The Grand Dynamics Blog

Barcelona Summary

2007-12-29T08:17:00.000-08:00

The last ten days have been quite interesting. at the entrance of my last blog, i was in surianna. what a beautiful place that is. Ryan and i found ourselves amidst a snow storm with a weather forecast for snow and rain and more or less variable, unstable weather. At this point we had a decision to make: stay in Surianna and see what happens over the next few days, or head back to Barcelona and hang out there. Also, at this point i had caught a cold and was feeling sick. My inclination was to stay in Surianna and wait it out. Ryan wanted to head back to Barcelona, and was heavily motivated by a beautiful Spanish girl he had met prior to heading up to climb. So, we headed back to Barcelona. Over the next several days we hung out and embraced the city life. Ryan was occupied with Spanish dreams, and I explored some of the nightlife. The clubs here, for the record, are incredible. I went to one place called Razzmatazz, which is supposedly the "best club in Europe." i won't argue with that! 5 bars in one, from rock to deep house and techno, chill out to dance hard, this place had it all.
Friday night came along and now, with Ryans attention focused back to climbing, we headed to the tunnel in Barcelona with a nice girl (Joana) we had met during the climbing competition. Quite a cool place, that climbing tunnel in Barcelona.
Anyway, it seemed as if our schedules were not in congruence as Ryan and I has some conflicting ideas about timing and priorities. In the end, Ryan went climbing with a few girls we met here, and I went climbing with Joana. Not bad I suppose - both of us climbing with beautiful Spanish ladies - yet not with each other. Interesting how that all transitioned.
Anyway, on Sunday, my day was pretty incredible. I started the day in a quaint Spanish town (cool) with Joana (hot) and we drove to Montsurate (incredible), and then I rolled back into Barcelona to see a sold out "match of the year" futbol game (incredible).

On Monday, Christmas Eve, Paul and Cody arrived. We went to Christmas Eve Mass at midnight, and proceeded to party and dance (Prax you would have been proud) until 7 am. The music at the clubs keeps getting better an better and more intense all the way until the lights come on at 6 am. Sweet. That is the same time, convienently, that the Metro starts to run again. Double sweet.

The next few days we spent catching up and hanging out in this amazing city. Barcelona is filled with incredible architecture, amazing places to see (Park Guell for instance) and stylish people. The Metro system is incredibly efficient and easy to navigate.

The four of us spent the day after Christmas with Meya and Barbara, two other lovely Catalyn beautiful people. I felt very lucky to have them invite us to their home for Christmas dinner. Quite a warm welcome. Quite incredible ladies.

All in all, not really the agro climbing stint in Spain that Ryan and I had in mind when we started out, but sweet none the less. These things you must take in stride and embrace the best of WHAT IS. Life is too short for complaining, for "should have this" and "Should have that" and all the worry of missing out on whatever. Be focused and go after what will bring you satisfaction, and be flexible as you enjoy the ride. And really - ENJOY THE RIDE!

In a few hours we head to IBIZA - an island off the coast of Spain. Its time to get our New Years groove on - and to face up - head to head - with the best dancers and trance DJS in the world. We're up for the challenge... Its GO TIME!

So, as we transitioned into the weekend,

Stream of Consciousness Summary of the Last Two Weeks +

2007-12-18T18:57:00.001-08:00

December 1: Hard Sport Climbing at Todra. Much 5.12 climbing.

12-2: Incredible Todra multipitch 6c +, crux final stemming pitch over the entire route

12-3: More sport climbing and Ryan sends Afrique Physique Project; we meet Zaid and travel to Sahara, Er Foud and Merzouga and desert kasbah:
WILD dreams in the Kasbah

12-4: I am attacked by a camel at start of trip. The camel ripped my wallet and crushed my Blackberry, nearly puncturing my back in the process. Yes, the Blackberry saved me from being eaten by the camel. More camel trekking through the Sahara! Stopped for lunch at Berber village and cous cous, camped under the stars in the desert, sunset hike, fireside drum jams, (Abdul and the Nomads drumming team debut)-amazing!

12-5: Sunrise Dune Walk, Writing in the sand, Part 6 of Get Motivated
Series: How to motivate a Camel. Travel out of the desert and back to Tineheir, dinner with very cool Spaniards.

12-6: Travel to Todra, climbing - long screamer fall (Tim).

12-7: Climbed 6 pitch route called the scorpion (6 B+) and then TIM SENDS AFRIQUE PHYSIQUE! 5.12A+/B redpoint!

12-8: More climbing at Petit Gorge, I buy Moroccan drums and a magic carpet! (Luggage getting a bit heavy) Overnight bus to Casablanca (yes, another overnight bus).

12-9: Arrive in Casablanca: chill day, continue to be harassed by Moroccan beggars, great seafood dinner, funky nightlife, random Piano Bar where I am kicked off stage.

12-10: Preparation for the training at the SOS orphanage and meetings:
Severine and Beatrice are amazing women.

12-11: SOS orphanage training (incredible!!!!) 15 Arabic managers and
educators learning and focusing on teamwork, communication and support for the ultimate benefit of orphan children. I present all day, Severine translates to the team, the team responds back and Alex translates to me.

I am still unsure if the girls were referring to me as "white devil" or not. (Obscure pet detective joke). Incredible energy. The participants completely embraced the training program. They even choose to stay 45 minutes longer for final challenges and action planning. Thank you to the whole SOS crew, and to Severine and Alex for the translation!

Post training we travelled to Marrakesh via train. One more night in Marrakesh....

12-12 Travel out of Marrakesh, Morocco and onto Barcelona, Spain!
Arrive in SPAIN, secure apartment and immediately head to FC Barcelona versus Stuttgard futbol match - stellar 3-1 FCB.

12-13: City walk, determine Spain is the land of fashion. Quite amazing really, everyone looks like they are out of a fashion catalog.
We went to climb at a climbing gym - informed of competition the following day and we register. Proceed to party Spanish style, which we determine to be very intense dancing until 6 am. People very friendly here, and they like to party, a lot.

12-14: AM power shop (yes, I actually I went shopping) and onto the Climbing comp! (Yes, this was after parting ALL NIGHT). I nearly won the competition (there were no American judges = rigged) Americans tricked into gulping glasses of Anise at dinner by Spanish climbing team (apparently all in one does NOT mean drink this down all at once, but means we are all together, like as one.) The Americans are given ceremonial keys to the CLIMB AT for their stellar performance at the disco post competition. Thanks to Ky, Barbara and everyone at Climb At! Barcelona for embracing the American style of sending.

12-15: Travel to Suriana with Leida, 7 times-running female Spanish climbing champion! Tim officially loses his voice due to competition exhaustion, sleep deprivation and 6 am discos.

12-16: Arrival to Suriana - magico! This might just be the best climbing in the world. Climbing at Suriana: warm-ups and the land of 7A+!!!!!!!!
I nearly onsight 7a+, one crux overhang fall...

12-17: Awake to snow! It never snows here apparently....

Key Travel Insights: Be open to "teachers" who may appear at any time.
The serendipitous occurs when you focus with intention. Be prepared to seize the moment. Maintain goals, release the outcome, and embrace the process. Failure is inevitable, it’s what you do when you do fail that determines your character. Acceptance is key to happiness. Remind yourself what is most important every day. Decide to make each day the best of your entire life. The Power of Now is easy when things are easy, true challenge is in times of conflict or difficulty. Choose to focus on gratitude, abundance, and giving, and you shall be rewarded. Seek and expect the best in every person you meet. Be yourself, not who you want people to think you are. Every action is based upon seeking an emotional state. Awareness of your seeking is key to enlightenment. You climb how you live, you live how you climb. Futbol and Music are the two global connectors for people anywhere. Seeking True North maintains complete relevance. Prepare, practice and passion are the pathways to freedom, beauty, and success in life.

Lots of new posts and some random pictures - check them out below!

2007-12-11T09:45:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures i thought you might enjoy...
Climbing in Spain

Ryan camel surfing

The camel that ate my wallet and Blackberry (I am not even joking).

Unexpected Motorcycling in the Back Country

2007-12-11T09:28:00.002-08:00

The trip continued on through the mountains and the roads were extremely
unstable and rough. As we traveled, we came across a couple from
England who was on an old Russian BMW moto with a side car. They were
definitely struggling to navigate this backcountry travel. Just when we
were unsure of what the heck they were thinking being on this road, their
bike flipped over and the man was nearly crushed! We jumped out of the
jeep and righted the moto and side car. Gordon, the British guy, was in
shock and kept saying, “It looks like we bit off a bit more than we could
chew.... we got in a bit over our heads.” Ummmmm, yeah!

Ryan seized the opportunity to help out by riding in the side car to shift the weight, leaning way off to the sides to provide balance. That was what Gordon
needed to take it out of this difficult terrain. After a while Ryan took a
break and I rode with Gordon, helping him to keep the moto balanced
and maneuver through the hills. Quite the random adventure!!!

We finished the day passing through Dades Gorge. We spoke with local
villagers about other remote climbing areas. We hope to be able to check
out some of these areas before we leave. Morocco is packed with
incredible rock that has yet to be touched. Line after line with loads of
potential for new routes abound throughout this beautiful country...

A "Rest" Day with mountain villagers

2007-12-11T09:28:00.001-08:00

Last night we shared dinner with Leif and Ky, our Norwegian friends, and they invited us to join them for a rest day. Today was quite the rest day! We spent the day on a 4 X 4, cruising over the back roads and pistes of Morocco. We traveled through small villages and brought plenty of supplies to give away to the mountain Berber village people and children.

The highlight of the trip was when Leif gave away a pair of his old climbing boots to a Berber man living with his family. He immediately invited us for tea with his family. These people were extremely poor and lived essentially under a burlap tent with what seemed like absolutely nothing.

As we sat for tea, the communication looked like this. We asked a question in Spanish to another guy, who was from Tangier, Morocco, who happened to be following close by and was with us for the tea. He then translated into Arabic the question to Hassan, our driver; Hassan then asked the village people the question in Berber, which is the mountain dialect. They responded in Berber; Hassan translated to Arabic, which was then translated into Spanish for us to understand! Quite the interesting chain of communication.

Apparently he had lived there, in that tent, with his family, for 17 years! They were content with the lifestyle and lived off the land in the mountains very simply. Ryan and I discussed this concept of living for quite some time. What purpose would it serve to have more when the simple existence is what this family knows and wants? To feel the sun and the wind; to live in the mountains for centuries in happiness. Who are we to say what is right or wrong way to live???? We shared tea and bread and Leif also gave an old climbing rope to him as another final act of kindness. Quite the amazing experience to share.

Pillar le Classique

2007-12-11T09:27:00.001-08:00

After months and months of dreaming of climbing the mystical route that would begin in the heart Todra Gorge, the time is finally upon me. The original line of the gorge, established in 1964 by a French team, ascends the face of the most prominent pillar. It follows cracks and continues directly up the face of the Pillar, 1,500 feet to the summit. The route requires a "trad rack", which is comprised of nuts, cams and aliens, which we place in the cracks and rock face for our protection as we climb. We were even able to borrow a #4 camelot (a big piece) from the Norwegians, which brings a little added comfort, knowing we will be able to protect larger cracks... All that heavy luggage is paying off!

Ryan wins the roe-sham-boe and takes the "sharp end" or lead, for the first pitch of about 150 feet. A "pitch" in climbing terms is the length in which climbers advance in one rope length. It is typically between 100 and 200 feet in length. During a pitch, the leader goes first, placing gear in the rock to protect a fall. Once at the top, the leader makes an anchor and belays the follower up. The follower collects the gear that the leader placed on the way up as he climbs up to the leader. The climbers then typically switch roles, and the follower now becomes the leader for the next pitch.

The climbing is cold as we are not in the sun yet, and the first pitch is difficult. Ryan prevails through the crux with stemming and finger locks, all with nearly numb hands!

The second lead pitch is my turn, and we are in the sun now. The way to go is not exactly clear, as the crack that looks like I should be climbing appears very steep, dirty, and lacking in places to place protection. The only gear I can see is the ring of an old, rusted piton, probably placed in 1963!

I make the first moves and begin to stem, which is where you have your feet very wide on two opposing walls. One of the walls is very dirty, and I reluctantly clip the old piton ring. I have very little confidence that this will hold if I have a fall of any significance. "No falls, stay strong," I tell myself. The sun beats down, and beads of sweat roll down my neck as I crimp hard on the side wall and shift my feet up the dirty counterpart.

I am surprised this is so difficult and I begin to wonder if I am going the right way. Doubt begins to creep. My forearms flare, my heart pumps rapidly, and fear begins to rear its ugly head. I notice the physiological changes in my body, coupled with this familiar emotional state. I tell myself to breathe, and repeat my mantra: smart, smooth, and strong. I must continue on. My breathing keeps my physiology in check and my mantra keeps me mentally in focus with the task. Inch by inch, I make my way through the challenging crux, which leads to a beautiful diagonal hand crack. I feel at home jamming up the remainder of the vertical pitch to the belay ledge. Feelings of relief, happiness, confidence, and excitement flow though me. YES.

We still have 8 pitches to go! The climb continues up steep yet clean rock to a beautiful overhanging roof, which Ryan leads in style. We are getting into the groove now. Our belay transitions are fast and gear management is flowing smoothly. Pitch after pitch, we continue upward, overcoming consistent challenges while we shout words of support and communication to each other.

Pitches 8 and 9 are supposedly rated somewhere between 5.6 and 5.9 - so I decide to combine these pitches together for a long 230 foot pitch. (This turns out to be quite challenging, as I used up all of my gear, with difficult moves at the end of long run-outs (a run-out is the distance in between gear placements, which means the longer you "run it out," the bigger the distance of the fall becomes).

I create a natural anchor with the resources I have and bring Ryan up on belay, where the final pitch awaits. The last pitch looks beautiful and I liken it to a golden friction pitch (like on the Exum Ridge on the Grand Teton). Ryan climbs up and wonders out loud if we are off route because the climbing is supposed to be easy at this point. It's not. Ryan gets to the last exit move through a blank corner with very suspect protection, and he is stuck.

