tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46292395805594394572024-03-14T03:09:26.095-07:00The Boone MafiaJay Tilleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034568276808127397noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629239580559439457.post-18749729174330230342014-07-08T20:39:00.000-07:002014-07-08T20:39:29.489-07:00#Shacklife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEhd3JZTKQM/U7y4opkimzI/AAAAAAAAAV8/1RoOQyRbvJ0/s1600/20140707_163756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEhd3JZTKQM/U7y4opkimzI/AAAAAAAAAV8/1RoOQyRbvJ0/s400/20140707_163756.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ln6zY0wSKA/U7y4t7LfzfI/AAAAAAAAAWI/i9yUQwUeVeI/s1600/20140707_140247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ln6zY0wSKA/U7y4t7LfzfI/AAAAAAAAAWI/i9yUQwUeVeI/s400/20140707_140247.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PpxVILWDYe0/U7y4xkiUqKI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/TogRBmTiICg/s1600/20140708_123417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PpxVILWDYe0/U7y4xkiUqKI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/TogRBmTiICg/s400/20140708_123417.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-io6G49XiOs4/U7y41YVGujI/AAAAAAAAAWY/-0nzNYmHaSQ/s1600/20140707_163307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-io6G49XiOs4/U7y41YVGujI/AAAAAAAAAWY/-0nzNYmHaSQ/s400/20140707_163307.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUmOW9untEQ/U7y45bv1zTI/AAAAAAAAAWk/vE8Bt7Cctys/s1600/20140708_171832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUmOW9untEQ/U7y45bv1zTI/AAAAAAAAAWk/vE8Bt7Cctys/s400/20140708_171832.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HlSm8MPK4Vg/U7y49uxVt-I/AAAAAAAAAWs/wbs1xNRF0iw/s1600/20140708_171945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HlSm8MPK4Vg/U7y49uxVt-I/AAAAAAAAAWs/wbs1xNRF0iw/s400/20140708_171945.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jgRsUSOx7Qg/U7y5BMMaRRI/AAAAAAAAAW0/F2aR4BWSYz0/s1600/20140708_171958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jgRsUSOx7Qg/U7y5BMMaRRI/AAAAAAAAAW0/F2aR4BWSYz0/s400/20140708_171958.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fgr3_HO_yNE/U7y5E-VHVzI/AAAAAAAAAW8/PS1EASUMSNw/s1600/20140708_172007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fgr3_HO_yNE/U7y5E-VHVzI/AAAAAAAAAW8/PS1EASUMSNw/s400/20140708_172007.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6eCe4O4VyKs/U7y5JE66ERI/AAAAAAAAAXE/dSMbTX6_3Nw/s1600/20140708_172019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6eCe4O4VyKs/U7y5JE66ERI/AAAAAAAAAXE/dSMbTX6_3Nw/s400/20140708_172019.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RB3dO_xAXrQ/U7y5M8kDjZI/AAAAAAAAAXM/_TDaDjQKUoM/s1600/20140708_175301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RB3dO_xAXrQ/U7y5M8kDjZI/AAAAAAAAAXM/_TDaDjQKUoM/s400/20140708_175301.jpg" /></a></div>Not a whole lot of climbing lately, however started a great new job and moved to a shack!
Jay Tilleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034568276808127397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629239580559439457.post-7664926273030764672014-05-08T18:19:00.000-07:002014-05-08T18:19:31.077-07:00The Dawning of Summer in the High Country Summer is almost upon us here in the High Country of North Carolina. To those of you who are fortunate enough to be in the know this brings to mind a few things every year. First of all, Florons begin to clog up every major thoroughfare from now until the time the leaves fall in late October. Secondly, route climbing season begins here, at least for me and my friends. Finally, its the time to hike into the gorge to get the beatdown bouldering on the Linville River. Number one on this list is a necessary evil bringing both commerce and aggravation to the local population. The other two, well those are what this rock climber first thinks of when summer rolls around in Boone.
My recently married best friend Josh came to visit this week. Congratulations on the nuptials Shepherds and a big thanks for bringing the psyche needed to cajole Cody and I into an impromptu gorge bouldering and camping expedition. Josh decided that God's Country was the area he was most excited about so we packed up the truck and headed into the gorge. God's Country is located on the Linville River trail located right off of the Babel Towers trail on the west side of the gorge. This time hiking in took us 50 minutes with a 70 minute exit hike. Now, the three of us have quite the history with gorge boulders since Josh and I first visited in 2008 spurred on by vague descriptions on Rockclimbing.com and this enigmatic username "paleolithics." We had to know, was the bouldering any good, and who is this mystery man? The answers were yes, the climbing is unique and varied in a beautiful setting with not only bullet rock but amazing lines. And the second answer was Mike Stam, a name that would become synonymous with Linville gorge bouldering. Mike along with Joey Henson and company has established over 1500 boulder problems in the bottom of the gorge. After we met Mike this area really opened up a new world of climbing possibilities home not only to thousands of blocs, but more importantly an element that I find lacking in the modern day incarnation of our "sport." This element is adventure, and send or no send every trip into the Linville Gorge is an experience. The sometimes brutal hikes and the fact that a lot of things in the gorge have a way of becoming epic make this no mere jaunt to the mushroom boulder. Aside from the fact that insects, giant rats, and raging whitewater are all things to consider this only enriches the entire experience. As skiers so aptly put it, in the gorge you have to "earn your turns." Despite the fact that I have been working the problem in the next video since sometime in 2009, I still have yet to send. At least sixteen miles of hiking, one spring break, and over four years have passed since the beginning of my saga with "Stranger than Friction" and I'm still hooked. I know I'm crazy, maybe this just proves it.
