Cragmama "Not all who wander are lost…" JRR Tolkien

Sentimental Snapshots: The Urban Jungle

Sentimental Snapshots.
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Since I started climbing in 2006, I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to climb in so many spectacular different settings – from the sharp-angled limestone of El Potrero Chico to the steep, intimidating granite on the Chief in British Columbia.  However, one of the more interesting scenery came from an unlikely place – Manchester Bridge in Richmond, Virginia.  This climbing area is right in the middle of downtown Richmond, and is basically a series of abandoned train trestles that have been equipped with bolts and shutts.

 

Steve topping out on one of the many pillars at Manchester Bridge

I like how this picture shows that you can find a corner of earth to recreate in anywhere – even in the most unlikely of places!  You may not live in a mountain-top log cabin overlooking a field of wildflowers filled with deer every morning…but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a patch of natural green space in which to revel in the wonders of Creation.  Parks, greenways, gardens, maybe even your own backyard – even in a big city its not hard to find some outdoor enjoyment!  So what about you?  Do you have an unlikely go-to spot that you use to get a mid-week nature fix?

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Gettin’ High (off the ground…) With a Little Help from my Friends

Creating a Cragbaby.
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Manuela getting some Cragbaby cuddles on his very first day at the crag!

The old cliche is true – good friends are hard to find.  This is true in life as well as in climbing.  Sure its not hard to find folks that are psyched about getting out climbing – whether they’re the non-committal weather-stalking types waiting for the last minute to decide if conditions are perfect, the cool to hang out with but sketchy on the belay types, the newbie gym climbers trying to bum a free guide service types, or the “fad climbers,” phasing in and out of super gung-ho and wishy-washy.  Those folks are a dime a dozen.  But DEPENDABLE, SAFE, EXPERIENCED, (and don’t forget likable enough to hang out with all weekend…) climbing partners are rare nuggets that should be cherished and celebrated!

Norbert watching the action while Cragbaby snoozes peacefull at Endless Wall, NRG

These special friends are important at any stage, but we have learned that once a cragbaby enters the picture, they are priceless!  I’ve touched on the importance of reliable, experienced climbing partners in other cragbaby posts, but with our family in the midst of relocating three hours away from our Raleigh peeps, I thought the timing seemed right to give the Cragbaby Crew a special shout-out.

Cragbaby gets the royal treatment from his Doula, Tracey, on a hot July day at Pilot Mountain...If only someone would carry me when Im tired and fan me when Im hot

So whether you’re a climbing mom or dad trying to find family-friendly partners, or you’re new to climbing and wanting to learn how to be that go-to partner that everyone wants to climb with, read on to find out what makes our climbing partners the best around….

Christie trying to tame a wild and wiggly little crag-bear

 

DEPENDABLE. Nothing’s worse than getting psyched all week, gear sorted and food packed, and then get a call the night before saying that your partner bailed because there’s a big sale at the GAP she doesn’t want to miss (okay, realistically thats never happened to us, but only because we’re not friends with people that shop at the GAP 🙂  Pre-cragbaby this would have been just mildly annoying, but Steve and I could still go by ourselves…now if this happens, we are left scrambling trying to find another partner.

Cragbaby enjoying a warm winter day at Pilot Mountain with his posse

SAFE.  When I’m elvis-legging and breathing hard, staring up at that jug just out of reach, and Cragbaby starts whining down below, I don’t want to have to take mental time to decide whether or not you’re gonna give me enough slack to make that dyno.  If you’re partner is worth tying in with, you’ll have a rapport with that person, and trust them implicitly.

RESPONSIBLE. I don’t want to feel like its up to me to make sure everyone is eating enough, brought enough water, or is having a good time.  Its hard enough managing myself, Cragbaby, and the hubster.

Trying to stay warm on a frosty morning in Boone while waiting for the Hound Ears Bouldering Comp to start

FUN.  There’s no room for big egos in our car.  This also means no pity parties if you have an off day!

LIKABLE.  It also helps if you can hang out with your partners for more than 5 minutes without having awkward silences in conversations.