He searches for gear placements to protect the move. Nothing Ryan finds yield much confidence. The sun passes over the face and I remain ready in the shadowed belay ledge. This last move is a committing, hard face move, with no guarantee that the commitment will lead to better holds! Eventually, Ryan summons his courage and goes for it. He makes it through the move and we both are relieved. I follow the pitch and can see why this move caused such a dilemma! It turns out that one of, if not the most, difficult move of the whole climb was the final exit move off the face! I finish off the last pitch and soon we are on the summit celebrating the successful ascent of the Pillar le Classique!

We meander down a forty-five minute walk off trail through shepards and sheep and beautiful Moroccan Landscapes. At the base we meet Hassan, and share a glass of Berber Whiskey over tales of the ascent....

Todra Gorge

2007-12-11T09:26:00.002-08:00

We check into Hotel Yasmina, a beautiful place overlooking a river flowing
through the middle of the gorge. As soon as we get settled, we head out to get onto the rock. Tourists drive by, snapping photos of us and we are happy to be moving and excited about what lies ahead...

Finally arriving at Tiniheir

2007-12-11T09:26:00.001-08:00

We made it to Tiniheir and we are immediate greeted by yet another friendly
Moroccan who wants to show us something. I thought Ryan was going to snap,
as we just wanted to be left alone for once...

A short taxi ride through the Moroccan countryside and we have arrived!
Todra gorge at a first glance is magical. All this time traveling,
seeking, and finally we exit the taxi and stare up at the massive red
walls. The moment we step out of the taxi... it begins to rain.

Cous Cous

2007-12-11T09:24:00.001-08:00

Here is a photo of a small Berber desert family. We visited them for a lunch of cous cous, and no, she didn’t use hand sanitizer.

Ourzazate - A Happy Hippie Town

2007-12-03T06:41:00.004-08:00

We managed a cheap hotel room in Ourzazate, a sleepy little "happy hippie town". The vibe is already much more chill. We are getting out of the city and into the smaller towns, and it feels great. We crash out, have a quick coffee in the morning and walk about a mile and a half in the morning to catch the 8am bus to Tiniheir. This will be the last stop be for our entrance into the gorge. We are getting very close!

On the Way to Todra Gorge

2007-12-03T06:41:00.003-08:00

We made to yet another bus in Marrakech. This time to Ourzazate en route to Todra Gorge. We are tired. The travel has taken a toll and we desperately want to get climbing again. The bus is filled with Arabic ring tones buzzing, multilingual conversations (French, Arabic, Berber, our English.) Throughout all of our bus rides we have yet to see another Caucasian traveler.

I wonder about all this travel and the idea to come all this way. What will Todra Gorge be like? I peer out the window as we round a mountain pass and see snow. Will it be too cold to climb? Have we made a major error in judgment with the climate? Will my shoulder be okay to climb hard? Many questions fill my mind. Soon I will have the answers!

Aut Aurir and the SOS Orphanage

2007-12-03T06:41:00.001-08:00

Right now, I am on a "grand taxi" which costs 6 dhirum from Aut Aurir, heading back to Marrakesh for the 35 K drive. FYI - 1 USD is equal to 7.5 dhirum, so 2$ is 15 dhirum. There are 25 people squeezed into a van a little smaller than the Tripper (another story, another time)! Arabic flows through the cabin.

Ryan and I just left a meeting with Houda, the admin person at the SOS orphanage in Aut Aurir. The orphanage was quite nice, very well kept, with grapefruit and orange trees on site, beautiful trees lining the walkways, and a great school where all the children from the village attend along with the orphans.

The orphanage has 14 houses, with 8 to 10 children per house. It doesn't appear that money is what is needed the most. On the tour we met many teachers and staff, including a very animated Mina, the preschool teacher. She has been with the orphanage since it opened 21 years ago!

Afterward, we phoned Severine, who is in Casablanca and she was very excited to talk with us about the possibility of training for the orphanage directors. She said the greatest need is "how to improve the communication between the educators and the youth which will facilitate their development and improvement as positive, autonomous individuals in society." She also referenced our web site and the story of the Thai training, about creating the possibility of dreams and goals for the future and positive belief systems for the children.

The result? Ryan and I will be heading to Casablanca to deliver a training on December 11 with the orphanage staff and educators for a full day! The goals: team building for the staff, and models, methods and tools for the educators to pass onto the children. We are so excited about delivering this True North seminar experience in Casablanca, Morocco!

The Marrakesh Marketplace

2007-12-03T06:40:00.001-08:00

Sunday morning came early and we firmed our plans to visit the orphanage in Aut Aurir on Monday. We arranged some travel plans and got plane tickets for 30 euros (45$) from Marrakech to Barcelona on Dec 13.

The market was an amazing experience: curious tourists mill about trough dancing cymbal players, Tarot card readers, snake charmers (yes - it’s true!). Snail soup, goats head stew, grilled surprises are all at your hands at hundreds of stall. The shopping was crazy. Jewelry, clothes, glasses, lamps, the hand of Fatima (personal favorite) and a multitude of trinkets.

We finished the night off with a massage and scrub down at the local hamman.
This is the Moroccan version of the spa. Big steamy cellar with buckets of hot water. As we started the massage I thought the guy was going to rip my arm off. This continued with being scrubbed and having buckets of water thrown on us! Old school.

Pasha is the place to be

2007-12-03T06:39:00.004-08:00

In Marrakech on Saturday night the place to be is Pasha. The best DJ’s in Europe spin to a wild Arabic crowd. Pumping "house" music, flashing strobes, jembe jams and a whole lot of crazy dancing!

Getting Squared Away in Marrakesh

2007-12-03T06:39:00.003-08:00

We made the best of a rainy day and had tons of fun bantering and laughing with the locals. Everyone wants your attention to sell you or show you something. We got to the hamman (traditional bath house) just as it was closing. We got lost in the medina for hours and turned it into a big game. We arrived back at our hotel to be shown our room. A lovely honeymoon sweet with one bed, complete a big pink comforter. Not gonna do it. An hour later we were at a hotel in the new city, taking a nap before the big Saturday night in Marrakech.

Our first morning in Marrakesh - Rainsong

2007-12-03T06:39:00.001-08:00

The rain continues through the dreary, cold morning. We select a riad to stay at and grab a taxi. We struggle with French and Arabic to communicate with our cab driver. Ryan knows a little French; I stay focused on the Arabic.
Ryan takes the lead on finding the riad in the rain while I stay with the gear by the cab. Nearly 30 minutes passes and I am beginning to wonder what the deal is! Ryan returns and, of course, that riad is booked. Onto the next place. We get dropped off and meander through the next Moroccan maze. Our packs are heavy with climbing gear. Did I mention the pouring rain? We make to our place after an expensive cab fare ($6USD) and a tip for our guy that shows us to the place) and settle into the small, yet nice lounge area. We are told the room won't be ready until noon. We get some hot coffee and begin to thaw out and start to formulate our plan for the next few hours.
We decide we want to locate the hamman (spa) where we can go to a steam bath with massage for 70 dhirum (ten bucks) and attempt to locate a climbing shop and maybe desert trekking shop.

After multiple hot coffees and some bread and eggs we head back into the maze of the Marrakech medina. The barrage of beggars and shop owners is nearly overwhelming. Asking for directions without someone asking for $ is unheard of. Everyone want our $ and wants to walk with you to show you something so you are obligated to pay. This whole scene is very taxing and we begin to feel the frustration and irritation mount.

Just when we are getting to our limit of exhaustion and irritation we find the hamman! Its 12:00 and it has just closed! Sweet. So we settle in and grab some lunch at a small side shop where we see a bunch of construction workers macking down on some hot tagine. Tagine is like stew that comes in a ceramic pot filled with potatoes, veggies and chicken. Thing are starting to look up! Amazing what a little hot food will do for you.

The Overnight Bus Ride to Marrakesh

2007-12-03T06:38:00.001-08:00

If you've never taken an overnight bus in a foreign country, it’s well worth the experience - once. Fortunately for me, I was completely exhausted so the random music, chatter, frequent stops, swerving and at times very unnerving sway of the bus only kept me up half the night. Ryan’s seat didn't recline and he kept getting drips of water on his leg from the window so he wasn't much better off! We have arrived in Marrakech and the for once the bus has arrived on time. (This is the one time we wanted it to be late). It is 5:30 am; it is freezing and pouring rain. Ryan and I both feel sick and it is getting worse. We curl up on a hard bus station seat and attempt to sleep our way into the morning when we can find a place to stay...

Fes, Morocco and the Carpet Ride

2007-12-03T06:37:00.000-08:00

Today we entered quite possibly the largest natural maze on the planet. Fes, Morocco is known for the Medina - an intricate series of narrow cobblestone pathways with hidden gems around every corner. We navigated the tight pathways popping into tiny doorways, sampling Moroccan cuisine, including harira soup and grilled samplers of chicken and liver, some deep fried bean concoction. We shared lunch with an old school 84 year old musician, complete with the square looking cylinder hat (called a fez). The narrow pathways were a constant reminder of seeking true north and navigating the unknown pathways of life.

Of course, any trip to Fes wouldn't be complete without a trip to the magic carpet store. What an experience this was. Mahammed greeted us with kissed and ensured us all the prices were regulated and we would get "best price".

Great! I need a carpet to really complete my pad! So the rolling out of the carpets began. New style, old style, tight weave, special weave, big, small, pattern this, pattern that. So here was the pitch: if you can afford one, buy several and sell them on eBay to cover your cost! Mahammed ensured me he just got an email from someone that sold these very carpets for 16,000 USD! It’s true, really! So I narrowed it down to 3 that were really pretty sweet. First price: 90,000 dhirums. Yes, that's not a typo. That's the equivalent of like $13,000 - yes, he wanted me to pay him $13,000 for 3 carpets.

Of course, I could easily sell one of them for that on eBay. "I guarantee you there is no risk. Do you understand this word risk? You sell on eBay and cover your cost." Mahammed was a bit shocked when I pulled out my blackberry and searched eBay and found one for $200. He then proceeded to offer me $1,600 for my blackberry. "Shock me with your offer... Take this pen... Take it and write down what you pay for those beautiful art work you only find here in this world... Shock me". Okay Mahammed... I did end up offering him $1,000USD for 3 nice carpets, which I was still actually very confused about. What is a Moroccan carpet worth any way? Does anyone have any idea?????(It's not too late, I can still bring you back one. :0)

Mahammed: "I don't understand! What you say me?" Apparently he really was shocked. And turns out he had spent 7 years in New York... Go figure...

“Listen dude, I've had enough of your BS, what do I look like to you? I'm gonna have to turn you into the carpet police,” I was thinking to myself. Ryan had had about enough, too... By the time we left our energy was about gone... Just in time to make the 8:00 bus to Marrakech. We have a 10 hour overnight bus ride to look

The Rock

2007-11-27T22:30:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been wondering what it would be like to take a ferry across the Straight of Gibraltar, and now I am doing it. Ryan and I are alone on the top deck of an enormous ship.

The breeze is warm and the Moroccan flag flies in front of the Rock of Gibraltar. I am reminded of all those things that are "solid" in life and how I want to be solid for others. Let's just call that one guy doing another guy a "tsolid." Ryan and I take some photos and relax as the sun dips into the ocean on the horizon.... Soon we will be in Morocco.

Fes and the Thanksgiving Feast

2007-11-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

November 22nd.
Well, my Blackberry magically started working, so I exchanged a few emails with Jarad Spackman. He just finished up a weeklong camel trek through the Sahara Desert and is clearly flying high... He raves about Marrakesh. I start to get psyched.

The bus ride is long.....

The bus creeps along the bumpy dirt road en route to our next destination: Fes, Morocco. The nearly full moon rides the saddle of scattered clouds... The Arabic buzz fills the cabin and a baby begins to cry... And keeps crying for what seems like hours (well, it is hours).

We arrive at 8:00 pm and secure a cab (a cheap one this time) and head to the hotel. "Total splendid" is the place, supposedly the best of the budget options. A nice choice after all.
We "turn and burn" as in change quickly and head out for some dinner. Today is thanksgiving!

We find a recommended restaurant and it is nearly empty. We head in anyway. Soon Ryan and I are the only people and we start with giving thanks before our Thanksgiving meal. We raise a glass to family and friends at home and philosophize about life, love, being single and the adventure of travel. We continue on and talk about religion, our dreams and goals and eventually decide it’s time to head out.

Across the street is a bar....

Huge Arabic bouncers... Crazy mosaic tile... A one-man Arabic band complete with synthesizers... Belly dancing woman... Hookahs all around.... We join a group of guys and soon are talking Arabic. We quickly find out that Mohamed HATES Arabics and that he is a Berber. He makes that very clear. Okay then... Allrighty.... We smoke a hookah together (I really didn’t think it would be smart to refuse that offer). The guys are friendly. And as the bar closes one man makes it very clear that he wants to show the Americans a good time...

We arrive at the nightclub and Rantaj tells the bouncer he is with Americans and wants a special entrance. It works and soon we are in the club, in the best seats in the house. The music is pumping and we are having a great time talking and dancing with the boys. Apparently, it is very normal for guys to dance together... So I figure, hey, when in morocco...

Ryan is feeling a bit uncomfortable with these cultural norms and is holding out for a dance with one of the many girls that seem to be interested in us. As the night progresses things get a bit more rowdy and Rantaj is shouting things like "I am the king" over and over.

And he seemed to be... Soon enough we are surrounded by beautiful Arabic women and Ryan and I are practicing our Arabic, which is extremely limited and ends up with just asking the girls to dance or having someone translate... So what do you do for work? I asked one of them... Well, nothing really, I just go from party to party... I tell her not to feel bad about being out of work in USA, we call that being self-employed... I don't think she really got that joke...

We eventually fled the scene, thoughts turning toward the Rock of Gibraltar.

First Moroccan Breakfast

2007-11-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

We awake feeling great. Head out for a walk, and have our first Moroccan breakfast. We take a shot in the dark and get a delicious Tahini and Panini combo$ sweet. We change some $ and practice speaking Arabic with whoever will talk with us. Wa assylum alykum! (Hello). In Arabic.