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aYtIypf4lzE/U2wkPq6rB1I/AAAAAAAAAPI/Yr6FdmvyL6s/s1600/IMG_0482.MOV" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aYtIypf4lzE/U2wkPq6rB1I/AAAAAAAAAPI/Yr6FdmvyL6s/s400/IMG_0482.MOV" /></a>
So there you have in, in the last several years I don't think I have sent more than a handful of problems down in the big ditch. That's okay by me though, going down there isn't for the faint of heart but it does pay dividends. I really do believe that it is a privilege to climb in relative solitude in a such an amazing boulder field. If one enjoys a good epic adventure check out the gorge this summer for a bit of bouldering and swimming. It may not be for you but at least it's something different. Plus, you'll never know unless you check it out for yourself. If you want a better picture of the climbing in the gorge than my words can do justice look up T.C. Webb's video on Mike Stam. Go to vimeo and look up "Fear of Commitment."
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTZp7M-UZa4/U2wmzymgArI/AAAAAAAAAQI/Jo6fGgHIvL8/s1600/photo+2(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTZp7M-UZa4/U2wmzymgArI/AAAAAAAAAQI/Jo6fGgHIvL8/s640/photo+2(1).JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPdhYMJyBvk/U2wnfJG9sbI/AAAAAAAAAQU/KunNGLZtYss/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aPdhYMJyBvk/U2wnfJG9sbI/AAAAAAAAAQU/KunNGLZtYss/s640/photo+2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sxpJ1WViufc/U2wnmp-iScI/AAAAAAAAAQc/zufWWe9BGx4/s1600/photo+3(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sxpJ1WViufc/U2wnmp-iScI/AAAAAAAAAQc/zufWWe9BGx4/s640/photo+3(1).JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AkVAJRQwv0k/U2wnvkoll3I/AAAAAAAAAQk/AjM7hls0kYY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AkVAJRQwv0k/U2wnvkoll3I/AAAAAAAAAQk/AjM7hls0kYY/s640/photo+4.JPG" /></a></div>
In other news I have been working out a new project at our beloved "Backyard Boulders" that people have been eyeing for years. This obvious arete perched in what we have called "the amphitheater" was and is one of the first lines one sees when approaching this particular area. Despite a few suitors having rappelled the line, no one had decided it was going to go free. That is until last week. Since then I have gone down and cleaned for several days and have sussed out gear and moves. Due to the strange climbing and small gear I did dumb the climb down and have toproped it twice now. However flawed the style of ascent I am super amped to try and lead said line next week. I mean let's be real, Goodman probably soloed the rig back in 04'. Who knows how it will go, but until then I will leave you with a picture of the route and a photo of Cody attempting an undone dyno project. In other news my girlfriend Madeline Irion is graduating from the nursing program at ASU and that is more badass than any rock climb. Congratulations Maddie!
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHAL_uAj2X4/U2wpvw2slZI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/44P8bih3bzE/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHAL_uAj2X4/U2wpvw2slZI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/44P8bih3bzE/s400/photo+1.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CI8JcUGeeGs/U2wp-McJQqI/AAAAAAAAARA/iDOICs7hGO4/s1600/lower_beacon_10.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CI8JcUGeeGs/U2wp-McJQqI/AAAAAAAAARA/iDOICs7hGO4/s400/lower_beacon_10.JPG" /></a>
Jay Tilleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034568276808127397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629239580559439457.post-21904697564242286632014-04-03T16:55:00.000-07:002014-04-03T16:55:56.141-07:00New Boulders?Well, things are heating up here in the High Country bringing us to the end of yet another bouldering season. After spending all winter coaxing incremental progress out of our projects in the cold now we can bask in shorts and lazy days. That being said its also the time to not necessarily try so hard but maybe try to find some new stone in the transition between bouldering season and the time to rope up. Some of the photos you don't recognize are a reflection of this current psyche. In other news, despite being at the ever present disadvantage, I have been mining out some V5's and currently are one up on Mr. Purpur at 184. Your move Erich.
