Today I took a trip with Bob, Andy, Brooke, Riley, & Emma to Sullivan Canyon. Oh, Riley & Emma are pups, not people. They’re Andy and Brooke’s pups (very cute dogs, very friendly too).
The walk into the canyon was a little unnerving. Steep, straight down, and at points you’d almost wish you were roped in. Also, tons of loose rock, lots of dirty areas. All in all, my least favorite spot so far.

Bob set up to do a lead of a nice little 5.5 problem. No bolts on these routes, so it’s all your own protection equipment. At the top of several climbs you’ll find hanging chains that you can pass the rope through after leading, and then top rope from. That’s how Bob set up today.

My few runs today were not good. Wrong mindset altogether. Along my first climb I took a look back, and found my belayer with his hand not at position. Two more looks back found the same thing, so I pointed it out. But just that questioning made it really tough to get into doing the climbs. If you’re worried about how the rope is being run, you’re not going to really get into the day. So, I opted out early. Ah yes, I’m the climber with the orange harness if you didn’t know.

Bob and Andy continued on to do a few more. Brooke and the pups watched on. And along the rocks there were many other groups of people climbing. Definitely a ton of climbs to do in the canyon. The rock is odd. Volcanic rock, very pourous, and a ton of debris below the climbs. Different from all of the granite in Prescott. It’ll be a learning experience when I decide to go back in there (might be a while).

The folks climbing a few hundred feet away were pretty impressive. Obviously in great shape, and clearly climbing often. Something to work toward over time!

In the end, an ok day. I got a little too rattled over the belay and let it psych me out. But I recall that I was once yelled at by my first instructor for looking off not directly at him. And I’ve always understood why. Guess today I got to experience the same sensation he had while up on the rock and wondering if a fall would be arrested, or if you’d quickly meet up with everyone else down below. Next time around we’ll go over that a bit more for the sake of feeling secure while on belay.

Ah, and if you couldn’t tell with all the hats in the photos, it was a tad chilly here today!

Yesterday was a pretty slow day. All is quiet here.

This morning I posted a new article on WiFi hotspots while on the road. Might be worth a read if you’re considering using WiFi as your primary mode of connecting to the internet while traveling. My take on relying 100% on WiFi hotspots? I’m glad I’ve got my Verizon service.

Additionally, I’d recently put up a “reader request” podcast at the Digital RV Podcast site regarding using your IPod as a backup hard drive.  Take a look if you haven’t already stopped by.

Not sure what’s on schedule today. Hoping Bob has a chance to show me another climbing area before he leaves for MN next week. I’ll surely miss my new friend. Guess I’ll need to start shopping the area for other climbing partners.

Here I am this morning, uploading the latest podcast from the Raven. Great high speed connection here! So with the bigger podcasts, I take a ride into town, get a mint tea, and wait for the podcast loads to complete.

Just finished posting the latest podcast. Some climbing from yesterday. Definitely fun, but I’m paying for it this morning. Typing is a touch difficult.

I spent the afternoon with Bob and his friend Andy. Our climbing was actually in a practice bouldering area in the Granite Basin Recreation area. Nice spot. There are many larger climbs in the area, but a fair amount are currently closed for falcon nesting season. Don’t want to disturb them at the moment. I believe the rest of the area will be reopened by July.

After talking with a friend in CA it sounds like we’ll be getting some weather tonight. More cold, rain or snow….. Isn’t it almost May? Ah well, still enjoying the Prescott area and all it has to offer.

I’m uncertain what I’ll be up to this weekend. But if bad weather does roll in, maybe some more web site maintenance and upgrades will be in order.

Warning: This episode contains some strong lanugage. Viewer discretion is advised.

Another IPod sized episode here. And apologies, there are some bad language moments in the podcast, but I have edited as best as I can. Honestly, play around on the rocks and some off color language might occur.

With all that said, this is a fun episode. Climbing with Bob & Andy yesterday. Made for an interesting afternoon, and now I’m really sore. Typing is difficult today!

Keep in mind……. Climbing is dangerous. Gadget’s Airstream Chronicles is not responsible if you get the climbing bug, go out and try it, and find yourself hurt, sore, and addicted to playing on rocks.

 

 GAC Episode 41 - Bouldering at the Granite Basin Rec Area [15:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Yesterday was an indoor day.  The winds were amazing!  Sand was blowing off and on all afternoon.  I’m happy to say, the Airstream weathered it well.

I spent the bulk of the day hiding out indoors.  Wasn’t quite clear on how to bandage over the stitches from the other day, and didn’t want to get tons of sand into the area.  So, a day indoors. 

Climbing was cancelled.  Bob and Andy both decided the winds were too much, and Bob had called to let me know.  I’d already decided I wasn’t going given the winds.  Need a little time to heal.  Maybe today we’ll go.  I’d really like to make a climbing podcast. 

No saying ouch regarding yesterday’s activities. Although there are sore spots all over.

This morning I’ve got an appointment in Prescott Valley. Having a small biopsy. When I’d hit the dermatologist the other week he’d seen something he wanted to get a better look at. So, cross your fingers I don’t flinch!

