THE BIG TRIP

Glory Bathing

2012-02-21T06:38:00.000-08:00

It is not what you think it is. At least this type of glory. Surviving. Staying alive. Finding your way down a forest that is vertical in many parts, requiring fixing ropes and putting knots in it every meter or so to hold onto when the clouds put the rain in rainforest. That doesn't sound like glory. And maybe it isn't. Maybe it's just the path there. And let me tell you:I'm loving every

Puerto Varas

2012-02-03T16:58:00.001-08:00

Despues de hacer unos tramites, *Ahem! After doing a few necessary errands in Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt, my father and I are repacked and ready to go to Cochamo early tomorrow morning! Let the trekking and adventure begin!A quick and accurate debriefing of our activities thus far has been losing a bag, reclaiming it (which is to say, the aeropuertos found it and sent it to the direccion we

Pre-Trip Activities

2012-01-29T18:41:00.000-08:00

How do you train? Although I usually like to have fun without getting yelled at, some human-constructed "chimneys" are just too good to pass up. Here I am at the Portland Museum of Art.I will be documenting this expedition in numerous ways, photography being one of them. In order to get in the habit, I started the walking and shooting early.It's been my great fortune to have my family around

Gripping the Gunks

2011-11-17T21:48:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a remarkable trip to the Gunks! The brief synopsis is that we successfully climbed life-changing routes and shared many memorable moments of boisterous laughter and fear-conquering. By we I mean myself, my best bud from college, Wesley John-Alder, his girlfriend Ariana, and our buddy Dan Herr, also from Oberlin College. So, here are the goods, starting with The Dangler,

More Monster Training

2011-10-13T20:45:00.000-07:00

It has become regular exercise for my brother and I to share our daily body beat up sessions. Sean messaged me today saying: "Just logged a run...2.7 in 18 minutes". And I don't think wow. I think, good for you, Sean! Keep up the good work! It no longer astounds me. I like that. The same goes for doubling up workouts. Tonight, feeding off of the inspiration from the Reel Rock Tour, meeting

Monster Climb - The Documentary!

2011-10-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

We have launched the website for our Monster Climb documentary!Check out http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/860240596/monster-climb-the-documentary for more information on this awesome expedition and how to be a part of it and get awesome rewards!We have 60 days to surpass our fundraising goals or we get none of them! Every bit helps! Please help us spread the word to people who would love to

Pirate Triathlon!

2011-06-14T23:03:00.000-07:00

On June 12th, 2011, over 450 humans readied themselves for battle. I was one of few without a wetsuit, and nervously convinced myself that the water I was toes away from would feel balmy, and my quick transition into the bike portion would make up for any chill induced by the swim.But there is much to tell and much to learn from the events and the competition. Suffice it to say that I have found

Random in Tandem

2011-06-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

Living in Maine is one thing. Working for three of the greatest places/companies in Maine is another. (Can you guess all three?!) I can have conversations with almost anyone and connect it to any one of my jobs. Even if I was unemployed there would be enough to talk about. Working a cash register and on the sales floor has taught me that people love to talk about the weather. It's a great

Triathalon Tryout

2011-05-22T23:31:00.000-07:00

I'm trying out this new thing called Triathalon. I've signed, sealed and am waiting to deliver my fate to myself. That is, I've registered for the Pirate Tri, scheduled to take place on June 12th, 2011.I have been neglecting this blog, it's true. First and foremost I've been pouring myself during hours and after hours into my jobs at Trader Joe's and L.L.Bean in the hopes of making both places

Training

2011-05-05T19:41:00.001-07:00

For the first time in my life, I am training of my own volition for a goal of my making. And, in order to train for my goal, I have made smaller goals. Like smashing triathalons and trail-running races. This requires training for those activities! Now, I have always been taken by the renaissance and as such I love cross-training. If I want to be a good climber, I rollerblade, run, slackline,

Brother

2011-03-31T17:28:00.000-07:00

Check it out, bro. We're living big. You're in Cali. Overlooking the valley. It feels good, doesn't it? You're 23 now. Live it up. Yesterday I went to North Conway again. I climbed up my favorite route solo. I did is slow, though. I thought about the view. I looked down. I breathed slowly. At the top I didn't just hop the fence and jog down. I sat it out. I let the mind take the

Missing Video!

2011-02-07T20:59:00.000-08:00

Here's the video missing from the previous post about snowshoeing on the lake!Unfortunately, I was all alone snowshoeing and all alone on the lake so there is no footage of actual snowshoeing action, but just the scenario.Cheers!