People are generally very friendly. English is close to zero. We have yet to see another white person or tourist.

It’s Friday.
We check out and hop the bus to Fes. We’re in for an 8-hour bus ride...
We should arrive about 6:30. Pm

Tangier

2007-11-27T19:17:00.001-08:00

We arrive and make it to our hotel in Tangier. 1e paid the taxi about eight times what we should have (still thinking Euros). (I wonder the taxi driver was so happy the whole time) This was about 8 Euros and should have been 20 dhirum or $1 about....
The reception person has a wandering eye. As if it isn’t hard enough blurting these new Arabic phrases.... He recommends Ali Baba for dinner and Ryan and I get the sense that that is what he tells everyone and we want to do something a bit "different" on the loc side of things.

For the first time I attempt to use my ATM card and it doesn't work. That happens four times.... Nada. Thanks JSB! We start wandering... Have difficulty locating the restaurant we want... And eventually duck into a hole in the wall for a mixed seafood pate (huge plate. I'm worried we’re going to be doing dishes because we don't have any dirham yet. Thankfully, they took our Euros and we headed back out to find some action. The only action was a bunch of bars with dudes drinking tea and smoking up a storm so we want home for a nap before we are to head out to the clubs.... The nap lasted 9 hours....

On the Move to Algeceris

2007-11-25T22:20:00.000-08:00

We woke to rain on Monday, Nov. 19th. Ryan and I jumped the train to Malaga, and then the bus to Algeceris. We're awaiting the ferry now and the scene is quite odd... There are a total of 5 Arabic characters waiting with us to board a boat the size of the Titanic...one of them with a small child that just ran and jumped into the security X-ray machine... No one seems particularly friendly... I'm realizing that I don't know Arabic, or French, for that matter. I suppose it is time to break out the phrase books! This should be interesting...

Greetings from El Chorro, Spain!

2007-11-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

Wow, it is great to be here. We are having a fantastic time.

This trip began Nov 14, 2007 and as you can tell, I am just beginning to find my way, virtually speaking. I have had no troubles getting right into my adventure, however. This place rocks!

Let's start with a little background.

My climbing objectives:
El Chorro Spain - this is a climbing area in southern Spain, just north of Malaga.

Morocco - We will be climbing in the Todra Gorge, a climbing area south of the Atlas Mountains.

Next we will enjoy some fine adventure travel through Morocco.

Climbing in Northern Spain, near Barcelona.

I was just in El Chorro and the climbing was INSANE. After two warm up days, climbing hard 5.11's, on November 19th, Ryan and I fired a 1,000+ footwall - 5.11d, a very hard route called Zeppelin. It all went well. While I was on lead, I fell twice on the route in the most difficult, long, overhanging section. I was some 500 feet off the deck, hanging over a ravine with river flowing below...it was really difficult, yet we made it through! The crux was a mix of totally traversing, overhanging sequences, and really pumpy.

El Chorro is an amazing place. The entire area is quite adventuresome and it has a big international flair, obviously... We are staying in an inexpensive hostel called The Finca. My shoulder is holding out for the time being. We are here for a few more days then on to Morocco. I will be adding and working on the blog in the coming days when I have a bit more time. Until then...

Trip Overview

2007-11-22T18:06:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm in an interesting position. In an effort to get the blog going while in Spain, I mistakenly changed all the settings to Spanish! I'm also typing on my new world blackberry, so let's call this a "test post". Lots of good stuff to come! Stay posted. Buenos Noches, Amigos!
:0)
Tim

Training and Tweaking

2007-11-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

The next adventure is upon me. I had been training hard until a few days ago. During a new strength training technique, I tweaked my shoulder. I'm nervous. Note to self: do not implement new training strategies a week before a two-month climbing expedition!

BLOG UPDATES and Insights

2007-09-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
I've been thinking a lot about this blog and will be updating it regularly to create a variety of topics and resources. Yes - keeping up with technology and adding value to those that are interested in the various topics. Please check back for updates and send me an email with any thoughts you have! tim@granddynamics.com. I look forward to hearing from you and engaging in some interesting dialogue.

Yours in Adventure -

Tim Walther
President
Grand Dynamics, Inc.

The Summer of 2007 - Highlights

2007-09-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Well Well - What a Summer this has been. Here are a few highlights.

Grand Dynamics Highlights
Grand Dynamics has been rocking this summer. Our home office in Jackson Hole has been delivering a variety of our classic adventure based team building events. Our AMAZING RACE EVENTS have been quite the big hit lately, and for good reason. This event includes navigating throughout Jackson Hole in small teams with SUVs. Teams use GPS Units and make their way to scenic JH locations where a multitude of unique problem solving activities are presented by our GDI Enthusiologists! - Yes - Our staff! We've also been quite busy with grant writing and delivering small business consulting with several small businesses here in Jackson. It's great to see the vison of a small business and help those entrepreneurs transition that vision into reality. Jamie Reilly has been instumental in the business management and development. He has also been keeping busy as a professional actor and been featured in several local plays here in Jackson Hole. Jamie - You're tha Man!

Our New England Division has been very busy this year as well. Will Leggett has delivered many events across New England and developmed many strategic partnerships with Resorts and Meeting Planners. Way to go Willie!

As always - Grand Dynamics fuels my passion for providing amazing experiences for teams and the platform for personal and professional development. I look forward to sharing those experiences and insights for many years to come.

OTHER PROJECTS
Seeking True North - This is a soon to be published book that I have written with Erick Erickson. We are very excited to see this project finally be available to all of our past, present and future clients. The book is a story of personal and professional development and packed with Models, Methods and Tools to take life to a higher level. The main characters are Freedom and Beautiful. The story plays out as they attend a leadership retreat and learn lessons from an Older and Younger Facilitaor. As the tools are referenced in the story (the first half of the book), the reader can flip to the second half of the book to discover a bit more about each of the tools. The book is scheduled to be published in November and distributed in the new year. Thanks to everyone that has been a part of this project in one form or another.Stay tuned!

Reality Television?
The world of wonder - a production company in LA - contacted Grand Dynamics after searching for an ideal team building company to be the focus of a new Reality Televion show. The demo reel for that will be available in the coming weeks on line. This should be an interesting one!

BRING IT BACK - this is a film project that I have been working on with Scott Fessler. Scott is a child hood friend of mine and it is great to reconnect with him. The film is about the transition from my Tsunami experience and eventually going back to deliver the funds to the orphanage two years later. Along the way - the adventure travel focuses on my First Ascent in Cambodia. The philosophy part and deriving theme is about Self Actualization and how we all perceive what it means to live to our own true potential. More on this in future postings!

PERSONAL INSIGHTS
Rock Climbing and Mountaineering
This year has been an incredible climbing season for me personally. I have climbed many incredible routes, which I will post in more detail in the future. Every time I go into the mountains I come away with a deeper understanding of who I am, how I face challenges, and what is most important to me. This topic deserves significant writing in itself and I will definitely be posting more about this. Of Course - having an article in Climbing Magazine's EPIC issue this month has been quite the amazing thing. Talk about a dream come true.

Quantum Physics
You are what you think and thoughts are things. Energy is real. You create your reality with intention. These concepts have been on the forefront of my mind and this will be another topic of significant interest. I look forward to many posts on this topic and to hear your insights on them as well.

Okay - that's it for right now. I am off to pick up MASTER RICK ERICKSON at the airport. We have several multi-day retreats and other pojects we will be working on together over the coming months. I look forward to writing more - and creating some thought provoking insights for you to consider.

FEATURE in Climbing Mag September EPIC Edition

2007-08-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

IT'S OFFICIAL!
Our first ascent in Cambodia (The Spirit of Mokwai) will be featured in Climbing magazine this September. It is in the annual EPIC issue. Pick it up at outdoor stores and book stores... Enjoy!

Grand Intentions - and... Heli Skiing?

2007-08-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

Grand Intentions - and... Heli Skiing?

Read this brief story and think about the power of intention, serendipity, and attracting things into your life....

I got back from climbing the Grand Teton (again) yesterday and this wacky thing happened to me and for some reason I feel inclined to tell it to you. IN BRIEF - the climb was full of wind, snow, rain, sun on summit... fully adventuresome. i took up Brian Iguchi and Lilly - Sam's (Teton Thai) sister whose married to Brian... We come off the rappell - which you may or may not know the final free hanging rappell REQUIRES two ropes. So we're just about to leave and I see this guy throw the rope down that stops in the middle of the overhang. Bad news. So I shout out to him... he's freaking out. So I get another rope up to him and he, and his 16 year old son, make it down inthe midst of raging storm. It turns out is is Theo Minor who runs an Alaskan Heli Guide Operation, proceeds to thank me over and over. His first words as he was still hanging on the ropes were, "What do I owe you?" Nothing, Man. No worries. Just glad to help." I reply. "No - really - you save my ass!" He proceeds to go on and on and offer me a free Heli-Skiing day in ALaska! Sweet. I'll have to put that on the list now! Wacky, eh?

What's most interesting about this whole experience is this: My INTENTION I set for that day and the meaning of this particular climb for me was on giving - and how I can be more reception and aware of opportunities to give in random situations. Then this happens... sweet... Don't you love the power of intention and paying attention to serendipitous occurences?

Back in the USA - and Back in the HOLE

2007-01-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

WOW - I am back in the USA. I have a layover in LA and am able to see my parents who are vacationing with friends over new years. That is nice, seeing how I missed the entire holiday season, starting before Thanksgiving.

Anyway, I get on yet another airplane on Friday morning and come cruising into Jackson Hole. I step out of the plane and take a deep breath, smelling the clean, mountain air. A feeling of joy overcomes me. I have made it home from travelling around the world, and I can honestly say that I live in the most beautiful place I have ever been. I can't wait to see my dog, to get home, and to start working. (Yes - I LOVE Grand Dynamics) It's good to be back.

Soon enough I am greeted by Geanie cranking my favorite tunes and Telos, my chocolate lab, licking my face.

I get home, and begin my transition process back to Grand Dynamics, and reflection on what all this has meant...

From Russia with Love

2007-01-03T15:00:00.000-08:00

I manage to make it to the airport on time. Anastasia and I have a bit of a debate as to whether my baggage I left is at the same airport that I am flying out of. A few moments of panic, and then we realize that everything is in line. I make my way through the airport check ins. At one point a security guy is going through all my luggage and finds a horn from Kathmandu. He squeezes is and jumps up, startled. He looks up and around, gets the attention of another security checker, and squeezes it again. They both break out in laughter and I follow suit. Wow - Russians laughing with me at the airport! A great way to finish my trip. It was almost as funny as when I realized my zipper was down for about an hour in the airport... ummm, yeah, another good one. Maybe that's why everyone was smiling and laughing at me?

I continue through the check in process and get to my gate. As I proceed, the security checker finds my bottle of Absinthe, and quickly takes it away! WHAT?! Duty free is right there! I proceed to make several arguments, none of which is understood. As I stand there, pleading my case, I hear off in the distance, "Welcome to Russia!" I look up to see a beautiful Russian girl with long blondish-red hair, smiling at me. "Hey - can you talk to these people for me?" I ask her for help. She comes over and soon she explains the options. "Leave the bootle here with them, or drink it." Ummmm....Okay.... I crack the bottle and announce to the rest of the people waiting that there is free Absinthe for the drinking! I thank my new found friend, Alena, for the support and we share several shots before we get onto the plane. As we head to our seats, Alena invites me to join her later in the flight. Spicaba! I pass out and have beautiful dreams, spawned by this historic, dark liquor...

I wake up and join Alena for the rest of the long flight. We talk about many things, including a the Economist article about Neurology and Brain Science. This comes right after I am explaining to Alena about Plato and the Allegory of the Cave, and we discuss whether or not we we can ever know what is real and what is fantasy. (Literally, I open the magazine and that article is referenced in the section we are reading - sweet.) I make one dire mistake of telling Alena that I know how to Salsa dance (that's another story)... By the time we land we have built a stong connection and one that we plan to build on. What a great way to finish up the trip. Out of Russia... with love! And I mean that as a great metaphor. The entire Russian finale experience transformed from one of a cold confrontation and challenge, to a warm grateful feeling, with love. What better concept of Self Actualization????

MOSCOW and the Learning Zone

2007-01-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

I have one more day in Moscow. My travel from St. Peterburg begins by missing my flight. I misread the departure time and thought it said 1:20 - instead of 12:00. Oops. I catch a flight an hour later and am shocked that there is no penalty fee. As I contemplate my last night in Russia, I waiver between "going big" and getting a $600 hotel room downtown and relaxing for the last night, or going back to the hostel. I am feeling much more confident now and step out of the airport ready to dial in my last day. I decide to take Moscow head on, and quickly negotiate a taxi for 1200 rubles (800 less than what I paid the first time!) I return to Godzillas hostel and and welcomed with open arms by the reception folk. It was nice to see them again. Everything is feeling much more comfortable. I take a nap and head out for the last night. One of the highlights is a Russian shot called the Green Dragon. The shot is topped with Absinthe and it goes down in flames! (Email me if you want the recipe!) Rock and roll... i party fairly hard and end up back at the hostel hanging out with a VERY random guy, playing music and jamming until the wee hours.

THE INSIGHT
I arrived in Russia without any experience of the culture, the language, or knowledge or my surroundings. It was a bit nerve wracking and personally challenging. The experience was definitely out of my comfort zone. By the time I returned back to Moscow, I has the basics of the Russian Language, a comfort level with the culture and an overall confidence in travelling in this foreign land. This was a perfect Learning Laboratory of the comfort zone and how it works. NOW - I have expended my ability to travel in general, and my experience has provided me with a greater sense of confidene and knowledge that i CAN and WILL always handle new and challenging situations. Embrace the Learning Zone. It may be uncomfortable at the beginning, yet the rewards of expanding your capacity as a human are well worth the effort!

