Spanish Caravan

I got a call the other day from old time slope ripper and climber friend Jack Howard. 

"Scooter. Where ya' at?" 

" My mind had no escape from that car. I had no ability to stretch my arms, move my legs, while I sat like a pile of mush my brain squirmed like a dying toad, struggling to free itself from the clutches of mortality. "

I only have about 30 minus minutes to work this blog so I'm gonna make it real sweet like. 

Right now, I sit with a cup of coffee in a dark motel room accompanied by 2 of the greatest partners. Ruben Mariscal and his friend Eva Puid. Today we're leaving for Monterey, Mexico, while yesterday, was an epic adventure. 

Ruben, after an email to him declaring what we specifically needed to cross the border, forgot the Car Title, and Vehicle Registration. We had to turn around and get back to the states. Plans are to drive to the city of Monterey where we'll climb at El Protrero Chico. We also are showing interest in the single pitch sport area called El Salto. Rest days, I'll soak in the culture documenting as much as I can photographically and mentally. 

So from Jersey, I traveled to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Chat town has some of the best climbing around. Not to mention chat town as an  artistic and educational hub; there are more than 20 quality climbing areas within thirty minutes of town. I stayed with the generous Ryan Johnson and Audrey Robertson for about three weeks. We hit up areas like B Rock, Little Rock City, Dayton Roof, Foster Falls, and on the way out stopped at Horse Pens 40. I also climbed in the Triple Crown bouldering comp. I realized it's best to climb in a bouldering competition when your in shape for bouldering, and also have rest. As far as rest goes, I havn't been doing much of that. I climb almost everyday, and enjoy being outside more than anything. 

From Chat I drove to Heuco Tanks with short stop at Horse Pens 40 for an afternoon session with Chris Sierzant and his other buddy, who's rad, but I can't seem to remember his nombre. 

I drove without stopping the next day to Hueco Tanks in El Paso, Texas; one of my favorite spots to climb. The history of Hueco tanks is rich in culture, which makes Heuco a magical place to stay.  Getting in the park hasn't been too tough, though I have spent most of the nights in front of the gate. I was not resting much, so my first day of bouldering was probably my strongest. The first day totaled about a 35 points, meaning I completed about 4-5 good moderates and a couple easier routes. Considering I havn't been bouldering much, I was pretty psyched. Besides doing a lot of moderate climbs I have been hopping on a lot of harder stuff towards the end of the day. I think this tactic makes gets me stronger.  I attempt them when weak, so when I am rested and strong; I might just float em'.

Ok so thirty minutes is approaching and I should probably get everything together. On a final note, I got two A's in school, and am excited to continue my education. I'm not sure what I want to do for this next semester. I really want to work on some personal projects. Maybe a small clothing company for surfers, climbers, and skaters; while also getting into videography and photography. I would also like to continue playing music and song writing as well. My hopes to help people in need has not ceased. My mother and I have plans to donate a couple of days to habitat for humanity when I get home. I also have hopes of finding a place to live where I can work on climbing projects while working a normal job and going to school. 

Alright, well, enough from me, and time to get back to your daily adventures. 

Remember, if you havn't seen it check out my website for my MAT 125 class, @ http://mat.miracosta.edu/MAT125online/1homework/Final%5FProject/Glasberg/  and also don't forget to check out the newest blog at Asanaclimbing.blogspot.com. 

Be safe and have fun. Thanks for reading. 

"i'm goin' to Jackson"

.





It's been a while since I updated everyone on my progress.
I guess I feel that I always had to put something poetic or creative in the blog, but counter productively; it's affecting status updates.

Rifle was awesome. I sent a route called 'Vision Thing' which marked the end of a two month trip. Maintaing school work and climbing was a little bit harder than I expected in Rifle, the availibility of internet service was a bit contrived.

Venturing East, I crashed in Denver for two nights at Reuben Moriscal's crib. The temperatures were very warm, and it was there I realized the altitude of Rifle, and it's positive effect on my body. Running was a big part of my routine in Rifle. Here was the schedule:
3 days on, and run after the second. The runs varied. Either I felt energetic, and persued an hour, or felt sluggish and got the blood moving for twenty or twenty five.
Main point was I was keeping up with the routine from San Diego; and besides excelling at climbing, was becoming a better runner. Besides Vision Thing, one goal was to run the "three forks trail" (in recommendation by another running partner in Rifle, in what seemed like 'forever ago'). The trail is 10.2 miles with the first 5.1 with an elevation gain of 2,000 plus feet (that means all up hill).
I completed the run and was psyched.

Taking off from Denver, the drive on 1-70 east was so expansive. Land stretched on both sides of me, like water from the coast of the pacific. My mind moved with ideas, prospects, and anticipation for the future. I drove for about 14 hours or so, until finding a quaint rv park in a town called Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
The next morning I chilled at a coffee shop called, " Life's Little Perks". The folks were friendly and accomodating. Knocking on the door in the morning, under the effects of limited sleep, seemed surreal as a women walked to unlock the door for the young, sleep deprived  traveler sporting an authenic Indian long sleeve. 

Traveling Via skateboard to grab a peach for my breakfast cereal, I telephoned artist and friend Jason Kehl. Jason is one of the most motivating characters I have ever met. He embodies some sort of unexplainable essence, and that gets me psyched.  

I remember that day vividly. The previous night I tuned into scratchy a.m. radio signals, on unknown stretches of highway listening to Barrack Obama give his acceptance speech. This day was a day of peace for a nation drenched in a history of racial tension. I rolled down that southern illinois block with headphones on, feeling more free than I had in a long time. 