Lake Snowshoeing!!!

2011-02-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

What has two thumbs and wet feet?Me! I just snowshoed across the lake and back. This may seem like a silly task. Don't worry - I tredged slowly across and took inkless notes on the snowmobile (Read: heavier than yours truly) machine marks spread across the frozen tundra that once upon a time not so long ago was neither so much frozen nor so much tundra.It may also seem like a simply easy task.

Mount Washington - Winter Ascent

2011-01-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

The foolishly full moon circled the snow-laden frozen lake outside my lighted abode where the snowshoes sat idly by the doorway. If you know me at all, you know I had no choice. Soon I was running pretzel shapes through the powdered place that in summertime I am swimming beneath. I ran up the camp road and on the way down I realized this was something I would like to do more of.I found myself

Gunks 2

2010-10-22T17:44:00.001-07:00

A quick trip to N. Conway and the Gunks! If only certain northeastern tectonic plates would put them closer to Maine!I don't know what these trees have been injecting their veins with, but they're really looking great these days. The colors are popping out, especially when the sun's rising or setting, which is most of the time, so that they drop shadows and their dimensions and true colors pop

Gunks Trip Photos

2010-10-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy of Adrianne and Wesley, taken on Frog's Head, Bloody Bush, High E(xposure), and Andrew's Traverse. Here's to the next outing!

Gunks Trip

2010-10-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived. I’m not talking about world peace. I’m not talking about the apocalypse, either. I’m talking about having chocolate for breakfast, courtesy of my buddy Wes. You see it used to be I was the sugar-mongering fiend, supernaturally craving exorbitant quantities of this magic crystal. But now that I have cool control over my hunger habits, Wes has

New Blog

2010-09-09T09:56:00.001-07:00

I have started a new blog focused on developments in Cochamó, Chile. This does not mean that I will stop writing for this blog; it only means that I have decided that my connection with Cochamó is one that I wish to maintain and is duly deserving of its own blog. Thus, I present you with The Cochamó Project. Thus far I have written an introduction to Cochamó. Readers can look forward to

Climbing at Cannon Cliff

2010-09-05T19:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday, September 5, 2010.Today I drove all the way to Cannon Cliff to climb. I'd never been before, but the description of "The Northeast's Only Big Wall" lured me in like a moth hyped up on E, frappuccinos, and motivation to a psychedelic rave of fire. Of course, I was a party of one moth. I found the place alright, after 3 hours - think I did it in 2.5 on the way there - of driving. Parked

Stir Fry!

2010-09-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

昨天晚上作了一个炒菜跟在家做的酱。只需要提出peanut butter, soy sauce, olive oil, honey, ginger, cumin和有一点儿的nutmeg和cayenne在一起，那你就有那个酱。是比较好的跟不但鸡可是也牛肉。你看，不是很难！我真的喜欢作了这个炒菜跟家做的酱，但是却，对我来说，吃比做是更好！所以我真的建议作出着一饭！我会写更多不久，当有更多冒险！

Dinner for Beginners!

2010-08-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

We're making Florentine Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken!Requirements:3-6 handfulls of cut spinacha healthy appetite3 tablespoons-ish of pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese1/2 cup ricotta cheesea few cloves of garlic, grated or finely choppedsome nutmegchicken breasts - about 1 per personslices of prosciutto - about 2 per chicken breastand of course, olive oil,

Acadia National Park with Dad

2010-08-07T19:01:00.000-07:00

Sabado, el 7 de Agosto. Fuimos, mi papa yi yo, a Parque Nacional Acadia, unos 2 horas y media en auto para nosotros. A la una llegamos al estacionamiento del Precipice sendero. Justo despues hay un lugar para estacionar si vas a escalar...Sí, vamos a escalar! Hicimos Old Country...creo. 5.7, pero bueno. Como habian personas escalando en las otras rutas, embarcamos de nuevo en el auto.Venga,

Climbing Classics

2010-07-30T13:53:00.001-07:00

A wise man once said nothing. So, suffice it to say, my father and i have spent three stupendously summery days sending some of the Northeast's super duper uber classic climbs. I'll get wise and just show you the pictures, how's that?!Mike, atop Thin Air ***, 5.6, 4 pitches, 300ft.!Nate enjoying some exposure on Thin Air's third pitch!Mike running it out comfortably on Upper Refuse, 5.5 R.Mike

July oh July

2010-07-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

Here's the update. July 28. Michael and Nathan Conroy climb "Standard Direct", a super fun 5.7 slab, 1000-foot, 9-pitch route up Whitehorse Ledge in North Conway, NH. Sorry, no photos! Lots of smiles! 3-1/2 hours! Exciting run-outs!July 29. Michael and Nathan Conroy climb "Thin Air, another a mega classic, this time up Cathedral Ledge in 4 pitches. Lots of sun! Fun, exposed pitches.