2007 - The Beginning

2007-01-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

This is going to be the most incredible year of my entire life. I am filled with optimism, excitement, and passion. I begin the year with a very fulfilling conversation with Nathalie, from Switzerland. Funny, she is Italian, living in Switzerland, and speaks French. I am an American, with roots from Germany and Scotland. We are in Russia. We communicate in Spanish. Pretty interesting.

We reflect on the past year, and on the notion of facilitation and leading others to solutions through reflection and questions. This leads us into the theories of relationships and Self Actualization. The conversation flows and later on I pause to think about the new beginnings that 2007 will create.

How have you transitioned into the new year?

Have you clarified your visions, roles, and goals?

What is it that you desire to create in your life in the new year?

Snovum Godum - Happy New Year

2007-01-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

The new year is upon us. Today I spent much of the morning writing and reflecting. I rounded out the last hours of the new year by checking out several local bars and local hot-spots. The Nord Hostel is perfectly located for the festivities and I wind up in the central square when the bells toll... Huge stage, band, crowd... Snovum Godum is the cheer for Happy New Years in Russian, and is heard all around. Dancing in circles, jumping up and down, freezing my ass off, and generally great fun.
I meet up with a few other Russians and we head inside to warm up for a few minutes. This is when I realize that I have lost my travel journal. I think back and remember having it in one of the cars I took earlier in the evening. I must have left it there... I am distracted by the thought of all the contacts, reflections, and insights that have drifted away from me. After going to the one other place it might have been, I make a conscious choice to let it go. What is done is done... i head enjoy the street scene and head back to the hostel. I meet a couple of really funny Russians outside the door and we have a blast drinking vodka. For entertainment, I watch one of them go up to about 40 people and ask if they speak English. Oddly enough, not one person out of the bunch that he asks says yes (surprised?) Anyway, the celebration continues into the wee hours and eventually I float off into sleep...

HOW TO HAVE SMOOTH TRAVEL TRANSITONS - St. Petersburg Russia

2006-12-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

I get a ride from Anastasia (great name or what???) who works at the Hostel, to the airport. Quite an enjoyable ride. The flight - well I will say one thing. The leg space was the smallest I have EVER experienced. Aeroflot is breaking some records on that one. Wow. But, no matter - the ride is short and it is time to transition.

I am getting in the groove now. I arrive at St. Petersburg and manage to 1. Borrow a phone from a local for a call. 2. Call Nord Hostel and determine room availability. 3.Negotiate a cab fare that is one quarter the asking price. Make my way quickly to the Hostel and check into a nice room, very centrally located.
Now I am starting to get this!

I had never heard back from another hostel I had a reservation at so I find another one that seems to be a much better location. I go with that, and it turns out to be a very wise decision. Follow your instincts.

HOW TO HAVE SMOOTH TRAVEL TRANSITONS
I am speaking a little Russian now and my confidence is building. There are a few critical factors to smooth international travel transition points. Such as: Knowing some key phrases of the local language, like Hello, Hows it going? Please - I would like, How Much, That is Too Expensive, No, Speaking the name of your destination with confidence (you do this by asking someone else how to say it before you talk with the cabbies, is critical. Also, your body language, facial expressions and tone are also equally important. You must be confident, firm, and let those you are dealing with know you know what you are doing. When you are asked is this is your first time here, take a guess what your answer should be... NO! I came a few years ago and am happy to be back! Getting a bench mark for how much a cab ride SHOULD actually be before you begin negotiating is also key. Talk to a local, or do a little research with a hotel or busienss at your destination in advance via internet or phone.

You get these elements dialed, and you can negotiate as if you are a world traveller - now a floundering tourist.

St. Petersburg is beautiful. Much smaller, more European, and WAY more laid back than Moscow. Everything seems easier, safer and the people seem happier in general.

My first night out on the town, I find a random small restaurant called Beer Exchange. This is where the price of beer changes depending on how much of what type is being bought! Genius.

One of the locals speaks english and we have great conversation, drink some vodka (of course) and I have a delicious Russian sausage meal.

I wander around the Nevsky Prospect looking at some of the Cathedrals and statues. I really like the feel of St. Peterburg. The people are nice. They actually will stop and talk to you when you need to ask for directions. Some people are even smiling~ WHOA - culture shock!

Karma Bar

2006-12-30T20:40:00.000-08:00

Well, my short nap turns out to be three hours long. I wake up at 11:45 PM and head out on the town at midnight. (Got to love the big cities!) Karma Bar is my location of choice. I figured the name itself is a good enough reason to go. I grab a car and got there no problems. The guy actually understands the word Karma and I manage to pronounce the street enough for him to understand. What a relief. Getting a car is a very interesting experience in an of itself - more on that later.
Unfortunately I miss the free dance lessons earlier in the night. The bar is dark. There is hip club music pumping. I make my way through the crowd and take my inaugural shot of Russian Vodka and drink the local brew....

Soon I am hanging with the locals and get to know some of the people. A few that actually speak english. I eventually loosen up a bit and goove to the tunes. I smile - a lot! Which of course is VERY un Russian - but I can't help it. THe night progresses and, as I had been told, there are people dancing on the bars and plenty of rabblerousing. There are a couple moments where I bump into guys and have a moment of "I hope this guy doesn't get agro" thoughts. I manage to keep my wits about me and keep the vodka shots to a minimum. I hear Snovum Godum for the first time - and realize that someone has told me Happy New Year in Russia. THAT I must remember as it will likely be a staple of what I am going to be saying in the next few days. The night progresses and I consider another spot, but it is 4:30 in the morning.

I am nervous about finding my way home and getting at car this late. I end up sharing a car with a couple nice girls who get a great cab fare, and are able to explain where it is that I am staying. Thank goodness. Because it is freezing out and dumping snow. And double thank goodness, because my hostel I am staying at is on a random side street that looks the same as every other street, and if you don't have an exact address and someone that knows how to get there... there is a good chance that you will never find the way.

I lay down for a few hours. Soon I am heading to St. Petersburg for New Years Eve!

Landing in Moscow

2006-12-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

I managed to make it to MOSCOW! I nearly froze last night as I wandered around the city. People here just don't speak English. Imagine that? The vibe here is so different than Thailand, and it is just crazy. Talk about culture shock. I spent the majority of today looking for a historic banja house (bathhouse). I got lost when I diverted my attention from the terrible map I was using for a few moments. I asked over 30 people for directions and got nothing but NO and scowls. On the 31st, I found the bath house. How much failure does it take to achieve a desired end result? After about the 25th time, I started laughing each time and getting excited for the next rejection. I was starting to set a personal best!

So I finally got to the bathhouse. Good fun. Get naked and hit yourself with birch leaves. Steam so hot you think you might just pass out - and then cold plunge. Russian fun! I am solo so it will be an experience. Tonight I will head out to try out the nightclub scene. Should be interesting, I will let you know how it goes…

Chiang Mai

2006-12-29T20:47:00.000-08:00

From the orphanage, I headed up to see Josh again in Chiang Mai. We worked on business development for the corporate team building in Thailand and spoke a lot about our visions for 2007. I went to the annual crag clean up day at Crazy Horse Buttress, where Josh has developed all the climbing routes there. I changed anchors and spent the day doing route maintenance to ensure a safe climbing environment for all of those that come and climb here. There were about 30 volunteers for the day from different parts of the world.

Christmas Day was spent, yes, you guessed it, climbing. I fired several classic link ups (multiple pitches combined into one long - long pitch). Incredible climbing. I liked it even more than the climbing down south because it is more technical and varied with the movements. We hung out with Jim Waugh, who is a bit of a climbing legend from the states. He was recently the coach of the Asian Climbing team and lives in Bangkok. We had great conversation and I got a great interview from him as well. One of the things he said toward the end was that what makes a climber great is when you can be as excited for your partner when they get the red point as when you do. Support those around you and make THAT be what your climbing experience is about. Facilitate the growth and development of others, and you will experience much success....

There is so much more to write about. Many more insights from the trip. I will post those a bit later. For now - time to rest!

Phi Phi and the Tsunami Funds

2006-12-29T20:46:00.002-08:00

Ryan and Josh left on December 15th. Ryan headed back to the states for work and obligations. Josh headed home to Chiang Mai to manage his rock climbing business - Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures. I headed to Ko Phi Phi to investigate the impact of the tsunami and the donations that I had sent over a year and a half prior.

My quest was also to find the recipient of the remaining funds that I have. Because of all the confusion with government funding and questions about where the money was actually going, I had to get very specific and meet the people that were going to receive the rest of the tsunami money. Yes - I am shocked at how long it took to distribute the remaining funds. Traveling to Thailand, calling and setting up appointments from there was absolutely necessary to make sure the money was distributed properly.

The result? Duang Prejip Foundation out of Bangkok. I spoke with their organization representatives and they arranged a visit to an orphanage just north of Kao Lak. So, I caught a ferry to Phuket and was picked up by a few ladies and children for a van ride to the orphanage. When I arrived, 30 beautiful children, all of whom lost their parents in the tsunami, greeted me. We ate a delicious meal of rice, pork, cabbage and fish. This was a special treat for the kids because there is usually just one dish besides the rice. They had a few extra because I was there apparently. Just after dinner, I was surprised with Christmas Carols - in English - sung by the kids! I was blown away. Possibly the cutest thing I have ever seen, heard and felt!

So I got to know the ladies that take care of the children and hear their stories. Amazing stories of resilience, and love for each other. The remaining funds will go to creating a library of books for the kids to help them to read and learn. I will also provide toys and sports equipment for them to use. Including a bunch of initiative gear, along with instruction and training on how to use them. This will create long-term value for the children and this is a donation specifically for the children. The sports gear will remain and be used for a long time. I am soooo happy that I finally got the funds to where they belong. For anyone reading this that supported me in my cause - Thank you. The resources are being well taken care of and the money is going directly to the children impacted by the tsunami. My time there concluded with an interview with one of the women there. She had lost her husband, two children, parents and 5 other family members in the tsunami. Her message was so inspirational. A very brief slice and summary: Live life to the fullest every day - because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

Ton Sai Interviews

2006-12-29T20:46:00.001-08:00

I interviewed several people about self-actualization and realizing your potential. One of the highlights was Francois, a French guy that is 63 years old. He still onsights 7B (5.12+) - which means he climbs a new route he has not seen without falling. He is 63! He spoke about all that climbing has done for him and the transference between climbing and life. He is quite the inspiration and a model for me as to the physical and mental fitness that I will maintain through out my life.

One part of self-actualization is having a positive vision for your future. When you find people that you want to model your life after, find out what they have done so you can copy it! Visualize yourself being physically strong, fit and happy and that is what you will become... Your mind leads you to action, and it is the action that produces the results you desire....

DEEP WATER SOLOING

2006-12-29T20:45:00.001-08:00

On day 4 we went deep water soloing - what an incredible experience. This is free sport climbing above deep water. To get onto the rock, either you dive in and swim onto the rock, or you climb off a long tail boat and up onto cliffs - or onto a stalactite that is hanging down from above... the boat drifts away and you are on your own. When you fall (that's not IF), you end up in the water. The goal is typically to make it to a certain point on the rock and then jump off. Josh set the pace by going huge on the first cliff. He climbed WAY higher than anyone else did. He pulled a crux move about 50 feet over the water and swung onto a stalactite, and then dropped off. Amazing. Once again - Josh is the man! The whole boat cheered and we were off to the next set of cliffs... This set the tone for the day, and Ryan and I each had our moments of glory. I went quite large on the next cliff and ended up pulling a sequence of very difficult moves that were WAY high off the deck. When you are over 50 feet up, it actually looks more like 75 because, when you look down, you can see right through the water because it is so clear. Managing your state, staying focused, and remaining solid with your technique all the way through hitting the water is critical to staying safe.

Back in Thailand Again

2006-12-29T20:44:00.001-08:00

This blogging is a new concept for me. Keeping up with various random internet connections has made thing a bit difficult.

Anyway - here is my summary of what had happened in Thailand over the last few weeks:

We cruised through Bangkok - to Krabi - and on to Ton Sai. Interestingly enough, we met two people on the way. One guy, Stefan, was standing in line behind us in Bangkok and offered to take some of our luggage as we were over the weight limit with gear. Another guy, Marcus, we met in Krabi and shared a cab to Ao Nang. Both seemingly random, and both of whom became great friends throughout our time. I ended up traveling on with Marcus after I left Josh and Ryan....

The focus of this portion of the trip: Sport Climbing - climb as hard and as much as your body will allow.

We arrived for the full moon party and all passed out at 9:00pm after exhausting travel. Over ten days, we had climbed hard and sent many routes. Falling was a very frequent thing. On my second day, I was climbing a hard 5.11 route that is a high profile climb - right in front of the Freedom Bar with lots of people watching - and took a 15-foot whipper while trying to clip the anchor at the top of the route. As expected, I let out a nice yell to attract lots of attention. Right after, I began taking sign ups for the “lets make this look much harder than it actually is club.” No one signed up...

The Climb - The SPIRIT of MOKWAI

2006-12-18T23:45:00.000-08:00

We make it to the base and scramble around for a bit on the slab. The grant is solid, yet Josh and Ryan both have incidents where small knobs break off unsuspectingly. That doesn't exactly boost our confidence. The lower portion looks very do-able, and very fun. This will be a slab- friction climb.

It's the upper pitch - probably the third or fourth pitch, about 600 feet up, that looks like it will be hard. I suspect it will be steep, run out climbing. And of course, there are the monkeys to contend with.

After some debate as to whether we should just solo the climb or rope up, we decide to rope up. I will climb with Josh. Ryan will climb with John.

I head out first and it feels great to finally be moving on the rock. This is it. The culmination of all the planning, preparation, training, navigation, logistics, travel across the world, blood, sweat, and you name it... I am climbing in Cambodia on an unclimbed route for the first time.

i manage to sling a couple horns mid way through the first pitch. I keep climbing, getting into the groove, examining the rock, the holds and remembering to breathe.

"Twenty-Five Feet" Josh yells up to me.
I focus on a tree that I think I can sling for an anchor. The only problem is that it is more than 25 feet away...