The weekend of bouldering in Southern Illinois was awesome. The sandstone out there is really good. The rock is unlike most that I'm accustomed to in California. Our patina (a green or brown film caused by oxidation on things like rock or other metals) is their iron deposits. We visited three areas: The holy boulders, Drapers Bluff, and Jackson Falls. Jackson falls takes the cake for the my favorite, with the Holy Boulders at a close second. 

At the end of the weekend I spent my last day doing homework at "common grounds".

The rest of the driving was easy going. Around 2.am. I found myself in a little town called "Slade,Kentucky". It seemed a little more desolate in contrast to the last 6 hours of gas station laden highway. 

I woke up in the morning located as far from the rest area's trucks as possible.  I woke, got out of my bag, threw on some clean clothes and  ventured north on the KY 11. Soon enough, I recognized Miguel's Pizzeria on the left hand side of the road. 

What is Miguel's Pizzeria. Tom Lindner says "It's the center of the universe for climbers." 

At Miguels it's 2 bucks a night for camping, 1 dollar internet access, heated downstairs, cooking area, bathrooms, showers, a bunch of land for those with tents, and a full parking lot for us who car camp. 

 A lot of the time I have been climbing for about four or five days on, and taking about 2 rest days, running for about an hour on the first day of rest. I'm worked.  The first rest day I'll run, and the second day attempt not to climb. My climbing consists of doing about 4 to 5 pitches. I'll give about 2 burns to a 13 c or 14a and then hop back on a moderate 12 a to 12 d to keep up my fitness. Harder routes seem to practice power and easier routes make those harder routes more endurable. 

Tonight's the big night for Migeul's 25th anniversary party, so best to believe I'm gettin' my groove on. There are slideshows, movies , music, and a bonfire. It should be fun to hang around and take a break from doing studies for one night. 

As far as school goes, I'm am getting A's in both my classes and I only have 1 more assignment for MAT 125 and one more test, assignment and about 2 easy quizes for Nutrition Online. 

Plans are sort of up in the air for the rest of the season. I am definately heading to Chattanooga, Tennessee for either two or three weeks. Out there we got some 'a' da' best boulderin' and route climbing within' a concentrated dia meter on the eastern coast of dis' her' America. Yup. Good quality. 

After Chat, I have to make a decision. They are as follows:

• Drive to El Paso and boulder at Hueco Tanks settling with the access issues that may hinder my amount of climbing . Maybe take it easy and just head home for the holidays, see my loved ones and friends, and climb the shit out of El Cajon Mtn. for a few weeks. Then probably work,  go to Vegas, or plan a trip abroad. 
• Drive to Denver and hit up some of the bouldering featured in Stone Crusade along the way. When I get to Denver I would go with Reuben M. (my basque buddy) to El Portrero Chico, Mexico for a month and then come back to Denver. Then head to Utah. 
• Drive to El Paso,  maybe boulder at the Tanks for a couple dayz, get picked up and then go Portrero. Then get dropped back off.

I know for sure I'll be at the Sun Dance Film Festival with my father from Jan 17-the 24th. Can't wait. 

Really, most of my work is and must be focused on getting good grades. I have two A's and I don't want to compromise my success as a student. I am still sober from all drugs with the exception of alcohol, and  I don't drink in excess. I just grab a good looking brew and drink that with dinner while working.  From today I have been sober from smoking pot for 7 months and 11 days. I've noticed that with abstinence from substances people respect you more, and you find yourself succeeding at a lot more things. Drugs are like malnutrition, they can hinder your full mental capabilities. 

I'm gettin' a little antsy so I'm headed out to the cliff to watch climbers and get in a few pitches. Thanks for reading, and let you know what's going on in the future. 

Learning, Writing, Reading.

The frost after a freezing night in Rifle Canyon.
Ruben from Spain. Such a nice man.
Me Going for a Trail Run
The Guiding stick I found inthe back country while on a run
Me
Why not to leave Rifle? The town where the gun was found on the side of the road during times of war.  The joy the mountains brings to me, disconnected from the world, with no phone, no traffic, no haste no greed. Share with thy neighbor, water, food, talk. Why leave to Kentucky? My books draw me in; besides to study I find such inspiration to learn about others while I'm amongst the trees. To survive the thawed fall time in the canyon amongst the streams and deers, and faceless and race less skies. A pure endeavour that you can only experience once every year, why would I leave? A run yesterday took me to deep parts at the tip of the canyon which few choose to explore, with brisk winds blowing and my heart racing, I wish I'd came before, but poetry and thoughts, inspired by my studies, I learn so much no need for company, there's no need for a buddy.

THE RAIN and COLD

The clouds darken with roars from something we all feel close to. The response from the heavens answers something so satisfying with our souls. I call back to the thunderous roar "HOO!" Indians would dance and play with colors and ribbons and flutes and coyotes and bears while the mighty winds and rains and clouds a blew. The fires all went out while we forced inside to light our candles. Alone or with others our own delights were here to satisfy us. We wrote, we studied, we thought, we ate, we moved, we hurried,  we slowed, we wait, we are inspired. While the cold air and clouds precipitate, change in the weather is like that of life, a delightful view for the eyes of sight. Our inner eye reflects the clouds and the wind, connections to your soul provides a grin. 