I'm Sponsored

2010-07-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

By Salvation Army?!Apparently when their vans do not have enough space, they demand of the public that you do me good (rather than do me goods).Besides seeing a moose on our white water rafting trip on the Penobscot River in Maine, I ran into a very adorable set of blind baby birds who chirped their little hearts out when you whistled to them. This was while bouldering with my brother at

Call it

2010-07-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

being inspired, being in-spiration. Life's too short, to just write about climbing alone. For really, what's great about climbing is not just the act of one person approaching their goals and confronting their fears with their guts being wrenched and gritstone-ing their teeth. Nope. It's about more than that, like sharing your time with someone else. Making them laugh when they're about to

If I Ever Feel Better

2010-07-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

It's because of...White water rafting with my dad.Cruising past corn fields on a Trek road bike.Making my own lyrics to instrumentals.Listening to If I Ever Feel Better by Phoenix.Being inspired by other movies and directors to revisit and rework my own idea into being.Dancing in front of large mirrors.Receiving unexpected and obscure compliments from the likes of Joshua Cook such as, "You have

N. Conway, NH

2010-06-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

[To translate, look for the country flags on the right side of the page. Click the letters amongst them for English.] Amongst them the letters Click for Español.] Estuvimos un poco más que un día en North Conway, NH. Empezamos manejando a las 6 en la mañana para llegar a las 2 en la tarde, y para poder escalar una ruta en el mismo día. Ya pasó unos dias de lluvia en este region pero la roca

Mi Ultimo Asado en 2-mil-9

2010-06-04T23:44:00.000-07:00

Acá estamos! Justo lado del parrilla, un gringo frijolero y su amigo, el boludo Argentino! Como siempre, la onda es la cosa más importante por el asado. Seis horas tomando vino, y haciendo boludezes, compartiendo chistes, y qué más puedo decir? Pasamos el tiempo demoliendo (ho)teles? No! Acá, Ricardo Pedraza me hace reir! Así es, creo. Si no estoy cagando de risa con un hermano Pedraza,

Qué si

2010-06-03T22:28:00.000-07:00

Qué fuera el mundo sin el cielo, o montañas? Sin agua o aire? Y sí, estas preguntas son faciles para pensar sobre y responder. Segundo nivel. Tenés una foto x cada momento en tu vida, y hay que eligir una para representarte. Imagináte qué fuera un mundo de cameras, o sea, cada átom ya tiene una camera y todos los átomos pasan eternidad sacando fotos.Cual seria tu foto?Yo tengo la mia, ya.

Antes, Ahora, y Despues

2010-05-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

[To translate, look for the country flags on the right side of the page. Click the letters amongst them for English.]Hola amigos y familia, extranjeros y cancheros! Como estan?!Recien volve desde Boston, Massachusettes. Estuve alla unos dias para la graduacion de mi hermano. Antes, fui a Acadia Parque Nacional en Maine, mi estado original, donde naci hace 25 anos! Fui con mi mama; acampamos

4 months in Cochamó

2010-04-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

The 2009-2010 season in Cochamó has come to an end. I will write more later on this subject. Suffice it to say, it was an excellently productive and rewarding time and wouldn't have been possible without the ongoing inspiration and strength of my partner, Alisa Gragert, nor the love and support of my parents. I would also like to extend a big thank you to Silvina and Daniel Seeliger and all of

Restock, Recuper8

2010-02-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

I´m taking a week off from the mountains. That means no bamboo, no waterslides or lagunas for fresh, snow-melt water and washing, no redundant dinners, and culture shock. I should change my tall rubber boots for regular, now beat-up trekking shoes. I should find a shirt that isn´t dirty after I clean it. I should eat for 40 hours straight to gain back energy and weight that has been