LOVES MY CRAGBABY. This is probably the most important one – any friend of the Cragbaby is a friend of mine.  Some of my favorite moments of the day are watching other folks lovin on my sweet little boy.

Cragbaby luring in Miss Jean with that cute smile, waiting for the right moment to snatch the sunglasses!

Let me put it this way – if every climbing family had half as many amazing people in their entourage as we do, they could consider themselves lucky.  We have been blessed with some spectacular folks that are not only good climbing partners, but also really good friends.  They’ve endured sleepless nights and early, loud-mouth wake-up calls, the stench of baby spit-up baked into your clothes all day, and road trip pit stops to nurse and change dirty diapers.  They’ve been on cragbaby duty during crusty, snotty noses, drool bombs, and those sticky hands that always go straight for the sunglasses .  And after dealing with all of our family shenanigans, surprisingly enough, these fabulous folks turn right around and do it again the next day, week, month, etc.!

Enjoying our pre-climb breakfast as we plan out our day at the New River Gorge

So, my dear climbing partners, this post is for YOU!  You know who you are, and I hope you know how special you are!  Not because I’m trying to get all sappy and say good bye to you or anything.  We might be three hours away from your house, but we’ll still be out at the same crags, hopefully with some new friends to add to the mix as well.

Jan takes a break from filming for the Cragbaby Project so C can show off his belay techniques

If our new climbing peeps are even a fraction as cool as you guys are, we’ll be set!  And don’t forget – the rock’s a whole lot closer to our house than it is to yours…and there’s always a place to crash (Cragbaby doesnt mind sharing his crib as long as you bring your own blankey 🙂

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Review: The Peekaru Fleece Baby Carrier Cover

Gear Reviews.
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I don’t make it a habit of “categorizing” people…I think there’s a thin line between stereotypes and prejudice.  But, that being said, I suppose if you had to categorize our family, we’d be pitching our tent in the attachment parenting camp more often than not.  We are still breastfeeding (without plans to stop any time soon), we cloth diaper, we spend our early morning hours co-sleeping, and Steve and I both are proud babywearers.  For those of you that aren’t familiar with babywearing, its just like it sounds – carrying a baby or toddler in a cloth carrier.  Babywearing allows parents or other caregivers to keep their little one snuggly and safe while also taking care of everyday tasks.  The benefits are undeniable – not only is it convenient and helpful for mom and dad, but its also healthy for baby’s physical and mental development.

We had a White Christmas for our first test run of the Peekaru!

Now that Cragbaby is walking (hard to believe a year ago at this time he wasn’t even here yet!!!) we don’t wear him near as much as we used to, but at least once or twice a day I strap him in so I can go for a walk, do some grocery shopping, or get some stuff done around the house.  Cragbaby’s favorite time to be worn is on a neighborhood stroll to settle down before his morning nap.  Once the weather turned cold, however, I realized that our morning walks were becoming quite the hassle – not only was it annoying putting on all of those clothes (for both of us) just for a 30 minute walk, but it also meant that the sweet, mellow (and sometimes sleeping) Cragbaby would have to be stripped of those same layers as soon as we went inside.  That’s why we put the Peekaru Fleece on our Christmas list this past year!  It’s a fleece vest that fits over both mommy and baby to keep everyone warm and snuggly!

Ready for a walk around the lake!

Here’s the PROS:

  • Versatile Fit– This vest can be used with pretty much any carrier – Baby Bjorns, Hotslings, Ergos, Mei Tais, and Wraps.  Our favorite carrier by far is the Ergo, so that’s the only one I’ve tested it with so far, but the fit was perfect, and both head holes were comfortable and felt like they were aligned in the correct spot, both when wearing Cragbaby on the front as well as the back.
  • Eco-friendly – The material is made from 85% recycled Polartec fleece (saving approximately 25 plastic bottles from reaching the landfill, according to their website).  The Polartec fleece is also Oeko-tex Standard 100 for textile products of all types which pose no risk whatsoever to health.
  • Smart Design – There are pleated seams along the side that will stretch as baby grows, and the side zipper makes for easy on and off no matter if you’re wearing baby on the front or the back.  There is also a small pocket on the side that’s just the right size for keys and a cell phone.

