Oct 23 2012

The Nose, Crowds, and Happiness

Climbing, featured, Yosemite
by Beth

[caption id="attachment_20691" align="alignnone" width="768"] The Brazilian – epitomizing the spirit of adventure.[/caption]   For some years now climbing has been more than the actual act of climbing for me, it's been about the people in the community. Going climbing with good friends, traveling the world meeting new people, or taking first timers out to the crag or gym. These times can be as rewarding as sending the hardest thing possible.   The turning point came for me while working on free climbing the Nose of El Capitan. The crowds and clusters on the Nose...

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Sep 13 2012

Vegan Basil Pesto

Food
by Beth

This summer, along with the dreaded zucchini, I've also been getting more basil than I know what to do with in my CSA box. I tried to use it up in creative asian stir frys, resulting in some interesting (a kind way to put disaster) dishes. Inevitably, I would put my tail between my legs and give up, leaving the basil to wilt into a sad black bunch of goo. I hate having food go to waste, especially from my box. I like getting the csa box as a challenge to use...

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Sep 10 2012

Home Climbing Walls

Climbing, Yosemite
by Beth

Ever since my second year of climbing, I've had a home climbing wall. I grew up no more than two miles from my local climbing gym, making it a far cry from hardship to make it to the gym. But, there's something about having a quiet, personal place to climb. It literally brings climbing into the backyard. Gone are the arduous two mile treks to the gym, a long drive to the crag, or climbing in a sweaty, chalky, crowded environment. So this summer I built (or I should say...

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Jun 25 2012

Childhood Memories of Small Outdoor Shops

Climbing
by Beth

I have tons of childhood memories of being in the mountains: camping, swimming in freezing alpine lakes, s'mores, climbing, and family time. When we weren't in the mountains, I was constantly dreaming of them. And one of my favorite places to dream of mountain adventures was in a small outdoor store, Alpine West.   I wrote a short blog for Osprey on a recent trip to Alpenglow Adventure Sports and the memories it brought back.   Enjoy! Memories of Small Outdoor Shops ...

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Jun 21 2012

Projecting Tips

Climbing, Yosemite
by Beth

Ah the joys of banging your head against the wall on a project. Projecting can be frustrating at times, but with a bit of work, it can be more than worth it in the end. I wrote a piece for Outdoor Research on tips and suggestions that I have learned over the years. Hopefully these help you break through a plateau you are having. Please send me a message if you you have any other questions.   The link:   Projecting Tips...

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Jun 04 2012

Slabtastico!

Climbing, Yosemite
by Beth

I love slab climbing. I feel like I’m in an anonymous group, and that should have been spoken in a hushed voice. But, it’s true. I’m one of the few people left in this world who actually loves slab climbing. With the onslaught of huge climbing gyms, massive sport crags, and desperate boulder problems, it seems that slab climbing has become something of the past.   I grew up in a climbing gym with 90% vertical or less than vertical terrain. It was one of the first gyms in the country, and...

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May 14 2012

Making Homemade Granola

Food
by Beth

I’ve had a solid two weeks at home. It’s been such a treat visiting with friends and family, climbing in Yosemite, and also channeling my inner Martha. There’s a delicate balance for me between soaking up my time at home and getting antsy for my next trip. Luckily this stay was definitely the former.   After experimenting and succeeding with making my own almond milk, I decided to continue my Betty-the-homemaker streak and try my at luck homemade granola. I’m not the biggest consumer of granola, but I do enjoy a bit...

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May 10 2012

Making Homemade Almond Milk

Food
by Beth

I've been using almond milk for my main milk substitute for a couple of years now. It has replaced the previous candidates of soy and coconut, and seems to be making itself permanent. It makes par for a baking substitute, and I honestly prefer it on my oatmeal to anything else. Unfortunately, it comes in the tetrapak milk containers. I've always been jealous of real milk drinkers' ability to buy their milk in reusable glass jars. It seems like a simple, environmental way of doing things. There's hardly any waste,...

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May 07 2012

BlueWater Rope Factory Tour

Travel, Yosemite
by Beth

I recently returned from a trip to the good old south. I love visiting the south. It's absolutely one of my favorite places. With southern hospitality and world class climbing, I can't ask for much more. In fact, I think we should start an initiative to instill "southern hospitality" to the rest of the nation. I pretty sure everyone would be a whole heck of a lot happier if people were inherently kind to each other.   But, alas, that's probably a bigger topic than I can tackle right now...

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May 02 2012

Dairy Free Travel Food

Food, Travel
by Beth

Hi Beth, Thank you so much for your wonderful blog on your climbing/travel adventures and your recipes. I notice that you travel a lot for your work and know that you have some food allergies and restrictions. How do you make sure you eat correctly when you travel so much? Is there a certain restaurant chain that you can always count on? I too have food allergies, so any info you can pass along would be great. Thanks so much. Crystal   Hi Crystal, Thank you very much for your message. Yes, I do travel...

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