Day 24 Life is Grand
Mario, Ben, and I had a fantabulous time climbing the Grand Route on the Chief two days ago. As it was Mario’s first multipitch route ever, things couldn’t have gone better. Between curses from temporary moments of frustration, Mario had a grin from ear to ear. My hat is off to him for facing and surmounting such a formidable challenge. The view from Bellygood ledge, 1000 ft above our camp, was amazing … you can check out the pics by clicking here . After the climb, Matt, Mario, Ben, and I went to the pub to listen to live music and celebrate our day (although Matt had taken a pseudo rest-day that day and didn’t join us on the wall he was game for good beer and some domination at Froggy -the sweetest old school video game there is, as I’m sure Stuart would attest to). The perfect evening was capped by the fact that I got to drive our friend Scott’s van back to the campsite as I was the DD. I’m not sure if most people know this, but a 1984 Dodge Prospector is one of the sweetest rides, ever. You might be familiar with this vehicle as it was seen in the 2004, Jarred Hess film, Napoleon Dynamite. Upon my inquiry as to how one might release the parking brake Scott, in a drunken slurr, told me, “releasing the brake is tricky, you have one of two choices: on your left there are two levers … one pops the hood, the other the brake, good luck.” As it was completely dark in the Van (was interior lighting an additional option???) I first felt and then pulled a lever. Lucky enough it was the right one!Yesterday was a hard bouldering day, not so much from all the climbing as from all the laughing. Prairie and Karen were non stop with the banter! Oh good times. Apparently we are never allowed to climb with them again??? In an effort to branch out, Ben, a self proclaimed trad climber, spent many hours wrestling with the boulders! I’m not sure if it’s the weather or the bouldering, but it seems as though he’s already prepared to leave Squamish for higher and drier summits in the Sierras. We’ll miss him, but hopefully get to meet up with him again in Joshua Tree in November … as usual the more the merrier and all are invited! ‘Til next timeCiao, Eric
bwheels, i actually emailed you on sunday to explain the happenings…not sure if you got it. I emailed your lee account. anyways, that should explain. sorry things got screwed up. talk soon brother.
matt said this on September 3rd, 2007 at 2:55 pm
well i hope nothing has happened to you ballard! mom and i leave in the morning so it looks like we won’t be meeting up after all. shame too, being thousands of miles from the home front. anyway, i did my darndest. be safe brother and keep on keeping on. peace
bwheels
Brian said this on September 2nd, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Hey buddy! good to see some pictures of you! looks like you are having a blast man, let me know when you get back to western side of the states. i would definately want to meet up with you and climb some. as my i am pulling down on some v6 stuff i know it is no ballor…v-sic! but i shall one day attain your level of greatness. hope all is well see ya brother
Robbie said this on September 1st, 2007 at 7:23 pm
well dude, i fear i may miss out on seeing the most brilliant man i know (he went to johns hopkins ladies and gentlemen). mom and i are leaving on monday morning. i will continue to check for a response on here. also, i’ll have my phone on at all times in case you take a chance and call. peace
Brian said this on September 1st, 2007 at 7:13 pm
Ballor!!!! i’ll bet you got drunk and forgot to check the blog huh? anyway buddy, we’re here in vancouver staying at some lavish downtown apt. with glass for the walls and overlooking coal harbor. nice. it’s good to know people. well, i will continue to wait with bated breath for my good buddy to either call or respond on here. love ya dude.
Brian said this on September 1st, 2007 at 11:32 am
Eric way to use my word FANTABULOUS in your blog!!
I guess this makes up for my over use of your lingo “right on”
e-mail me.
Gina Marie said this on August 31st, 2007 at 11:33 pm