Back in WI now... spending some time with the folks before setting off on my next adventure. It's amazing how fast the summer always seems to come and go. Looking back, i find myself getting lost in the wake of the all the good times spent in WV. Worked 67 days on the water this year between the New and Gualey river. I love my job! Thats been the greatest part of my summer, loving my job and all the people i work with. Class VI had a great video staff this year, full of personality. :)
Chillin with the Class VI crew out at long point.
Gauley Season Rocked!! We were lucky enough to have a really warm fall with great fall colors. I learned righty phonix monkies and took 6th in the Animal Race. I also got really good at getting juiced at the bottom of Wood's Farry. Gotta love a good mystery...
Russel Fork...
Lance and I made it out for race weekend on the Russel. This was Lance's first time down and my first time seeing it at 1,000cfs. The race had a huge turnout of 52 competitors. Records were broken, swimmers were swimming, and respect was gained. I ended up with 23rd and a time of 11:30. I really liked the solo timed racing style compared to the Gauley's mass start. It becomes a personal battle with yourself, seeing just how hard you are willing to push yourself. One sec here, one sec there... I know where i lost time and i'm excited to push it harder next year.
Climbing...
This summer i became very involved with climbing. Wild Bill, Curt, and myself (both class VI videographers) spent many afternoons climbing till our fingers bleed or we til we couldn't see anymore. I'll never forget the first time climbing with Curt, we ended up climbing in the dark with our headlamps on. For me climbing has been another great way to stay in shape and push myself mentaly. Its amazing to see how far you are willing to push yourself mentally and physically before saying "let me down". There's nothing worse than being lowerd down after a vicious battle with the rock and losing... Then its back to square one and a rematch another day.
All in all, it's been an awesome year in WV and i miss it already. But like the fall colors, its time to change and move into winter. For me this means heading south of the boarder, Mexico here i come.....