Here’s the CONS:

  • Sizing – The great thing about most carriers is that they are one size fits most…but the Peekaru is sized S,M,L, etc so there’s no way Steve and I could share a vest.
  • Length – Although Cragbaby still has some room to grow inside the vest, he is on the short end of the height spectrum.  If you had an older baby on the taller side, he or she might have some cold toes hanging out the bottom!

Mommy and Daddy enjoy a quiet walk while Cragbaby enjoys a peaceful snooze!

THE BOTTOM LINE:
The Peekaru is perfect as an extra layer to throw on as you’re headed out the door.  Its comfortable, functional, stylish – and your baby will look absolutely adorable peeping out the head hole!  Every time I wear it I get stopped at least once from folks asking where I got my Peekaru vest!  I really like how I can layer an additional coat over myself if I need it, but can stick with just a vest for cool (but not cold) weather.  Its also pretty compatible with a small day pack.  Initially I thought that I wouldn’t be able to use the Ergo sleep hood with it, but it fits through the hole just fine, and C was off to dreamland within 15 minutes!  I give the Peekaru two thumbs up – for making it both convenient and fun to head outside with your little one on even the coldest of days!

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Sentimental Snapshot: Looking Back and Looking Forward

Sentimental Snapshots.
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As I was digging around on my computer the other day trying to find miscellaneous pics for future cragbaby posts, I realized that I literally have thousands upon thousands of photos and video clips from various trips we’ve been on over the years.  I’ve decided to add an experimental category of posts to my blog – Sentimental Snapshots.  Once or twice a week (but don’t hold me to it…), I’ll post either a photo or a video from “back in the day”.  Some might represent a special memory, an important milestone, or maybe just a beautiful outdoor setting –  but all will tell a story that words alone can’t quite capture.  In addition to the picture, I’ll add a little background about what makes the photo/video special to me, along with a thought or question to get you reflecting on your own journey…  My goal for Sentimental Snapshots is to maybe get a good discussion going amongst readers, as well as showing the spectacular yet simple beauty that can be found when you’re not afraid to get out and explore Creation!

My first sentimental snapshot was taken in October of 2009, on the summit of “The Daddy,” a 5 pitch traditional route deep in the heart of the Linville Gorge in western North Carolina.  I was 14 weeks pregnant, and we were eagerly anticipating Cragbaby’s arrival!  When I reflect back on this picture, I think of teamwork and family.  It reminds me of how many blessings my family has been given, especially now that we have expanded from two to three!  I also got really excited imagining what a fun day it will be to take the same picture from the same spot in a few years – but next time with Cragbaby (who won’t be a baby anymore!) in between us!

Photo: Mark Huckeba

What about you – what activities do you (or did you, if you’ve already done it) look forward to participating in as a family?

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Pilot-Palooza aka Cragbaby: Scene 2

Creating a Cragbaby. North Carolina.
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Cragbaby doing a little drop-testing with the gear.

Sunny, highs in the 50’s in February…thats enough to draw a crowd at just about any crag.  We’ve been doing a lot of bouldering recently, but this weekend we decided to rope up at Pilot Mountain.  Incredibly enough, it was the first we’d done any roped climbing since October when we spent several days at the Obed in Tennessee.  Today turned out to be a darn near perfect day – despite how much I enjoy bouldering, I’d forgotten that nothing beats tying into the sharp end of a rope! 

Crux time on "When Shrimp Learn to Whistle" (5.11a)

We met up with Jan and his wife Crystal in the parking lot.  Jan brought all of his photo/video gear, and ended up getting some more good footage for The Cragbaby Project.  (He was kind enough to let me borrow a few of his stills for this post – for the rest, click here). We also ran into a whole posse of Triangle Rock Club folk.  Usually Pilot annoys me when there’s a ton of people there, but I guess it was still too cold for all of the boy scout troops and outing club groups.  The amphitheater definitely had that typical party-like atmosphere, but it’s somehow more fun when all the hubbub is from people you know…

We started the day in the Three Bears area.  It was COLD!!!  I was starting to second guess our decision to come…My hands were so numb on PaPa Bear (5.10) that I realized I could have been pulling over the roof and onto a spike strip and not have known it.  It took about 20 minutes for my fingers to feel normal again after lowering down (hmmm…overgripping much?)  However, by the time we moved over to Gentle Ben (5.10a), it was significantly warmer, and the rock felt much better. 