  And for this reason I choose not to leave Rifle. With my pad of thoughts getting more extensive, and the my neighbors giving me omens of education, by touching up on my french. The cold, freezing nights beckon me to stay. 

INSPIRATION TO HELP THE WORLD: (has been calling my name since I shed a tear)

I read an inspiring book that delights my soul, to live what life I have not lead. To make my family proud and work hard to help others and myself. As I grip the frozen door handle of my car, my life awaits on the other side, and while the clouds wisp over head I see the beauty of these shapes and know that lifes-a-turning. I meditate, and I stretch under skies, I read while I walk, a peaceful mission that has no location. Climb a mountain, envisioning landscapes so far away. To help a child, to move a mountain, could never see the day.  But read I do, and just learn more, which helps me on my quest;  to move a mountain to help a child, I sure shall do my best. There's so much more that calls my name, to read to write to learn, but Rome was not built in a single day, and with effort I shall earn. 

My experiencese are only wielding optimism, shaping my life, to shape my vision ,and more. To keep on writing and babble on would be an underscore. To tell you blatantly what I want to do, should be saved for grants and applications, to help others, to make my mother and father smile, to meditate under moving skies knowing that I have made a difference. I speak to my love still, as best of friends, while no relationship does bind us, we recognize the greatness in one another and soon greatness is sure to find us. To bake a bread, and teach our children, and help others plus ourselves. The greatness of life is shining so bright and I can't await tomorrow. 

Some of my plans:

1. To keep learning and writing and reading daily. Learning and accomplishing more is a huge goal.
2. Donating my time to very important issues in the world. Eventually to fulfill a quest to help others in need. 
3. The short term will take me to Kentucky to climb at the Red River Gorge and figure out where my future is going. 
4. To keep on reading and writing and learning. 
5. Staying in close contacts with my friends and family. 
6. I want to congratulate my cousin Mark L. and his wife Christine on their new baby girl Charlotte
7. And the new addition my cousin Lauren R. will have to the world coming soon. I want to let my family know how important they are to me. 
8. Sent "The Beast with Two Backs" 
9. Reading a book called "3 cups of tea" Inspired also by botany and exploration and many other things.

Ruck Sack Revolution: Love, Loss, and Thoughts

There is no more dream or ecstasy than smelling the bread of the future, being baked behind a barefoot princess. The fall wind is blowing while the landscape is new, and your work is done and talk is to be made, and maybe more so love. The kids run barefoot playing pleasantly where ever your mind pictures them playing, for they are the relaxation of a kerosene lamp that burns while you read your favorite book. 

You can sit with your friends at the boulders or routes to walk around while the crisp winds blow in another season fashioned by your mind. Damo's bare head resembles no sign of age, but signs of wisdom and Buddha monks. We joke and walk and eat and climb, and poke fun, and sleep, and dream, and meditate and wake. The sun shines on the steam of Soy milk and coffee. Schatt's bakery brings good notions, where ever I am I'm sure I'll find this same pleasant company. 

I can't wait to indulge in a family gathering meal or restaurant, now that my moneys is saved. Either breakfast or dinner with Pancho Joes and Senorita Misses. 

The plan was to go to San Francisco, though the truth was the sun shone on me here in the mornings with such peace and tranquility it is too hard to move. The night was the same but the stars and dim fires tickled my eyes. The river is so nice to wash with in the morning and night.  I didn't move, and three hundred bucks goes and does much more than just three hundred bucks. 

Standing out front of Wendll's gift shop getting post cards, for Mom, Dad, Cousins, and my girlfriend , I informed Lahna I wouldn't be coming out, (Lahna's my girlfriend, well..). She then informed me that it just wasn't working out. I thought it was working out, I mean I was calling to let you know I had just almost been enlightened and that the peacefulness of the woods would just have to prolong my stay a bit. Who wouldn't want a counterpart that had been so at peace while alone? Or the type of guy who could fix up the best plate of beans and rice and vegetables and oil and nuts and raisins and apples and oranges, and flax seed and soy milk and homemade pancakes! And who reads and writes a lonely zen scripture, when lonely is not lonely just nothing that is nothing. 

I'm not here to proclaim love, or not proclaim love, I am only here to inform, my words will lead you. 

My dreams of love are in different sights and pastures, and ranges and mountains, and friends and food and family and new experiences delightful and pleasant so spare, to mornings of changing in chilly and bare, temps that excite you to just hug a friend, my road trip is surely now never to end. 

It makes you want to surrender industrial ties and just go on rucksack revolution never dies. Bumper stickers you make, and t-shirts from Dad, who the hell could ever be sad. Come and join me. Come talk Buddha, poetry, and sit down with me, under the sky or under a tree. On the road, Kerouac, and books to be unwrapped, reading and writing has replaced my rap. But, I keep on rapping and rapping on I will do, when the season is winter I will be with you. In the peace of your mind with snow flakes that are peace, home alone, elementary school, parents, and a new niece. My mind is being born again, and you search but have found, what is whole, cause what is the new now are: those visions of old. Like feelings you get about things that you miss, don't be mistaken cause you may just miss, those old thoughts are more real and alive in present, and now, like when I miss days of schooling I am learning now. 