I keep climbing and stay focused on my movement. There is no other choice.
The rope comes tight and Josh yells up. "That's Me"

I bellow back down - "Start climbing Josh - and DON"T FALL!"

We begin to simul climb (both climbers roped but moving in tandem together) and soon i am at the tree for my anchor. This was the best option for the situation at hand - and we make it work with the resources we have available.

I build my anchor and quickly transition. Soon josh is climbing. I look out over the Cambodian countryside, which is beautiful. The sun is hot, and I feel strong. All of our jungle training days in the heat days have paid off.

Josh climbs with speed and soon he makes it to the anchor.

We both film John and Ryan as they climb a similar line. I feel overwhelmed with happiness to be where i am on the planet.

They arrive at the anchor I have built and Ryan looks at me with a bit of question. "This is the anchor?"
Yes, Ryan - this is the anchor. It works. We're solid - no worries.

We transition through the belay ledge and Josh takes off toward on the next pitch. The climbing gets steeper now and Josh remains cool under pressure. The climbing is great. Granite rock, small holds, relatively easy, slabby, and probably in the 5.6 range for Josh's pitch. Again - fairly run out. The most important thing you can do when climbing a run out pitch is to stay calm.

I arrive at the belay ledge and congratulate Josh. "Nice work, guy!"
The four of us have a mini celebration as we look around at where we are. The landscape is absolutely mezmorizing.

I look up at the next pitch - and - realize that this will be the crux. It is my turn to lead again. Ryan will be leading for his team, with John.

The excitement is building and I am amped to be here with my friends.

"Hey, Ryan. Let's lead this climb together!"

Ryan looks back at me and replies, "If you promise not to get competitive and kick me off!" I am not sure what to make of the comment, and I figure some separation wouldn't be a bad idea. It's time to focus.

Without a word, I head out on to the direct face. This is what I perceive to be the pure line, right up the center of the steep slab I have been looking at. The vision of the route from the photos I have seen for months is now reality.

I take a deep breath as I move across the granite slab. I examine the face. it looks steep, and I think I might be able to place a cam a about 25 feet up. Focus. What do i have to work with? Live in the Zone. Feel it.

I climb upward and approach the flake. i slot my favotie cam - Old Yeller - behind the flake and give it a tug test. Seems solid. Sweet.

i lie back the flake and continue upward toward a horn on the far side, about fifteen feet up and diagonal from my cam placement. I quickly sling the horn and clip the mountain draw into the rope. The horn seems fairly solid. It is questionable whether it will hold a significant fall, but something in the 30 footer range should be alright. i should be able to find something up ahead.

I perch on top of the flake and examine the route. The wall looks blank. No protection in the immedate near future anyway. EHT climbing is reasonable. Lots of small holds. I step off of the security of the flake and move up on the rock. i move slowly and with very clear intent. Ten feet... twenty feett... the route continues to steepen. i look back at Josh at the belay ledge. Soon Josh will be out of site. He watches me intently and can sense the situation i am about to embrace. He calmly and confidently offers words of support. "Ya, Tim. You got it."

I look beyond Josh at the sweeting back drop. For the first time I feel a slight breeze. i whisper my climbing mantra to myself: "Let's get lucky."

I climb upward and out of site of Josh. I search for protection to place. Nothing.
I am alone now. I peer toward the horizon - scanning for monkeys - a run in with an angry monkey right now would be catastrophic. I choose my line and continue to move fluidly upward. Breathe. A quick analysis of my situation. The rope attached will keep me on the wall. The last sling i placed is about 50 feet below me. A fall right now would send me scraping 100 feet down this granite slab. I refuse to let death enter my mind. I am at the crux. I have the most difficult moves ahead of me.

My inner dialogue speaks. Be a warrior. Do not focus on what is NOT there (like big safe secure holds). Focus on where you are now, and what I can do with what i have.
The crux seems to be about 25 feet long - a link of about 6 moves. I know the climbing is not that hard. I think about 5.8 moves. I step through the first two moves and pause, perched on dimesized crimpers and friction foot holds. I look down - any thoughts of downclimbing have just been erased. I am fully committed. I take a long, slow, deep, breath. My awareness becomes crystal clear as I realize the situation i am in. I hear the words of so many people as I left on my trip. "Be safe." I hear the words of my mentors rolling through my mind. Visualize. Focus. Strong core. Be strong, Tim. Another Breath.

I visualize my move head. Rock off the right foot. High step with the left too the knob. Right hand side pull. Crimp the small hold with the left.... to the right foot smear and up to the knuckle sized left hand crimp. The goal - move through the sequence - solid feet - strong core and get to the left hand hold.

What Can I bring to this climb? Another breath. I begin the rocking movement to prepare for the crux sequence. Time stands still.

How did I get myself into this situation? This is why I came across the world - to be in a situation like I am in now. If it wasn't challenging then it wouldn't be worthwhile. Life is full of difficult situations. It is ovecoming these challenges that brings me strength. Here I am. BE HERE NOW.

The outcome - unknown. The challenge - very apparent. My body, Mind and Spirit focused. Do I have what it takes? No doubt. All of my years as a climber tells me yes - there is no doubt I will move through this sequence and complete this climb unharmed. That's assuming none of the holds break... Stay positive. Focused. Time to STEP UP.

Another breath.
I rock up and begin the sequence. High step...side pull...crimp...smear...to the solid left hand... I move through it fluidly - just as I saw it in my mind. Another breath. I feel my heart pounding with excitement. I step through another 5 feet and I am there. I stand on solid holds and an enormous grin overwhelms me. I let out a primal scream as i reward my determination. Success!

I continue on and hear Joah yell out - "Rope 1-0!" Ten feet left. The rope comes tight just as i reach my anchor spot. Quite the run out!

"Off Belay!"

Soon josh is climbing and moves through the sequences just as I had. Josh yells out as he approaches the anchor. "Thin Climbing! Nice Lead!"

We celebrate and chill for a few minutes as we watch John and Ryan moves through the next pitch. The back drop is amazing and Ryan is perfectly silouetted against the Cambodia landscape. We snap photos as Ryan shows off his Bofangs.

Josh takes over and leads the final pitch in style.

The four of us join together unrope and solo the final pitch to the summit. We shout cheers of success and talk a long slow look at where we are. We have made it.

Self Actualization is foremost on my mind...

Is this self actualiztion? Does it occur only when you are challenged to find something deep inside you? Whatever it is - the feeling inside me is amazing.

A dream realized...

We all agree that the name of the climb is...

THE SPIRIT OF MOKWAI!

THE APPROACH

2006-12-18T23:15:00.000-08:00

We head up through the jungle along a decent foot path. We pass past locall villagers burning the brush to clear a spot. We have been told about this - they are searching for diamonds.

we continue on and pass an incredible shrine. It looks like something out of Indiana Jones.

We continue up and soon the trail becomes a bushwack, and we break out the machete.
We start taking turns hacking a path. We are full on - hacking through the Cambodian jungle, making a clearing to go climb a big grante slab that has never been climbed before.

There is some debate about the "proper" ways to clear a jungle trail with the machete. Josh tends to like a well done, clear trail. Ryan wants just enough to get by. I like watching their different approaches and analyzing them. That's what consultants do, right? Ha!

We continue on - and suddently Josh screams in pain. (Yes - this is starting to become a recurring theme.) He has been stung by a wasp. Ouch!

He stays focused and only complains about the sting once - which is quite impressive, really.

More hacking... we continue to gain altitude. About 500 feet overall to get near the base.

Finally we find a clearing and sit down on a rock with a good view of the slab.

It looks beautiful. We look closely and see movement toward the upper reaches of the slab.

"Do you see that?"
"Uhhh....Yep"
"Is that what I think it is?"
"Uhhh... Do you think it's a tribe of jungle monkeys?"
"Ummm.... Riiight..."

Indeed - a tribe of about 10 jungle monkeys toward the far left side of the slab. not directly the line we would likely climb - but very close.

"Do you think they are agressive?"

"If I was in Railay - I would turn around right now."

"Great."

Just as we are looking up and talking about the perils of climbing with monkeys on the route - i turn to the side and a huge WHITE OWL flis out of a tree next to us. We had not seen it and it was quite the shock.

I shout out, "WHOA! Hey Now - That's Good Luck Everybody. Good Luck! Yes!"

"Really I can't remember if it is or not but i seem to remember something about Native Americans and owls meaning something significant. So -- why not make it work for us?

We watch the monkeys further as they disappear over the top of the summit slab.

The slab looks very clean. Not too steep at the bottom, but definitely steep at the top. We figure somewhere in the 800-900 foot range - and probably about 5 pitches. The only problem is that there are really no main features to climb (Such as cracks). With no cracks and all slab climbing - it means there could be long distances between where we can pace protection, and possibly very dangerous.

Run Out - is the climbing term for when you have to go a long distance between when you can place gear. and that is what we are looking at - long runouts, with potentially very agressive monkeys hanging out where the most difficult part of the climb is.

Interesting....

Mokwai - Mokwai!!!

2006-12-18T23:00:00.000-08:00

So there we are again. Communicating with Samoot and the moto drivers and he keeps saying "Mokwai, Mokwai!" Again I flash back to the Ghost signs, the stories, the legends and the the story of the mokwai.

We are looking up at the climb and anxious to get going. First we must get to the bottom of the ghost tales and what he is talking about.

You mean GHOST? We all try our different approach in figuring it out. I try jumping up and down (you know - like most ghosts do) and saying BOO!

Nothing. Well nothing except laughing at myself for this bizarre situation.

Samoot continues his hand waving and jumping up and down.

We are all thinking.... what about the context... being afraid at night... it triggers a thought.

Night time - what comes out at night? We open the Khmer book and flip through the pages frantically...

Mokwai, Mokwai!

And there it is... Mosquito? Yes - Mosquito.

"Mokito - Mokito!" More frantic hand waving and touching his arms...

- Ban Ban Ban Yes! Yes! Yes!

You're kidding me. We all stand there in disbelief as we realize what Samoot has been saying. The entire time he has been talking about wanting to get out of Dodge because of the mosquitos... We all laugh with each other.

This will be a topic of conversation for some time...

The BIG DAY BEGINS

2006-12-18T22:58:00.000-08:00

Friday December 1, 2006

We rise at 5 AM and are eating rice and chicken by 5:15. By 5:16 I am racing back to the guest house for the bathroom. My stomach is not in good shape today.

At 5:30 I head to the market for a few last supplies. Snacks for the day - and a critical tool - the MACHETE. We are learning the ways of Cambodian jungle travel. Ryan forgot his shoes last night so he heads to the market for a replacement pair. Somehow Ryan manages to find the ultra-cool sneakers - even in a Cambodia market in the middle of nowhere. The Bofangs. I think he gets the fashion award. That Hansel is sooo hot right now! (Obscure Zoolander reference)

We head off once again toward our objective. Josh reviews the plan with the drivers while Ryan and I are in the market.

We have a long moto ride today as we head to the other side of the mountain for a different approach for the climb. After several small stops and discussions with locals, we eventually get to a place where we think we should turn off. Sam Boa, the mountain with the granite slab, is clearly in the background. The excitement builds as we are realizing that we are headed in the right direction. If we can only get a side path toward the base!

The moto drivers have never been this way. There is some argument as to whether you can even drive down this particular path. We drive through someone's yard and find a tiny side trail. The moto drivers are making it happen.

We continue on and we are about a half mile or so from the base. It is perfect. I can't believe that there is a trail to where we are and we actually found it!

We have another long discussion about meeting later and our ridxe back out. Samoot is animated - as always. He has picked up that Josh is shooting photos for Mad Rock and keeps shouting over and over - MAADDD ROK! AAANNNNNGGRRRRLLLYYY ROK!

Josh tells them that we will be back some where between 5:30 and 7:30. I know that they understand that they will be back at 5:30. I am not sure they understand that we might be late. i ask josh to make sure and he say that he has clearly explained it.... And then Samoot bust into the whole Mokwai thing again...

Village, Volley Ball, and Grape Catching

2006-12-18T22:50:00.000-08:00

Thursday 11/30/2006

Soon the awn breaks and we are up, on the motos and heading for the market. We grab a bottle of coke - which is filled with gasoline - and fill up on the way. The market is amazing. This is the central trading place for all good. Clothes and food - that's pretty much it. The noodles are the most delicious meals I have ever had. We all pound down a second serving - it is just amazing flavour.

We head out and grab a coffee at a local shop. We sit around and talk with about 15 locals. The eldest is in his mid fifties and speaks French. They are amazed at the video camera and the conversation is very cool. These people RARELY (as in once in a year maybe) see white people. They are all very nice and I have no fear of being attacked or anything like that. Our strengh of four very fit looking Americans helps with that.

We head off and soon we are at a monestary. We meet a monk and talk with him for an hour. I film and interview him about happiness and self actualization. He provides a very insightful Bhuddist perspective.

We travel up an enormous flight of stairs and check out a temple.

We have plans to head off when T suggest a volley ball game. Thus begins one of many volley ball games. T is very good - and very competitive. We play against the locals and lose every game. Apparantly this is what they do - every day.

After the first game - T makes John take a seat because he is not good enough. The games are heated and i give it my all - including many screams, dives and dancing celebrations when we score! There is a crowd of about 100 people watching us play. I am sure to give them a show...

Josh is in shock about the lack of team spirit that T has. He is WAY competetive.

We head out and John picks up his empty water bottle. "No. Leave Here" John won't leave his empty water bottle amidst all the other garbage laying around. We don't want to contribute to the continuation of all the trash. Cambodia is weird like that - there is no concept of garbage clean up or trash management. So we bring our garbage and move it somewhere else - where it probably will be thrown on the ground there.

We make it back for lunch and i am ready to sleep. We rest for 20 minutes and T offers to bring us "grape catching." I am looking forward to more of a nap. Ryan is motivated. "Come on Tim, when is the next time you will have a chance to go grape catching?"

I agree. i pull myself up and we all head off across the dirt road, behind some huts and toward the rice patties. We have our Kromars (Cambodian Head wraps) Cambodian Hats (the circular kind you see in pictures) and are ready to catch some grapes.