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpYCaeRgPVA/Uz3vqQ0j6fI/AAAAAAAAAM8/i8LPV1fLD-g/s1600/image_7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpYCaeRgPVA/Uz3vqQ0j6fI/AAAAAAAAAM8/i8LPV1fLD-g/s400/image_7.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEcxdxAJb2I/Uz3v4JJGEPI/AAAAAAAAANE/EpScpjwoPYQ/s1600/image_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEcxdxAJb2I/Uz3v4JJGEPI/AAAAAAAAANE/EpScpjwoPYQ/s400/image_2.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnAxavztnAc/Uz3wLBXXRiI/AAAAAAAAANQ/YRRI_muPpQU/s1600/image_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnAxavztnAc/Uz3wLBXXRiI/AAAAAAAAANQ/YRRI_muPpQU/s400/image_3.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1wyPlpnWCQ/Uz3wTPkktDI/AAAAAAAAANc/c4X5hBp_MyA/s1600/image_5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1wyPlpnWCQ/Uz3wTPkktDI/AAAAAAAAANc/c4X5hBp_MyA/s400/image_5.jpeg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SMqLcCdzUJ4/Uz3wZV74I7I/AAAAAAAAANk/gleI6e3RBNs/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SMqLcCdzUJ4/Uz3wZV74I7I/AAAAAAAAANk/gleI6e3RBNs/s400/image.jpeg" /></a>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUeg85hNp9Q/Uz30JEF3iXI/AAAAAAAAANw/vPi8t4WWRS0/s1600/IMG_2285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUeg85hNp9Q/Uz30JEF3iXI/AAAAAAAAANw/vPi8t4WWRS0/s640/IMG_2285.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VshtmP9gzo/Uz30Vv-QEtI/AAAAAAAAAN4/7I7v1QoN9O8/s1600/IMG_2462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VshtmP9gzo/Uz30Vv-QEtI/AAAAAAAAAN4/7I7v1QoN9O8/s640/IMG_2462.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihEDIZgVcmQ/Uz30e7d8AdI/AAAAAAAAAOA/fhxogr8634s/s1600/IMG_2478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihEDIZgVcmQ/Uz30e7d8AdI/AAAAAAAAAOA/fhxogr8634s/s640/IMG_2478.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5B16ZOtdjZo/Uz30wsGBf2I/AAAAAAAAAOI/FpUQrXWGO60/s1600/IMG_2297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5B16ZOtdjZo/Uz30wsGBf2I/AAAAAAAAAOI/FpUQrXWGO60/s640/IMG_2297.JPG" /></a></div>
Jay Tilleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034568276808127397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629239580559439457.post-62802177386491978432014-03-06T08:08:00.000-08:002014-03-06T08:08:31.313-08:00The Kangaroo Challenge"Damn, we're out of beer, who's going to drive to the kang?"
Little did Mr. Brys realize the the utterance of that mere question would lead to what happened next.
" I bet you $20 that you can't run to the kangaroo, get beer, and be back in less than ten minutes."
Of course once the challenge was issued Cody was off and running, making the initial dash in 6:58. Then, the challenger Brennen responded with a time of 6:02 and the challenge was born. Since this first night 21 people have run what has come to be known as "The Kangaroo Challenge."
<b>Rules</b>
1. Start from 632 Queen St. exiting the back door and run to the Kangaroo on 421
2. Retrieve a PBR Tallboy from the Kangaroo as proof of your visit.
3. Return to the Queen St. house as quickly as possible.
So there is a lot more to this run than one might initially think. Running down to the Kangaroo demands a solid strategy as well as running prowess. If you get stuck in line or the conditions are terrible its going to be tougher to post a solid time. However, the record tying time was set after a Thanksgiving meal, at night, in the rain. So buck up, Buttercup.
Currently Nick Pendergrast and Peter Grill hold the record at 4:29. It has been speculated that a sub 4 minute kang can be run. So to that I ask, who will be the next, is it you?
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Jay Tilleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034568276808127397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629239580559439457.post-43057481196651738792014-02-11T11:14:00.003-08:002014-02-11T11:14:49.774-08:00The Bag's Photo GalleryCurrently I am looking for a camera so that some updated content will be featured. However, here is a selection of photos taken over the last few seasons. Most photo credit to Dalen Gray.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GdIH9N8wqy0/Uvpzuhb3g3I/AAAAAAAAAIo/AGlj68am0dY/s1600/IMG_7659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GdIH9N8wqy0/Uvpzuhb3g3I/AAAAAAAAAIo/AGlj68am0dY/s400/IMG_7659.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a4mxUUwKQmI/Uvpz7lYr8lI/AAAAAAAAAIw/geb4d5Ewq7c/s1600/IMG_9427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a4mxUUwKQmI/Uvpz7lYr8lI/AAAAAAAAAIw/geb4d5Ewq7c/s400/IMG_9427.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZC6BIhFG-aY/Uvp0Mwn3B9I/AAAAAAAAAI4/6iKcbuKNj1M/s1600/IMG_0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZC6BIhFG-aY/Uvp0Mwn3B9I/AAAAAAAAAI4/6iKcbuKNj1M/s400/IMG_0077.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Gw3_ZfY1II/Uvp0bvJwu5I/AAAAAAAAAJA/cFkryrlDzzw/s1600/IMG_1464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Gw3_ZfY1II/Uvp0bvJwu5I/AAAAAAAAAJA/cFkryrlDzzw/s400/IMG_1464.