Climbing w/ National Guard folks

Supposed to meet Lingo, Sgt Luciano, and Kazmirski at Moss Island for climbing. I've been here since 9:45 and still no sign of them.

They showed up at 10:55. I was going to leave at 11 so they just made it. It was Lingo, Luciano, Kaz, and Kaz's girlfriend, Megan. We did Jeff Loves Eileen, Goat Crack, and Tumbleweed. Much fun.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Berlin Boulder in Berlin, Massachusetts

Berlin Boulder, Berlin Massachusetts.

• From Fort Devens, take Route 2 West
• Then 70 South
• Then 62 South
• Turn Left onto West Street just before train crossing (5-way intersection)
• Turn Right onto Randall (just before Train Stop restaurant)
• Turn Left onto Lancaster

Boulder is on the left side of the road just past "Northbrook Greenhouses" which is on Right. About 1/2 hour - 45 minute drive.

I set up an anchor for practice. I climbed all East & North face - hardest was 5.7. Left at 11:05am.