Soon we are walking through the patties and T shows us what we are looking for. CRABS

I walk into the rice pattie - the mud squishes in my toes as I step through 3 inches of mud water and squint my eyes looking for a crab. i am hoping I won't see a big snake. it is in the back of my mind, because I know there are snakes here. Big ones. We have talked abut it, but we have yet to see one. i am hoping that today won't be different.

It takes a while and I finally catch my crab. We all fill a big bucket half way with our contributions. Looks like dinner for the family. Josh takes some pretty incredible photos. We wrap up the afternoon looking at a giant bomb hole from the Viet Nam War, and snack on some potatoes made by the neighbor.

We say good bye to the family and head back to Ton Lope, where we will prepare for tomorrow - and finally - the climb.

What a rest day.

Sounds of Kwau Village

2006-12-18T22:49:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 30th, 2006

We agree to stay with T at his village house and take a rest day tomorrow. Friday will be our summit bid. We drive in the dark from our guesthouse about 30 minutes on the motos. Kwau is a VERY small village - one road. We arrive in the complete dark and are greeted by the family - wife, children, grandmother, and uncle.

There is a really weird music playing in the background. Think of the
weirdest combination of a string-fiddle-with a talking drum and
mono-tone Cambodian rap singer with a slinky in his mouth, all wrapped
into one.Apparently this music is because someone has died in the
village and it is for their send off. And maybe to ward off the ghosts
as they travel to theafter world. It makes for an eerie backdrop to the dark Cambodian village scene.

We have dinner by candle light. We each rice with chicken and fish. Each sich is in a bowl and you scoop and chow down. It is delicious. Ryan and I struggle to sit squat legged and are laughed at because "you sit like lady." Good one!

I am exhausted and soon we are shown to our beds. Josh and I share a bed
with a net to keep the bugs out. I pass out immediately.

I awake to sounds of a pig snorting. I slowly begin to open my ears to
the mixture of sounds. The musics is still playing for the death
ceremony. I can't believe that the "music" is still going. A rooster is
crowing.

i get up, grab my mini recorder and head outside for an adventure to find the WC. i am greeted by a dog that begins to snarl at me and then bark. I stop and begin to whisper to the dog - "It's okay. You're not going to hurt me. I'm not going to have to hurt you. Good boy." Suddenly the grandmother appears from the closed gates of the
house doors and swishes the dog away.

I head to the back of the house and the pig is walking around snorting very loudly, and throws in an occasional squeal. The rooster crows. The dog barks again.
The music plays. I feel like I am in a low budget horror film, and I
shake my head in disbelief as to what might happen next...

Blazing Animals

2006-12-18T22:19:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 29,2006

We continue our hike across the
Cambodian Countryside. The bush is so thick that at times we are
walking through neck deep grass. Uneven rocks and boulders make for
precarious walking and many drops and falls. Carrying the boulder pad
makes it difficult to navigate, yet saves my ass a few times when I
fall.

I am pouring sweat. The sun is blazing. I have this
feeling of seeing some jungle animal bursting into flames. I claw at my
legs in hope for somereprieve from the itching. We come to a mountain
top and overview our situation. Making it to the temple is not an
option. We decide to navigate through a valley and out to some houses
we see a couple miles away. This is our best option. John announces
that he is out of water. We are all running low. We still have a long
way to go.

I charge forward and we divide to find a reasonable
path into the valley. I am swatted by a pricker bush and suddenly there
is blood running down my face. The blood tastes particularly sweet. I
find a path and it works - we are making progress.

In the midst of the bush whack,
Josh's phone rings. I find it odd that he is receiving a phone call.
Time to sell some stock, Josh? It is T - our local contact who provided
the map and information. He invites us to dinner at his local village
house. Josh and I discuss and we want to relax tonight and avoid anycommitments, considering our circumstances. Josh, being Grengjai
(MORE ON THIS LATER), tells T thank you for the offer, (he does not say
no) and that we will talk soon and that we have no idea when we will be
out of the jungle...

We descend slowly through the jungle and eventually make it to a pathway that funnels us out of the mountains and toward open fields.

Duck farms, rice patties, and lots of cows along the way. And there it is - the road!

Just as we approach we see a group of children playing. Their
game is to run and jump over a string, which is held by two children.
The jumps are impressive actually and we give cheers and support as
they continue to raise the string, and watch each other jump. Ryan and
John put down a crash pad for them to land on, thinking theywould like that. But the children continue to run and jump - avoiding the crash pad landing. "That's like cheating." We surmise. Josh snaps many photos of the children jumping. I am rolling film.

After
the jumps they go over to a well and plunge in. It looks incredibly
refreshing, but it seems like it is not our place to jump in.

We
make it to the dirt road and there is a tiny snack shack a short walk
down. 7 up - with ice! Beautiful. we proceed to chug a bottle of 7 up,
and lots water. The ice is like a dream come true.

We stand and begin to walk down the road toward where we need to meet our moto
drivers. Just then a pick up truck stops and Josh exchanges with him
briefly. Next thing you know we are all in the back and tearing off
down the road. John comes very close to falling out about 10 seconds
into the ride.

We arrive at our meeting spot at 5:00 and our moto drivers are there.

We head home and soon I am taking one of the most desired cold showers of my entire life.

Jungle Cave

2006-12-18T21:41:00.000-08:00

Wednesday 11/29/06

John and Josh stay at our first boulder area
and Ryan and I head out toward the next set of rocks. Very quickly I
realize that SHORTS were the wrong choice today. Who knows what I am
moving through and what is brushing on my legs. It is blazing hot and
the "short" hike to the next set of rocks turns into a 45 minute slog,bushwacking
through the bushes and prickers. We arrive and take a quick assessment
of where we are, and where we need to go. Ryan and I discuss the
reality of how long it will take to get to the temple, and that reality
is not so pretty.
Soon Josh and John arrive and we decide to
explore a cave nearby. We all cram ourselves into this 6 foot high, 2
foot wide opening and slot ourselves deep into the dark, cool cave. It
feels nice and the features are interesting.

"Hey - check that out - cool geckos on the wall up there."

"Ya - Sweet. Geckos are cool - how they can walk upside down and all."

"And what is that up there - ya - WAY up there?"

"Bats" Josh chimes in calmly.

As if - of course they are bats. We are in a dark cool cave, where bats would live.

"So, why are they moving around then?" I ask.

"Don't bats usually just hang there?"

Slowly my vision begins to focus and I realize that there are many bats. And they are all starting to move around.

"Maybe they are hearing us." John whispers from the front.

We all are staring intently at the motion that is building 35 feet above us.

"Ya - and maybe we should consider leaving their cave." I whisper.

Just as I utter the words an army of furry, fanged creatures
begin crawling - with their freakish faces and teeth - directly down at
us. There are lots of them. And it is weird - they are crawling upside
down with their faces toward us. As they move they begin to let out a
eerie squeak.

We see the movement all at once. The noise gets louder and suddenly I feel panic inside.

Simultaneously, we all let out screams of our own.

"Holy *%#!" "Ahhhh!" "Go, Go!" "What the?"

Four of us frantically push through the squeeze tunnel and head for daylight.

"AAAAHHHHH!!!!" Josh lets out a painful scream from behind me.

I have visions of a bat sinking his teeth into his neck. And of Josh turning into a vampire.

We
break out of the cave and I look back to see Josh holding his head as
he emerges. He smashed his head on the rock wall on the way out. Ryan,
our "mini-doctor" has a look and determines that there is a good chance
Josh will live.Although there is significant likelihood of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It's okay - we'll have plenty of time to talk as we sweat our way through the Jungle...

Cambouldia

2006-12-17T03:53:00.000-08:00

We step out of the guest house and to meet our moto drivers once again. We are greeted with smiles and the common hello - 'Sua Sudie.'

A horse and carriage passes by with big piles of fruit.
A moto drives by stacked with live chickens hung from the sides.
School children are dressed in blue and back uniforms and ride in a pack on bikes toward their local school.
Miscellaneous characters walk by on the way to the market.
In front of our guest house is a display for cell phones - yesterday it was diamonds.

It is 7:00 AM.

Our objective today is to locate the spot we found yesterday, start climbing the boulders, and navigate from our drop off point to the temple. Along the way we want to see if we can gain a perspective on our main objective. We are excited about the
unknown that today will bring.

I am amazed at the houses and lifestyle once again. A culture of sharing - community - and survival seems to be overwhelming. I giggle uncontrollably as we pass the scenic rice fields and again enter into palm tree filled villages. We swerve to avoid a large pig lumbering on the side of the road. Soon enough we are off the main road and motoring down a four foot wide pathway, dodging trees, bushes and cows along the way.

Then one, two, and a whole litter of boulders come into view. We are back at our spot.

We hop off the motos, confirm that we will meet our drivers at 5:00 at the base of the temple - and we head off into the jungle.

Soon enough we approach a very small jungle hut. An elderly man - the grand father comes out waving and smiling to us in welcoming gestures. He is eager to show us the beginning of his new structure. It is likened to a soccer goal, strapped with twine. This will be part of one of the houses. The feeling of this remote village in Cambodia is very hard to describe.

We continue on toward our first bouldering objective. We cut through the jungle and finally arrive on a big granite slab with 20-30 foot boulders - with perfect lines. We are all ecstatic and begin to "send" several of the routes. Everyone is amped, and John is climbing particularly strong. I fall a few times on a route - having the boulder pads are great. Josh reminds me of a few climbing techniques and body positioning strategies. I shift my approach - and eventually put the sequence together to complete the "boulder problem." I am reminded of how every climb is a lesson. A mental and physical challenge.

We stay at these boulders for several hours. We overlook the Cambodian countryside - and are climbing routes on these boulders that have never been climbed before.

Ghosts and Diamonds

2006-12-17T03:49:00.000-08:00

SO.... What was Samoot Talking about? What is Moquai?
Why had he driven so fast? An attempt to escape the darkness?
He had written something in the sand in an attempt to explain. An indiscernible word, which John had understood to be.... GHOST.

We flash back to the breakfast at the market in Phenom Penh. The Bill Board... The movie about the Ghost Baby. It all makes sense. Everyone is afraid of ghosts...including Samoot... and they come out in the dark....

We continue on about the folklore about this mountain we seek to climb. "T" had told us of the rumors of Diamonds buried at the base of the mountain. Locals still go there in search for diamonds. And there is a good chance we will see some of them once we finally get to the mountain....

Ghosts...and Diamonds... How dis we get here? And what are we getting ourselves into????

Why Ton Lope?

2006-12-16T18:52:00.000-08:00

We arrive back at the guest well after dark. The evening at the market is filled with animated discussions about the possibility of the area for climbing.

What would it take to attract any significant number of climbers, or travellers, to this area to actually have an impact on the community? Who would want to come to this place anyway? This village has no mention in the lonely planet. No reason to come here.... I'll tell you who would want to come here - someone in search of a real adventure - where the culture and the experience is the primary factor.

A few descriptors:
Not a single person speaks English. We still have yet to see another white person. It is so hot I feel like a stick of butter melting throughout the day. My stomach has so many continuous issues that I am just accepting this part of the travel equation.

Yet deep down this feels like the perfect adventure, at the perfect time. The people here are absolutely amazing. I cannot help but smile. They laugh as we attempt to speak Khmer. We are making an honest effort - and they realize that. After one day you feel like you are being welcomed. We sit at our food stand and eat a papaya salad. Just when I thought I couldn't see Ryan sweat any more - enter Papaya salad.
Our mouths are on fire...and the internal heat is ridiculous...

Samoot Communication

2006-12-16T18:21:00.000-08:00

We eventually stop at a junction where we see many boulders, and can view the temple off in the distance. This was the landmark we were shown by our contact in Pehnom Penh. We are amped, and want to hike to the temple from where we are to get a lay of the land and check out some boulders. We begin to communicate our plan to the drivers and are met with significant dissent. I role film and observe the interaction - and pay particular attention to the body language, facial expressions, tone, and pace of the communication. From what I understand, the guys think we are crazy for wanting to hike to the temple. It is about 4:00 and I guess that we have about 1.5 hours until the sun sets. All four are confident that we can make headway and just want to walk around. Josh does his best to describe what we want.

"NO, NO!" Samoot says. He is the driver that speaks the most english. Which is very little. He is highly animated. His pace and intensity increases.

Samoot waves his hands frantically over his head and shouts out "Mokwai! Mokwai!" "We go back. We go back." "Very Bad" He points at the sun and his actions are beginning to seem a bit crazed. His facial expressions begin to shift from concern to anger. He wants to leave - now.

Local villagers have now arrived and a small group stares at us and talks among themselves about this random group of farang (white foreigners).

I am filming what I can out of the exchange and we quickly gather together to discuss what we should do. After a few minutes, Ryan suggests that maybe we should not anger the only guys with motos on the first day. We all agree. Show some respect and go with the flow. This is not our land, and as much as we think we might know about travelling through this terrain - it is our first day. Also, we agree that the sun goes down much faster than it does in the US. Time seems to move quickly and we have about 1 hour before it is dark.

We load up on the motos and head off down the narrow, sand filled jungle side trail. We expect to return the way we came. Ironically, we continue down the
path, which brings us closer to the big wall. Funny - because had we know that we would have got back on the motos immediately. Along the path, we see random villagers
with machetes, old, young, male, female, more cows, and the scene just seems surreal.

We move through a clearing and Ryan, Josh and I stop. John and Samoot are nowhere
to be found. We scope out the wall with a good view for the first time. It is big - we think about 1000 feet. Yet it is still impossible to discern the quality of the rock, the steepness, and if it is protectable. Our excitment builds. We are standing in a rice patty in Cambodia looking at big grante slab, envisioning how we will climb it for the first time.

It is getting dark and we quickly take recon photos and are back on the bikes.

We meet up with John - and he has been waiting for us for several minutes. He tells us Samoot keeps talking about Mokwai - and how Samoot is scared stiff and went speeding down the tral in fear of the darkness - and the Mokwai. He wants to keep going - NOW. We are confused - and will hear Johns story later...