Return to the Wild

2010-01-02T15:08:00.000-08:00

It was my honor and pleasure and privelege to return home to see the rest of my family for the holidays. We held the recently coined annual Christmas cookoff; although this year my better half, Alisa, spent the holidays in Argentina, I had my brother Sean to save me and cook an amazing fruit pie dessert! We played games like Settlers of Catan with the booster pack, watched movies like Avatar

Before Cochamo

2009-12-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

I want to say one last goodbye to everyone, my family and friends, new and old, before heading into Valle Cochamo tomorrow. Especially, to Alisa Kozu Gragert, the love of my life. To my family and friends, thanks for the love and support for this journey thus far, for letting me grow and helping me learn; this chance exposure to culture and language and more via patience and laughter has been

Good Bye Argentina

2009-12-04T07:16:00.000-08:00

Will update blog in April or so. Hang tight! Have photos from my last trip to Frey and my last Argentinean asado with good friends, but have been unable to post them!I am leaving today with my good Australian friends, Marcus and Cerin, along with sister and friend and the wonderful and rambunctious Alisa!!! On to Chile and lack of electricity!Take care everyone! Can´t wait to catch up

Frey, Nov. 14th, 2009!!!

2009-11-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 13th and Saturday, Nov. 14th, 2009. SHORT STORY: Made a successful, brief climbing trip to Frey where I was almost eaten by a dinosaur, or pterodactyl of some sort, mid-climb!!! LONG STORY: I planned to meet my Swiss friend Lucas in Frey. He had planned to reach Frey’s refugio via the next refugio over, namely Refugio Jakob. If you are not familiar with the area and the

Weather

2009-11-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

The last three weeks, Bariloche and I have been under the weather! Call it spring cleaning, call it allergies for the first time, but I have cabin fever!It has come to my attention that I have posted pictures about Valle Encantado but have said nothing about its current rules and regulations as a result of the owners. As it currently stands, there are very strict rules as follows: No fires

Oct. 17, 2009 to Frey

2009-10-20T14:34:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I hiked up to Frey again with hopes of climbing the Normal route on Torre Principal! Here's a slideshow jacked full of photos from the one day, two-night trip!: Here's a video of me just beneath Torre Principal, in Frey, Bariloche, Argentina:Torre Principal, Frey from nathan conroy on Vimeo.More Soon!, -n8

Visitors!

2009-10-14T22:49:00.000-07:00

This week Alisa and I have been fortunate enough to receive Ed and Adriana and as such have made some outings to the must-see spots! I have taken very few photos; Ed has taken more. Alas, I have my camera. Besides going to Cerro Otto, Lago Gutierrez, Frey, and various houses for some excellent dinners, we've generally been improving our perspective of the area and having good times! Here's a

Problem Corrections

2009-10-09T00:33:00.000-07:00

I have recently been involved in numerous conversations with Argentineans about the issue of corrupt politicians and a stumbling economy, bound to crash. After reading an article by New York Times´ op-ed writer, Paul Krugman, titled ¨The Uneducated American¨, I realized it was time to put my two cents in the bucket about the part of America that I was reading about: Argentina, South

Frey, October 3-7, 2009

2009-10-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

Brief picture account of two back-to-back trips to Frey this past weekend/beginning-of-week. First, to celebrate Alisa's birthday; second, to celebrate nature! Hope you enjoy!

Pictures from Frey

2009-10-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

The following are pictures taken from the climbing on Aguja Frey on Sunday, September 27th, 2009. Courtesy of Emma May. I hope you enjoy! - your landescaper, n8

Season Opening for Frey

2009-09-30T21:05:00.000-07:00

It is now the time of year to camp and climb in Frey. This weekend has been a meticulously chronicled proof of that!My trusty, lightweight, 3-season, 2-person Sierra Designs tent stands strong against the cold winds of September's goodbyes to the valley and Frey.DAY 1:Since I was the only person tenting in this pretty cold weather, I had my pick of all of the campsites, or should I say, rounded

Climbing Season

2009-09-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

As I write this, it is Thursday, September 24th, and we are already into climbing season. I have climbed the last 5 out of 5 days! Alisa isn't far behind, joining me on 4 of the occasions, and that's with her busy work schedule to boot! The weather now is cool but sunny, and in many of the climbing locations the wind adds an extra crisp chill which requires a pullover but gives your hands a

