Big, long lock-offs on perfect stone-Hooters, V9, Joe's Valley.

Setting up for the big move on Hooters. 

It's hard to focus this early in the morning. 

Hooters, V9, Joe's Valley. 

Sunrise Bouldering

Recently obsessed over yet another boulder problem, I tried desperately in vain, to bribe young impressionable high school and young college aged men to accompany me to Joe's Valley for a 5 am climbing session. I tried the usual ruses, beer, dinner, gas money, etc, in exchange for a good spot on my latest project, Hooters, a tall, thin, beautiful face in Joe's Valley. The 5 am part was a neccesity, given the rising temps in the Utah desert. I couldn't find anyone crazy enough to take me up on my generous offer, except for the best young impressionable, easily bribed young buck, my husband Adam. Off we went Saturday night to camp out, our first camping expedition since our year on the road ended in September. After no sleep, and a terrible case of nausea caused by waking up WAY too early, we, actually I, began my warm up at 5:30 am. As I struggled to warm up, I couldn't help but wonder whose rediculous idea this was. As the sun began to come up over the hills, I started to feel the beauty and the magic that the early morning quiet had to offer, and I sent the problem just after 7 am. It was an awesome experience, and I've decided that sunrise climbing is a great idea afterall.

The tools required to climb at 5:30 am. 

Sunrise in Joe's Valley, UT 

This umbrella is quite lovely, really, it keeps my stripes from fading... 

The site of many imbibings to come. 

Hey Winn, the service is kind of slow around here, don't you think? 

Oh, Tiggs, your jokes are so hilarious! 

The dogs kickin' it on a Saturday. 

Fireplace close up. 

Tiggs and the Winster are psyched on the fireplace tile. 

A nice view of the door and the fireplace. 

What's happenin'

We recently visited the Portland area to meet our new nephew Trevor William Holmes. It was a whirlwind weekend and we loved every minute of it. It was great to see Trevor and his exhausted but wonderful new parents, Scotty and Melissa. We brought the dogs, and Tiggs had a blast playing with Buddy, while Winnie growled at them through the kitchen window. We had cake for Adam's birthday, and generally just enjoyed the family and snuggling with Trevor.

Since our return, we've had visits from Rich and Senja from Canada, and Shannon from California. We had lots of fun showing them some of the climbing around here. In between all work and play, we've been busy still around the house. We are working on the landscaping, and Adam has planted lots of herbs, flowers, and some new trees. We also got our fireplace finished, FINALLY. More photos coming soon. Hope you like the new pics.

Here is our patio under construction. We've (ok, well Adam's) been working on planting lots of flowers, herbs, etc. Adam planted three new trees in our front yard today.  

Here's me on the tricky problem Where's your Aspen, V8. Get it? Where's your ass been??? Mine was on the ground a whole lot. 

This photo is NOT digitally enhanced. Tigger's tounge really IS this big. How does he ever shut his mouth?! 

Shannon pimpin' on some slopers in Price. 

Our friend Shannon from California on the Price classic, Infestation, V3.

Here is the lovely mantle in the middle of the face of the Wave boulder. 

Here is Adam on another Price classic boulder.  

When we returned from Washington, we were happy to see our friends Rich and Senja from Canada while they passed through Utah. here we are in Price, Utah playing on the boulders. 

Here is Scotty being Scotty. Gotta love him! 

Here is Adam and I with the new bundle (no, not ours!!), our nephew Trevor William Holmes. 

We visited our new nephew Trevor in Washington. Here are the Multnomah falls that we stopped and looked at in Oregon.