Closing in on the Big Wall

2006-12-08T23:02:00.000-08:00

I sit backward on the moped as we bounce along the pothole filled dirt road. I am filming the scene and come close to falling off - straight under the wheel of Ryan's moto. My body is buzzing - the excitement - the adventure. Ryan and John are carrying our large boulder pads and I have to continue to laugh at the whole scene.

We are driving down a random dirt road, on mopeds, with 4 local Cambodians. We are in the middle of nowhere and going to where we think will get us closest to the route. The countryside is amazing. The houses are bamboo shacks - basically tree houses. Huge cows, pigs, chickens, and dogs all roam about.

We continue for a while and end up in some random village. Apparently we have taken a wrong turn. Within seconds we are surrounded by a swarm of children. Smiling, giggling, laughing and very curious. They have never seen people like us before.

I show them the video camera- and they go bonkers looking at themselves.

We turn around and get back on track - we think. Soon we turn off and are now on a very narrow side trail. The mopeds bog down in the sand, we jump on and off, we dodge locals swinging machetes, big cows, and a number of random farmers who look at us with disbelief. And then we see them: THE BOULDERS! Littered across the country side are big rocks - ready to be climbed. Our excitement builds each time we stop. "Did you SEE that?!" "Holy *&#^%" We are grinning from ear to ear with the the potential that this area is bringing for bouldering. (FYI: Bouldering is a form of climbing, using steep rocks that are typically about 15-30 feet in height.)

We continue on the dirt roads, trusting these guys know where we are going. We check in periodically to find our location on the map. The drivers do not read, nor do they understand the concept of our map.

Ryan asks, "Hey Tim, is this what you had in mind when we climbed the Jensen Direct 10 years ago? Is THIS what you thought this would lead us to?" We both smile and nod as if this IS the perfect culmination of our climbing. This is what climbing has brought us to. We still have yet to climb anything, yet the adventure is already a amazing.

I wonder how long it will take to get back to the guest house...and how long we have until sunset...

Ton Lope

2006-12-08T22:36:00.000-08:00

The Cambodian country side flows by... Palm Trees, Rice Patties, Open Space, and then intermittent small villages. It all seems surreal.

After a few hours we begin to see rocks off in the distance. Big Rocks. A Lake - and Bong Lee points out the temple we had been shown by 'T' on the map. We see the giant slab that we have seen in photos. The wall we will climb is now within our view - and soon within our grasp.

We continue on and arrive at out village, Ton Lope. It consists of one main street over a few hundred yards. Horse and carriage trot by. There is one guest house - Tran Hout - and we take it. Josh speak Khmer and we are continually amazed that the communication takes place with smiles. There are definitely barriers - and again we are psyched Josh can, or at least thinks, that we bridge many of them.

There are no other white people - all natives.
No one speaks any English.
Every sight, sound, and sense is curious.
The heat is relentless.
Locals look at us with curiosity and bemusement.
Children walk around naked.
Fruit stands are plentiful.
Sweat continues to pour.

We locate the one moto bike rental option. The only was is to get ancient mopeds, with drivers. We meet Samoot - the one local moto drier that speaks "tic tic" a little English. We unload, check out the market, and head off on four mopeds, with our drivers, to locate our objective...

Bong Lee

2006-12-08T04:24:00.000-08:00

We arrive to the taxi station. The crowds form and the offers begin to fly. The going rate is $25 for the drive. We get a connection and our driver appears - Bong Lee. A very chill, yet sage-like, Cambodian "driver". We jam all our climbing gear - including a full trad (traditional rock-climbing protection gear, like cams and slings) rack, two ropes, two boulder pads, our personal bags, the cameras, tripod... packed.

The inevitable traffic danger ensues. We are in the thick of it and Bong Lee puts it in reverse. CRUNCH. Traffic accident. Fender bender. We pull over and the other guy is irate. I mean screaming at the top of his lungs "You owe me money for scratching my bumper" kind of irate. The funny thing was the amount of other scratches he already had on his car. Every crevasse had a scratch on it. We start to get a bit on edge that this guy is going to just snap, but Bong Lee is very Kung Fu-Like. So, after much debate, Bong Lee coughs ask us to help him out with $10, he add in $5, and we are off.

He tells us he couldn't see because of the boulder pads blocking the rear view mirror!

Moped Madness

2006-12-08T04:12:00.000-08:00

Okay - so the moped riding is a bit ridiculous - in a great way. 5 people on one. Small families. Tiny kids sitting on handlebars. Girls riding side saddle. Not uncommon to drive completely against traffic to get into the lane you want to go.

We walk out of the bar headed back to the guest house. Just ahead we see four mopeds, each with two to three people on it, bank into a hard turn. They proceed to gun it and the front runner runs an intersection into an oncoming car.

The car slams on the brakes, the moped swerves and barely avoids becoming a hood ornament. But the swerve is too much. The moped overcompensates, swerves out of control, and goes down. "Holy Sh*%$!" "WOW" "WHOA" "Do we have some serious injuries going or what?"

We begin to jog and rapidly approach and, just as we near, they jump back up, brush themselves off, and are off again - speeding recklessly.

Breakfast Ghost Side Note

2006-12-08T04:06:00.000-08:00

We have a favorite spot we have gone to twice. We have fun talking Khmer with the girls and eating killer food. Across our street-side seating is a huge billboard. The advertising is for a crazy ghost movie. We all comment and wonder what the deal is with the fascination with ghosts. Josh tells us, "They're all afraid of ghosts here."
We talk to a few people and get an affirmative - they are DEFINITELY afraid of ghosts.

The Killing Fields

2006-12-08T03:38:00.000-08:00

Before I arrived in Cambodia I searched for what it could possibly mean. C-A-M-B-O-D-I-A: Jungle - Hot - Asia - Viet Nam - Pol Pot - Genocide - The Killing Fields.

We arrive at the Genocide Museum, which is one long U-shaped building, with torture rooms and prisoner cells. We are in downtown Pehnom Penh. I proceed to go through a very eye opening experience. The estimates indicate that more than 2 million people were murdered under Pol Pot's regime. This was about a third of their total population. And all for the quest for a Utopian, Communist society. All of the educated were singled out and killed, along with their families and anyone they had any relations with. To stay alive, you had to be either a factory worker or a farmer.

I walk down the hallway and look at the photographs of those that were tortured and killed. I wonder how one is born into a certain position in life. Who we are, and why?

We watch an incredible documentary and gain more insight into the horror.

They pulled out fingernails of prisoners. They dunked them until near drowning, and then hanged them. They kept prisoners shackled together, connected to long iron bars.

Did you know that the leaders of of the Khmer Rouge still have yet to be tried? The politics is driven by corruption.

We depart the museum and I am approached by a man with one leg begging for money. Another man approaches Ryan. He face is so horribly disfigured that it is painful to look at him. My heart sinks with blessing toward these people.

We travel to the Killing Fields. Our dialogue has become very philosophical. We are deep into contemplating the place we are in, and the thick history.

We see the locations of the mass murders and how it all went down. Stories are told by our tour guide, who is still afraid to have anything recorded. The place feels eerie.

"Pol Pot Bad Man. VERY bad Man."

Pehnom Penh Street Fight

2006-12-05T22:06:00.000-08:00

The morning of day two begins with a Sun Rise Run on the Mekong River Front. There were small clusters of people doing "Asian Aerobics" to seemingly cheesy Cambodian Dance Music. Geanie - you would be impressed :0). The running feels good - as we continue on, an ENORMOUS elephant walks down the center of the main street. We keep running and I find it odd that something like this seems somewhat normal.

We finish up our run and stop for fresh coconut. The elderly woman takes a machete and proceeds to chop the top off the coconut, put a straw in it, and we begin to sip what Ryan and I are convinced to be the Bottomless Coconut. So much juice it is just silly. We stand there sipping and out of now where, we observe our next scene:

Three Cambodian kids, about 16 years old, all on one moped, come to a screeching halt right next to us. One on the back is shouting in Khmer and pointing toward us. We look at him curiously as he approaches with a glare in his eye. Almost immediately we realize he is approaching another younger boy near us. The shouting increases with pace and volume and the boy charges. One punch, another punch... the boy is thrown back as he is rocked in the face; yet he does not retaliate... Another running punch... Ryan, Josh and I stand, staring with intrigue as the beating continues just a few feet away... More screaming and pointing and the aggressor hops back on his moped and is gone. It is 7 AM and the beginning of our first full day in Phenom Penh...

Gems in Cambodia

2006-11-27T15:05:00.000-08:00

The massive iron gate swung open and we turned off the main street into the dark corridor... T - a local Cambodian greeted us with smiles. Soon we were gathered around the topo map and staring intently... "Here.... is temple...."

Cambodia Dreams...

2006-11-26T04:05:00.000-08:00

Have become a reality. Immediate perceptions -
Very chill place.
In comparison, much less developed than Thailand
People - VERY FRIENDLY - I mean awesome - the smiles make you want to smile yourself

Here in Cambodia - Josh is THE MAN. He speaks Thai - and also Khmer, the Cambodian Language) He has set us up as a sweet guest house in downtown Phnom Penh - $10 a night for air-conditioned, sweet room. Josh proceeds to give us a Khmer lesson over lunch and we get into all the basic travel phrases. Hello (Sua Sadei) Thank You (OkkaHun) Please (Som) What is this? (Ne Gkew Awei) The language sounds beautiful here and we all are aspiring to be conscientious travelers - speaking the language and being culturally aware. Again - PAY ATTENTION.

I am reminded how psyched I am to travel with Ryan. We will but heads occasionally as we are both High D's and often think our ways is the best way... yet Ryan is one of those guys that is just "cool." Some people are, some people aren't - Ryan is. And randomly hilarious.

And John - a pleasant surprise as it is the first time I have met him. In college in Boulder - and living in Chiang Mai at the moment for a while. Intelligent, observant, easy going... and amped to pull down.

This cast of characters should make for some good filming!

The heat is oppressive. Need to find sandals quickly...

Our first meal is incredible - Fried Noodles with Vegetables with some stuffed pork pastry deal on the side. Wow - Changan (Delicious!) a bit pricy though - lunch was 1 US $ :o)

We came out of the guest house this afternoon to begin exploration and the first thing we see is a dead, skinned dog - headless - on the side of the road... ready to be prepared for eating??? A bit disturbing.

We score regional maps to locate the Wall... explore Motorbike and Car Rental info... and the exotic climbing talk begins to elevate the soul...

We travel to the Me Kong River an chill over Iced Coffee. Tomorrow we will learn about Cambodia, go to a museum, and the Killing Fields. Embrace the culture and LEARN about Cambodia - this amazing country.

SOON - we will be off to the country side to climb...

Travel Connections

2006-11-26T03:57:00.000-08:00

So there I am in the airport in Kathmandu awaiting the plane to Bangkok. Who do I see? Brian Harder - a fellow Jackson-ite with his fiance, Dana (I think it is Dana...) Classic to see folks from Jackson in the middle of around the world travel. Of course, Brian is one of those guys I would expect to see. Quite the "Hard Guy" in my opinion. They had just finished up 25 days trekking, climbing and power shopping in Nepal.

We spoke about his early days climbing with Jim Collins (Good To Great) and how Jim is still climbing 5.13 in his late 40's. Rock On!

The transfer through Bangkok was interesting as always. Three hour delayed flight and eventually make my way into down town and meet up with Josh, Ryan and John for the first time of the trip. Energy High - Anticipation High - Excitement - High.. and rising!

Time: 11:30 PM We proceed to go out and rip it up in Bangkok for several hours and head out for the airport at 4:00 AM. The next three hours were quite rough....

Seeking True North

2006-11-24T23:55:00.000-08:00

Rick "ErickShaw" Erickson and I finally put the finishing touches on Seeking True North. Well, a few very minor updates from our editor, endorsements, etc... and it will be going to print this late winter. Anyway - the book has one prominent model - which in brief includes three P's. Prepare, Practice and Passion. After interviews with multiple people around the world so far about self actualization, I am even more convinced of the efficacy of the model.
By the way- so far I have interviewed people from:
USA
Japan
England
Holland
Germany
Russia
France
Norway
Nepal

There have been many interesting themes - which I will come back to later. However - I am constantly reminded to Seek True North.

As we round out the new year, remember to Prepare to visualizing desired end results, setting goals and dreaming the life you want to create - to Practice by seeking out those models, methods and tools that will facilitate our success, and to live life with PASSION - every second of every minute of every day.

And remember to drink a few ErickShaws over the holiday season:
One Cup Ice
On shot Lime Juice
Fill glass with Tonic Water
Shake and enjoy with a lime...

Rick - you are the man - and I must tell you - Today - I not only rode in a Rikshaw through Kathmandu today - but I drove one through Kathmandu! I said your praise as I swerved through the streets and nearly ran over a small child - but that is another story...

Don't Drive Angry

2006-11-24T23:45:00.000-08:00

I am waiting yet another delayed flight - this time out of Kathmandu en route to Bangkok. I thought I would share a thought about the driving in Nepal. Initially, it all seems like craziness - I mean total chaos. In theory you drive on the left hand side of the road - yet really people use whatever lane is most convenient. It is completely common to have multiple cars across the street facing each other in an oncoming "Chicken Fight" and then to swerve back into the left lane at the last second. And I mean literally second - to continue on within centimeters of other people, cars, cows, buses, rickshaws, you name it. Eventually the chaos seems to make sense and it begins to flow and channel into a living organism that just works.

Add to the system all the sounds - particularly the honking. Now - the magnitude of the honking in every respect cannot be understated. However - the honking is not like the American, "F-U" Honk. It is solely to say, "Hey Man - watch out - I am here, don't want to hit you, and need to move through this space - so work with me." There is no anger - no impatience - no stress to the driving or honking.

