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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Apr 23 2012

Shoulder Labrum Injury

Climbing, Injuries
by Beth

Beth,    I found this post through googling around the internet about climbing shoulder injuries and I must say this was a very well written piece. Sorry to hear about all of your recent injury troubles - I hope you can find some peace from all of that soon!  I dislocated my shoulder in Mallorca almost 2 years ago, I was in grad school in the UK at the time, went to two physical therapists there who eventually cleared me to climb after about 8 weeks. However, since then it has been a...

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Apr 11 2012

Vegas

Climbing
by Beth

Tis the season for my annual trip to Vegas. Unlike most trips to Vegas of gambling, shows, lavish hotels and parties, I venture to sin city for the Red Rocks Rendezvous climbing festival. All the showy aspects of Vegas are replaced with climbers, clinics, burritos, wind and dust. Instead of all nighters, it's early to bed early to rise. It's hardly the decadent buffet at the Belagio, but honestly I'd take being outside for fourteen hours over sitting in front of a slot machine any day. Perhaps I'll find myself...

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Apr 06 2012

Injuries: Taking it slow

Climbing, Injuries
by Beth

Hi Beth,   Any chance you might write a blog post on what you've been up to in the injury recovery department lately? Are you still doing things such as therapy exercises, meeting with doctors, and generally easing your way back in to climbing more and more frequently?   All the best, Max     Hi Max,   Thank you so much for your message and checking in. Physical therapy exercises are still a part of my routine. I now look at them not only as a way to recover but also as preventative. They've become sort of like brushing...

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