The Flames.

feralfae

Boulder climber
in the midst of a metaphysical mystery

Jan 1, 2017 - 03:59pm PT
Ahem.
Hey.
Well, on that warming and touching note, I arrived just in time to get to post while all of us are feeling the fine words of the Mouse. Thank you for that Mouse. Very heart warming this first day of the year.

Mouse, I hope you are doing well, and that is a fine set of words with a fine image to imbed the concept into brains. From now on, when I think of the brotherhood of climbers, I will think of your words and that image.

Bushman, the first three lines were a great hook, and then you had to go and mess it up with zombies and stuff. Have you tried reading McPhee? He has such a way with words, the staccato he can set up in my brain with his crisp, tight, perfectly-placed word, that I cannot help but smile . . . and go back to scribbling or making mud pies. Music works for me as well. Well, you have until 14 February to write a lovely Love Poem for your Beloved. :) Besides the roses, I mean. :)

DMT, she is just so cute in her down camo jacket! She always has such a wonderful smile! Ducks indeed. :)

The Packers are playing tonight and I am going to brave going out into the blizzard (9F and blowing snow) to have champagne and maybe ham sandwiches with some good friends who also grew up Packer Backers (mine inherited from my Dad). I do not have TV, and only visit one maybe two times a year, so its' no great void in my life or anything. But this is a critical game, and I thought it would be fun to go watch it with other people who will be cheering for the same team. I am firmly of the opinion that the Packers will win.

Through howling winds and blowing snow—blowing slaunchwise across the roads—I went out for a brunch party this morning. Brisk! Hot delicious coffee. Mochas, also steaming. Mimosas, a marvelous quiche, huge baked ham, a cooker filled with cheese grits, and lots of other good food, most of which I could eat. A nice way to start the year.

Here we are in our new year. I think it is going to be a good one. I like how the tone has been set for the beginning of the new year here on the Flames. Nice thought you have set for the year, Mouse, sir.

We have survived, we have made it, we are here, in this space time! I don't know about you guys, but this is big for me! HUGE! I want to thank you for letting me hang out here, lurking most of the time, enjoying the art and natterings. Even mine. There is a soft sense of stability that I can jump in here, land around the Flames, take a chair, and just listen, and no one cares. And over the years, the conversations, the music, the art, and the artists go on. Held together by a love of high places and getting to them. :)

But each one a unique individual voice, bringing their unique perspective and creativity to the discipline of climbing. To the art of climbing. And to the Taco. I get to see so many worlds through what is shared here on Super Topo, on the Flames. Thank you.

Happy New Year and all Best Wishes for an excellent journey for all of us—for each of us—this time around the Sun.
ff

John Barritt
14 hours ago
quote | flag I'm 53 the work I chose combined with the type of play I have chosen over the course of my life has taken it's toll.

I've broken quite a few bones (dirt bikes) have developed some arthritis in the thumbs (work and climbing) have diminished grip (left hand, climbing, work) have knees and elbows that are pretty well worn out (work, bikes, climbing)and if my back doesn't hurt when I wake up I check my pulse.

I've discovered that pounding your body while you are young wears sh#t out.

I ride my dirtbikes 25 to 45 mi (Most Sat mornings), I do a few climbing weekends and at least two boyscout climbing trips annually. I can still freesolo 5.8 and I bow hunt Oct, Nov, Dec which involves climbing tree stands, hiking in and out of the woods dragging dead deer etc.

I don't train, I do what I want, at my own pace, and if something hurts I stop until it doesn't.

When I was young 1800 feet of climbing was a slow day, and 12hrs of trail riding was nothing. I've tested my limits (and found them), have survived harrowing sh#t, and no longer have anything to prove. Now I'm happy to just be on the rock, on a trail, or in the woods, and that's what really matters.

Go until you start to get tired and quit, and you'll live to go another day. Some days are better than others and that's it. If you do it you'll get stronger and have stamina. "Training" over 50 is asking for trouble, just have fun.

PS I really worry about the young climbers of today, I fear they will regret what they have done to themselves in years to come. Although I'm trad to the core, If sport bolted 5.15s had been a thing back in the day I probably wouldn't be able to open my hands now. JB