Promises Worth Keeping

Walking on the frozen St. Lawrence River, 2005. (D Herscovitch)

I didn't write a New Year's Resolution post last year. In fact, I never wrote resolutions at all. I usually don't for a number of reasons. And they're not all negative reasons:

1. I'll either set unrealistic expectations, or set realistic expectations and not meet them, both of which result in feelings of regret and self-deprecation.
2. Some resolutions I set, though meaningful on January 1st, end up being irrelevant, but sometimes for a good reason. Last year's list of resolutions might have included commiting to a solid workout four days a week. But they would never have included something like raising $5,100 for Big City Mountaineers and climbing Mount Rainier. Training for that in and of itself was a bigger commitment than a 4x/week workout schedule. Go me!
3. I don't believe in them...much. We're supposed to be setting goals, striving and reaching all year. What makes this day more important than any other? Why not set resolutions on our birthdays? I'd rather my goals be fluid, and I'd rather set them as I learn more about what I really want to accomplish rather than forcing them out according to the Gregorian calendar's "new year." I want when I set goals to be flexible.
4. It makes things easier. It's the easy way out. I don't have to set goals on this day like everyone else, I don't have to commit to anything, and I don't have to worry about disappointing myself. Putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, and getting that concept in writing, then rereading it...well, it's a lame excuse. It's a symptom of fear.

I know we're supposed to set specific, measurable goals. How else will we know if we've achieved them? But there's so much I want to get out of the upcoming year(s) that can't be measured, and I'd imagine when I'm about to cross the proverbial finish line, I'll just know.

There are a few "resolutions" I've been working on lately, though they have nothing to do with New Year's Day. They're not resolutions, really, they're promises. I haven't resolved to complete them by January 1, 2012. I didn't make them on January 1, 2010. They're part of my ongoing evolution. I want to climb another "big" mountain this year, which I suppose could be a resolution. I want to do a better job of staying in touch with friends. That could be one too. But if I continue to work on keeping my promises, the rest will come. And I'm getting them out in the open today because they're important.

I've done a lot of growing this year, a lot of internal reflection, a lot of limit testing, and a lot of learning. I'm proud of the slow, but steady progress I've made in getting to know myself. It's such a strange concept, knowing myself. I spend every second of every day with me, how could the person that is me still be a bit of a stranger? Regardless, here are some of the silent-until-now promises I've made:

• I promise to accept myself, and with that, I promise to stop wanting to be like everyone else.
• I promise to learn how to separate others' expectations from my own, and live according to mine. I promise to work to understand what really, truly drives me and follow that passion wherever it takes me.
• I promise to look in the mirror every day with loving eyes, not critical ones. Then, I promise to take those non-critical eyes out into the world.
• I promise to keep challenging myself, to keep trying things that scare me, for as long as I live. And when the fear's almost too much, I promise to continually remind myself of how it feels to conquer it.
• I promise to keep looking inward, even though that promise might come with tears and things I don't want to find. It will also come with so many positive things, and already has.

Wish me luck!

Climb Philly Part 2: Indoor Skills Lessons and Fun for Intermediate Climbers

In Part 1, we talked about ways to start from scratch in rock climbing. Part 2 of the Climbing Philadelphia series focuses on indoor learning and social climbing experiences for intermediate climbers. Classes are geared toward climbers with experience indoors who need to hone skills, and for folks looking to meet other climbers around Philly. 

Philadelphia Rock Climbing Meet-Up Group - This group, supported by TerraMar Adventures on Meet-up.com, is designed to connect Philadelphia-area climbers. It's how I made the bulk of my climbing friends when I moved to Philly in 2007, and I'm so thankful for all the folks who took the time to get me involved in the group.

TerraMar and the meet-up group after ice climbing last winter!

If you're new to the area and need a gym intro, looking for a climbing partner, or just want to climb with some friendly folks, this group's the ticket. Between Go Vertical evening climbs, trying out other Philly area gyms, and the occasional outdoor climbing trip in the summer, it's a great way to meet fellow rock enthusiasts. The message board is full of folks requesting partners and looking for others to climb outside with. While it's not only reserved for intermediate and advanced climbers, it's certainly preferable that you've got belaying experience for the evening climbs. If you don't, here are some great ideas about how to get started! Outdoor trips are also geared toward all skill levels, and there will even be an occasional guided ice climbing trip. Costs vary, but membership is free! Event length and gear requirements vary. RSVPs required, some events required advance payment.. More info here.

