Glastonbury....

I've been planning a trip back to CT for some time now. My Mother and Josef built a new addition on their house and offered my the painting job. I was very much looking forward to working and climbing while Im back.

Now I'm just looking forward to working....

Another Sydney Sensation...

Here you have another great v11 boulder problem in Sydney. Like most of the problems around Sydney this one doesn't top out. For me top outs are arbitrary. I mean I'm not concerned with a long top out that adds nothing to the difficulty of climb. I guess you have to weigh out the pros and cons for anything that seams dangerous. Fortunately this boulder just ends half way out a huge cave so there is really no were to go. I love to climb great moves and this one does not disappoint.

Combat Wombat from Phillip Schaal on Vimeo.

Cowboys still do exist in El Paso.

Real cowboys do exist.

I just returned from a three week trip from El Paso. It has become a ritual of mine now. Four straight seasons in a row are making me feel like a local. Maybe not that severe. Although I am beginning to have a soft spot for the harsh place.

This year I was a bit off form on my arrival. In effect my first week and a half was a warm up of sorts. Repeating some classics falling off some others. Fun at first but boring soon there after. Another theme for my trip other than my time spent warming up, Hueco was warming up too. So far the warmest winter on record. Lower 70's was common. True vacation weather. It wasn't primo by any means but acceptable. I put some time into old projects. Tried a few new ones. left excited to get back.

Chrtstmass Dinner at the Strong's

Santa even showed up!

Now that the holidays are over, it's time for me to start training again. Or something!