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7JnSqjvl5w/Uvp0uvCeNjI/AAAAAAAAAJI/3Ahh8SyGDrM/s1600/IMG_0925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7JnSqjvl5w/Uvp0uvCeNjI/AAAAAAAAAJI/3Ahh8SyGDrM/s400/IMG_0925.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wD4m0vLoJ-0/Uvp0-5RnTwI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/P8Vv4UNt7dk/s1600/IMG_0391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wD4m0vLoJ-0/Uvp0-5RnTwI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/P8Vv4UNt7dk/s400/IMG_0391.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIfITrDLvmo/Uvp1NhDt5lI/AAAAAAAAAJY/UpqqFibvTC8/s1600/IMG_1354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIfITrDLvmo/Uvp1NhDt5lI/AAAAAAAAAJY/UpqqFibvTC8/s400/IMG_1354.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQbZb-fue3Q/Uvp1a9_GnMI/AAAAAAAAAJg/3RPd2TP2dv8/s1600/IMG_0092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQbZb-fue3Q/Uvp1a9_GnMI/AAAAAAAAAJg/3RPd2TP2dv8/s400/IMG_0092.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TBYPs63q7oU/Uvp1o5xwKXI/AAAAAAAAAJo/XGALkeU7AQw/s1600/IMG_0594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TBYPs63q7oU/Uvp1o5xwKXI/AAAAAAAAAJo/XGALkeU7AQw/s400/IMG_0594.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zyPLtnuVia4/Uvp12dGRN1I/AAAAAAAAAJw/thE57UwBHmc/s1600/IMG_1096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zyPLtnuVia4/Uvp12dGRN1I/AAAAAAAAAJw/thE57UwBHmc/s400/IMG_1096.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6M7FrLu3JZY/Uvp2FMpZxLI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/4KIU7aZ-USs/s1600/IMG_1245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6M7FrLu3JZY/Uvp2FMpZxLI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/4KIU7aZ-USs/s400/IMG_1245.jpg" /></a></div>Jay Tilleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034568276808127397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629239580559439457.post-92122519789506890322014-02-05T16:46:00.000-08:002014-02-05T16:46:04.002-08:00Blog Revival and Fall of the House of Purpur<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTBZC5c4Mxw/UvLRM6HDkAI/AAAAAAAAAHg/x0IGBKkdexw/s1600/IMG_2343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTBZC5c4Mxw/UvLRM6HDkAI/AAAAAAAAAHg/x0IGBKkdexw/s400/IMG_2343.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agz3U0FWvCU/UvLRYRYriFI/AAAAAAAAAHo/DQF_BpNt-FE/s1600/IMG_2402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agz3U0FWvCU/UvLRYRYriFI/AAAAAAAAAHo/DQF_BpNt-FE/s400/IMG_2402.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8fTYfb63sUk/UvLR8p2KsKI/AAAAAAAAAHw/OVEwcRFqzpE/s1600/IMG_2826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8fTYfb63sUk/UvLR8p2KsKI/AAAAAAAAAHw/OVEwcRFqzpE/s400/IMG_2826.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CA_iEtViqbc/UvLSH8ypklI/AAAAAAAAAH4/IDkZR5hG7Uc/s1600/IMG_2687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CA_iEtViqbc/UvLSH8ypklI/AAAAAAAAAH4/IDkZR5hG7Uc/s400/IMG_2687.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QcEZE0em0r8/UvLSVdkNaFI/AAAAAAAAAIA/Jd-b-0yx3YE/s1600/IMG_2794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QcEZE0em0r8/UvLSVdkNaFI/AAAAAAAAAIA/Jd-b-0yx3YE/s400/IMG_2794.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_PfejiFYJA/UvLSpla3BjI/AAAAAAAAAII/sV6rULZ3QkY/s1600/IMG_2435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_PfejiFYJA/UvLSpla3BjI/AAAAAAAAAII/sV6rULZ3QkY/s400/IMG_2435.JPG" /></a></div>
Well, I imagine that most of you have never even heard of this drivel. Partially due to the fact that this particular blog only ran for roughly two months. Slated to run for much longer this effort was truncated due to complications beyond my control. This project slammed to a halt in February of 2010 due to my being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes while climbing in Hueco Tanks, TX. As a result of this misadventure I found myself living in Eastern, NC with my mother. To add insult to injury the next ten weeks were spent working in a chemical packaging plant. Spare you the details, right? Anyways, long story short, the mountains are now my home again, most likely forever. The desire to continue the blog never struck me until Erich Purpur relocated to Reno, NV leaving quite the gaping void in Western NC climbing propaganda. So, here we are again for better or worse. The idea is to fill said void and give some idea of what is going on in our local climbing community.
Let's get down to business, shall we? In 2011 Erich realized that we were both nearing a milestone in our personal climbing. What was that, you may wonder? 5.13? V10? Laughable I say. What Erich and I were questing for was the holy grail of mediocrity... 100 V5 boulder problems. Long story short, Erich narrowly defeated me while living in the bastion of soft V5's, Chattanooga, TN. (see www.erichpurpur.blogspot.com for more details) Now that Erich and I are both approaching the 200 mark we have re-ignited the competition on the road to this next milestone.
Today marked number 177 for myself meaning that Mr. Purpur is now trailing by one. I'm coming for you purp....