Fighting Gravity Series (Climbing 201), Philly Rock Gyms - This three-night course covers proper body positions for climbing efficiency, dynamic movements, and learning how to use your legs to climb. It's a perfect way to really hone those movement skills, and to understand how to be more efficient on the wall. Climbers can attend all three sessions, or an individual evening to brush up on a specific skill. Then, when you're ready for the next step, take their Fighting Gravity Series: The Next Step (Climbing 202) classes! Costs $80/person for all three sessions, $30/person for a single session. Each session is 1 1/2 hours in length.Reservations required. More info here.

4-Part Climbing Clinic, Go Vertical - This four night course focuses on learning to climb stronger and more efficiently through new techniques and identifying both strengths and weaknesses. The series must be taken in its entirety, as each class builds on what climbers learn and practice in the previous sessions. Sessions cover footwork, bodywork, dealing with overhangs, and drills to practice. Costs $165/person. Each session is 2 hours in length. Reservations required. More info here. 

Local Bouldering Competitions! Bouldering comps can be an amazing way to meet new climbers, hone your skills, and bring out your competitive edge. Even if you're a V0 boulderer, they're a blast. You'll find yourself elbow to elbow with some of the best boulderers out there, and when you're up climbing, they'll be cheering for you. I've found most competitors friendly, helpful, and encouraging. They can be a great ego boost, and seeing how the pros do it always helps. I went to my first one last fall, and it was both confidence building and incredibly fun!

Most bouldering competitions are split into categories for scoring so you can be sure you'll be measured against climbers of similar abilities. The Philly Rock Gyms host a handful of comps throughout the year, including the upcoming Midnight Burn in January.

Wee Winter Wanders and a New Perspective

icy stalagmites/Hershey's Kisses sculptures

One of my favorite things in the world is to try and see familiar things from a new perspective. It's right up there with seeing new things! My home town, Ithaca, NY, is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the state. Though, I admit I might be a bit biased... Living here, I definitely took the beauty for granted, or rather, didn't spend as much time appreciating it as I do now.

Dan and I went out for a wee winter wander to get some fresh air on Christmas Eve in the Six Mile Creek area of town. It's a place I've been to many times in the warmer months, particularly when I was younger, for Ithaca's version of cliff jumping. (Of course, the smallest cliff was the highest I could handle.) But I don't remember ever really taking the time to look around there in the winter. We discovered Mother Nature's got a way of quietly making her presence known in some extraordinary ways. I live to be in awe of and inspired by how beautiful the world is.

All the photos to follow and more are up on http://adventure-inspired.smugmug.com

stalagmite ice and...my left leg. (Dan Herscovitch)

suspended, frozen.

 

a little bit of rime ice and a lot of waterfall.



I'd just love to see a time elapse video of how this was created...



drops trying to reach the creek that didn't quite make it.



Best of 2010: Gear I Love!

The holiday season is in full swing, and it's nearly time for 2010 to give way to 2011! But there's still plenty of time to try out my top gear picks of the year.

eddiebauer.com

First Ascent Peak XV Down Jacket
A great value at $269-299, this beauty is a must-have for staying warm in the coldest of conditions. The 850 fill down is protected by a cocoon of waterproof ripstop fabric, a great feature for those of us who understand the pain of having accidentally stabbing holes in down coats. The hood fits comfortably over a helmet and stayed put even in strong winds on Mount Rainier. Adjusting the hood and sleeves with gloves on was a piece of cake. It packs well into a small compression sack, though still takes up quite a bit of space. But it's a small price to pay for such a warm parka! And as far as big puffy coats goes, the slim fit makes it relatively flattering.

Petzl Tikka2 Headlamp

amazon.com

In my humble opinion, Petzl makes the best headlamps out there. I've owned three of them so far, and haven't been disappointed. They're durable, designed well, and they do their job. I bought the Tikka2 Headlamp after testing out a friend's during a climbing trip. It was noticeable brighter than my old Princeton Tec and the button was easier to press. The easy-to-access battery compartment holds lithium, alkaline, or rechargeable batteries. I had the Tikka2 lit on Mount Rainier for 7 straight hours, among other occasions, and still haven't had to replace the batteries. At $29.95, it's a great price for such a great piece of gear! (If you really want a powerful headlamp battery, I've heard from Rockgrrl that the CORE is a great investment.)

