Ice Climbing

Today might have been the last day of Ice Climbing till who knows when! But, I just wanted to share my experiences with it. I had a blast with everyone in my group. I, sometimes, wanted to kill  a few of them but nevertheless it was amazing. It is so much more different than regular rock climbing. The feet are really strange. I havent got that part quite down yet, but with practice I will learn. I've already torn my pants like 4 times from my feet slipping. It sucks! Hahaha, but I had an amazing time and it was a blast. Those lock-offs have helped my strength too!! I am ready for the climbing season now, strong and pumped beyond belief!!

A rare, but Perfect Fit

I have been at the White Mountain School for around 2 weeks now. I can easily say this place is where i am supposed to be. I am so comfortable with the people around here, I can be myself. It has been an amazing 2 weeks and I look forward to the ones to come. I have done ice climbing already for the first time ever. It is really different but crazy sweet. I cut my pants up though because of the crampons. Still getting used to :) I am really excited for the days to come and I know that this school is the place for me!!

"When One Door Opens, Another Closes"

It has been a while since my last blog post and a lot has happened. I won't bore you with the details but I am transferring schools to go to the White Mountain School. I am extremely excited about this right now! I am hoping it will give me the motivation I have been lacking for a little while now. They have skiing and most importantly, rock climbing!! They have a school team, how amazing is that?!?! Even though this school is clearly a gift from God himself, it is always hard to say good-bye to what little friends I have. But whenever I say good-bye, I always remind myself. The reason something is so special is the amount of time you spend with it. A good example is my camp friends. I also see them for the summer and when we get together we always have a blast. But if I were to spend the entire year with them, eventually we would get annoyed with each other. So, now when I get to see my friends here in Durham, I will have a blast with them because I know our time together is precious and I shouldn't let that go to waste. So, another chapter in my life begins today. I leave my school in Durham, New Hampshire and move to a boarding school in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. The door at Oyster River has closed, but the one at White Mountain has opened. And I could not be happier.

WHY

http://vimeo.com/34666308
A good look into why people do what they do. It's not for the money or for the fame. They do it because its what they love and its the only thing that makes them truly happy.

2012, finally

Well, here it is. The moment we've been waiting for. The year the world "ends". Bummer. All I can say is there had better be some sweet sends before it does or I will be pissed. I'm hoping for 5.15c at least. I, honestly, think it can be done. I dont know when or where, but i am hopeful. 2011 led to amazing climbs and some amazing first ascents. We, as a climbing community, have made a lot of progress in terms of grades and I feel as though this year will be better than last. I think the important thing to realize, which sometimes escapes me too, is that it is not always about the grades or the first ascents. It is an important part of climbing and I love that we can always strive for a new level. But the thing to remember is that grades is not the only thing. Climbing appeals to people for different reasons. I love the idea that i can challenge myself always. That is why I climb. It is, literally, a uphill battle. To quote the infamous Miley Cyrus, "it doesn't matter how fast I get there, its not about what's waiting on the other side. It's the climb"

Great Job Sasha!

Its a little late but i would like to send my congradulations to Sasha DiGiulian as being the first American woman climber to climb 5.14d with her ascent of Pure Imagination at Red River Gorge. This is amazing stuff for her. I remember competing with her a divisionals like three years ago, and i remember thinking she was good. I would have never imagined she would be this good. Over the past few years, she has been climbing amazingly well and I believe if she keeps it up, she will be the first woman to break the 5.15 barrier. It is, honestly, crazy how hard everyone is sending these days. I had a quick argument of a buddy of mine whether 5.16 would ever be reached, obviously 15c, and d would have to be climbed first. Maybe im too excited about the hard sends that im not thinking straight but i believe we, as a climbers, will eventually reach the 5.16 level. Who knows, maybe I'll be the first ;). We will see. Nevertheless, Sasha's send is something worth noting and she deserves the utmost respect for her inspiring send. Sasha's send of Pure Imagination

HUECO!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSUJlFRge3k
Me climbing at Hueco