So - what's the point? Well - part of PAYING attention to things when you travel involves reflecting on experience and looking at the applications. One very simple lesson I will be bringing home is "Don't Drive Angry." The horn is a friend :o) Now I know for all you city-folk, the traffic in Jackson Hole is pretty much non-existent. Yet I know what it is like and on occasion actually do go to city! :o)
And as chaotic as we think our traffic is in the cities - come to Kathmandu and your paradigm will shift - huge....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2006-11-24T04:21:00.000-08:00

Well,
Yesterday was Thanksgiving. I was up in Nagarcote last night and this morning I called home to Baltimore where the family had congregated at Brother Todd's residence. It is great to connect and hear voices of those you love. I love you guys!

I spent quite a bit today thinking about GRATITUDE. Traveling to countries like Nepal, unlike nothing else, reinforces how lucky I am. And WE are - as Americans - for that matter. The people that I see here - the ridiculous levels of poverty - the little 5 year olds that come to you with their hands to their mouth and their stomach - and yet nearly all the people that I interact with are happy on many levels.

It reminds me that the barriers of our minds are often the biggest barriers to happiness and self actualization. Find beauty in the simple things. Celebrate life through the laughter and sharing and giving with others. Seek out your passions, and focus on serving with your unique talents so that others may benefit.

I am so thankful for the people that I surround myself with. My friends, my family, and all the people that Grand Dynamics has connected me with. For those that CHOOSE to spend time with me. I am thankful for YOU for reading this.

Life is very short - and we all have limited capacity for our time in life. SO - make the most of it - and help others to do the same.

Make someone's day today - and I mean a totally RANDOM person's day by doing something - anything - that will bring a smile to their face.

Above all - live life with a continuous ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE -

NAMASTE

TREKING IN NEPAL

2006-11-24T03:29:00.000-08:00

This whole blog concept is new to me - an online journal for all to see - interesting. I am wondering if you are finding this interesting! The categorization concept helps I suppose... SO - the topic of this post is a highlight/summary of my Nepal Trekking Journey.

I had arrived in Kathmandu with very little sleep - body slowing down and my mind was finding it difficult to make any decisions. However, it was Friday and I needed to deal with some logistical issues before the weekend if I was going to optimize the time here. So, I "pulled some triggers" as my good friend Paulo would say. I lined up the guide, booked a bus to Pokhara for Sunday Nov 19, and booked a return flight for Thursday, Nov 23. Pradip - my guide - would turn out to be a huge bonus. English Speaking, always smiling, always positive, and genuinely interested in me and helping me to achieve the goals I had set out for. And - young and strong enough to keep up!

THE GOAL: Poon Hill Circuit out of Pokhara in three days.

I was told that that trek takes 5 or 6 days. I decided that us Jackson Hole folk weren't like those "normal" people and went for it.

The bus ride to Pokhara was about 7 hours long. I slept most of the way as my sleep patterns were crazy and I has only gotten about 2 hours the night before (plus it was Saturday night in Kathmandu!) I made my first (and hopefully the last) major error of the trip. I got out my camera from the top of the bus during lunch and left the wide angle lens on the top of the bus. Yes - I know Stephen - it was your lens to start out with. And yes, I still owe you a wide angle lens! Umm... Geanie? So- I was a bit distraught for about 10 minutes that I would have to film without that - but hey - I made do with the stuff I had. Okay - S*&% happens - and it WILL HAPPEN - so get over it quickly and move on with the resources you have.

Day 1:
45 minute ride to Nayapul
15 K (about 9.5 miles) and an elevation gain of about 5500 feet
My first minor point of conflict came at the Maoist Checkpoint about 10 minutes into the walk. 350 Rupies ($5) "Okay - Great - I wonder how many times this is going to happen" I thought to myself. I purposely didn't bring much cash because in the back of my mind I had thought about getting robbed, as was indicated in the what I had read about this particular trekking stretch.

The trail wove through mountain villages and along a beautiful river.

FLYING SHEEP
At one point, I was walking down a narrow cobblestone pathway and a herd of sheep (the small kind that has the horns) came running through. I was filming the shot and as I looked up one of the sheep launched - that is - flew through the air just past my shoulder and I nearly pitched off the trail and down the mountain side. The Sheppard are classic Nepali mountain travelers with the switches - and they have the whistling and herding calls down! (Benak - you would be impressed).

We stopped for a tea break just before a major climb. The tea houses are all over the place. Not obtrusive - quite cool really - and in typically very scenic and convenient spots.

Pradip and I hammered out the ancient stairway - straight up about 1500 feet.

At the summit we chilled out and had lunch - I ate Nepali curry and the view was outrageous - terraced hillsides, sweeping mountain views, snaking river below.
I interviewed a local village Nepali girl there on her perspective on Self Actualization and happiness. "Don't worry, Chicken Curry" was one of her responses. Sweet. Very simple - love life always - be with friends and family. Nice.

The trek continued through Rhododendron forest - i got one other interview with another Nepali local along the way. His big thing was business - "when business good - i am happy." I hear that!

I arrived in Ghorepani about 4:00 - yes - we had dialed the first day in about 7 hours, with an hour lunch break. And it didn't seem as if I was rushing either. Just walking - head up, observing, and stopping and messing around with the camera a bunch as well.

EVENING
Dinner and the evening was quite fun. i hung out with folks from Holland, Germany, England, France and of course, Nepal. I interviewed them all about trip question.
For dinner I was feeling great and wanted to get into the local Nepali flavor - bad idea. I had garlic soup and Dal Baht. I thought things were fine. I went to bed around 9:30. Around midnight my stomach was making shapes and sounds like something out of Aliens and that happened all night. The shared bathroom facilities were horrible and it was one of the longest nights I have had in a LONG TIME. I slept about 1.5 hours total. Good one.

Day 2
I forced myself out of bed at 5:00 for Sunrise Hike to Poon Hill. I made it through that and saw a clear sunrise with the Himalayas in the distance. Annapurna and many other beautiful mountains made their first major impact on me. I thought to myself - that is doable - I could climb that. I also felt the cold on my hands and said, I don't want to lose my fingers. Anyway, I felt sick again and headed down.

1.5 hour power nap, some medicine from Pradip, and off for the rest of day 2...
The day was long and hard. I felt sick most of the morning and that was the steep climbing. I made it through without eating anything until mid-day, when I had a chocolate pancake. Beautiful trekking - lots of interesting sites - including lots of Mountain Monkeys. The local porters carry everything with straps on their foreheads. I mean huge 200 lb deals where all the weight is on their heads...

Anyway, by the time we got to Ghandruk, I was completely exhausted and slept for and hour, up for dinner, which I was able to keep down - thankfully - then for 11 hours straight.

Day 3 was a very peaceful and amazing trek out through the Nepali landscape. It is nearly impossible to describe, but I am certain I have some amazing photos and video footage....

ALL IN ALL -
Trekking in NEPAL is a very cool deal. You can go as slow as you want and take as long as you want. You can go for a week - or go for a month - or whatever. The Annapurna Circuit would be a nice objective over about 2 weeks, give or take. If you want beta on the trekking from my guide - you can email him at Peace_Pradip@hotmail.com .

Okay - wow - that seemed like a lot to write about that!

Peace -

Namaste

PEACE IN NEPAL - Major Historical Landmark

2006-11-22T20:49:00.000-08:00

I am in a small internet shop in Pokhara, Nepal - awaiting a delayed flight back to Kathmandu. I just finished my trek yesterday and I will fill you in on that later.

Last night I returned to MARCHES in the STREETS. As many of you have seen, or maybe not, (I am not sure how large this international news is) a major peace treaty was signed today. This ends a decade - old "People's War" with the signing of the Comprehensive National Peace Treaty between the Maoist representative and the Prime Minister of Nepal. A few highlights of the peace Pact;
Ceasefire to be permanent - Armed struggle ends.
The state and the Maoists won't resort to recruitment
Maoists and Nepali Army fighters confined to certain regions or barrack of Nepal
Both sides will tell each other where the land mines are - and remove them with 60 days
Not more extortion or illegal taxation

This is all huge news. There is a very interesting history of Nepal. The Maoists are actually really liked and are know as the Mountain Police. They do tax the tourists (yes I had to fork up a whole $3.50 in taxes when I started my trek) so that they can help the mountain people. (In brief) basically - not very many people like the king here.

Anyway - time is short and I have to go catch my flight. Will write more later...

Kathmandu

2006-11-18T13:07:00.000-08:00

Namaste!
I see the god in you. :o)

Kathmandu is a mad house. Sensory overload to the max. Tiny streets with rikshaws, bikes, motorcycles, tons of people, bells, music, incense, horns, sites, dancing, stuff and more stuff, lights, sounds, horns, dogs howling, and more horns. Watch your front, watch your back, stay alert. Pay attention.

I rode my mountain bike all through Kathmandu today - talk about a wild ride! You natural instinct is to swerve right. Bad idea here. To the left, use your bell, take initiative and stay confident.

I am off on an 8 (hopefully) hour bus ride to Pokhara to trek near Annapurna tomorrow. Someone tonight told me it too 16 hrs yesterday because of all the accidents. Good one.

Psyched to be heading into the Mountains. A Sanskrit translator I was talking to on the plane here spoke about mountains being conscious beings. I'll see if I can find the message...

Self Actualization & Maslow

2006-11-18T12:34:00.000-08:00

Here are a few quotes from responses I have gotten so far...

"Just to survive"
"Most have to be able to be secure. Most people know about 99% that they can achieve certain things. It is that 1% that get in the way."
"To love yourself"
"Most people are just lazy"
"Travel, man, Travel"
"Happiness"
"To live good life"
"To expand the mind"
"Love"
"To live out good characteristics - everybody has it in them, you just have to cultivate it!"

Throughout my conversations about what it means to be self actualized, many references have, on some level, been made to Maslow's theory, many highlighting that self actualization is part of one of the five stages.

i thought is would be privy to have this model to consider. Maslow- we have all heard it and vaguely know that he has the one with the Self Actualization Model, right?

According to Maslow, here are the five stages, or needs that must be met, that one must progress through to achieve self actualization.

SELF ACTUALIZATION

SELF ESTEEM

SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE

SECURITY

SURVIVAL

What do YOU think self actualization is??????

Become a Warrior

2006-11-18T12:21:00.000-08:00

Travel is a continuous learning experience. One after the next. From figuring out how much to pay rikshaws, to deciding the itinerary, to what and where to eat. Great decisions to be making!

I am continuously doing, reflecting and testing new experiences. All of this requires FULL ATTENTION. A heightened awareness to achieve a higher self.

Thanks Ryan, for the rec on the Way of the Rock Warrior - great read.

In invite you to:

Become a WARRIOR! - an impeccable hunter of personal power.

Power, which is not financial wealth or dominion over others, but our ABILITY to ACT effectively, to venture into the unknown facets of the world, to explore and hunt for meaning. Power manifests itself in clarity or thought and decisiveness of action.

Trans-world Airtime

2006-11-17T20:27:00.000-08:00

After the mad dash to make the flight, I sat on the tarmac in Jackson for an hour. The runway was icy and the snow continued. I arrived in SLC at 9:50 AM - the same time my flight was to depart for JFK, NY.

Mark Tuttle, who had the same flight to catch for his trip to Slovakia, was about to explode with his desire to make the flight. We Ran - Sprinted - through the airport to no avail. After some alternative searching, my flight pattern was re-created. "This is going to be interesting..." the agent 'comforted' me. I need to be in Bangkok by 10:00 AM on Thursday morning so i don't miss my flight to Kathmandu.

The result....

Jackson to Salt Lake
Salt Lake to Houston
Houston to Paris, France
Paris to Moscow
Moscow to Bangkok
Day lay-over - and Bangkok to Kathmandu

Because of my return layover in Moscow - I had to go through it on the way. So, all in all, I get to Bangkok in time to make the flight to Kathmandu the next day. I remind myself again to remain open, embrace the process, smile, and live life with gratitude.

Airport Shinanigans

2006-11-16T18:52:00.000-08:00

The trip had a classic beginning. Prax had called it the night before... Ya I am sure Tim will be late, running to the airport, or the plane will be held for him or something.... I was determined to prove him wrong. A storm raged all day and night in Jackson and the roads were all ice. I arrived EARLY at the airport. I approached the counter with a big smile, which lasted about 1 minute when the agent asked for my PAPER tickets. A shock went through my body as I vaguley recalled the tickets I had received months ago. Apparantly that wasn't on my detailed packing list. Who uses paper tickets any more? Russian Airlines do - that's who. "The absolute latest you can check in is 8:00." "How am I supposed to achieve self actualization if I can't get on my flight?!" It was 7:30. I dropped my bag, which Tuttle grabbed for me, and I sprinted out the door. "Don't kill yourself!" The agent shoted words of "encouragement."
I made it home in 18 minutes - and miraculously made it back to the airport at 8:01. White knuckles and sweating - I sprinted through the airport for the first time on my trip...

The Process

2006-11-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

The Film
Well... I bought a new High Definition Digital Camera! And all the things that go along with it. The purpose is to capture the highlights of this upcoming adventure, and bring home some incredible footage... along with a powerful story line, and universal insights into one of the most important questions we can consider: How does one achieve their potential?

The Search for Self Actualization
Through a series of interviews with people around the world, we will search for the secrets of tapping into one's potential, and achieving self actualization. We will obtain a multitude of perspectives on the topics, what it means to a variety of individuals, and how they go about it. This intent is to discover global applications that we can ponder and apply to our lives.

The Climber's Perspective
The film will follow the journey of American climbers seeking to tap into their potential through rock climbing in an international country. We will interview each other and have a running video journal of the experience. The footage, and the information gained will create the visual appeal and the story line behind the concepts to share with the audience.

The Destinations through January 5th, 2007
This is an aerial view of the trip - more to come later

Jackson Hole, WY - Depart Home
Through SLC and NY and Moscow to Bangkok
Nepal - Kathmandu and surrounding areas
Cambodia - Southern (Location for new route on unknown wall)
Thailand - Southern - Climbing on Railay and Ton Sai Beach
- Deep Water Soloing
Northern - Climbing in Chiang Mai
Russia - Moscow and St. Petersburg
Home through LA

I leave in less than 24 hours....

More later!

Thanks for your interest -

Tim