Quick trip to Valle Encantado

2009-09-14T13:52:00.000-07:00

Marcus, my new Vegemite friend, picked me up just past 10am on Saturday, Sept. 12 to go to Valle Encantado with 3 of his friends! We drove quickly, passed by lovely Valle Llanquin, and hiked up to log some routes! A 5 and two 6's on one small wall, followed by a nice 20-meter 4+, and a nice 6c or 6c+ finished us off for the day!The day was incredible. Great view, as you can see far above and

Project Number 1: Demoliendo Teles

2009-09-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

This route, my 7c, I need to finish before October because all of October I need to go to Frey as much as possible to practice for Cochamo! Luckily, my friend Lucas has a 7c project right beside mine! So we belay each other and yell encouragement at each other! Here we are, smiling with the ropes already up and one lap on each of our projects under our belt!On dad's birthday the sun popped out

Feliz Cumple, Papa!

2009-09-11T04:32:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, Dad! This is the second birthday of yours I´ve spent away from home, and the second post. Know that you got a big hug and a happy son waiting to receive you in Cochamo! Thanks for all your love and support and for providing me with such a good role model.Lulds

Excerptito from my Diary

2009-09-10T04:59:00.000-07:00

Los vi, unos pajeritos en los arboles desnudos. Sun´s up; time for bed!

The Plan

2009-09-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I made homemade pasta after Alisa and I learned from our friend and soon-to-be housemate, Nico. He´s not moving in with us; we´re moving in with him. In October, practically cutting our rent cost in half!Here´s Alfonzo on the route Hecho en Casa (7a), almost at the crux set of crimpers!The weather here in Bariloche, Argentina is changing and the patterns of the years tell me that

Wedding and New Life!

2009-08-14T01:47:00.000-07:00

Big news: My big sister Nicole Michelle Conroy just got married! Many of you readers probably know this already, whether you´re from South or North America, but I thought I´d share this news update in my life! I went back to the U.S. for the wedding(s) which went spectacularly, I might add! I cannot upload photos from this computer, so you´ll have to wait for the visual impact of the news, but

North Conway, NH

2009-07-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

July 23-26, 2009I went to North Conway, New Hampshire for a few days with my dad and brother to go climbing! Unfortunately for us, it was raining a lot. July 23 we could not climb. July 24, my brother Sean and I climbed a damp, 2-pitch climb before night truly descended and we were forced to hike away from the wall, through the forest, and back to the car with headlamps on, guiding us back!

Casa de Dani

2009-07-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

Viernes, el 17 de Julio, 2009.(Rodrigo en Hecho de Casa, un 7a increible!) Antes de irnos a los EEUU, fui con mis amigos a la pared Casa de Dani para disfrutar el sol y la primavera!Nahuel, el monstruo, en una ruta dura de regletas y a la derecha de la ruta en la foto arriba!Lucas en la misma ruta!Lucas al reunion de la misma ruta otra vez! Que grosso!Arriba de la pared, Kimba, disfrutando la

Valle Encantado 2

2009-07-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

Escalada en Valle Encantado!!!Jueves, el 16 de Julio, 2009.Fuimos a cruzar el rio al mejor lado y parte de Valle Encantado!Hicemos muchos sextos de cinqo estrellas!En la nueva guia de escalada para el region cerca de Bariloche no incluyido V. Encantado, no se las nombres de la rutas!Pero, todos las rutas me encanto! Este 6c fue a vista, pero igual, me re gusto!Aqui esta un video de un parte de

Villa Llanquin

2009-07-15T16:22:00.000-07:00

Fui ayer a Villa Llanquin con unas boludos buenas!! En otras palabras, me encanto Villa Llanquin y especialmente a ir con amigos con una buena honda: Lucas, Lara, Ariel "Javier", y Nahuel! Manana, vamos a Valle Encantado!!!Aqui estan Ariel y Lucas (a la derecha y izquierda), probando sus proyectos: Paris, 7a? y Londres 7b+!El mismo, pero en una foto de panoramico!Fuimos a las chapas, haciendo la

Cerro Catedral Gratis

2009-07-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

Fuimos a Cerro Catedral gratis! Nuestros amigos han comprado pasos por la semana y ellos querien un dia de descansar. Asi que, fuimos de casa haciendo dedo y aprovechando el dia! Fue increible! Las vistas, el nieve, todo! Todavia, no lo puedo creer que fue gratis! Mas pronto!!! Aqui les dejo un video de Alisa bien arriba en Cerro Catedral asi que pueden disfrutar el dia pasada con nosotros!

