Last Saturday I decided to start climbing again. It had been about three weeks since I last climbed. My plan was to wait until after the Super Bowl to start climbing again, but I figured that starting up a few days early wouldn't make much of a difference. Nikki myself and a few of our friends headed into the flatirons. As we make our way to the satellites I was unsure of how my first day would be. I just wanted to scratch up my tips and get ready to train again. As I warmed up on the savage rock that makes up the flatirons I didn't have much expectations for the day. Our first stop was The Turning Point.

This has got to be one of Boulders most photographed boulder problems. I had never tried it and thought it would be a good one to try my first day back. And after a few goes I sketched my way to the top.

After we climbed on the the iconic Turning Point. I rallied the pads down to Flesh Fest. With absolutely no expectations other that just wanting to scratch my tips up some more, I started working out the moves. I was having fun figuring out the technical bottom and figured I could put it all together. And after a few tries I totally surprised myself by climbing to the top. What a great first day back!

SICK...

In previous posts I've mentioned that I've done some filming for an upcoming climbing movie. I'm Happy to let you all know that the film is done.

My Friend Taylor De Lench has put together a great film. I'm really excited to have been a part in this film and will have details as to where to purchase it soon. Taylor has been working hard for over a year on this project. It's not the easiest thing to do, making a good climbing movie. Dealing with weather, stubborn climbers and anything else that can go wrong can damper anyone's spirits. Good effort Taylor you deserve it.

Hueco-4, Phil-0

After a few weeks punting in Hueco Nikki and I decided to leave. We were so home sick! We drove back to Boulder just in time for me to catch a ride to Winter OR. My good friend and Himalayan veteran Dave Watson (also from the glorious state of Connecticut) was driving to Salt lake from his current residence, Minneapolis MN. Dave showed up at 11:30 Thursday night and after a few hours of sleep we hit the road at 4 A.M. We spent the next few days at the trade show doing trade show things. Very exhausting! After the show we stayed in Salt Lake and skied a day at Alta. I had a blast hanging with Dave's friends. And even got my first face shot, as skiers call it.

Now I'm back Boulder and have a loose plan to rest until after Super Bowl. We'll see if I can hold out that long.

I would recommend any readers of my blog to check out Dave's site www.k2tracks.com

California....

After a week and a half I still have nothing to show for my time in Hueco.

Here I am trying to ascend Sunny Side Up. Sunny Side is a cool climb that climbs some uncool rock. The moves are fun and when I get back to Hueco I'm excited to finish it off. Which leads me to my next bit of information. I'm in The Bay for the weekend for a family reunion. My Mom and Dad will see each other after only 20 YEARS! I'm so happy to be able to see my Mom and Dad in the same room. Not to mention Josef (my other dad) and my brother Billy is here too.

I'm planning on growing some skin while I'm here in The Bay. But what is a visit to The Bay without a stop at The Dungen!

Yes fukin Yes!!!!

On a side note the video of Trinity is up.

Check www.deadpointmag.com for the video titled, Three to Remember for the footage.

Happy New Year...

I know I'm a bit late. Nikki and I are shacked up in a hotel without any internet. So far I've spent the beginning of 2010 trying to regain fitness that I lost over the holidays. We are here in Hueco now so that won't be to hard to do.

With the new year I'm going to post my tick list for 2009,

Theater of the Absurd V10

The Speed Dyno V10

True Bleau V10

Golden rows of Flows V10

Crusher V10

Slider Sit V10

Hot-n-Tot V10

Hydro Cloud V10 (fa)

Slice V10 (fa)

The Romper Room V11 (fa)

Forbidden Forest V11

The Puke Traverse V11 (fa)

Quasimoto V11

Owl’s Layer Proj V11

Crouching Dragon V11

Venus In Scorpio V11

Litz problem V11

Chablanke V11

Le Chinkle V11

Satan’s Choice V11

I Comb My Hair like God V11 (fa)

Random Man V11

God Module V11

Trinity V11 (fa)

Bleeding Brothers V12

Serendipity Moment V12

Devil Eyes V12

Super Prowers V12

3rd Story Man V12

Chinese Connection V12

Don’t Worry be Snappy V12

Pterodactyl V12

The Book of Bitter Aspects V13

Double Down V13

Nagual V13

El Techo V13

Diabolic V13

Dan’s Moment V13

Roses and Blue Jays V13

Agent Orange V13

The Chelsea Smile V13

Top Notch V13

Free Range V13

Ode to The Modern Man V14

Jade V15

Hopefully the next time I post up I will have some good news from Nikki or myself.

Trinity...

The first of my three projects went down the other day.

Trinity, V11 was the outcome. This one had been on the table for years. But due to the horrible landing it was never really tried. A few weeks back Leif, Dan and I did some work to make the landing better. After a some work another stunning line goes down in CT. Thanks to Doug Hyland for the pictures.

Now as I'm writing this, 5 fresh inches of snow is getting rained on to create the most slushy conditions. I predict lots of icy top outs...

Still Grinding Away...

Little has happened since my last post. I've still been grinding away at my projects. Still hoping to climb one. The weather has been ok, a mix of sun and rain. I've put alot of work into this particular project close to home.

Although a bit low ball, this one packs a punch. I one mover if you may. I've spent 4 days on this one move.

Just a bump to a 3 finger edge,

4 days and finally I stuck it once. I'm not sure how tough it will be. But after making some repeats in the area. Climbing on this one feels like it could clock in around V12/13.

I hope to have the good problem of coming up with a name and grade soon.