that point and were saying good job and what not. That was very nice of them. So then I got through the traverse, which sucked, I was scared, but I went pretty quickly. Then up the rest of the crack. The rest of the climbing was a little challenging, but no major issues like before. I managed to get all the gear out, except this damn tri-nut. But a nice guy rappelling down next to me offered to try and get it out, he was successful. So I was on my way again. I finally made it to the top of the first pitch. I was exhausted and in pain, as just two moves prior to reaching the top I slammed my shin into the rock. Ouch!
After getting to the top of the first pitch, I looked and John and said something like... do you mind if we don't do the 2nd pitch?! :) He was very understanding and was even honest saying that the next pitch was harder so it might be better to just go down. So we did a Simul-Rappel as well and reached the bottom safe and sound.
It was a long weekend, full of a few firsts and a few scares, but it was good. I think I have decided that I don't mind multi-pitch climbing, at least 3 pitches anyways, as long as I don't have to wait hours to rappel down again. I'm not sure about more than 3 pitches, cause I've never done that before, but maybe I can work on adding one pitch at a time and see how much I can stand before going crazy.
That's all for now!
Monday, June 18, 2007
To trad, or not to trad, that is the question...
I completed my first trad mock lead, Kate's First Trad Lead, 5.2 at Practice Wall, Muir Valley. It was interesting... I did ok, wasn't to scared, but did find it difficult to pick the gear and place it properly. I also completed my first second, on a 5.5 route, I don't recall the name, but same place at Muir Valley. It was cool, glad I did it. We got some practice in as far as placing all kinds of gear, my favorite are the Ball Nuts. Those are really cool, easy to place and pretty bomber in my opinion. I was also pretty comfortable in my Nuts/Hex placements, but I never really got the hang of placing the CAMs and Aliens.
I haven't really decided if leading trad is what I really want to do. I am very interested in doing a mock aid climb to see how that works, hoping for some of that maybe this next weekend at seneca rocks or at NRG. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I'm definately interested in seconding, but still not certain on the multi-pitch stuff. Single pitch is cool and I'd like to get comfortable with that, but multi-pitch not my favorite thing at the moment.
Only time will tell I suppose.
I haven't really decided if leading trad is what I really want to do. I am very interested in doing a mock aid climb to see how that works, hoping for some of that maybe this next weekend at seneca rocks or at NRG. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I'm definately interested in seconding, but still not certain on the multi-pitch stuff. Single pitch is cool and I'd like to get comfortable with that, but multi-pitch not my favorite thing at the moment.
Only time will tell I suppose.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
How do you stay in control?
When trying to lose weight, how do you stay motivated? You would think I would know, considering 4 years ago I lost 40lbs in less than a year. It was great, I did so well. Now, 4 years later I gained it all back again. Why, you ask? Cause I am lazy and enjoy fatty foods.
Since the beginning of the year I have tried to lose the weight again. I did well for the first couple of months, I lost 10 lbs. It was a great start. Unfortunately since then I have gotten lazy again. I want to go and workout, but the best opportunity for me is after work. Right now I'm taking a class and don't have time between work and class. I get home later and the gym is only open until 10pm. I know its just an excuse, but it is what it is. I was doing well before all these classes and my work schedule changing. I was taking these exercise classes 2 or 3 times a week and was then climbing a few days a week as well. Now I struggle to get to the gym once a week and climb 1 or 2 times a week. I have also lost all control over my eating.
Last night I got home, was a little hungry I thought, but probably wasn't really. What did I do? I ate... a lot. I started and couldn't stop. First I had half a row of Ritz crackers... then I ate probably 2 ups of trail mix... a few hand fulls of regular potato chips (which make me feel ill because of all the grease but i still eat them for some ridiculous reason) and then a couple of cookies. I mean seriously. I must have eaten 600-700 calories in all that nonsense. I don't understand why I don't have control over it. I say to myself, I shouldn't be eating this, but then I just go ahead and eat it anyways.
Things at work are much better, if I pack a lunch I am set and can eat really good. Its when I have to go out to eat I always make a bad choice and eat more than I should. I used to do much better but for some reason I just don't have the self control.
It is so frustrating. I have these goals to lose this weight, to be heathier and to get better at things I like to do. For some reason I just can't stick with it. I hate it.
Since the beginning of the year I have tried to lose the weight again. I did well for the first couple of months, I lost 10 lbs. It was a great start. Unfortunately since then I have gotten lazy again. I want to go and workout, but the best opportunity for me is after work. Right now I'm taking a class and don't have time between work and class. I get home later and the gym is only open until 10pm. I know its just an excuse, but it is what it is. I was doing well before all these classes and my work schedule changing. I was taking these exercise classes 2 or 3 times a week and was then climbing a few days a week as well. Now I struggle to get to the gym once a week and climb 1 or 2 times a week. I have also lost all control over my eating.