Jan put down the camera to hop on "Pump Street" (5.10b), while Steve puts up "Turkey Shoot" (5.8)

Considering how much rain we’ve had recently, we were shocked to find the amphitheater dry, so we decided to take advantage of it. I got on When Shrimp Learn to Whistle (5.11a) for the first time – it had been on my tick list pre-pregnancy, and its the first I’d gotten around to it since then.  It looks a lot more intimidating from the ground than it actually is.  The first bolt is really high, but probably not harder than 5.7.  Keep your head on and you’ll be fine.  The next three bolts are really the business, but they are ridiculously close together, so the climb as a whole was very well-protected.  The crux for me was figuring out when and how to get the 2nd bolt clipped.  A couple of hard moves on sharp crimps on the arete and so-so high feet and you’re done.  It took me a couple of tries to work out my crux beta…I did end up pulling the rope and trying again later on, but still fell at the same spot.  I’m blaming it on too late in the day – hopefully it’ll go clean next time. 

Cragbaby practicing his traversing...

I cleaned Surry County Ethics (5.10d), a short mixed route I’d never been on that follows an awkward dihedral to a thin head wall.  It was a decent route, but obviously doesn’t get much traffic because it was pretty loose and dirty at the top.  The surprise of the day was Pump Street (5.10b), another route that was new to us.  Its a toprope line that is directly under the anchors for Cow Patty Bingo (5.9R).  It was really fun techy face climbing – its kind of a shame its not bolted, but I guess the logic was that it was too close to Cow Patty?  We ended our day on Overhanging Hangover (5.11b), which is classic fun anytime of day, but sure does get the forearms raging when you save it for last.   

Exploring...

What a great day we had!  Steve and I were happy that  Jan was finally able to get in a day with more climbing than filming.  I think Jan was glad that he actually used the tripod this time, as opposed to just luggling it around like a boat anchor like he did at Asheboro.  And this was his wife Crystal’s first time climbing outdoors (aside from a stray trip back in college)…and she’s totally addicted now, so thats always fun to see!  It’s also really easy to get in a rut at Pilot, so it was also a pleasant surprise to get on not one, not two, but THREE routes I’d never done before! 

The next day we were able to wrap up all the filming for The Cragbaby Project – the interview!  Wow.  First of all we had no idea Jan would be bringing so much gear!  Thankfully Canaan being the cragbaby that he is was more into sorting the climbing gear that we had perched as a backdrop than the thousands of dollars worth of a/v equipment…After two hours of setup and a couple of last minute wardrobe changes (two of us were really hot under the lights, and one of us was really drooly) just when we were getting good and nervous, Jan was ready to start.  Crystal asked us questions about everything from the pregnancy, to changes we’ve made since C’s arrival, to what family means to us and how Steve and I met.  Its amazing all the footage that has gone into this project that will end up being less than 8 minutes long!  I hope Jan got somewhat of what he was looking for.  Steve and I both felt awkward pretty much the entire shoot…Canaan however was another story.  His giggle-fits not only provided some much-needed comic relief, but also gave Jan some really cute material. 

Cragbaby is in charge of the climbing gear while the professionals tackle the photog gear!

 After re-shooting several of the questions multiple times (Canaan liked to answer regardless of whether the question was being directed at him…) we finally finished right as Cragbaby was crashing from all the excitement.  It was really neat to see how all of the behind-the-scenes stuff works with filming – I’ve got mucho respect for folks that are behind a camera all day!  This project has been so much fun – and what a great story it will be to tell Canaan some day!  But as fun as it has been, I’m also really glad that our part is over – now we get to sit back and wait for Jan to unveil the final product!  So stay tuned – “The Cragbaby Project” will soon be coming to a blog near you!  🙂

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“Not all who wander are lost.” —JRR TOLKIEN