Jay Tilleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034568276808127397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629239580559439457.post-71535837700195639672010-01-27T21:30:00.000-08:002010-01-27T22:25:16.020-08:00Friends are Awesome!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EtotoI_xI/AAAAAAAAAFE/geOXX8gLYoY/s1600-h/AustinTx+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EtotoI_xI/AAAAAAAAAFE/geOXX8gLYoY/s400/AustinTx+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431672803051503378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EsaCBUVCI/AAAAAAAAAE8/GYunq0FTJaE/s1600-h/DSC03929.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EsaCBUVCI/AAAAAAAAAE8/GYunq0FTJaE/s400/DSC03929.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431671451316147234" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2Er6jLLPLI/AAAAAAAAAE0/S7_v3lTpqiQ/s1600-h/AustinTx+018.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2Er6jLLPLI/AAAAAAAAAE0/S7_v3lTpqiQ/s400/AustinTx+018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431670910460050610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EroFiY2TI/AAAAAAAAAEs/v96uxGThXkU/s1600-h/AustinTx+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EroFiY2TI/AAAAAAAAAEs/v96uxGThXkU/s400/AustinTx+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431670593266702642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2ErOuu5m-I/AAAAAAAAAEk/I11BBGSdAUE/s1600-h/DSC03923.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2ErOuu5m-I/AAAAAAAAAEk/I11BBGSdAUE/s400/DSC03923.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431670157648436194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2Eq5G_EnEI/AAAAAAAAAEc/5QCLUMIj41E/s1600-h/AustinTx+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2Eq5G_EnEI/AAAAAAAAAEc/5QCLUMIj41E/s400/AustinTx+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431669786201594946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EqxyxvIGI/AAAAAAAAAEU/_UoElvR5jSk/s1600-h/DSC03906.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EqxyxvIGI/AAAAAAAAAEU/_UoElvR5jSk/s400/DSC03906.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431669660517867618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EqPPcaJ5I/AAAAAAAAAEM/KbdLBuefUZo/s1600-h/DSC03931.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EqPPcaJ5I/AAAAAAAAAEM/KbdLBuefUZo/s400/DSC03931.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431669066917619602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2Ep6dq0eII/AAAAAAAAAEE/ycI6QIghmpo/s1600-h/DSC03918.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2Ep6dq0eII/AAAAAAAAAEE/ycI6QIghmpo/s400/DSC03918.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431668709958908034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EpiKIUNeI/AAAAAAAAAD8/utKNTV5ztec/s1600-h/AustinTx+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EpiKIUNeI/AAAAAAAAAD8/utKNTV5ztec/s400/AustinTx+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431668292397053410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EpRY6-y3I/AAAAAAAAAD0/Hbaf-2T8P7U/s1600-h/AustinTx+024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EpRY6-y3I/AAAAAAAAAD0/Hbaf-2T8P7U/s400/AustinTx+024.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431668004309879666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EpA1IsPhI/AAAAAAAAADs/dYi88suDMlk/s1600-h/AustinTx+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EpA1IsPhI/AAAAAAAAADs/dYi88suDMlk/s400/AustinTx+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431667719825800722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EowZRqJSI/AAAAAAAAADk/CHWd0L6zPWQ/s1600-h/AustinTx+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EowZRqJSI/AAAAAAAAADk/CHWd0L6zPWQ/s400/AustinTx+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431667437469312290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EocVLavQI/AAAAAAAAADc/mHKjkvFtoE0/s1600-h/AustinTx+014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2EocVLavQI/AAAAAAAAADc/mHKjkvFtoE0/s400/AustinTx+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431667092772011266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2En2l9HutI/AAAAAAAAADU/Vww1NDE7Y3s/s1600-h/AustinTx+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S2En2l9HutI/AAAAAAAAADU/Vww1NDE7Y3s/s400/AustinTx+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431666444440419026" /></a><br />Well, since we last posted the crew has traveled to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Arkansas first of all. Having spent quite a bit of time here in the past both Daniel and I were psyched to show Kristen the awesome sandstone of the ranch. However, upon arriving near the ranch we ran into a horrible fog bank that cut visibility down to mere feat. The fog lasted until nearly midday and we ended up getting in probably a half a day of rock climbing. However, Kristen made short work of a 5.12a called "Lavender Eye" which was quite impressive. Daniel and I, well, we didn't do so much this day and ended up staying one more night at the ranch before heading out for points westward in the morning. Then we drove, and drove, and drove before stopping at a Walmart in Texarkana, Arkansas right on the border with Texas. It was getting dark at this point but we decided to push it through to Dallas in hopes that we could meet up with my high school buddy Brandon who we thought lived in San Antonio. However, about 100 miles outside of Dallas I got in touch with Stringer who happened to actually live in Forth Worth which was right outside of Dallas!! Needless to say after 14 hours of driving we were really excited to see a familiar face and have a comfortable place to stay for the evening. Brandon regaled us with stories of his friend "Jungle Death" and took us out on the town where Daniel and I were promptly hit on by a young gentleman. This was quite the unique experience for both of us to say the least. The next day, nursing slight hangovers, we got the tour of Fort Worth, getting to see some fantastic water gardens, stock yards, and a pretty good taco and margarita too boot. After staying one more night with the ever hospitable Stringer we moved on to Austin TX, apparently home to some fantastic limestone climbing. Once again, while en-route