As for the baked bread in the kitchen with walnuts, and olive oil, and berries and dates, and almonds, and soy milk and love and cooking mitts and snow and leaves and children and new images of places you have never seen but know they make you happy. Those are my mind right now. My imagination is no longer imagination, because my life is imaginary. I am the director in the screenplay of life, so buy your ticket, because I have my whole life to do what I haven't done already. To all my friends I love you, and my family you are my comfort and love and joy I look forward to;  and my girl who ever you are I know your there and I love you also. I don't care what you look like anymore, as if I ever did. For now for you readers,  just put on that imaginary head dress, and walk around cause now one will see it except you. 50 feet tall with feathers and beads and wind blowing front yard rainbow twirlers, and Buddhas, and crosses, and little shrines.  No one else will see you walking through the fall's leaves with the head dress, only you know it is there. That is your mind, and with that, going out or not, my love will always be there for who ever loves me. 

Western Colorado:Rifle and Other Areas

Shower Power


Camped out at first Sun

Getting some internet access
The Fortress and the view from it. 



Morning after rain
The view from The Fortress
The Campsite.

• Started MAT 125 course and Nutrition Course
• Left San Diego
• Camped at Lindner's place on the Way to Colorado
• Drove to Grand Junction camped and had first breakfast on the Road. Where the sky cried and time flied, and I was lucky to be where I was.
• Got to Rifle Colorado.  The limestone is really good. An abundant amount in such small area.
• Aesthetically, there is a crisp cool breeze, with fall leaves being born. A river runs through my campsite and the rain showers once every week to provide birth to this amazing enviornment. 
• I go into town every couple days to keep in touch, and work on my online correspondence courses. The balance is hard, but good. It keeps me moving. 
• I am eating very nutritionally and am psyched on being Vegetarian.
• I am making friends with people around the area meeting folks from Spain to Utah. 
• Ethan Pringle, Scott Cory, Joe Kinder, Dave Graham and Colette are in town and it has been fun hanging out with them. Daniel Woods is also a really nice positive guy. 
• I went up to the Fortress and am really psyched on a couple routes there one in particular Daily Planet
• Meeting cool new people daily. Met Ruben from Spain who is friends with Jordy, met Micah Dash, a really cool climber dude, and going climbing today with John Dickey from SF. 
• Here are some pictures from the trip so far. 

Happy Times by the Beach

Choosing a topic was hardest to see, when revealed this blank page in front of me. 

Completing errands at the coffee shop, a women next to me, chose to ease drop. 

There is a T.V. I am trying to sell, over the years, the price of it fell. She was interested in the T.V , both disposing of items for reasons that be. She exclaimed she was experiencing a lot of change, and her saying that struck me similarly strange. I noticed that was my topic of choice, as if she took my thoughts and was speaking my voice. The end of this summer is all about change, from various topics all over the range. From friends leaving to school, to Lahna making a move, things are just not the same, in a typical groove. My blog today, is short and sweet, and for those who don't read much, probably quite a treat. I've come to tell you about this summer of change, and how my life as I know it, has been re-arranged. 

What's going on that is so different one might ask? I am taking this Saturday off from schoolwork, to explain. 

Change number uno: School. As the leaves take new tones, watch for speeding in school zones, fall has shone her face once again. Essentially, seasons are changing which means school is now beginning.  I have 2 classes I am currently enrolled in via Mira Costa's online credit programs. One of the classes is Health 100 (a nutrition course), and the second an HTML and XHTML design course (fundamentals of web design). My third class, Communications is web based through Brigham Young University. The classes are excellent. Classified 'Vital Knowledge' in the web based world we seem to meditate upon, Web Design takes me into the world of XHTML code. Nutrition, recommended to me by Chris, provides great factual education (I visited the SD Food Bank today!) and appeals to me highly on a personal level. I am learning a lot about the realties of nutrition. 

Change Two. Lahna, my girl friend, plus ultimate partner in crime, took off for college. She attends a four year university in Northern California, encompassed by the beautiful rolling hills of Napa Valley's Wine country. Every day I miss her, but our constant contact, long ties, and mutual care for each other, somehow makes this a positive experience. I love her very much, and will work hard to preserve the virtuous bond thats developed. 

Change 3: The anticipation of my upcoming Vagabond lifestyle, has driven me to rest my body. Since returning to San Diego from Vegas, I have taken the longest break from climbing yet. My arm was sore, and my mother informed me,"when in doubt rule it out." My doubts tell me to rest my arms, stay active, and start working ahead in school. On the upside, I discovered a passion in ripping up the awesome waves I live in such close vicinity to. Lately, I surf at least twice a day, once preceding Breakfast and once late afternoon. I've been switching areas between Del Mar and Leucadia hoping for a vacant spot with firing glassy surf. The routine is really good: surf a new break, find a new market, study all day, and surf again. The only activity I need to stop doing so much of is studying! Hopefully the next this South West swell will bring in some killah' rides before I take off. Along with tearing it up, I am passionate about long distance running, and marathon training.  I linked up with a group called the "UCSD Masters" and have been running beaucoup. I ran 18 miles in Three Hours and Forty minutes, 11 miles in a little less than 2 and 13-15 in 2 and half. I trained Track Intervals on Tuesdays and Thursdays for an 1/2-2 hours at 6 a.m. I can't wait to see how it translates on the rock. My I Pod is my favorite new accessory while I run. 

Change 4: My mother and very kind fiance Kannan (from India) have moved back up to Carmel Valley. I've been hanging out at my house I inhabited in High School a lot. Along with hanging out with them, staying here brings back a lot of great memories.  

There is nothing more profound than saying very little, 

and with that I leave you "Peace". 

And his poem was of stature, cause a mighty man he was. As fearsome as a yellow tiger, but soft as feathered doves. And when this man a spoken, there was not much a jokin', his poetry was known to you and me, no ego was he soaked in.

