http://www.climbing.com/exclusive/readerblogs/sarah_alexander/ Transplanted from Oregon, I lived in California for eight years before I discovered what truly endeared the state to my heart: the plentiful and diverse rocks! After my first ascent in June 2008, I was hooked on climbing. Besides being a writer, artist and editor, I am a spiritual philosopher who analyzes life endlessly. en-us http://www.climbing.com/exclusive/readerblogs/sarah_alexander/ http://www.climbing.com/exclusive/readerblogs/sarah_alexander/gear_cropped-sq.jpg 10/14/09 - The panicky voice reminded me of someone. The calm voice reminded me of many someones. My homegirl Jonalynn was having a freakout on a ledge at Wishon, California. To climb higher, she had to make a challenging move full of trust. It was her first climb ever – and on a route that was no gimme. It was probably a 5.7, harder than what I wanted to start her on, but there were no anchors above easier routes. http://www.climbing.com/exclusive/readerblogs/sarah_alexander/sarah_jane_alexander_-_reader_blog_11 sarah_alexander Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:21:00 EST http://www.climbing.com/exclusive/readerblogs/sarah_alexander/toppingout-sq.jpg Sarah Jane Alexander - Reader Blog 10 10/14/09 - The First Time - The panicky voice reminded me of someone. The calm voice reminded me of many someones. My homegirl Jonalynn was having a freakout on a ledge at Wishon, California. To climb higher, she had to make a challenging move full of trust. It was her first climb ever – and on a route that was no gimme. It was probably a 5.7, harder than what I wanted to start her on, but there were no anchors above easier routes. 8/31/09 - I used to sit in my lonely Fresno apartment and pray for friends, sometimes weeping. Transplanted from Oregon for my job, I found my new home strange and unwelcoming. I enjoy spending time alone, but a person can only take so much isolation before she starts to feel abandoned, unwanted, forgotten. http://www.climbing.com/exclusive/readerblogs/sarah_alexander/sarah_jane_alexander_-_reader_blog_10 sarah_alexander Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:21:00 EST http://www.climbing.com/exclusive/readerblogs/sarah_alexander/alvyncary-sq.jpg Sarah Jane Alexander - Reader Blog 10 8/31/09 - I used to sit in my lonely Fresno apartment and pray for friends, sometimes weeping. Transplanted from Oregon for my job, I found my new home strange and unwelcoming. I enjoy spending time alone, but a person can only take so much isolation before she starts to feel abandoned, unwanted, forgotten. 8/04/09 - The Devil kept me awake. Until that night, nothing had ever prevented me from falling asleep. But I call him The Devil for a reason. No mere mortal could have created the horrible razor-blade rasping, louder and more dangerous sounding than a chainsaw grinding granite. These superhumanly loud honks gestated in mucus lungs and were birthed in nostrils of rusty steel. http://www.climbing.com/exclusive/readerblogs/sarah_alexander/sarah_jane_alexander_-_reader_blog_9 sarah_alexander Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:21:00 EST http://www.climbing.com/exclusive/readerblogs/sarah_alexander/SJA-Castle-Rock-cr1-sq.jpg Sarah Jane Alexander - Reader Blog 9 8/04/09 - The Devil kept me awake. Until that night, nothing had ever prevented me from falling asleep. But I call him The Devil for a reason. No mere mortal could have created the horrible razor-blade rasping, louder and more dangerous sounding than a chainsaw grinding granite. These superhumanly loud honks gestated in mucus lungs and were birthed in nostrils of rusty steel. 7/23/09 - The guidebook called the Sequoia National Park route a three-pitch 5.7. But when we arrived at the start of the third pitch, I knew we had been led astray. I was looking at a 5.10crux and I didn't know what to do - except try. http://www.climbing.com/exclusive/readerblogs/sarah_alexander/sarah_jane_alexander_-_reader_blog_8 sarah_alexander Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:21:00 EST http://www.climbing.com/exclusive/readerblogs/sarah_alexander/sarah-mororock-sq.jpg Sarah Jane Alexander - Reader Blog 8 7/23/09 - The guidebook called the Sequoia National Park route on Moro Rock a three-pitch 5.7. But when we arrived at the start of the third pitch, I knew we had been led astray. I was looking at a 5.10crux and I didn't know what to do - except try. 5/12/09 - One of the best things I can say about myself as a climber is that I'll try a lot of routes that intimidate me and I don't mind getting shut out. Which is exactly what happened. Within seconds, the boulder made it clear who was boss. http://www.climbing.com/exclusive/readerblogs/sarah_alexander/sarah_jane_alexander_-_reader_blog_7 sarah_alexander Tue, 12 May 2009 08:21:00 EST http://www.climbing.com/exclusive/readerblogs/sarah_alexander/sarah_leo_sized-RB7-sq.jpg Sarah Jane Alexander - Reader Blog 7 5/12/09 - One of the best things I can say about myself as a climber is that I'll try a lot of routes that intimidate me and I don't mind getting shut out. Which is exactly what happened. Within seconds, the boulder made it clear who was boss.