Cerro Catedral

2009-07-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

El 8 de Julio, 2009.Aqui esta Alisa, disfrutando las vistas, el nieve, y los saltitos...?!Fuimos al Cerro Catedral, el centro de esqui del Sur America que es solamente como 13 kilometros de nuestra casa! Además, fuimos con nuestros amigos Juanjo y Nico (quien prestaron una pareja de esquis y botas a Alisa)! Al baso de Catedral, mi amigo Anonymo me presto botas y una tabla! Asi que no teniamos

Hace Frio en Frey

2009-06-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

El 27 de Junio, 2009Fui a Frey con mi amigo Hap de Nueva Zelandia, y fuimos a las chapas! Bueno, habia un monton de lluvia, y agua nieve bien arriba. Tambien, solo empezamos a subir a las 2 en la tarde, asi que queriamos llegar y bajar bien temprano, antes de llegar el noche! Entonces, fuimos corriendo como 70 por ciento del tiempo! Jaja! Q boludos q somos! O locos. O los dos!Con nubos a

El Rocodromito de Leo Leon!

2009-06-26T11:38:00.001-07:00

El 25 de Julio, 2009Fuimos al bulder de Leo otra vez para entrenar bien! Aqui hay unas fotos del bulder con la disploma nueva que es bastante dudo!:Mañana estamos pensando sobre ir a Frey antes de venir el invierno fuerte! Si vamos, voy a sacar muchas fotos y escribir otra vez!Hasta la proxima! -n8

Que Estas Haciendo?

2009-06-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

Nada! Bueno, ahora no estoy trabajando asi que no tengo muchos noticias para ustudes! Normalmente, a mi me gustaria poner fotos y videos pero ahora, de verdad, no tengo!Estos dias, cerran el hostel, entonces tengo que buscar otro trabajo. Y una problemita es que voy a regresar a EEUU el 18 de Julio al 4 de Agosto. Por eso va a ser dificil para encontrar una empresa buscando alguin como yo:

Juani, 6b, y Colonia Granito

2009-06-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

June 13, 2009Fuimos a Colonia Granito, un lugar para escalar cerca de kilometro 13.4 con vistas de los kilometros: lagos y montañas incluidos!Como estaba con gripe, no queria ir primera al 6b que se llama Better Than Shit. Pero, nuestro amigo, Juani, nos dijo, bueno, voy! Entonces, aqui hay fotos de Juani's primera 6b, sin caerse! Aqui, Juani esta en la crux de la ruta, chapando!Juani,

Patagonia Guiding

2009-06-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

June 6, 2009Hugo, a doctor from Colombia, learning the correct technique for lowering.Besides learning the climbing knots, commands, and being able to try his hands at a few different routes, Hugo also learned the proper belay technique.Piedras Blancas offers a unique view of spectacular Lago Nahuel Huapi with its islands and the Andes.Although the season for climbing is coming to an end, there

Freezing Pared Blanca

2009-06-05T13:42:00.001-07:00

June 1st, 2009Stout Project is soaked, dripping from the dew on the ground above the wall. It's too cold to climb there in the shade now anyways, even though I hopped on a 7a there that I love!June 2nd, 2009Pablo and I go to climb some routes at Piedras Blancas, near Cerro Otto, before he returns to live and work in Mendoza for 4 months!There were some fun vertical routes and even some sport

Slacklining

2009-06-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

We went slacklining on May 31st, 2009.Alisa is wearing 2 legwarmers, a scarf, and a headband that I knitted for her!! That's what a hostel job in the low-season and a desire to give a gift to someone you love will do!!More soon regarding a new rock climbing guiding trip in Patagonia and another trip with new and old friends to Piedra del Bosque, a climbing wall I was recently acquainted with!

Ventana Proyecto

2009-05-30T11:29:00.001-07:00

I am working the crux of my project! (See bottom of post for more shots!)May 29, 2009My projects are kicking my butt!! I need to finish one of them! We went to Ventana yesterday for my day off and hung out, chilled, ate crackers and cookies, took photos, and I tried my 7c (5.12d) project there. Alisa and Pablo did some lead climbing so I snapped some photos of them!Alisa at the top of her

Chris Cashman and Valle Encantado!