Last night I got home, was a little hungry I thought, but probably wasn't really. What did I do? I ate... a lot. I started and couldn't stop. First I had half a row of Ritz crackers... then I ate probably 2 ups of trail mix... a few hand fulls of regular potato chips (which make me feel ill because of all the grease but i still eat them for some ridiculous reason) and then a couple of cookies. I mean seriously. I must have eaten 600-700 calories in all that nonsense. I don't understand why I don't have control over it. I say to myself, I shouldn't be eating this, but then I just go ahead and eat it anyways.
Things at work are much better, if I pack a lunch I am set and can eat really good. Its when I have to go out to eat I always make a bad choice and eat more than I should. I used to do much better but for some reason I just don't have the self control.
It is so frustrating. I have these goals to lose this weight, to be heathier and to get better at things I like to do. For some reason I just can't stick with it. I hate it.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Seneca Details
Ok, so the day started out really early. We were up by 6:30am, breakfast done by 7:30am and on our way to the trail by 8am. It took us about 40 minutes to get to the base of the climb, that was quite a hike. I've hiked Seneca before, but seriously, I'm so much fatter now that I had a really hard time. Anyways, we finally made it to the base of Old Ladys Route, 5.2. We get our gear ready and I believe Steve began leading around 9:30am. There were 3 of us climbing together, Steve lead, I followed and then Scott cleaned. I didn't want to be the last person, nor did I want to have to take out all the gear. So Scott followed on a second rope, and as I passed each piece of gear I would unclip the rope with me & Steve and would clip the rope with me & Scott. It worked out well, I got to practice my clipping :)
Ok, so I made it up the first pitch, no real problems. It was really ledgy and I felt pretty good. At the top there was a small area for me to hang out while Steve belayed Scott up the first pitch and collected the gear. Scott made it pretty quickly and then I began belaying Steve through the second pitch. This particular pitch is mostly a traverse to the right for about 75 feet. There are good ledges and everything, but the first 10 feet are super exposed. It was a little intimidating, but I was able to get through without too much trouble. When I reached the end of the 2nd pitch I took a rest, removed my shoes and enjoyed some shade. My feet were getting so hot from the sun, I thought they were on fire. Later that night I noticed that the nail polish on both my big toes had actually started to melt!!!
Second pitch down, Scott met us in the shade and now we are on to the 3rd pitch. This is a slight traverse to the right and then climb up through a bit of a chimney to reach the rappel area known as Traffic Jam. This third pitch was a little tougher, and by far the best of the three as far as the climbing aspect was concerned. I really enjoyed it! I reached the top and rested again while Steve belayed up Scott. I think by this time it is approximately 1:30pm. Did I mention that we did not bring food with us during the climb? Yeah, not smart.
Once we were all at the top of the third pitch we made our way across the "fourth pitch" which really is just the trail up to the summit, although I had to have steve put me on belay over this one V0 move that I was too afraid to do without a rope. Then we got to the base of the summit. Scott and I both looked at each other and said "hell no." There was no way I was climbing that without a rope, an achor and being on belay. So, Steve being the willing party, climbed up, placed a piece of gear for directional and then setup an anchor in order to belay myself and Scott. Finally, we made it!!! It was a beautiful day and I was so glad that I didn't give up. We spent a little time there, had a victory smoke with Scott and then made our way down to Traffic Jam for our final descent.
My experience with rappelling is minimal of course, and the highest rappel I've done was about 80 feet at Rattlesnake. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. When it was my turn to get ready I started to freak out a bit. Steve had to calm me down and I was finally on my way down. I was about 1/3 of the way down before I relaxed and was able to get into a grove. Finally I reached the ground and let me tell you, I was relieved! I was so relieved that I forgot out hot my biner and belay device would be, and slightly burned my hand. No worries, as I was about to get some food, since it was now about 3pm!!
Once we all ate and relaxed a bit we decided we were pretty well run out and decided to make our way back to camp. Besides a little detour that resulted in us climbing back up a section of the path we finally made it back to the parking lot. What a relief to be back down there!
Sunday morning was a much slower start than the day before, however we had all decided to do routes that were much closer to the beginning of the stairmaster trail. Steve lead Ecstasy Junior, 5.4 and Scott seconded. I was going to climb, but just wasn't feeling it after hiking again, so I hung out with Hillary and watched the boys climb.
Once they finished I decided to head back to camp since I was still pretty exhausted and wasn't going to climb. So I hiked back while they other remained to climb another route. However, shortly after I reached camp it began to storm, so the others were back at camp soon enough.
That ended our climbing for the weekend. Even though we didn't do a lot of routes, we still had a good trip. And hey, I reached the summit of Seneca Rocks, I couldn't have asked for a better trip!
Ok, so I made it up the first pitch, no real problems. It was really ledgy and I felt pretty good. At the top there was a small area for me to hang out while Steve belayed Scott up the first pitch and collected the gear. Scott made it pretty quickly and then I began belaying Steve through the second pitch. This particular pitch is mostly a traverse to the right for about 75 feet. There are good ledges and everything, but the first 10 feet are super exposed. It was a little intimidating, but I was able to get through without too much trouble. When I reached the end of the 2nd pitch I took a rest, removed my shoes and enjoyed some shade. My feet were getting so hot from the sun, I thought they were on fire. Later that night I noticed that the nail polish on both my big toes had actually started to melt!!!
