Journeys Stateside: 01.06

SoCal

Since getting out to the west coast I have been fairly busy... hence the long delay in posts. Between working and coming down with a flu bug I have only gotten out a couple of times. However, I have been fortunate enough to get the local tour (thanks Ian & Bridget)of some of So Cals 'winter' areas.
The quality of the rock and the lines at the Jupiter boulders (near Palm Springs) were a welcome surprise!. Although it is a small area, I had an excellent time with a fun posse of other climbers. Much was sent and more than a few first time sends where had! The Dos Cabezas area (near Ocotillo) was pretty fun, but do to the heat coupled with the aggresive rock type it was hard to get really psyched!
I hope to get out as often as possible while living here in SD, yet as I am now reduced to weekend warrior status it will be sporatic at best. Never the less... stay tuned.

Bridget getting very close on 'Mad Phat?' at the Dos Cabezas area, CA.

Ian on a 'classic' at the Jupiter Boulders, CA.

NYC

Upon leaving the fresh snows of New England I returned to NYC to spend several days in the 'big apple.' I figured the madness of the New Years would have mostly subsided and it would be back to it's more 'normal' yet frantic pace!. It has been many years since I last lived here and I was looking forward to meeting up with some old friends too. My sister and I went to the American Museum of Natural History where we spent almost an entire day taking in the various exhibits... it's a fun town, but I now must head out to the west coast were I will be saving up for future global exploits.

The reservoir in Central Park, NY

Dinosaurs were massive...

Estados Locos

After leaving Europe I flew into NYC and found myself in the middle of a transit union strike... so laidened with all of my gear I footed it the eight or so blocks to Port Authority in hopes of catching a bus Northward.

My plan: to meet up with an old friend who would help me to surprise my sisters who would be convening in the Boston area for Christmas... it had been over four years since I last attended this holiday.

Everyone was very surprised and could hardly believe that I was there! It was excellent to see everybody and spend time with my sisters and their families...
I then went upto my friends place in New Hampshire for a 'relaxing' New Years. As I took over bar duties that evening the 'relaxing' night soon digressed into a medly of wild dancing! Those present had myself to thank for the queazy feelings and headaches that abounded the following morning.