New Music Mondays

I was told by a frequent reader of Broken, Beat &Scarred that he likes the music, and even downloads some of the songs. I was surprised. I didn't think anybody paid any attention to the music, and I definitely didn't think anyone would like them enough to buy them. No one ever seems to have heard of the the bands I like other than Metallica, after they sold out. I decided I would do a better job updating the playlist. From now on every Monday is new music Monday here at Broken, Beat & Scarred. Today I put on Apocalyptica's version of the Metallica song "One". My favorite instrument is the cello. The guys in Apocalyptica are all classically trained cellists from Finland. I don't know much about classical music so I would be lost trying to find something I like. With Apocalyptica I can enjoy the cello while still recognizing the song. Let me know if you would like me to put up more than one song at a time, or if you have a request.

Run Like the Devil

This morning Amy and I went for a little run together. We got a late start so we didn't go as far as we would have liked. When we got to our stopping point I hit the stop button on my Garmin and took a look at the time, and then the mileage. It read 6.66 miles. Is someone trying to tell me something? It was awfully hot out this morning.

Stick Clip

Several times when I have been climbing I wished I had a stick clip. If you don't know what it is, a stick clip is a clip on the end of an extendable pole that holds a carabiner open so that you can clip the first bolt of a sport climb if you are concerned about falling before you can clip. Let's say that it is a very high first bolt, the first few moves are difficult, or the landing is not safe. I have mixed feelings about it. There are times when I know I could have made the moves, but psyche myself out with "what if". Like what if a hold breaks, your foot slips, you break your ankle on that big rock, or what if you fall and roll down the hill. The older I get and the more times I hit the ground the harder it is to go for it.

So becoming more of a chicken I've been going to buy a stick clip. I just haven't wanted to spend the money. I could buy some real gear with the money. I have seen home made stick clips, but they always looked sloppy to me. The clamp was usually attached to the stick with hose clamps. I was always afraid that it might snag the sheath on my rope, or cut my pack. I got to thinking about it and decided to try building one that I liked. I have two dollars invested in mine. .99 cents for the clamp, and $1.00 for the pole which used to be a golf ball retriever that I bought at a yard sale. I attached the clamp to the stick with machine screws and nuts. Then to hide the screws I cut a small hole in the plastic cover on the clamp and slid it over the screws. I even filed a half round in the clamp where it sits against the stick so it would fit as smooth as possible. I am fairly happy with the outcome especially since it actually works.

Wyoming, Utah

Well I can finally look at a picture of the Grand without tearing up now. I had really hoped to climb it, but have decided it just gives me an excuse to go back. The weather was bad so we played tourist.

Kent and I went for a 14 mile hike into the Tetons to Holly Lake. It really was a great hike. I'd do it again if given the chance.

I'm usually not a very good tourist because I can't stand crowds, and I want to be out experiencing the scenery not just looking at it from a distance.

We were having such a good time seeing new sites and enjoying Kent and Janet's company that I completely forgot that I don't like being a tourist. I haven't laughed as much in the last year as I did driving around sight seeing with Kent and Janet. Kent was in rare form.

We hiked to the "Y" on the mountain above BYU. It is a very steep trail considering that it is hiked so much. Fortunately Tate held my hand to keep me from sliding down the mountain.

Our last day in Utah we went to Park City to hang out and shop. Anna and Sarah kept me entertained as we shared the back seat of the grandpa like Grand Marquis. They had me worn out by lunch time. We had a great time. Thanks Kent, Janet, Tate, Anna, and Sarah!

The Beat in Broken, Beat, and Scarred

When I went in to work on Tuesday several of the guys asked me if we made it to the top of the Grand. Apparently the word got back to my friend Bear. Bear is built like an NFL offensive lineman, and has a great sense of humor. At least it is great when he is pranking someone else. He didn't like the "follow me to the nearest gay bar" bumper sticker I put on his car. So when I got to my computer half way through my shift this is what I found.

WOW

I got two new comments today! Someone is still reading this blog!

Favorite T Shirt

This is my favorite T shirt. My kids got it for me for Father's day a year ago after I separated my shoulder in a bike wreck caused by a big rock. They thought it was hilarious. I think it's pretty funny too.

Next Saturday

By this time next Saturday Kent and I should be fairly far along the red line which is the Upper Exum route on the Grand Teton. We only have one day to make the climb so we are hoping for good weather. I have never been much higher that 10,000 feet and the Grand is 13,770 feet. Kent has been above 19,000 feet on Denali and possibly higher in the Himalaya. Wish us luck and good weather.

Shoe Tester

This week I received an e-mail from Brooks shoes that said "Thank you for responding. As of now we have you testing a shoe for the spring 2010 line. I wanted to let you know the test has been pushed back to the second week in September. If you do not think you will be able to participate for three months starting in September please let me know. Otherwise you will hear from me again in about a month. Thank you." Not only will I be getting a free pair of running shoes, but they will be trail running shoes. Not only will they be trail running shoes, but they will be my preferred brand and model of trail running shoes. Not only will they be my preferred brand and model of trail running shoes, but they will be the 2010 version. Amy thinks that this is the start of my dream job, Gear Tester. I'm pretty sure that they picked me because of my sponsorship by Team Brenton.

Wind Wall

Last Wednesday Amy, Philip, and I went to climb with our friends Ryan, Ann, and Kate. Kate is Ann's 4 month old daughter. I thought that Ann just couldn't bear to leave Kate at home with a sitter, but it turns out that she was planning on using her as a climbing aid. Those tiny hands fit really well in small cracks, and crimpers are like chicken heads for Kate. Kate was pretty happy just hanging out...............in what turned out to be an ant hill. She was rescued before anything bad happened. She also showed why she has been nick named "The Geyser". I got a flapper.