Second pitch down, Scott met us in the shade and now we are on to the 3rd pitch. This is a slight traverse to the right and then climb up through a bit of a chimney to reach the rappel area known as Traffic Jam. This third pitch was a little tougher, and by far the best of the three as far as the climbing aspect was concerned. I really enjoyed it! I reached the top and rested again while Steve belayed up Scott. I think by this time it is approximately 1:30pm. Did I mention that we did not bring food with us during the climb? Yeah, not smart.
Once we were all at the top of the third pitch we made our way across the "fourth pitch" which really is just the trail up to the summit, although I had to have steve put me on belay over this one V0 move that I was too afraid to do without a rope. Then we got to the base of the summit. Scott and I both looked at each other and said "hell no." There was no way I was climbing that without a rope, an achor and being on belay. So, Steve being the willing party, climbed up, placed a piece of gear for directional and then setup an anchor in order to belay myself and Scott. Finally, we made it!!! It was a beautiful day and I was so glad that I didn't give up. We spent a little time there, had a victory smoke with Scott and then made our way down to Traffic Jam for our final descent.
My experience with rappelling is minimal of course, and the highest rappel I've done was about 80 feet at Rattlesnake. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. When it was my turn to get ready I started to freak out a bit. Steve had to calm me down and I was finally on my way down. I was about 1/3 of the way down before I relaxed and was able to get into a grove. Finally I reached the ground and let me tell you, I was relieved! I was so relieved that I forgot out hot my biner and belay device would be, and slightly burned my hand. No worries, as I was about to get some food, since it was now about 3pm!!
Once we all ate and relaxed a bit we decided we were pretty well run out and decided to make our way back to camp. Besides a little detour that resulted in us climbing back up a section of the path we finally made it back to the parking lot. What a relief to be back down there!
Sunday morning was a much slower start than the day before, however we had all decided to do routes that were much closer to the beginning of the stairmaster trail. Steve lead Ecstasy Junior, 5.4 and Scott seconded. I was going to climb, but just wasn't feeling it after hiking again, so I hung out with Hillary and watched the boys climb.
Once they finished I decided to head back to camp since I was still pretty exhausted and wasn't going to climb. So I hiked back while they other remained to climb another route. However, shortly after I reached camp it began to storm, so the others were back at camp soon enough.
That ended our climbing for the weekend. Even though we didn't do a lot of routes, we still had a good trip. And hey, I reached the summit of Seneca Rocks, I couldn't have asked for a better trip!
Seneca Rocks Summit
So are you ready for this!? "I actually made it! ", that's what I put in the book on the summit of Seneca Rocks when I signed my name and dated the entry to prove I had made it to the top. Unbelievable. I'm not sure that multi-pitch climbing is the thing for me yet, but I can say I've done it, and I'm quite proud of myself.
More details to come on my entire experience, stay tuned!
More details to come on my entire experience, stay tuned!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Sport Leader!?
Ha, so I did it! Can you believe it? I don't. But, I actually LEAD a sport route this past weekend in the Red. While it was super short, and super easy. I still did it. Yeppers, I lead a 5.4 Sport Route!! WooHoo! I can now consider myself a Sport Climber. Very exciting stuff. And, even though I only lead that one 5.4... I also cleaned a 5.6 and rapped down, top roped another 5.6, attempted a 5.7 lead and only made it to the first bolt, then I top roped that one, cleaned it and rapped down, I also did a mock lead on another 5.7 (C#/B-flat at Roadside) which is much taller than all the other routes we did on Saturday. All in all it was a good weekend and I'm really starting to enjoy outdoor climbing more and more.
Yyiiiippppppeeee! :)
Yyiiiippppppeeee! :)
Friday, May 18, 2007
Working extra has benefits
So, when things are busy at work I tend to work extra hours. For example, on Wed this week I worked a ridiculous 12.5 hours in one day. The pay off? It's Friday, 10am and I've already put in 38 hours this week. What does that mean you ask? Well, that means I'm outta here at Noon. Kick Ass! :)
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Preparing for trips
It's totally fun to go on a weekend trip, but seriously, the preparation is such a pain. It takes an entire evening to get ready. Tonight Steve and I had to shopping for food, which by the way, takes forever because he wants one thing... and I always want something else. Then he's grumpy because we have to purchase two of everything. Example: he wants summer sausage with crackers and cheese. Well, I don't like summer sausage, but turkey sausage is tasty! So he complains that we have to buy two of everything. I then ask him, well if you are not willing to eat what I like, and I'm not willing to eat what you like, what do you propose we do?! Of course, he has no comment! Anyways, where was I... right, shopping. So we finished the shopping and then there is the gathering of the gear, packing the clothes, preparing the food for transport and then the double-checking. Every trip, we get everything packed and then we have to stand there and rattle off each thing that is packed and use our fingers to count the items to ensure we didn't forget anything. And when I say "we" I mean Steve.
Oh the joys of weekend climbing trips! :)
Oh the joys of weekend climbing trips! :)
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