Ouray Ice Fest

I just got back from the Ouray Ice Fest. What can I say about the thing. Its not a good time to go climb, there are so many people there. But everything else is amazing. I was volunteering with the american alpine club (americanalpineclub.org). This an amazing group of people (not just climbers)that have alot to offer. But the community is the best part. The ice fest is a great time for climbers to hang out and watch the upper echelon of the group kick ass. And it also the best time to develop friendships, drink beer and eat food. I would like to give some special shout outs.

Bruce Franks and the whole Asolo/Lowe Alpine team
Some of the most truly great and helpful people I met. And thanks Bruce for the Ninja.

Charlie and Paul of the Access Club. I never shared a better tent space with an equally minded organization.

JP, Dana, Brittany, Hunter, Matt, The guys from Prescott, and the rest of the American Alpine Club for being very relaxed and just fun to sit in the cold with.

The rest of the Texas crew for driving all that way to climb ice.

Jim, Peter and Doug, for just being some kick ass dudes. Definately looking forward to the next Durango visit.

Zach and the golden crew for the mustaches and good times.

Billy for being the best random roommate ever. I look forward to climbing with you.

Rob and Christo from patagonia for the help and the rolly cig.

Eileen from Primaloft for introducing me to the wonders of primaloft insulation.

JT from Black Diamond for the best hangover I have seen in a long time.

Rob and Abe for all your hard work at the fest.

Margot for the amazing silver leather pants

John and Pamela Varko for the puking offer at Vedavou

Jim and Terry for the belay info. Much appreciated, my knees stay so warm now.

Phil and Paul of Mountain Gear for the constant insults.

Wolfgang for the sweet nomics.

And all the others that were involved in the amazing time I had.

Hazy. Thats the only word that can convey what I feel right now. I woke up in my truck this morning. I cannot believe what this town (Waco) can do to a man. I am in my favorite coffee shop trying to make some damn sense of what...I do not know. Thought is lost at this point. The synapses in my brain are firing slow enougn for me to feel them.

Dante

If I had rhymes both rough and stridulous,
As were appropriate to the dismal hole
Down upon which thrust all the other rocks,
I would press out the juice of my conception
More fully; but because I have them not,
Not without fear I bring myself to speak;
For 'tis no enterprise to take in jest,
To sketch the bottom of all the universe,
Not for a tongue that cries Mamma and Babbbo.

Happy

451

When we forget how close the wilderness is in the night, my grandpa said, someday it will come in and get us, for we have forgotten how real and terrible it can be.

Ray Bradbury

Zow

This is one of the best things I have ever seen.

And man do I hate Coldplay

Dark