Went up to 'The Zoo' wall today. Didn't get to many amazing shots, but then again I spent more time climbing today than taking pictures, which is good for me, but bad for you. For that, I apologize. Here's 2 anyway. Although my intentions for the shots were merely for scenery, if ya look close enough, you'll see climbers. Should give ya a good idea as to the size of everything.

Got an early start this morning and actually went and checked out the gorge for the first time from the scenic highroad. Here's a few shots, but there's definitely more to it than I've seen. Should be getting some pretty good one's over the next few weeks.





After that, it was time for a hearty breakfast from the Shell station, then off to Left Flank. We were still able to catch the early morning light, which made the 10 minute approach rather enjoyable, then started the day on two of the most pristine lines at the crag. To defy the laws of tradition, and To many puppies.







Rain day tomorrow. Guess it's time to get a pack of cards or something...

Rain day yesterday. Not a whole lot went on, but I did manage to get this shot.

Only a week into this adventure and all my clothes already smell like a campfire. Not really a complaint, seeing as the smoke probably smells much better than I do. The creek bath's do a wonderful job of getting the stink off, but we're all just about ready to find a warmer source. $2 shower token at Miguel's, here I come!















Bedtime. Early day at Purple Valley tomorrow.

I'm going to start this post by apologizing to everyone for keeping you in the dark over the past week. We arrived at Red River Gorge this past Monday, and since then, we've been battling against the location for phone service and wifi. Anyway, we're here, base camp at the gorge has been set up, and the process of getting ridiculously stupid strong on ropes has begun... for Bryson and David. I had a little encounter with a mountain wasp my first day and it would appear that I'm allergic.





Swelling finally went away, but only after I spent the week doped up on benadryl. Here's camp and bouldering on the hardest boulder problem in the guide book.

Self esteem gettin a little boosted...

What better way to spend my last few days in Alabama, than going up to New York for work! Made some pretty easy money and got several good shot, but now I have to deal with the fact that I'm leaving Monday and I still don't have anything packed! Ah well, I'm a professional procrastinator, it's just what I do.

Now this first one has nothing to do with New York except that we drive by it on the way. It's become one of those landmarks that I get a shot of everytime I pass it. I think this was one of my better ones...



Now, back to Manhattan...













And of course, some skating at the Brooklyn Banks.





Then it's back to Jersey to get the truck and start the journey home at around 2:00 am. Not a bad last job with the moving company, that's for sure!





So long work!!!

Today wasn't really the coldest day outside, it wasn't necessarily the driest day either, but for some reason, everybody went up to Horse Pens, and go figure, people were still crushing.











and then there was this guy...



He ended up ripping a large chunk of something outta the center of the mole and flying off with it. As Ben would say, "Damn nature, you scary!"

Managed to find myself some free time during the daylight hours and ended up spending them roaming around the downtown district. Sure am gonna miss this place...











REMEMBER: If you weigh over 3 tons, you CANNOT climb at first ave. The free-standing boulder's can only support so much.

This past weekend, Birmingham's climbing community found itself divided between one of two events. One, being the Hound Ears competition in Boone, North Carolina, and two, Dreadfest up at Horse Pens 40. This weekend I fell into the third category. Work.

After we finished the 14 hour move on Saturday, I trucked it up to the Pens and arrived just in time to watch them break down the stage. Managed to get in without having to pay 'event price' and there was still plenty of music reverberating throughout the campsites to keep my ears satisfied, until it was 4:30 in the morning and the drunken fiddler was still up...

Then today rolled around.











Winter's coming...

The countdown to departure has begun, and with only 18 days remaining in Birmingham, I'm starting to feel the pressure that comes with procrastination. Item 1: Sell the Honda.



The car won't be hard to sell, but just like any steadfast relationship, the end is always hard. Together, we've seen so much beauty across the nation. From the dense, mountainous forests of British Columbia to the dry, endless deserts of Texas. From the tornado ridden plains of Kansas to the bright, sunny beaches of Florida, we've been through just about everything together. She's been my miscreant as well as my protector, and as our time together sadly draws to an end, I can still wear a smile knowing that I left my mark on her just the same as she left her mark on me!



Rolling through a house bruised her backside pretty good, and the 3/4 inch sheet of poly carbon securely bolted where her back glass use to sit may be an eyesore for some, but to me, they're the beautiful scars that can only be worn by those who dare to push the boundaries of what we consider normal, safe, and acceptable.



She's a wanderer, but no matter where she goes, she never forgets who she is or where she came from. A true southern belle who has the utmost love and support for her hometown.



Although the evil doers at Canadian Tire tried to sabotage her and ruin her ability to stop, her solid gears and sturdy tires safely guided me down the treacherous 8,000 foot descent of the Yosemite Mountain range during a snow storm, even after her master cylinder dried up of all brake fluid and the pedal uselessly stuck to the floor.



My only advice to her future owner is to treat her well, and she'll do the same for you! You will be missed, my sweet little Honda Accord! Thank you for the years of memories and for keeping me safe, even when I was abusive and unappreciative. May your miles be vast and your adventures memorable in the years to come!