Hiking, Climbing, Blue Mountain

Went hiking w/ Colleen on Sunday.

Saturday I went climbing w/ Paul Becker & Jen Friedberg. They went up Jeff Loves Eileen and the route to the left. Didn't get to the top of JLE. Then I did Seduction Crack. I was ONE move from the top, but it was all arm and I was wasted. Still had a good time.

Sunday, hiked Blue Mountain w/ Colleen. Two miles straight up. Beautiful view and quite a workout. Took 1.5 hours up, only 30 minutes to go down!

MSL w/ Colleen Tanner

Up in ADK w/ Colleen. Went swimming in the lake for the first time. Very nice! Didn't sleep well - nothing new there. Cutting across blue trail to save time.

Next time bring running pants, 3rd t-shirt, and other footwear to change into. The ferns and overgrowth were pretty bad once we got to the other side of the lake. My feet were soaked. Good thing I brought dry socks & towel. Water was a nice swim. Lantern was a good addition.

Climbing Moss Island w/ Jenn Friedberg

Went climbing today at Moss Island w/ Jenn Friedberg. I ran into John & Carl Swisher - met them w/ Stan.

Jen & I did #62, Tumbleweed. Jen dropped me coming down. NEVER USE GRI GRI again. Reflex of tightening handle made me fall faster. I didn't get hurt at all - landed on my side in contour with the ground. I took a breath, looked at her, and said, "Are you okay?" She was freaked but it was nothing. Stupid anchor got stuck in a crack though and I had to leave it.

Moss Island w/ Eric

Up with Eric - so glad he takes the time for these trips with me. We did the West End. I got up Sno White (5.8) on the 2nd try. Eric didn't make it and got discouraged. I went to try Seduction Crack (5.8) three or 4 times. I almost made it but  was tired when I tried for a dyno. Gotta get it next time.

PBL in Orlando recap

Orlando was actually a blast! Thursday & Friday I did the institute for leaders. Didn't go out Wednesday night because I was tired, but Paul snored so badly I woke up and still didn't get enough sleep.So I went out every other night - why not? Jen Friedburg had broken up with her boyfriend and I tried to hang around with her as much as possible. On Thursday we all went to the Dance Hall on the Boardwalk. Had a spitting incident with ice & Paula. Or maybe that was Friday. Also went to the House of Blues on Pleasure Island. Got Eric a t-shirt. Place was cool. Went to Comedy Club one night but left early. It was very good, though. Monday night (our last) we went back to the Dance Hall and just sat outside due to the crowd. They were doing swing-era music though and people were having a blast. It was nice to see.

We went to Animal Kingdom on Sunday. The Bug Show (3D) was a blast. Took the Safari ride which was okay. Bird show was wonderful. They brought out a live bald eagle. It gave me goosebumps. We heard the boat ride was stupid so we didn't go. The dinosaur ride was cool - we went on it twice. Then we went to MGM and the Great Movie ride - not so great. But the Tower of Terror was worth the price of admission all by itself. Drop, up, Drop, up, Drop. We rode that twice also.

The convention was okay. Lots of stupid stuff also. But Paul, Paula, and myself won 1st place for Business Decision Making. Top 3 were us, U of Florida, and U of Kentucky. I'll never forget that moment.

I met Sarah Pike from Arizona. She's the new Southwest Region National VP.

PBL for SUNYIT in Orlando, FL

In Orlando, FL (Disney) as part of the PBL team of SUNIT. Here with Paula Pindle, Paul Becker, Colleen Tanner, Jenn Friedberg.

Tonight I had stuffed lobster at Harry's in the Dolphin hotel. We stayed in a Hilton our 1st night due to overbooking. Paul did something I'll never forget - he asked the clerks at Dolphin check-in what they could do to compensate us for the inconvenience. The clerk looked taken aback and then saw Paul was serious. Next thing I know the clerk is handing Paul vouchers for us to eat at Harry's. The entree alone was $38!!! We also tried Alligator tail. Both were amazing.

Animal kingdom - safari ride, bug show, bird show, dinosaur ride.
MGM - movie ride wasn't that good. Tower of Terror was awesome!

LBI 1998

Next time I'm looking for a girl, go to Panzone's Pizza first (next to Bay Village). Waitresses are wonderful. Plus, many female types at Fantasy Island. From all walks of life it seems. Even I should find someone if I want to. This year - first year I ever really went out of my way to meet someone - I met Carla Scarpone. Lovely girl. She's going to Hamilton in the fall. Maybe I'll see her.

Actually did rides @ Fantasy Island with Elizabeth & Alexandra. Very fun.

Kurt & Tammy are having trouble. Don't ever bring a girl along unless I'm married to her! Short list of girls whom it hasn't worked out for (various brothers): Kim, Megan, Anne, Tammy.

Also, bring RADIO & cards next time. Don't need so much food.

Panther Mountain climbing

Took Eric to Echo Cliff on Panther Mountain near Piseco, NY. Only did one route - West End Brewery. E didn't quite do it all, but I was able to flash it. Crux was 2nd or 3rd move. Whole route was only 7 or 8 moves long. I'll pay more attention next time. It was easy to top-rope with the trees and all. Could be a good route to practice leading and placing pro. I don't know about the other routes. I will be going back! Eric bought climbing shoes so hopefully he's into climbing, too. Maybe Kurt can go with us next time.

