Hood Climb

On Saturday December 24th, a friend Ben Mayberry and I set off to summit Mt. Hood. (11,250ft). I've had the urge to get out and climb, and the fact that I'm currently forced to take 3 weeks mandatory vacation (not that I'm complaining) presented the opportunity for me to plan, gear up, and go. Luckily, Ben responded to my request for a climbing partner shortly after I sent out the question, to the few people I know who's interested in climbing.

On Friday I rented plastic boots, an ice-axe, crampons, and a helmet at a local shop. The boots smelled like nasty feet smell, but I was super stoked to be climbing Hood that it didn't bother me. At 4pm I tried to take a nap but only managed to get about 1hr of sleep. I dug through my dad's old ski clothes and yanked some thick gloves, a hat, and wool socks to use on the climb, which turned out to be the best decision i made that day. After the nap, I got in touch with Ben who suggested we leave at 12am that night, and start climbing as soon as we arrived at Timberline lodge. The idea was to reach the summit in time for the sun rise and be down, off the mountain by 9am. Though very intense, I agreed and knew that the early start could be beneficial.

Fall, 2011, in Portland

It had been a late start to fall, in my opinion. The trees are just starting to change color and spill their leaves. I had forgotten how beautiful and peaceful this season really is, that is until i had walked downtown, and saw hundreds of yellow leaves float above and around a public sidewalk where people had walked. Eventually they would make their way down to the pavement, pile up, and later get swept away by a public worker. However, we'll see how I feel about Fall, now that the rain has started, and doesn't want to stop...

I've reunited with my old friend Joachim a little bit ago. I had lived with him in San Diego my senior year of university, and being from France, he found a job in Portland (of all places). What a great coincidence and person to have around this time of year.

On other thoughts, I've been working for over 1 year now and everyday, my inner self reminds me not to be complacent. An 82 hour week can induce zombie like conditions. Good thing there are things to look forward to, otherwise this state would be almost impossible to get out of (without deep scars of self guilt, reassessing how you may have not gained, nor consciously desired a better path for yourself, during your time of lackluster submission). I owe thanks to my friends (far and near), the changing seasons, and the inspirational feats of others for helping me, slowly but surely, to survive and to keep the flame alive :)

I've had the past four days off...what a treat, and Baker's back in town! But a 4 day break doesn't compare to the contingent lifestyle the road brings.. Here's some pics from a hike in the hills of Central Oregon.

Chillin w/ Wren

Wren and I scan the web for cheap flights to another shade of life. Free of mind fucks. She wants to sail from Spain to Israel. I'm willing to head in any direction, as long as trees grow near.

Let's dance, let the wind pick up, and blow us off into the sweet undiscovered places of our reality.

One day, soon. Halləluya!

September is Ending

Nothin' new to write
Just gotta hold tight
..and prepare for my flight