falling gasoline prices

I am rejoicing at the falling fuel prices as I drive my gas guzzling rig from KY back to CA.

and the sun shines on

the sun brought everyone back out to the rock, which was nice, but it did create a bit of an outdoor gym feel at times.

Miguels Party.

There was a big party at Miguels.
Was it for his birthday, or the anniversary of having the pizza climbing shop open? My memory of the whole event is a bit fuzzy. There was a slideshow and a short film. There were even games, like the rodeo clip comp, the tug of war, and the drunk run across the huge blazing bonfire demo.

Did I mention there was a fire?

click for more detail.

and it was cold

the snow stayed through the night and made me wonder if pipes in the van would freeze and break...

winter cometh.

and then it snowed at the red.

"Woohoo, Climbing!"

This is Al, all tied in and ready to climb. The smile is fake. He's not liking the cold. He's got his puffy jacket on under the hard shell, and he's wearing two hats. The handwarmer in the chalkbag doesn't seem to be helping him either, and his hands are about to freeze as he goes up this lovely 5.11a. This is the fateful day that Al was longing for home, for a warm australian summer day, and invited Richard and I to join him there.

Mmm, Red

back to the pockets.

S.N.O. W?

can you guess the location?





not colorado.





not Minnesota.

This was at The Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park, on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. It made getting to Asheville impossible, but we had a good time playing disc golf in Gatlinburg.

Hmm, it was wet weather, so Achim and I climbed indoors.

this gym in Knoxville is the worst I've ever seen. A small space, with boring gray walls, and all the holds were incredibly greasy. But, I guess if you can climb on these holds you can climb on real rock with ease.

Road Food.
Since we were in Knoxville I figured we better make a trip to Litton's. It was busy, but Achim and I lucked out and grabbed a seat at the bar within minutes. I had the Thunder Road, which as the menu states, is a cheeseburger lovers dream.

If only you could taste the pimento cheese and sauteed onions. Yum.

Gormet.

Mmm, pure decadence at the Town House Grill. All four courses were beautifully assembled attacks on the senses. The colorful combinations and contrasting flavors and textures were amazing in every dish. The lighting in there was dark, so the photos can't do the meal justice. The main course was an amazing bit of pork shoulder with prunes and shallots. This picture is the dessert, "preserved sour cherries" with venezuelan chocolate, toasted bran bits, and cherrywood icecream. If I remember correctly the top is a cheery mousse with a frozen cherry blossom. To say this place feels like a diamond in the rough here in Chilhowie is an understatement.

Stone Mtn.

Tim and I climbed at the famous NC Stone Mountain. I led the crack and let him lead the slab. beautiful fall colors have moved south.





there was a mighty fungus war raging over this old tree stump, at the current time it looks like the north was winning, but neither side looked ready to concede.

Tim

exercising his freedom.

Summersville Lake

Achim getting a taste of Satisfaction Guaranteed.


Me, high on Satisfaction, enjoying the heck out of it.

Tim, onsighting a short nap.

A great shot of the lake, taken by Tim.

NEHI

a rest day for some driving.
do sodas actually taste better from returnable bottles? it might be so.

Torrent Falls (RRG)

a climber skillfully sends "seek the truth."


Yes, torrent falls is as good as you've heard, the pockets are begging to be pulled on.

fun in the RED

Fall colors abound as Nicole gets on something STEEP, someday I hope to climb like her.

the red is AWESOME.

Celebratory pizza at Miguel's after a great day out climbing with Andrew. The local soda, Ale-8-1, is excellent as well.

A shot of me bagging an onsight, thanks Kevin.

Fall colors at the Red River Gorge

the natural bridge

the bald

Achim and I went to Rumbling Bald today, outside of Lake Lure, NC.

Here he follows a route called Granola. One of several excellent climbs we did. If you visit don't miss Frosted Flake and Comatose, both are stellar.

disc golf in the woods (Asheville, NC)

one of the tournament players bags...


Achim heading up the hill to the basket.