  

Jah Guide

Idle in San Diego, I belay at the local coffee shop in San Diego. Sipping green tea with milk I search my mind in retrospect over the last week of travel. 

I left San Diego one week ago to attend the Salt Lake City Outdoor Retailer Trade show. I hitched a ride with Carlos Mason and Anayo Baldassari to Vegas. There, I met up with Chris Lindner, Spencer Mcrosky, (two climbing buddies whom I've spent a lot of time with this summer), and Joe Brooks. We left early Tuesday morning for Nephi, shortly west of our destination, Maple Canyon. The boys ate Taco Time right off the exit, where I was surprised to find whole wheat.

 Annually, an event dubbed, "Cobble fest" attracts road trippers from all over the states. The event offers an opportunity to hang out before the seasonal retailer show. One of the event organizers: Jeff Petterson, even put together t-shirts for the low key, unsponsored event. We only had about 24 hours, 3 people (joe climbed at another cliff), jet lag, and 1 rope; so it was a bit hard to get super psyched. I worked on a juggy line called 'Sprout', which involved fairly easy movement on good holds following a line out the right side of the "Pipe Dream Cave". I camped on the soft soil that night, my clothes, a burrito, wrapped in an inside out sleeping bag case, fearing rain would escape the sky. I woke more refreshed than any bed had ever hosted, I was happy to be natural. 

We left for Salt Lake around 2 or 3 p.m., checked into a hotel (that was under Chris's name, supplied by Maxim) and got to partying. Even if you're competing, your main objective for the trade show,  should be to drink. Don't drink much? Have a few, kick back, and shut up, cause there ain't much else to do. My shrieks of laughter pierced the car, for I laughed at no punch line, just my alcohol laden life juice, that sparkled with energy in the night. 

My main objective besides letting loose, was to make some contacts in the industry. Contacting Urban Climber was a priority, as was speaking to some people from PrAna clothing. Both initiatives turned out positive. Joe Iurato from Urban Climber magazine is psyched on me doing some work, as well as I am psyched to be offered such a great opportunity. Jeff Leads handed me the unique opportunity of being able to  represent PrAna climbing for years of traveling to come. 

True friends are the images that come to mind, in the time we find to periodically intertwine. I find my sign corresponds to others, with people from different situations, upbringings and mothers. Like Buck Branson for instance, met him four years ago, in the front of coffee shop, his cell phone he beholds, "check out these photos from black mountain you see, this is a v10 and that person is me." Now four years have passed, and I'm on the v10, it's amazing to compare the present to then. Buck and I sat at a table this trip, and Buck is my only friend that doesn't talk shit. I respect him for that, and respect his kindness, because it's not very often on earth that you find this. It's amazing to notice, small things affect another, so next time you talk, think of the words that you mutter. 

San Diego is going well. I have rekindled my fascination with running, and with sore arms and pecs from pull ups, have decided to take a few days off from climbing . Tomorrow I work at Vertical Hold,  where I volunteer mornings to  help young future athletes rock climb. After I'll attend a Padre game with my dear girlfriend Lahna, her mother, Dena and her mother, Lou. 

 Tonight, my mother's fiance, Kannen had his birthday at a nice Thai restaurant in town. Here I met a man named Jim who is the chancellor at Mira Costa College. Jim was a professional skier for Ten years. He rested at the best skiing areas when in season,  and related positively toward the climbing I pursue. In a discussion ranging from Utah's blondies, to job opportunities, I concluded with a goal: Self worth cannot be measured in material wealth, or a degree.  The only thing that can make one happy is a sense of spiritual fulfillment, plus the hard work that led up to it. By building climbing walls and taking kids outside, I want to help Urban Children get out of the environment they live. If I earn no money doing such, than I earned even more worth in respect, from others and myself. I want to step out of the world for a second, take a look at myself, and disengage from the selfish routine we all seem to enjoy. I have never been afraid of giving myself to the less fortunate, and along with climbing, this is something I have always been passionate about. Stay strong. -Scotty 

Also my cousin Mark and awesome wife Christine have brought Charlotte Frances Lear into the world! Congrats guys, and bless my new second cousin! 

Plus, don't stress, OdUb international climbing rap star and myself should be coming out with a bangin' track this season, so keep yo' headz up!

Words from the Coffee Shop

After a severe drought in Lander, Rain has finally trickled, rythmically from the heavens. Spencer and I, busy circuiting routes, felt the sun one moment, and noticed clouds the next. We retired to the community pool, after a long down patrol session. 

The pool is really cool. A huge family gathering spot, they have  
a good sized pool, and some interesting features to boast. At the corner of the pool lies a 15 foot climbing wall, but we were unable to climb it because some sort of bolt was missing. Spencer was a swimmer in college and challenged me to a friendly race. I thought I'd done well, until I found out that he was doing the butterfly stroke, while I was in freestyle. Carlos, Chris, Spencer and myself moved to the showers, washing the earth's dust from our flesh and down the drain. The coffee shop awaits! Where I sit now, looking at shades of grey that move over wispy trees, on an unknown avenue. My imagination has time to span while writing here. The limits of my sight through the coffee shop window expands my vision upon what is possible. For all I know this could be an avenue in San Francisco, and the year could be 1960, and maybe I could just be philosophizing. 

Everything has been going extremely well this trip. I have been sending a lot of climbs, having a jolly time with friends and have made some great decisions about my future. Only one unfortunate happening; which I'll arrive at later. 