I got in touch with a college friend named Shannon and she offered up a guide book for the area as well as a gracious offer to stay at her pad while we were visiting the area. FYI the traffic in Austin is the worst I have ever experienced and this resulted in much consternation on my part seeing as how my pet peeves are heavy traffic and getting lost, both of which have happened in abundance during our stay in the Austin area. After getting the guide from Shannon's house we hit up a public park in the area called the Greenbelt and managed to make our way to a climbing area known as "Gus Fruh." This turned out to be a little disappointing with some less than stellar routes and bouldering. I guess though, when you live in the city you have to climb on what's convenient and sometimes not what is quality. Thus began our nationwide shit-talking tour 2010, coming to a crag near you very soon. It seems that limestone climbing is quite different than what you would imagine, it is like climbing on plastic, without texture. However, the next day we went to a semi-famous Austin climbing site, Reimer's ranch, which is home to a lot of limestone sport routes. The climbing was also very slick here but not quite as polished as at the Greenbelt. However, as you can see in one of the pictures, some of the bolting leaves a bit to be desired.. After climbing a few pitches Kristen and Daniel attempted some of the harder climbs, some of which were quite unique, such as "Liposuction" which comes out of a very interesting cave climbing stalactites and other wild features moving up the wall. As interesting as Reimer's ranch is I wouldn't recommend this as a world class climbing destination. However, the routes were interesting and most certainly a departure from anything we had climbed in the past. Today we decided to switch things up and go bouldering at McKinney Falls state park which is about 15 minutes from Shannon's abode. The climbing here is also on limestone and from what everyone had told us is considered extremely stout. We weren't disappointed as the climbing was extremely overhanging with slick feet and a myriad of one and two finger pockets littering the wave-like formation that was home to the bouldering. Daniel and I kept ourselves busy for several hours playing on this unique formation and were humbled many times by the difficulty of the climbing. That being said, it was a great challenge and we still managed to get in quite a bit of climbing. Some of these boulder problems were some of the most unique I have encountered so far, ever, but I wouldn't recommend driving to Austin just for this area. That being said, it was a pretty darn good day of climbing. This is probably going to wrap up our climbing in Austin but we are heading to Enchanted Rock tom morrow and will be meeting up with Shannon to volunteer helping Girl Scouts learn how to rock climb this weekend as well as doing a lot of climbing in the area. Tomorrow it is going to rain, for sure, so we're going to check out some wineries around what is known as "E-rock" which is also known as the "Na pa Valley" of Texas. When we post next we'll let you guys know how the wine, climbing, and girl scouting goes. Until then, enjoy the random pictures and we'll keep you posted as we make our way westward! I hope that you guys in Boone are enjoying the snow and that Twigs is hoppin'! We miss all of ya'll, kick back a shot of Woodford for us at the new smoke-free bar! To the rock climbers, I hope ya'll are finding some dry rock and hopefully crushing the proverbial gnar! Until later folks...Jay Tilleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034568276808127397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629239580559439457.post-43481694859174522382010-01-21T08:27:00.000-08:002010-01-21T09:02:26.330-08:00Little Rock City<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1iIacZO9jI/AAAAAAAAADM/GgEeOifcnpo/s1600-h/KristenWhiskey+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1iIacZO9jI/AAAAAAAAADM/GgEeOifcnpo/s400/KristenWhiskey+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429239338675140146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1iIVmXdHyI/AAAAAAAAADE/fYN2G5vkeHM/s1600-h/KristenWhiskey+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1iIVmXdHyI/AAAAAAAAADE/fYN2G5vkeHM/s400/KristenWhiskey+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429239255452688162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1iIPpyA_PI/AAAAAAAAAC8/eI27eMCfHxw/s1600-h/KristenWhiskey+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1iIPpyA_PI/AAAAAAAAAC8/eI27eMCfHxw/s400/KristenWhiskey+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429239153290181874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1iHXPJoM1I/AAAAAAAAAC0/xtKUA0LDMfk/s1600-h/LRC2+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1iHXPJoM1I/AAAAAAAAAC0/xtKUA0LDMfk/s400/LRC2+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429238184068789074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1iHQW429CI/AAAAAAAAACs/WC3UPUoKNJU/s1600-h/LRC+014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1iHQW429CI/AAAAAAAAACs/WC3UPUoKNJU/s400/LRC+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429238065886852130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1iHKlAIwjI/AAAAAAAAACk/2pwS5X98I3Q/s1600-h/LRC+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1iHKlAIwjI/AAAAAAAAACk/2pwS5X98I3Q/s400/LRC+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429237966596260402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1iHBStxNvI/AAAAAAAAACc/LGpt9FhazPI/s1600-h/LRC+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1iHBStxNvI/AAAAAAAAACc/LGpt9FhazPI/s400/LRC+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429237807068559090" /></a><br />When we last left our intrepid explorers they were holed up in a coffee shop in downtown Chatty drinking PBR and waiting for the rain to stop. After spending the afternoon there and then holing up at a Wall-Mart in Chattanooga for the night I got to see my first glimpse of the famed Little Rock City boulderfield. Located on the Montlake golf course the area is a very strange blend of aging duffers playing the seemingly dogtrack links of Montlake and the younger generation playing on the beautiful boulders that