After four days filled with climbing and biking, I tried to take a forced rest day. Unfortunately all those things I’ve managed to put off, surface. Spring-cleaning, blogging, organizing, half-read books, contracts, etc... The last few days have been tiring but extremely fulfilling. Some highlights from recent recreation were: visiting with travel companion Cynthia over a little Chuckawalling; climbing in Welcome Springs with good friends; snagging the first female ascent of Rhino-pot-amus a 13 minus; camping with a crowd of new and old comrades; and getting down to business with an outstanding project of mine in the Gorilla cliffs.

I observed more rest than usual but was unable to keep myself indoors. H2 and I headed into the Arizona Strip to find refuge from the 50 mile per hour winds… Taking cover in the wash we were able to peacefully go about our business. Running around as if there wasn’t a care in the world. Life is good here in the desert. Not much rest, but inevitably I don’t really mind. My fitness will catch up and I will certainly be in need of it for my upcoming trip to Verdon, France. The training regiment has been good. Running back and forth from the crag grabbing extra ropes and a forgotten cell phone, gradually increasing the number of pitches, and honing in on the elements. Hopefully this will have me prepared to climb some inspirational lines.