Home and Away Team

Well it is great to be home. I have had the chance to revel in the vastness of it all over the last few days time. Doing some climbing, going on a great solo road ride, being with friends and partaking in thunderstorm espresso sessions. A couple of things have come up that may or not be of interest to you, dear reader:

Claw-Hand

I had the great pleasure of having a Back of the lake day with Drew on the weekend. It was a high motivation day where our goal was to climb 10 routes in the hallowed halls of quartz climbing. All was going well, the standard "re-onsighting" of known routes and classics, getting pile driven on moderately thin clip ups and generally having a reeeealy good time. The moment came to do one of my favourite pitches of all time, "Duck of Death". I tied in and casted off. By the 3rd bolt my thumbs started to conjure mutiny on the high seas as they locked into my palms and refused to budge, save for my efforts of forcing them open by pushing them against the stone or leg. Yikes! after a stormy battle with the claw on route, I clipped the chains and lowered. After a small rest we warmed down on an easier route where I once again enjoyed the subtile nature of the claw. Drew found this all very entertaining and as he was also pretty much done from a great day, we ventured forth to Lagaan's and the awaiting espresso and baked good combo. After a bit of net research it appears that dehydration is the key factor. I hadn't had a lot to drink that morning and the day before I had an hour long hill session on the road bike. I will be more cautious of this mysterious condition from now on! 8 routes completed.

The National

Recently bought another National Album, the Virginia EP. It is blowing my mind with the thoughtful and captivating lyrics over the usual melodies and sweet guitar licks from this talented band. It has been my soundtrack over the last few days.

Mastering the Art of living

I have been thinking as always about this, some recent thoughts:

- Focus completely on your conversation's with people, I find I never regret this. It is easy to be distracted. A hard one.

-Simple things are the best. Dog walks with your significant other, the perfect shot of espresso, moonlight on your arm while driving in the desert...

-A good Mary Oliver Quote that resonated:

"To live in this world, you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go"

Hope all is well friends.