border the fairways of the course. The climbing here is on gorgeous, bullet-hard, white sandstone that offers both very aesthetic as well as fun rock climbing. Being as it was MLK day Monday was busy at the boulders but we met many nice folks including friends of Seiray and getting the phone number of our friend Laban who went to school at ASU during our time there. Aside from that Daniel had a fantastic day, once again climbing nearly everything he tried first or second try and finishing his day by completing the classic problem "The Wave." Kristen also had a good climbing day completing the LRC classic "Super Mario Brothers" among a host of other proud lines. Another great feature of the LRC boulders is that the golf course will sell you beer and then let you go bouldering with said beer! What a novelty! We next spent another lovely evening at the Soddy-Daisy Wall-Mart that is located very close to the golf course and bouldering. As much as I think Wall-Mart is a horrible corporation that exploits small towns the parking lots are a great, safe place to camp with accessible bathrooms and everything you could possibly need for a comfortable evening in the truck. There was even a Mexican restaurant in the shopping center with a great happy hour that we indulged in after our day climbing.. life is good. The next climbing day was a great one for me and I got to finish up one of the most enjoyable climbs of my trip so far, "Spyro Gyro" which consisted of a giant dynamic move to the finishing hold and a tall, proud top-out. On another interesting note, Luna has only bitten one person the entire time I've owned her and that was in Kentucky nearly a year ago, of course the first person I meet on our second day at LRC is the same guy that Luna snagged! The climbing community is extremely small and we keep getting reminded of that on a day to day basis. That night our friend Laban was kind enough to put us up in his new home, show us a good time on the four wheelers, and take us to one of the cheapest, tastiest breakfast places I have been to in a long time. After a sumptuous meal we pulled out for Nashville and the home of Kristen's high school pal Mansi, who is a ninth grade math teacher. However, along the way we took a detour to visit the famous Jack Daniel's distellery in Lynchburg TN. The tour was great and informative concluding with some delicious lemonade and a strong hankering for a glass of whiskey. Once we got to Nashville we enjoyed some television, pizza, and whiskey at Mansi's lovely apartment,got some good sleep, and now we are poised to head out to Arkansas! The trip has so far been awesome, good times, good people, and fantastic southern sandstone! Off we go!Jay Tilleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034568276808127397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629239580559439457.post-38473529397394336502010-01-17T12:19:00.000-08:002010-01-17T13:07:18.419-08:00RockTown Ga...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1N4iY_z7MI/AAAAAAAAACU/BZqEdOcE9ao/s1600-h/Leaving+042.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1N4iY_z7MI/AAAAAAAAACU/BZqEdOcE9ao/s400/Leaving+042.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427814508132560066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1N3m56-a0I/AAAAAAAAACM/glZShAaaFtc/s1600-h/Leaving+040.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1N3m56-a0I/AAAAAAAAACM/glZShAaaFtc/s400/Leaving+040.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427813486178495298" border="0"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1N3M6csnpI/AAAAAAAAACE/KBR_Wt3aLuU/s1600-h/Leaving+038.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1N3M6csnpI/AAAAAAAAACE/KBR_Wt3aLuU/s400/Leaving+038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427813039643336338" border="0"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1N2vy9eOwI/AAAAAAAAAB8/25Qj29i1edE/s1600-h/Leaving+066.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1N2vy9eOwI/AAAAAAAAAB8/25Qj29i1edE/s400/Leaving+066.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427812539417115394" border="0"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1N2dnmWktI/AAAAAAAAAB0/9Cv3zR-HvVc/s1600-h/Leaving+051.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1N2dnmWktI/AAAAAAAAAB0/9Cv3zR-HvVc/s400/Leaving+051.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427812227129709266" border="0"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1N1tX4ZyJI/AAAAAAAAABs/HzoAILgUyZ8/s1600-h/Leaving+049.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S1N1tX4ZyJI/AAAAAAAAABs/HzoAILgUyZ8/s400/Leaving+049.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427811398276728978" border="0"></a><br />After leaving a snowy, blustery Boone on Tuesday evening, I arrived at RockTown around midnight that evening. There seemed to be practically no one in the campground which for me is somewhat of an anomaly, however, having only been around for college breaks and on the weekends this soon made more sense. After relaxing with a cold beer Luna and I bundled up and crawled into the truck. On the upside, there is NO snow in Ga but the first few evenings were brutally cold and it was certainly difficult to sleep through the night. Daniel and Kristen pulled up to the campground as I was waking up on Wednesday and we got to go rock climbing! This was Daniel and Kristen's first time to this area and I'll have to say that they had an impressive first week at RockTown. Kristen completed many, many rock climbs during our stay sending some impressive stuff, including her first v6 boulder problem and what I understand to be her second V7 after sending "Morning Star" earlier in the trip at Rumbling Bald, NC. Daniel absolutely tore up RockTown completing nearly every climb I saw him get on within a few tries, many on his first try! This was around our third night in the area and we decided to celebrate with some beverages and woke up to a very overcast day on Saturday. As a group we decided this would be a good rest day and headed into the bustling town of LaFayette, Ga. After some Hardee's and very hot, free showers, courtesy of the LaFayette recreation department Daniel and Kristen retired to the car while I decided to try my luck at the rocks, wet or not. It ended