As far as decisions, Humboldt County looks like y place of residence for next fall. Since I started climbing, living central to some awesome climbing has been a goal for myself. I've jumbled with trips to Vegas, Utah, Texas, East Coast, Cali , Nor. Cali. Coast, Canada and Spain. All of the above have some of the most amazing climbing I've ever witnessed. Although Vegas and Utah were very appealing, and obviously Spain and the East and it's plusses, Humboldt county seems right. With amazing climbing, diverse people, and located in some of the most aesthetic wilderness environments. I thought Humboldt would be interesting

, and suitable homestead. Humboldt places me in close proximity (4.5 hours) from my beautiful girlfriend Lahna, and the area has central climbing to boast.

  "Lost Rocks" is located just to the south of the Klamath River mouth.  Situated at the base of a beautiful forest filled with redwoods, Sitka Spruce, Douglas Furs, Maples, and Red Alder trees, some of the most creative and exploratory bouldering (plus new routes) lies about an hour away from my house. The climbing if forever changing at lost rocks because the tides vary the levels of the sand. This allows the boulder heights to change constantly.  Where pirates seem like they could appear out of the mist, I predict, solidarity, hands covered in magnesium carbonate, sifting my hands through the wet sand, tyring to send my project. 

On top of all the good bouldering, lies a bundle of quality limestone sport areas. The Trinity Aretes have the highest concentration of hard limestone routes. With 3 5.14's, Trinity Aretes will be my main area of concentration. You can check out some of the footage from the Trinities in "Spray", Brian Solano's film about Northern California Rock Climbing. You can buy this video through chrislindner.com 

The Marble Caves are another area along the Redwood Coast I can't wait to see! I've seen pictures of the area through Chris, and though I've never been there climbing,  the quality of routes is superb, with grades ranging from warm up range to hard. The rock is blue, gold and white. I just heard Ceacilville bluffs as well, another killer sport area to add to my tick list. 

I just found that the Coast has a bunch of sandstone nestled in the woods just above the Paul Bunyan statue. There area has nothing above 12c but is worth a look for undone lines, and also has an abandoned project. 

Above all, I'm siked. Along with established climbing, my search to find new areas will be relentless. I want to be able to show Chris (a nor. cal enthusiast) and  friends when they come to visit, a new Nor. Cal gem. Whether sending hard routes or finding new areas, leaving my mark in Northern California will be a goal for the fall. 

With the trip in Wyoming winding down, I've really only had one unfortunate occurrence. Everything was going fine on this beautiful Saturday afternoon. Waiting for the temperatures to cool down, I decided to go stock up on Bananas, Tortillas, some beans, and rice. I ran across the street, while leaving my groceries unattended in Safeway (Don't hate), and quickly inserted my ATM card in the slot. Withdrawing $60, the ATM wanted to know if I needed any more assistance. 

would you like a balance? 

Sure, why not, I clicked yes. 

Taking the receipt I walked hastily back to the grocery store, forgetting one crucial item, my ATM! I didn't recognize that the card was missing until 2 hours later while  buying a hole repair kit for a hole in my sleeping pad (another unfortunate event, but doesn't bug me in the least). The kid at the climbing store was amazed.

"Holy shit dude, the same thing happened to me when I was in San Diego! "

 I looked through my wallet and still couldn't find it.

"You know what man" the store clerk said. "There's a green bike outside the back door, go ahead, use it."

I raced out the back door hopping on the two wheeler and hauled ass to the bank. Ill-fated, no card was by or in the ATM, at the safeway, and the bank I left it at was closed. 

Remembering when my mom or dad lost a credit card, I knew what to do. I called Wells Fargo (which was fortunately open) in San Diego, and immediately cancelled the card. The balances were straight, and I rode back to the coffee shop still on my phone. The crew got their kicks in seeing me ride up on a random bike. 

"What the hell scooter?!" Carlos exclaimed.

"Your a fricken' crack up dude" Chris followed. 

I had put no effort into explaining, for I was getting my tellers info on the phone. 

"So they'll be no problem if the balances change tomorrow? I just contact you right."The teller could sense the stress in my voice. 

"Yes sir,"he assured me. "Everything will be fine."

I got back to the coffee shop and let the others know what had happened. Good thing I had bought

the majority of the groceries I would need for the remainder of Wyoming. Plus, I had about $14 in my pocket

from the previous grocery run. I laughed the event off, and was happy to return to our camp by the river.

Timeless on my cosmic journey, I realize those afraid of death, dare to experience life. Life is short, so time cannot be defined.

It can either have value, or none at all. We've entered the fourth dimension of time, when the future's imaginary objects,

turn into real life symbolism. Love is the greatest power in life, for it's energy rains eternally. LOVE (don't hate).

I hope you enjoy the pictures enclosed. For those who have heard me talk about my local bouldering area that I have developed (back in San Diego).

Here are a few pictures. The pics portray some of the area's classic problems, both old and in the future. Thanks for the pictures Jason (volunteer).

And expect more pictures from the area once I get them on CD from Jason (volunteer). Plus more from the Vegas Trip are comin'.

Chris Lindner hooked it up with the Trinity Aretes photo of a route called "Spliff." And I found Tim's photo of Ethan on Google. Thanks Tim

for being a master photographer. Plus I think I was there.

