Trip Home

Well my trip home was anything but boring. One would think that driving 3000 miles in less than a week would be awful. But it was anything but that. Thanks to my beautiful co-pilot, not only was the drive fun, but it was actually possible. All my possible means of payment for gas and food were relinquished in Canada by some meth-head. But her assets proved to be quite able.
The first part of the drive was a quick Squamish to Smith Rock venture. We arrived at Smith about ten hours later and pitched camp at a fairly good spot at the Skull Hollow campground (free). In the middle of the night I awoke screaming. Thanks to my greediness while asleep, Steph had kicked my sore ankle in the middle of the night while I was trying to steal her sleeping bag. Bad move on my part.
Then we were off to Boise but got sidetracked by a comfy inn with a hot tub in Bend. After soaking it up at the refuge (two free drink tickets), we finally made it to Bruce and Kari's villa. Got to go climbing the next morning and Kari worked with Steph at a gym and taught her some of the more proper techniques involved with climbing. Afterwards Steph gave me a belay on lead and it was her first time to belay at all. I was definitely impressed, both with the teacher and student. (Thanks Brucey and Kari)
Later we departed and eventually ended up in Ogden, Utah, or the buttcrack of Utah (affectionately). After driving around for three hours not able to find a campsite we ended up at a shady motel and spent the night.
Thank God for Indian Creek. You would think even in the summer heat that nobody could resist climbing there but you would be wrong. We drove through Moab, which was bustling, and assumed that Indian Creek might be busy. But as we drove in the only other people in the entire canyon were the Indians at Newspaper Rock (they sell jewelry to the tourist) who were packing up, and the Ranch owners. We went to the illustrious site that I had stayed at earlier in the year. It was truly Heaven. The shade had just settled as we set up camp and dinner. The gnats were even scared away by a tiddle of rain, yes rain in the summer in the desert. Steph had wanted to see the Grand Canyon but she was equally or more impressed with beauty of the Creek.
Continuing on we ended up in Breck, my old home, and hung out with some good friends at the Blue River House. It was great to see everyone doing well and made me miss the place quite sorely.(Hope to be back soon Dave) The next moring we awoke, fixed breakfast and then went to do the Summit County Traverse. This a traverse that seemingly never ends and is as hard as you want to make it. The it was off to the Breck Brewpup for a workmans special. If you ever find yourself there at lunchtime, order this delite for the best burger, fries and beer you can buy in CO and it only costs five smackers.
That meal nourished us properly for the drive to Amarillo where we Stephanie's amazing parents awaited with more food and fun. For the next five days we got in the hot tub, pool, lake, and ate like royalty. I cant really say enough about the Thompsons. Anne and David, thank you so much for your hospitality.
Today, finally I arrived home after a five hour drive with only Wu-Tang and Bob Marley playing (my CD player is quite picky). So I leave you with quotes from both
Wu - I am on a mission that brothers say is impossible, but when I swing my swords theyre all choppable.
Bob - I wanna be iron, like a lion, in Zion.
These quotes may not inspire much here, but in context, they will wow and shock you into a frenzy of thought that encourages the betterment of self and the world around you.

Cheers