up that Luna and I had the entire boulderfield to ourselves for the remainder of the day. It was great, I didn't realize quite how spoiled we are in Boone to be able to climb in relative peace and quiet, apart from the beta-spewing, chest thumping Bro's and Bro-ette's we encountered during busier days at the crag. My solitary day at the rocks proved to be one of my best climbing days in a long time and I completed several climbs that were on my list for this leg of the journey. Then it rained... after spending this morning reading at Hardee's for three or so hours Kristen, Daniel and I met up and are now in Chatty chillin' at a coffee shop escaping the rain. I'm looking outside at the dog and she looks rather pissed... Understandably so, however, this is definately not the fun part of the roadtrip. Three movies, 14 hours of sleeping, and damp gear are not so glamorous. Hopefully LRC for climbing on Monday and Tuesday before we make another travel decision. I hope things are going well in Boone, we miss all of you! Obviously I'm not too blog savvy but here are some assorted pictures and a video from RockTown!<object id="BLOG_video-FAILED" class="BLOG_video_class" contentid="FAILED" width="320" height="266"></object>Jay Tilleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034568276808127397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629239580559439457.post-7093910469354381982010-01-12T11:34:00.001-08:002010-01-12T12:48:18.717-08:00Finally Departing!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S0zQ0tcqJHI/AAAAAAAAABc/c4Gh5p2n7Eg/s1600-h/IMG_0038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S0zQ0tcqJHI/AAAAAAAAABc/c4Gh5p2n7Eg/s400/IMG_0038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425941255046177906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S0zQrtAuIuI/AAAAAAAAABU/T9fzbqS7p5s/s1600-h/IMG_0049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S0zQrtAuIuI/AAAAAAAAABU/T9fzbqS7p5s/s400/IMG_0049.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425941100310176482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S0zQPcFSaBI/AAAAAAAAABM/HRR4MxTWZP8/s1600-h/IMG_0028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S0zQPcFSaBI/AAAAAAAAABM/HRR4MxTWZP8/s400/IMG_0028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425940614729590802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S0zQFIOHSCI/AAAAAAAAABE/p_FnOUz6RU4/s1600-h/IMG_0026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/S0zQFIOHSCI/AAAAAAAAABE/p_FnOUz6RU4/s400/IMG_0026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425940437599209506" /></a><br /><br />After an excellent weekend in Rocky Mount to see my nephew and family, I'm about to meet Daniel and Kristen for what will be the second leg of my roadtrip in Rock Town, Ga atop beautiful Pidgeon Mountain. This whole roadtrip was finally kicked off on the tenth of January when Leigh Anna and I made an impromptu trip to Wrightsville Beach in order to start the trip on one coast and hopefully make it all the way to the other! The next post will actually be about rockclimbing, I promise. However, here are some shots from Boone, Wrightsville, and Rocky Mount. Leaving Boone has proven to be a sad and time consuming process, having no home, job, or schedule has left me a bit unsettled. Hopefully time traveling will solve this problem and I look forward to being back in North Carolina in May, but until then good people, I'm off!!!Jay Tilleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034568276808127397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4629239580559439457.post-63934620966253878642009-12-24T11:40:00.000-08:002009-12-24T11:51:46.316-08:00I Can't Believe That this is Happening...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/SzPGEOjRvVI/AAAAAAAAAA8/-s4zhtXd43E/s1600-h/hcr.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 98px; height: 130px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/SzPGEOjRvVI/AAAAAAAAAA8/-s4zhtXd43E/s320/hcr.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418892552584674642" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/SzPGD5sfKpI/AAAAAAAAAA0/rR7rOUwF3KY/s1600-h/blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/SzPGD5sfKpI/AAAAAAAAAA0/rR7rOUwF3KY/s320/blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418892546986158738" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/SzPGDlfyxfI/AAAAAAAAAAs/veubdWQGhuE/s1600-h/kdog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/SzPGDlfyxfI/AAAAAAAAAAs/veubdWQGhuE/s320/kdog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418892541564208626" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/SzPF2cqrLYI/AAAAAAAAAAk/ST3QjknwUQQ/s1600-h/gorge.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 86px; height: 130px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PrGNGPk_Fz0/SzPF2cqrLYI/AAAAAAAAAAk/ST3QjknwUQQ/s320/gorge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418892315855629698" /></a><br />First of all, I never, ever, ever thought that I would be one of those narcissistic punters that would blog about his own rockclimbing exploits in the great wide world of cyberspace. Obviously, that does not seem to be the case though now does it? Another unbelievable fact is that Kristin, Daniel, and myself will be setting off on a six month cross-country climbing extravaganza! After much prodding from family, friends, customers, and employers we decided to start a blog so that you good people can follow our progress, as well as punting, across the United States. It seems surreal that one, this is Christmas Eve, and two in less than three weeks all of us will be homeless, jobless, and living the dream! All of us have been wanting to take the quintessential climbing pilgramidge for a long time and now we're pulling up roots and heading out! The itenerary for this trip is by no means concrete so that means you (the reader) will be kept posted on our whims and fancy as we sample the best stone that the country has to offer. That being said, I've posted a few pictures of us from the last climbing season in the High Country. The next post we make will probably be from the road. So check back soon and wish us luck!Jay Tilleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14034568276808127397noreply@blogger.com1