Hot, hot heat

Ooooer!

The heat's got us cookin' this week. It's supposed to be ninety-five degrees today? Chances of thunderstorms, some crazy evening clouds, and plenty of heat to keep you satisfied during the day. I was off in the relative cool of the fairy ponds yesterday evening - enjoying some relax time.

If I didn't have to be at work on weekdays, I'd be out at the coast right now though. Or on the river. Or i'd be up somewhere high, where it's windy (in theory).

I hope everyone had a grand Fourth of July. This weekend was supposed to be adventure weekend on Shasta - however my solo trip was eventually cancelled. In essence, I got persuaded to stick around for the festivities. I slept through the parade, which was wonderful, and enjoyed a leisurely afternoon of BBQ and brews.

Travis enjoyed a leisurely weekend as well - Saturday he rode the Salmon River Loop down in California - 100 miles, starting in Etna, over 10k of vertical! Absolutely beautiful country down there. I was stoked to hear that Travis and team were hitting upwards of 60 mph on the downhills. Get 'em boys.

And this week? Travis, Davi, Bryant, Sarah, Mike and myself have all been hard at work - advising, selling, organizing, consulting, and facilitating. My weekend starts tomorrow! I'm off to Shasta finally to climb Friday and Saturday - about time I made up for my slacking.

Also, I should note that a group of local climbers and myself are heading up to the Greensprings tonight, 6:30 p.m., to meet with some folks from the Mail Tribune - they're doing a story on local climbing. If anyone wants to join, please feel free. We're meeting at the shop, or you can meet at the crag any time after seven!



There will be plenty of adventure coming your way soon - throughout the end of July and most of August! The Trinity Alps, the Sierra Nevada, plenty of backcountry climbing locations, and some awesome road trippin'. Stay tuned - and enjoy the sunshine!

Summer is here. Maybe Thursday if we're lucky.

Well, this Memorial Day weekend was spectacular! It finally felt like summer to me, if only for those several days of sun.




Frank actually didn't end up going to the Marble Mountain Wilderness this weekend.

Funny enough, I knew that last week - soon after I wrote last week's post - but I purposefully decided to withhold it from you. The expedition has been postponed temporarily, pending snow-coverage. Apparently Frank didn't feel like digging out the cave entrance (Come on, Frank).

Frank Debaugh did, however, encounter incredibly thin snowpack on Mt. Mcloughlin. It was a less-than successful day of skiing. However, the Mammut Nirvana backcountry pack that Frank was carrying had a very successful day. Observe, the holiest of holy ski-carry systems - doin' double duty.



And Travis?
I never know what Travis does with his weekend. I think it usually involves bicycles.

Also - just a reminder to take care of yourself! Some of our lovely staff members were feeling a bit under the weather recently. Reminds the rest of us to eat healthy and get plenty of sleep!

I was lucky enough to enjoy the company of my whole family from New York City and the Bay Area this weekend - both sisters and my brother-in-law. I have several family members that love to climb as well! We spent a family day at Greensprings and climbed several routes, including Marge's Navel, and the classic Razor Crack. We had the whole crag to ourselves!


Marge's Navel (5.8)



Razor Crack (5.8, 5.11 var) gear to 3 inches.



As you local climbers know, both of these climbs are perfect for casual days at the crag, (and family outings, apparently) and they have excellent rap bolts. Marge's Navel can also be climbed all the way to the top past the first set of anchor bolts for a 'Full Marge', at 5.11a. Razor Crack has some of the burliest rap chains i've seen, period! Rock quality on both climbs ranges from good to great, and Razor Crack has some fun moves that are easily protectable. Stem without using the crack for the 5.11 variation!

Of course climbing is always most fun when you have more than one day in which to adventure, but on lazy Sundays with the family, sometimes the barbecue and the local microbrew can be more appealing! Which . . . was the case this weekend.

So, what did you do with your Memorial Day weekend? Boating, hiking, climbing, skiing? Entertain us with your stories - on our Facebook, at our front counter, or in the comment box below!

It's gonna be a busy week for everyone it would seem, but Summer is fast approaching!
Take care, and we'll see you all in the hills this weekend.