That's California for you. During the day it's hot as shit, and nights are colder. And if you're anything like myself, you have to pack a backpack with jeans and a light sweatshirt for the nights while you're wearing shorts and a tank-top during the day time, sweating your ass off. Oh well. It's life here. You learn very quickly how to deal with the heat.
The heat also means a lot of outside areas are too hot to climb at. Infested with bugs, hot during the day...so many little nuisances. Castle Rock season is done till the fall. Yosemite is being invaded by drones of tourists and bugs on the valley floor. Bishop is, of course, hot as balls. But Way Lake (about one hour north of Bishop) is good in the summer months. The only time it is not covered in snow. Pretty much a summer destination. Pretty cool. That means there is year round climb on the east side. Plus you have Tuolumne Meadows as well, sitting higher in elevation than Yosemite Valley's floor. Mickey's Beach is pretty good year round if you check the tides and weather before hand. If you climb in the Bay Area, you're pretty much screwed and have to take every chance you can to get outside, wherever you're psyched on. Otherwise, you're stuck inside training. That's not the worst option either. You get stronger for the fall and winter seasons. Keep projects in your mind helps you stay psyched.
I have a two week break from setting bouldering problems for the good people at Bridges Rock Gym. They're really what has helped the gym flourish and be a better place to climb. The non-competitive nature of members and the willingness to go get it. It feels like a well run skate park. Like The Berrics. People there always seem to keep it fun. Even with the Battle At the Berrics, it always seems like they're having fun.
I've traveled around to other gyms and places and I have always seen little groups and pods of people. And it's a weird feeling to see these and get the stares as you climb on your own; as they look and you can hear them all hush hush, but as soon as you glance they're way they shut their mouths. Very odd. Very...unfriendly. I guess there is sort of a "Locals Only" mentality with these people. Lame.
Not at Bridges. Sure we have our group of friends, but we'll extend out and include you in with us and climb with you. Doesn't matter if you just started or a professional. Unless you're a total douche-bag to people, cockier than a porno, or spray way too much about yourself (which falls into the cocky and douche-bag categories in my mind), we'll say hi and climb with you. There is no locals only bullshit. That's always been slightly lame. Do your homework before you go to a spot and don't kook it.
Be yourself.
No comments:
Post a Comment