Kayak from home

Went kayaking down the mohawk river. Started at the house (Lake Delta) and took about 30 minutes to get near the dam. Portage down, then into the river down to Staley Jr High. Total trip about 3 hours. It rained a little.

Scary moment past the dam. A tree had fallen across the river and instead of getting out to go around, I though I would just go over it. As the kayak bumped the tree, the bow went up on the trunk, and suddenly the stern was lower and quickly, the river current started pushing it down. I never jumped out so quickly. I had a mental image of being pinned upside down between the tree and the river floor. Without my bodyweight, I was able to easily drag it out of the water, around the tree, and continue.

Gotta get a new drain plug. The boat was pretty much full when I finished. Should have brought bug dope also. And a hat. One or two great fishing spots on the route. River was much colder than the lake. Also need to put a towel in the car. I did bring my cell phone which was very smart. Tevas to walk in and biners to tie boat to car.

MSL solo (2 of 2)

Back in the car now. Did NOT sleep well - R eye sore. Beautiful morning though. A little chilly which kept bugs away at first.

From now on, no need to bring stove unless it's winter. There's enough firewood available. Also, need heat shield for stove - wind had a huge impact on the flame. It took 10 minutes to boil 1 cup of water.

Didn't need the extra socks. Didn't need (or use, actually) the pillow. Gotta bring handkerchief next time. Had to use my t-shirt and then had to wear long sleeve shirt on the way out this morning. I was thinking of heading to Canada Lakes Wilderness Trail, but changed my mind. It looks easy to reach and I want to head home.

MSL solo (1 of 2)

Up at MSL again. Bugs are glad to see me. Remember to bring something to write w/ next time. Platypus bottle is a pain since it doesn't fit the water filter. Mosquito netting is great.

All alone this time since it's mid-week. My R knee hurts, but it's a lovely place. Brought a towel this time and it is nice to have.

If I eat citrus fruits before hiking, will the chemicals in my sweat repel the bugs? Ben's 100 works well, but it's a strong chemical. I'm nervous about just opening up the water.

Next time bring anti-itch stuff. Turtleneck is a great idea.
Cory Cipriani - Dick Zeman

Indoor Climbing

Went climbing at Earth Trek in Columbia, Maryland for 3 hours or so. Had a blast. Almost redpointed a 5.9. The 5.8's are still challenging and fun, though.

Take time before each climb to compose myself and say a little prayer. Very good for me.

PS - 7 hours from Rome to Tara's in MD.

Seneca Rocks, WV

Climbed in a cave. Man I was scared. I got so cold my fingers & toes were numb. I started to back off the rock, but Dan wouldn't let me really, and I found a good rest where I was able to relax and get the blood going. By then it was raining so much we decided to leave, but AFTER I finished the route. Went back to White's Run Road. Dog was still there so now we're waiting to use phone again.

Don't know what's going to happen now. Except lunch, that is. Good thing I brought rain gear!! Feet are still toasty thanks to Wigwam. Boots are great. Long underwear pants are nice. Wool inserts from my army gloves are a MUST from now on. I envy Dick's slippers - I'm still stuck in my heavy boots.

Gotta remind myself to THINK before I climb & not rush it. Be patient & confident!

Seneca Rocks, WV

First morning. Dick had plastic cups & mess kit which was very useful. Boil water & use plastic cups while using stove to make something else. Bought a tarp for the tent and stupidly put it beneath the tent. Woke to a nice pool between the tent floor & the tarp. Dick had a small knife that was way more useful than a Swiss Army knife - and I going to be opening wine, for example? There's always a P38 to open cans.
A dog came wandering by: 567-2243, Frank Hoffman, PO Box 73.

It's raining, but wigwam wool socks are keeping feet very comfortable.

Prep for Seneca Rocks, WV

Food for trip w/ Dan:

• 7 oz Uncle Bens Brown Rice
• 1 x 3 oz can Swanson White Chicken in Water
• 2 oz Molly McButter
• 7 Lipton Cup-a-Soups

I'm also going to get some instant flavored oatmeal. I bought a steel cup & a stove to bring along. Don't know what we're doing for water yet. Bringing Treasure by Cussler to read.

Gear list:

• Compass
• Repel
• Deet
• Water Bottle (platypus)
• Tent
• Pillow
• Pad - Ergo mat
• Pur Filter
• Hand Lotion
• Chap Stik
• Ear Plugs
• Super Glue
• Toothpaste / brush
• TP
• Mountain Suds
• Vitamins
• Med Kit
• Polypropylene bottoms
• Fleece pants
• Fleece jacket
• Bergelene tops
• 2 wigwam socks
• 2 sock liners
• sleeping back
• dickie
• hat
• harness
• shoes
• ATC's w/ locking biner
• mosquito netting
• real hat
• 1 shorts
• 1 t-shirt
• camera
• ropes
• wool gloves
• dogtags

That should be about ti besides clothes.

Prep for Seneca Rocks, WV

About 1 week until Dick & I go climbing in Seneca, WV. I'm pretty excited about it, but I sure am bringing a lot of stuff. Dick talked about eating mostly soup. Maybe I shouldn't be worrying about what I'm eating right now - I've been trying to go low fat / low calories.