A few months back, my friend from b-school (Alex M.) emailed me and let me know that he had a camping site reserved at Joshua Tree for thanksgiving weekend. Although I rarely climb anymore, Joshua Tree still ranks as one of my favorite places in the universe. Love it. Kim and I spent the weekend of Thanksgiving out there.

Some of you that have known me for awhile may remember that before I got obsessed with kayaking, I used to be an avid rock climber. I’d climb all the time. Kim and I met at an indoor climbing gym, and were climbing partners before we dated.
But we only rarely climb anymore. I mostly kayak, and we’ve been busy with school, start-ups, work, family, etc.etc.
But we made a few trips to Joshua Tree this spring, and as I’ve lost a little weight I’m feeling a little more comfortable on …

When I announced my move back to southern california, more than a few of my outdoorsy friends offered a mix of sympathy and concern.  Los Angeles is famous for many things, but it takes a connoisseur to know about the amazing recreational activities beyond the beach.
For my first full weekend back, my old buddy Greg invited me to go backcountry skiing with he and his lovely girlfriend Marilee.  I gladly accepted, though I rarely ski anymore and it’s been years since I climbed a mountain.  But that was the plan …

John Day River
A few months ago, my old climbing buddy Brian emailed me. I hadn’t seen him in 8 or more years, but we’ve stayed in touch. He’s retired from climbing these days, but has taken up rafting with enthusiasm. He was listing his plans for the next few months, and I invited Kim and myself along. The trip grew into a full week vacation for Kim and I.
I was busy the week leading up to the trip, and didn’t get everything as organized as I …

Kim and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary this weekend with a lovely weekend in Yosemite. Saturday morning we got up early, and drove there in time to get in a climb.

Kim is a super strong climber, but is still pretty new to traditional lead climbing. On Saturday she did her first long multipitch where she led everything, and she did an awesome, awesome job. I was very proud of her.
We stayed in Camp Curry, which was interesting, then rose and had an awesome brunch at the famous Awahnee hotel. …

Some of you may remember, back a few years ago, when I was consumed with climbing. You might even know that Kim and I met at the climbing gym in Southern California, and were climbing partners and friends before we dated. But over the last few years, I’ve been busy with work and school, and my free time switched more and more to kayaking. I was so far out of climbing, I was nervous about what I’d be able to do. I’ve only been on the rock twice in nearly …

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