REI.com

REI Bullet Vaccuum Bottle
I learned the value of having a good vacuum bottle last winter during a mountaineering course in the Adirondacks. There's nothing better than freezing your a** off climbing one of the High Peaks in January than a hot chocolate break (or two) en route. Finding a vessel that didn't leak, however, provided more of a challenge than Algonquin Peak did. The key, I found, was to use a vacuum bottle with a screw top rather than a push botton top. The seals on all three push button top bottles I tried, particularly this one, ended up detaching or leaking. (Thankfully, friend Aleya didn't have the same problem!) The lid on the REI Bullet Vacuum Bottle twists on and off, and allows you to pour liquid out without removing it entirely. I'll never go on another winter trip without it! The 12 oz. version is available on REI.com for $19.50.

MSR DragonFly Multi-Fuel Camp Stove

cascadedesigns.com

I hate doing dishes on backpacking trips. Hate. This hatred is amplified when I discover I've burned half my meal to the bottom of the pot and have to scrub rock hard pieces of rice, pasta, etc off of it. One of my biggest complaints about most backpacking stoves, including the MSR Whisperlite, is the fact that the stove is either on full blast, or off. There's no in-between. If all I'm eating on a backpacking trip is food that requires the addition of boiling water, that's fine. But for anything else, the DragonFly is definitely my preference. It's easy to store, easy to use, and the dual valve design allows you to simmer. The DragonFly also boils water faster than you can say, "Simmering is awesome!" The best part about MSR stoves is their "ShakerJet" technology; to clean the fuel line, you shake the stove. That's it. The DragonFly is a little pricey at $129.95, but it's worth it!

sportiva.com

La Sportiva Miura VS Women's Climbing Shoes
Recommending climbing shoes is...difficult. Everyone has different feet. But these shoes are just phenomenal. Though it took me almost two months to break them in, (or rather, break my feet in), I'm not sure I'll buy another pair of shoes for bouldering after wearing the Miura VS shoes. They're still not comfortable and they probably never will be, but good, aggressive shoes are bound to be a little painful. They don't fit the same way the Miura lace-ups fit, which was a good thing for me. They're a more aggressive shoe than I've ever owned, but I've also found their performance superior to anything I've ever owned. Precise footwork and edging is easier than ever. The size 40 fits my women's size 10 feet perfectly, and I haven't noticed much stretch during the break-in period. And I don't care what anyone says; I like the flowers! From EMS for $155.

Disclaimer: The Petzl Elia Women's Climbing Helmet I received from PembaServes to test definitely would've made this list, but I dedicated an entire post to it already this year! I did not buy the First Ascent Peak XV Down Jacket; I won it in a twitter contest sponsored by First Ascent. Regardless, it's my down jacket of choice.

Revelstoke, Here We Come! (In Two Months)

Alyeska, where I learned to ski in 2007.

Normally, Mondays are days I don't particularly look forward to. But this Monday was...awesome. I booked my flight to Kelowna, British Columbia for my first real ski trip "out west." For someone who's grown up on the East Coast and spent the last few winters skiing in Pennsylvania, I'm not entirely sure what skiing "out west" entails, but I know it's going to be awesome.

I started skiing back in 2007 when I lived in Alaska, though you can bet it took me at least a month into real winter to try it at all. "You want me to hurtle myself down a giant mountain toward the icy Turnagin Arm on pieces of wood attached to my feet? Seriously?!" But try I did, and I discovered that those years of figure skating lessons paid off. I realized my instant, although uncontrolled, ability to parallel ski. (I figure skated until age 10, at which point I decided I was not, in fact, graceful, and swimming was much more fun.)

That winter, I spent almost every weekend at the Alyeska Resort outside of Anchorage. After a month of skiing, my "instructor" finally let me use poles, and I finally figure out how not to trip over them. I still don't plant them properly, though.

So, after much deliberation, waffling, and general arguing both internally and out loud, I booked my flight to British Columbia to ski at Revelstoke. Life's full of trade-offs, and I knew there would only be one big trip this winter. But I'm psyched that this is it! We'll spend a few days wandering around the Kelowna area, hopefully discovering a handful of outdoor adventures to be had. Then our little group will head to Revelstoke for several days of jaw dropping views and feet of beautiful snow.

