Chasing The Endless Summer

There’s no doubt that winter is closing in on Colorado. In Rifle yesterday there was ice on the shady and wet walls. Tonight it’s supposed to snow, and the days just aren’t as warm as they were even a couple weeks ago. We were fortunate to chase summer south last week, spending much of it in Red Rocks, and the weekend in Indian Creek. As rock climbers we long for the good weather to last year round, but reality dictates most of us stay grounded in one spot year round.

It’s easy sometimes to get depressed this time of year, realizing it wont be warm enough to wear shorts around here for probably five months at least. But as I’ve said before, I prefer to look at the different opportunities the change in seasons brings. There are some new winter crags I’m psyched to check out, and maybe some new routes to put up. I’m motivated to train more than ever before, and might even actually go ice climbing this year, as opposed to packing my bag and leaving it by the door all season.

And when time and money allow, I know that it’s summer somewhere out there, and maybe I can sneak away for a taste, even if just for a couple days.