We’ll see if I climb today with Bob. If I don’t, I might tag along with the video camera. Several of Bob’s friends are looking to come out today. With luck, I’ll be able to provide some fun video of what climbing in Prescott, AZ is really like. I’ll tell you first hand what it’s like…..FUN!

Well, I teased this morning about the weather in New England. And I clearly should not have teased. Today cooler temps came in early morning, a few snow flakes here and there, and it felt like a cold New England spring day. Of course, we didn’t get any real precipitation here. But the skies threatened like it off and on.

While I was walking downtown I received a call. My neighbor Bob. He wanted to let me know 3 packages had arrived for me at the office. My old climbing gear. It didn’t travel with me over the past year. Last Spring it took enough effort just to drive around to new places. Climbing was not an option or consideration for that matter.

I’m happy to say, I’m trying new things again every day. Building back up from the disaster of 05′ and part of 06′. Very nice indeed.

I returned to Point of Rocks Campground and opened my packages quickly. Bob came over to see what came in, and moments after taking a look at the mess he suggested we take a walk into the Dells. There were a few easy lead climbs he’d been wanting to try. We set off around 2:00, and didn’t return until after 5:00.

We first set up on a nice little 5.6 climb. It was a lead climb, so Bob did the leading. 4 bolts in total spaced less than 10 feet apart I’d say. The start though was very unprotected, and the first 15 feet it was up to Bob not to fall. He did well! Great climber actually.

After playing around on the first route we moved on to a 5.7, then a 5.8. I wasn’t sure if I’d be up to it. Been a long time, and let’s face it, I’ve gotten “squishy” the past few years. Fortunately though, each climb was very easy to do. I’ve always relied more on where I put my feet. Never been much on brute forcing up a rock with my arms. And today it was all foot work.

As you might guess, it was still very cold. Jacket and pants! Wow, pretty abnormal. Usually I like just a T-shirt or long sleeve top when playing on the rock. But the cold persisted today. My toes got really cold in those thin shoes too.

So, today I really got back on the rock. And yes, we’ll be out again tomorrow. Bob has a fun multi-pitch in mind over near Granite Mountain. Should be fun!

That’s right.  Prescott is NOT experiencing any type of winter storm, unlike my friends back in New England.  Sure, the current temperature is 38, but no snow. 

Yesterday was pretty quiet here.  No big events.  Bob and I were going to head out to do a little bouldering, but canceled that.  Amazing winds again!  Sometimes I think I’m going to blow away here.

On the “neat stuff” front, I was recently pointed to Coyote Radio by Granny J (a new blog reader and blogger).  Well, the Airstream Chronicles is now linked up with Coyote Radio.  Pretty cool.  Checked out their most recent production, “War of the Squirrels”.  Check it out when you have a chance.  I’m definitely getting to know Prescott a little better each day.

I’ve gotten several requests now regarding my campground. Where is it? What’s it really like? You know, the usual questions.

In answer to “Where is it?” Point of Rocks Campground is at 3025 N Hwy 89, Prescott, AZ. And it is a great spot! See, here’s the roadside sign (notice Thumb Butte in the background). They have a website that you can check as well.

Now, as to the question about what this campground is like…. It’s great. I’m enjoying my stay here. There’s wonderful scenery, good folks running the park, and friendly neighbors. I’ve been pretty surprised at how often the place fills up. My site is in the 80’s, so there are many spots here, but each evening it fills in quick. Especially on the weekends!

As you can see, there are rocks all around the park. There are two loops, an upper and lower area for RVs. I’m currently in the upper area, and that’s great. Closer to the trail that heads off into the Granite Dells. Each day as I drive out of my site in the morning I have the following view of Granite Mountain…..

Nice view first thing in the morning, wouldn’t you say?

Now I’ll include some random photos that I shot this morning from around the park.

See my truck? Yup, parked on the upper loop.

Overall, my experience here has been great. The weekly and monthly rates are very reasonable. There’s plenty to do both in town and out of town. The recreation opportunities are endless. And of course for me, I love being surrounded by all this granite.

Finally, a few more photos that I shot back in the Dells last night. Keep in mind, from where I’m camped I can be up on the cliffs looking at the water in 15 - 20 minutes!

40 Episodes into Gadget’s Airstream Chronicles.  Not bad!

Today’s podcast includes a few video clips from my recent trip into Sedona.  Additionally, a fun set of photos from my walk into Cathedral at Red Rocks Crossing.

For those of you who’ve continued to follow the podcasts, thanks!  I’ve got a question for you now…..  Would you like a larger format of the video?  I’ve now got a better way to compress the video, and have the screen at 640×480, while still able to play on your IPod.  The big difference?  Today’s episode is just about 30MB.  Had I done the 640×480 it would have been over 50MB.  So, larger video viewing area than the current format, and a larger file size as well.  Think on it, leave your comments, or drop me a private e-mail.  Current video sizing is 320×240.  So, the video screen would double in size.

Enjoy today’s show!

 

 GAC Episode 40 - Cathedral at Red Rock Crossing [7:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download