I'm not going to lie, I'm nervous. As far as skiing goes, I'm about average, and I'm going to British Columbia to ski with a few folks who are, to say the least, incredible skiers. Black runs here in Pennsylvania give me a run for my money, and I didn't make it down a single black run at Alyeska without biting it at least once. A few days at Whiteface Mountain outside Lake Placid, NY last winter left me a little more fearless. But after several hours of steep skiing, my legs are jello, and concentrating enough not to fall is quite challenging. I know powder is akin to gold for skiers and boarders, but I have absolutely no idea how to ski in it. The closest I've come to skiing powder was sloshing through inches of fluffy snow that had fallen one day at Alyeska. That was three years ago.

Nerves aside, I'm beyond excited. I can't wait for the Canadian Rockies to take my breath away. I'm guessing just sitting at a window staring outside would be enough to keep me occupied for the entire week. But, this blog is called "Adventure-Inspired" after all, and I'm so looking forward to taking on the challenge of skiing in a brand new place, and learning as much as I can.

All of you skiers out there, what advice do you have for someone who's about to go on their first real, honest-to-goodness ski trip? I've got two months to get myself ready!

Climb Philly Part 1: Beginners, Getting Started Indoors

This two-part post focuses on the best ways to get into Philadelphia-area climbing during the off-season. We'd all love to be outside right now, but if you're just getting into the sport, want to hone your skills, or lead climb like a pro and want some serious skills lessons, area gyms have some fantastic options. If you're not based around Philadelphia, odds are your local gym will have similar classes to help you hone your skills indoors.

Part 1 of the Climbing Philadelphia series focuses on indoor climbing classes for absolute beginners. These classes are all geared towards folks who have little to no climbing experience, but are more than ready to learn! All are great options, and each comes with unique features.

on belay at Go Vertical, way back in 2008!

Getting Started Class, Go Vertical - This class is for beginners, and involves 2+ hours of instruction with a Go Vertical instructor. You'll learn climbing basics, the basics of top-rope belaying, and have plenty of time to practice what you've learned. A belay test is still mandatory after the class for self-sufficient climbing, but the class includes two day passes (without gear rental), which makes coming back easy! Costs $65/person. 2 hours in length. Includes gear and 2 additional day passes. 4:1 instructor ratio. Reservations required. More info here.

Intro to Climbing Class, Philly Rock Gyms - Also for beginners, PRG instructors teach basic rope skills, knot tying, and basic movements. The class lasts three hours. A belay test is mandatory after the class for self-sufficient climbing. Costs $42/person. 3 hours in length. Includes gear. Reservations required. More info here.

Deluxe Intro to Climbing Pack, Philly Rock Gyms - A longer version of the Intro to Climbing class, complete with an extra hour of small group instruction and two return visit day passes with equipment rental. Costs $75/person. 3 hours in length. Includes gear. Reservations required. More info here.

Basic Climbing Class, Doylestown Rock Gym - A four week class, one session per week, focused on helping new climbers become completely self sufficient in the gym. The class focuses on belay skills, climbing technique, and safety.  Costs $50/person. 6 hours in length. Reservations required. More info here.

Local outdoor adventure group TerraMar Adventures will also, on occasion, offer a chance for Philly area folks to get together and learn as a group. TerraMar guides work with local gyms to set up group climbing events that are beginner-friendly. They're also a great way to meet like-minded outdoorsy folks! Keep your eye on the event calendar here and here.

Of course, one of the best ways to get try a new sport is to, ahem, ask your friends if they'd be willing to take you under their wing for a day! Climbers are, in my experience, a unique breed. If you know someone who climbs, and aren't ready to fork over the dough for a lesson on your first trip to the gym, enlist the help of a climbing friend. Most, if not all, will be more than willing to help! And a climbing lesson can also make the perfect holiday gift. Give the gift of a new experience!

Gear Review: La Sportiva Women’s Nepal EVO GTX Mountaineering Boots

Ready for climbing! by Carla Cue.

With high arches and narrow heels, I’ve found La Sportiva climbing shoes fit me perfectly. When I heard they were coming out with a women’s-specific pair of mountaineering boots, I knew those were the first boots I had to try on my quest for the perfect pair.

My first look at leather boots came after a less-than-comfortable experience with plastics on an ice climbing and mountaineering trip in the Adirondacks.  I bought the La Sportiva Women’s Nepal Evo GTX boots in advance of a late summer Mount Rainier climb. I chose them over women’s models by Scarpa, Garmont and Asolo knowing the quality and fit of La Sportiva boots worked for me.