Electric Relaxation

Waking up early is routine from all the surfing I was doing before work back at home. Waking up here in Sinks Canyon, is a little bit different than waking up in San Diego. I begin my day by rising early, and catching a glimpse of the fiery, round, luminous sun peering between the eastern cleavage of Sinks canyon. I open the cab of the truck to reach into my toiletry bag, and grab my travel size apricot face scrub. I look forward to this routine: grabbing my face wash, heading down to the river (which is right next our tent), kneeling down and throwing the ice cold water upon my flesh. I proceed to mask my face with the sand feeling substance, lather, and wash. I then stand up feeling clean, ready to begin the day. My sleeping pants are comforting, keeping me warm while standing out in the ripe morning air. I put on my Prana Sweatshirt, which I can grab easily,conveniently adding one more comforting layer. Breakfast is my favorite meal, buying the most natural cereal I can find, my stomach yearns for a pick me up. I pour dates, almonds and whole grains into my camping bowl,add some blueberry yogurt, banana, and effuse a glass of rice milk or coffee. I like eating large portions, it is not that I crave so much the food that I eat, but climbers sometimes eat so little, that there metabolism doesn't have much to burn. I feel that it is important to maintain a healthy calorie intake, so that your body doesn't acquire strange eating habits. After we all finish our breakfasts, our rest day commences. We had heard rumors of an awesome, natural water slide at the top of sinks canyon. Miah (or Jerimiah) from SLC gave us the beta on how to get there. 

"Right before the bridge park at the lot on the left, the trail will lead about 3 miles up to a series of waterfalls, hit the second one. Splash some water on the right side, where the shoot is, and friken' go dude!" Jerimiah exclaimed enthusiastically. 

"Alright. We'll check it out." We agreed. 

The hike turned out only to be about a mile and a half. Along the way we stopped at some Eddies and tried to bait some fish with our lure. Spencer managed to catch two small trout, one didn't make it, the other one did; we were sad for the one who didn't live. 

Spencer McCroskey is a good guy. He's medium sized in height, but stands strong like a bull. His brown shaggy hair is childish, and at 26 you can't get much more playful.  There's something sincerely kind about Spencer, it's sort of unexplainable. Maybe, it is his stories about smuggling climbers across the border into Mexico,  an onerous action. Or his tales about in- school detention; where Spence and his buddy got their other mate drunk, coaxing him to jump out the third story window to escape detention. Little did they know, under the bush he jumped into, was a retaining wall that broke the kids femur.  Or maybe it's because he's got a brother named Scotty, which he let's me know from the top of a route he completes, "Hey Scotty, you know I got a brother named Scotty" He yells from the top. 

"Oh yeah, Really?" I reply. 

"Yeah! so you my brotha'." I've never had a brotha' so it felt pretty cool. 

Continuing on the hike we finally reached the slide. About 30 feet in length, the water polished granite acutely angles down and drops into a deep pool of water. Of course, I was the first one to test it out. Sitting at the top of the slide, I reminisced of Wild Rivers or the local San Diego Water park with my friends, cross your arms and just go. Chris counted me down, " Five, Four, Three, Two, One!" I didn't hesitate a bit. Throwing my arms out, I plunged into the unknown, taking no hesitations, just going. Maybe, that unique ride into the water was a materialization of my current experiences; making an ambivalent decision and having a refreshing outcome. Everyone had their turn after myself, and we couldn't get enough. Soon others started to come up and we jovially watched them throw themselves down the water slide. One zany character would always slip and fall, sliding down the areas that looked quite scary and dangerous. 

I sat in the sun, in a natural recliner, soaking in the relaxation that encircled me. "You gonna eat?" Chris and the crew exclaimed behind me. 

"Sure." I didn't know they were eating behind me, but as Chris said that, my stomach was just beginning to growl. Carlos and I had bought Hummus and Avocados the night before, along with Organic Garlic Bread. We all shared what was there and I had what I could, without being greedy. 

The hike really took it out of us, and the heat was starting to come down, making us weary. We began to hike down and took pictures of the beautiful sites that we heretofore visited. Spencer and I trailed behind Chris and Carlos as we made our way down to the car. 

The gate to the lakes above the waterfall (which all seems so interesting now because I visualize the pattern in which naturalness is defined. Looking down from space, I imagine the beauty of geography.  Natures organic rhythm that percolates all over the lands of the earth, in other respects the synchronicity of nature) opened at four o'clock. We followed a pilot car which lead us up a windy dirt road (that was being paved) up to a beautiful body of water. Chris pulled the end of his truck up to the river and we opened up shop. I sat in the front seat typing the beginnings of an Asana climbing article. The rest and the beauty of our day was a fount of inspiration for me write. No fish were biting so we moved on to another part of the lake. I sat in the car with Carlos for a little bit while Spencer and Chris fished below at a pond. I was absorbed by the Nas interview that played on XM radio, which gave insight into the world of Hip Hop music. We all congregated at the car once more and sat a top an cyclonic drain, relaxing on it's sides. I dipped my feet in the water, thought about whom I love, and sang to the others.

 "When the lights go down, in the city" "I want to be theeeerrrree in your city." Letting out a howling "woah", I think the others may have felt me pleas of love and hope, and although my actions may have seemed like a story from a book, I feel like that is what makes life beautiful. Life is a book, write it. 

The sun was starting to fade, and the days heat turned into nights environment. We reached camp just before twilight permitting just enough time to prepare an evening meal. Everyone was tired, and faded from the days hike and excitement. Just like in San Diego I wanted to hit the hay early to gain rest and strength for the next day of climbing. Tomorrow was dawn patrol, dawn patrol is where we get up early and seize best temperatures of the day. I look forward to waking up early and getting my heart racing, I can't think of a better morning activity. Commencing the day out with one of the things I love the most, Rock Climbing. 

