So in the past few days we have been quite busy. Star is on leave for two weeks and we have been trying to get outside as much as possible. We have gone to Base Camp twice and went and climbed at Tennoiwa. Tennoiwa is a beginner to intermediate chert climbing area west of Akiruno. A fun area, but can be VERY busy. This area is considered the guides area. We actually went and were the only folks there. Next we went to Shojiiwa. this area is about 20 minutes farther down 205 from Tennoiwa. This area is Limestone and offers some steep fun. The approach is much longer to Shojiiwa than tennoiwa and much steeper. Now problem this is good to me, this usually keeps the crowds down. This area is also in the sun until about 2pm. So good for winter. Tennoiwa was in the shade all day for us. Both areas are sport. We also went on a great hike that I have no idea where but was fun. We went for about a mile up steep trail winding back and forth on a ridge. And we say tons of rock. I am super pumped to go and get a longer closer view of the tall limestone wall that litter this area. Not to mention the boulders here too. Anyway fun week so far and looks like the rest will be better. We are going bouldering at Mitake tomorrow and are leaving to go to the Izu peninsula on Wednesday. And yes we are going to climb when we are there. Jogasaki, Joyama, and a bouldering area look to be the primary places. Also the coastline seems to offer some great places for birds. I am going to bring my big lens to try and capture some of our feathered friends.

Star has gone back to work and has left Rod and I in charge. It will take some time to find a routine but with Rod's help I am sure it will happen. We took another trip to Base Camp and Rod is starting to really get into climbing. I do not have any photos due to all of us being very busy. We were either taking care of Gavin or climbing constantly for 6hrs. A good day. Start has a new project there, a very steep 11a. Tough. She will do fine.

We also finally went to check out Mt. Mitake. This day started with a tram ride to the top and an afternoon of hiking and exploring. This area is very beautiful and very nice this time of year. Gavin had a fantastic day. He really loves being outside. He is really a happy baby. I have been compiling some video of him and am about to start to edit another short video of his sweetness. Stay tuned for that.

This past Monday and Tuesday were filled with nasty weather and no climbing. we are planning on heading to pull on some plastic tomorrow at Carmba Climbing Gym. Enjoy these random photos from these last few days.


Go climb Something!!!

On Saturday we decided to take a hike around one of the areas that Jack and I are developing. This was a fantastic idea. The weather was spectacular. I did not think that it could be any better. Well, I was wrong. On Tuesday we set out again to this amazing area with endless boulders to have another go before temps dip to low. Well the weather was even better. Temps in the 10 to 15 C range in the sun is what I consider great this time of year. Very dry air adds to the amazing friction found here. Jack took me to another cook boulder that has a few other boulders around it.

All-in-all we had a great day. Rod went birding and Star was welcomed back to climbing outside with a near first ascent. She has a new project!!!! Can not wait for her to send. I sent a few fun problems. Steep Fantasy V4 was by far the most fun. A very gymnastic problem with good holds. Enjoy the pictures.

Sorry for not posting in a bot. With the new baby it is hard sometimes to do Anything!! So this week my mother came to visit. I guess she really came to see her new grand baby. We went out to a few climbing areas in the Okatama area. It turns out that many routes in these areas need to be rebolted. So a buddy of mine talked to the JFA, Japanese Free climbing Ass, and they are giving us all of the hardware. That means we are going to be starting on this in a couple of weeks. Not to metion that the other area that Nabu found will have all of the hardware donated by Yuji. Too cool!!! So busy days coming.

We managed to get over to Yuji's gym again with the Walkers. Good trip. All of this bouldering has made me stronger, but I am surely lacking in the endurance area.

Thanksgiving was a hit. We had about 12 folks over to enjoy a traditional American Thanksgiving in Japan, which of course included sushi.

And today we are headed to Mitake for some boulder wrestling.

Here are some pictures, enjoy.


Go Climb Something!!!