The first obstacle I ran into was finding a place to buy them in the correct size. Finding them in a size 42 was more difficult than I expected, and 42 was the largest size I’ve seen them sold in. I was concerned they were almost too small for my women’s size 10 feet.

Ricketts Glen, by Mark Trybulski

The first thing I did was to replace the insoles that came with the boots with Superfeet; the stock insoles felt much too thin.  The toe box is wide and allows plenty of space for extra socks, which came in handy on Rainier. I wore one pair of liner socks with a thick pair of mountaineering socks, and my feet stayed warm even as the temperature dropped to 10ºF. With temperatures below zero, I would consider switching to plastics; the Nepal Evo GTX boots are not made for extreme cold. Other features include insulation and a Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane, which keep feet warm and dry. They do not need to be treated for waterproofing out of the box. The lace locking system takes a little getting used to. The laces are locked down in the center eyelet, enough that I had to yank on the laces to get them unlocked. But it ensures they stay put and can be tightened down enough, and the removable tongue insert helps further ensures a snug, warm fit.

The boots were comfortable on the way up Mount Rainier, and I never had trouble with blisters. For mountaineering boots, they feel relatively lightweight. In addition to climbing on Rainier’s glaciers, I took them on many a training hike on the East Coast. They are full shank boots and are about as stiff soled as boots come, which means they are not made for hiking. However, on ice climbing trips, they worked like a dream. The stiff soles and toe box cushioned my feet while I kicked into the ice and my feet stayed put. They’re also designed to allow your ankles to flex despite the stiffness. I used them with both strap on and step in crampons without any trouble.

The only discomfort I had was on the descent of Mount Rainier; I had major issues with my big toes slamming into the front of the boot, enough to cause bruising. Tightening them down helped, but such stiff boots can only be tightened so much. This can be a sign that the boots are too small, but given that it had not been an issue on any hikes or ice climbing, adjusting sock layers was a good remedy.

Overall, I would definitely buy these boots again, and recommend them for mountaineering and ice climbing. They are pricey, retailing for $480, but are well worth the price. I have a feeling they will last me quite a while!

Being Thankful for Nature's Gifts

Sunset and alpenglow in Denali National Park.

This morning, friend Amy Christensen of Expand Outdoors posed a question on her blog about gifts from nature. As far as gifts go, hers is, without a doubt, the ability to ask questions that force me to think more critically and more openly than I ever thought possible. She's certainly got me thinking before, and this time is no exception. 

I took some time today to reflect on those of nature's gifts I'm most thankful for, and narrowed it down those I thought were most meaningful.

Thanks to nature, I understand the true meaning of "awestruck". Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, Mount Rainier, and everything in between taught me that. The landscapes take my breath away. They awaken a longing, a sadness, buried under my seemingly silly obsessions and worries.The feeling is an addiction; as soon as I'm away, the only thing I can think of is how to get it back.
Thanks to nature, I've put a new definition to what it means to be challenged. Outdoor sports (climbing, mountaineering, wilderness backpacking and hiking) have humbled and fascinated me. I've been petrified and exhilarated all at the same time, every time. Despite the fear, I keep going back. I want to learn, grow, and accept the fear as part of being human.

Nature gives me an escape with a purpose. It's not just about being distracted from life's everyday responsibilities; television can accomplish that. It's about leaving everything else behind, immersing myself in and becoming completely aware of my surroundings. Even when I'm on a hike, I'll have to force myself to pay complete attention and to stay present. When I'm able to completely focus on the smells, sounds, and sights, it's unlike any other release.

Nature forces all of us to be creative, think critically, learn and grow. In Alaska, I was fascinated by the need for an engine block heater and studded tires on my car. The concept of building a house, a hotel, or a high rise on such a volatile landscape was incredible. The terrain constantly shifts, and if we're going to inhabit place like it, we've got to adapt. That need for adaptation is exciting, and the constant challenges fascinate me.

The kindred spirits I've found make me feel constantly thankful. Through nature, I've discovered passionate friends I never knew I could have.

Thanks to nature, I'm reminded of how small I am, and that there's more to the world than just me. Than just us. Than just my apartment, my car, my job, the noise, and the hustle and bustle of life.

If you've got gifts from nature you're thankful for, post them in the comments section and be sure to let Amy know what they are, too!