As I laid my head upon my pillow, I stared up into space and thought about my life. How things were going to turn out, and what I could do to make the best decisions. As my eyes closed and my mind drifted off into sleep, I would receive an email that would help me settle my chagrin. Making changes is part of maturing, some changes work and some do not, that is just a part of growing up. The process of life is intriguing enough, and the anticipation to see what the future holds in my fruitful age is exciting. Thanks for the advice. 

Wyoming: International festival and Beyond!

"Hachoo" my nose hails in multiples. After a 12 hour drive from Las Vegas to Lander, we found ourselves nestled, like glorious rock climbing hobbits, in a foreign area surrounded by knee high allergens looking up at me as a potential victim. Lying down next to Chris's Tacoma, we only had a few hours to try and sleep. Rising my tired body, around noon, we sluggishly (which is the correct description) hiked a long two track trail. Clearing the first  hill, the cliff to our right; stared at us. The Dolomite (correction from earlier blog, Wild Iris is a Dolomite rock, not limestone)  climbing at the Iris is Power, mixed with some technique. The climbing lends itself well to the pocket hippy. The area is a historical net supporting a friendly climbing community, hence our attendance @ Lander, WY's 15th annual International Climbing Festival. The folks are friendly here; always a "god bless you" with a sneeze, a belay with a route, and the random fisherman spontaneously engaging in conversation with me; while patiently repairing his line on Main Street. 

As I sit here typing, the lone fisherman just off Main is testing his line out. Winding it up. reeling the bait back up to end of the pole. The fisherman winds hit bait up to recover his catch, as a belayer climber leads his rope from belayer.  From above ground the climber can breath, without distraction floating up the rock. While a fish finds no breath above water, ripped from his enviornment, grasping for a bit of oxygen he just cannot filter. 

The Festival has been full of fun events, like Chris introducing "Spray" (a new dvd by Brian Solano), Slide shows by British top climber Dave Mcleoud, and free pizza and Beer night. (which we could not attend due to climbing well into the night)  Hanging out with O Dub on a regular basis, (the climbing world's Eminem) was way cool. Odub makes satirical rap songs about climbing: "I got ninety-nine problems but this pitch ain't one". I ain't gonna' fool ya', the guys got talent as an MC. 

The sun rises us, as we imagine the sun rising, floating to the cliff my headphones blast unforgettable notions of who I am.  The short reggae rhythm creates a pace for my hike, clearing my mind of distractions before I must focus on my climbing. My food is packed, a healthy bag of natural mix, giving me a greater connection to the natural world and myself. 

Wild Iris is a small Dolomite climbing area just outside the town of Lander Wyoming where the rock is steep, pockety and powerful.  The huge rocks are  huge yogurt covered raisins, with blueberry stains. The first wall of interest was the "Rodeo Wall", housing some of the more difficult climbs along the cliff band, we decided to spend most of our time there. My project "Cow Reggae" is graded @ 13b and is pretty much just what I expected of the Iris: Short, Powerful, and a bit technical. We spent one day down at a wall called "Erratic" which holds "Throwing the Hullahan" a 14a originally climbed by Legendary climber and Lander Local Todd Skinner. (R.I.P.) The walk over, is a pointillism of wild flowers, as beautiful as can be.  The cliff here at Erratic is shadier during High Noon, which protects us from the UV rays and a heat. The weather here sort of reminds me of the temperature back in San Diego.  

Chris has had a few falling clinics to teach at the festival. An entertaining spectacle to watch, the clinics kept us at the Iris till yesterday. After his last clinic, which involved setting a line to the top of a rock climb (anchors), having a spectator jugging up that chord, tying into another chord, unclipping and falling ( or something like that), We decided to go check out this other area called "Sinks Canyon".  Staring up at the "Killer Cave" we were super siked to climb what was a virtual opposite from Wild Iris. A long overhanging cliff with remnants of some of the great climbing Wyoming has to offer. The climbs are long, (all over 70 ft) technical, and littered with pockets and crimps. My project at this cliff is a 3 star, super long 13 called Mr. Majestick. Probably around 15 bolts, the climb is a pump fest,with a double foot jam rest about 1/2 way up the wall. I have tried it twice and all our hands are thrashed. We still have 8 days up here in Lander before we have to take my man Carlos Mason to SLC to catch a flight. Until then...

The cliffs around me offer a place to dig in deep to myself and remember what truly makes me happy. Distractions are all lifted as I focus on the joy of things that are beautiful, positive, and happy (what ever that may be) . I'll say them in my head, one after another, until my mind is filled with positivity. I smile within when the effects of distractions just seem to brush off as if they do not exist. 

Also visit chrislindner.com   and go to "Blog" to see another perspective on an update. 

Highlights from the trip so far: -Chris's movie night at the Lander bar, where you order milk and send it back cause it costs 4 bucks. 

-The guy who slack lines with a bike in his hands.

-Cooking dinner with a Camp Chef stove in our hotel room, and getting kicked out and having to cook in the best alley way in the world.

-Meeting the delinquent youth of Lander, Wyoming.

-Eating Authentic Mexican Food at the Mexi joint in town. 

-Watching my friends get thrashed on Spenceritas. 

-Climbing 

Check out Asanaclimbing.blogspot.com and check out some of my articles comin' up dis' month!