sometimes I just need to turn off the computer and be free for a bit. I started my ten day stretch with a climb in the gallatin canyon, climbing the skyline buttress and bleeding all over the ‘birthing hole’. my ass was too big and I kinda got stuck.

I drove down to island park, swam in the lake, drank a pint in the sun by the river and tired my sore bones in James’ bed for the night. I had an amazing time hanging out by myself. I am really good at spending time by myself and I tend to be able to have a blast every time I do. while I wished he could have been there too, I still had a blast in island park by myself.

for the next week, I spent time in the tetons. I climbed the grand again. and despite all my fears, for the first time the climb went smoothly and was well within my ability levels technically and physically. I felt strong the entire time. except for the painful and grueling hike out afterward that almost led me to weeping on the trail, only a couple miles out from the trail head. the 4.7 earthquake in the area during my hike passed me by unnoticed. when I felt dizzy and saw rocks sliding down the hill, I just pawned it off on my own delirium.

later I paddled myself out to Leigh lake, laid on the beach, swam, read a book and waited for James. when he finally arrived the sun went down, the storm rolled in and it turned into a sketchy paddle in the dark dodging 4 foot waves and getting swallowed by water. exciting. it’s always something with me.

the weekend was spent with James in Jackson. going to galleries, drinking mojitoes, poking at stuff in souvenir stores, being a tourist. sunday morning I managed to talk James into dropping me off at the top of teton pass. I clicked in and hung on for the amazing single track cherry ride all the way back down to willson. rad!