2009-05-30T11:05:00.001-07:00

Cashman and I, stretching and waking up with New Valle Encantado in the background!!May 23 and 24, 2009Before the Valle Encantado trip, we make pizza in our house. This is May 22.Day 1: Chris Cashman, Alisa, Leo, Facu, and myself truck out to Valle Encantado for an overnight climbing and camping fiesta! After squeezing in a few climbs the drizzly first day, we hike our headlamp way to a cave

Rocodromo

2009-05-25T15:53:00.001-07:00

I´ve been helping my friend Leo build a climbing gym!More photos pending...!

Stout Proyecto 1

2009-05-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

May 15, 2009With two curious couchsurfing friends, Alisa and Nathan hitchhike, splitting into two pairs from our Km 7.5 house to the Trebol climbing at Km 19.5. Nathan climbed a 6a+ twice and then, without much more time left before his job began, the four moved to Nathan´s project, Stout (7c), which he hadn´t tried for what felt like a month! Above, Nathan Conroy moves through the lower crux,

Ensanada, Pto. Varas, Pto. Montt, Entre Lagos, y Osorno - Chile

2009-05-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 11th, 2009Jumping for joy during the Sendero Rojo trek at Volcan Osorno!May 8th, 2009: DRIVING to ENSANADA, CHILEWe set off to cross the Argentinean-Chilean border, a ritual we carry out every 3 months, to renew our Visas. This time, our - surprise! - neighbors from California are joining us! Introducing: Brittany & Miles!!!We had to pull off before even reaching the one-hour-away

Ventana and Peak Ahead

2009-05-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

Thursday May 7th, 2009A quick hop over to Ventana was in order for Alisa, myself, and our buddy Juanjo. There were no photos posted from Frey last week (or the week before) because there were no trips to Frey recently. Unfortunately, although the weather couldn't have been better suited towards a Frey trip, my friends were either too occupied or too sick to go! Last week we went to Ventana as

Bulderes Km 4

2009-04-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

April 30th, 2009Today I went to find the boulders at Km 4. It turns out that they´re closer to Km 4.4 than Km 4, but the entrance to the waterfront is at Km 4, for those who would like to find this boulder!I only had about 40 minutes to climb before hitchhiking to work, but was able to log a few new problems! Above and below are two videos that I shot quickly! More videos pending, including

Km 1 and Virgen de las Nieves

2009-04-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

April 27, 2009Another day at Km 1 Boulders! New problems, including a new project!Nicolas Server, trying out the new boulder problem at the Km 1 Boulders!April 28, 2009Shimmi, the quick-learner, belaying me!Shimmi lowering off of her third route of the day!

Bulderes KM 1

2009-04-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

April 26, 2009KM 1 BouldersAfter trying my hand on my 7c (5.12d) projects at Pared Blanca and showing a little improvement, I went with my friend Nico to climb some of the more feel-good boulders on the lakefront in Bariloche, at KM 1!Nico working a cave route!What a gorgeous, tranquil location! And maybe some new problems here! Above and below, Emi Farello working some traverse routes!

Salmon Asado!

2009-04-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

April 19th, 2009Our friend, Juanjo Di Clerico, caught a 13 kilo monster called a fish.Juanjo, caught in the act!The rest of us feasted and partook of this delicious specimen in a stylish Argentinean asado!From left: Nicolas Server, Juanjo Di Clerico, Alisa Gragert, Matias Emili, Nathan Conroy

Morenhuapi!

2009-04-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 21, 2009Another climbing destination in Bariloche today! After a few day trips to Ventana since the last Frey trip, I chose to head to Morenhuapi today before work! I checked off five 6´s (SEE 5.10 grade of difficulty) and one 7; it was a good day for getting-to-know Morenhuapi! I´m satisfied and tired before another day-off trip to Frey tomorrow where I hope to log a bunch of

Aguja Frey

2009-04-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

March 15, 2009 Before and After Climbing Aguja Frey:For my last day off I cruised up to Frey with two buddies, Nicolas and Christer.DAY 1: At 3pm we started our first traditional multi-pitch climb up Aguja Frey, the main tower right aside the refugio. We chose, as recommended, the 90m 5+ classic, ¨Sifuentes-Weber¨. At that point we didn´t know that we would climb a 6a variation of it and turn

Bariloche These Days

2009-04-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

An otherwise familiar site is becoming rarer and rarer with the onslaught of winter. Apparently the lines drawn in the sand signifying the season that normally comes between summer and winter have been washed away - by wet snowflakes. There are still climbing days but they are different. I climb with cold fingers. I belay with a jacket or two, and the mountains look on with a jacket,

Frey in a Day 2, Climbing!

2009-03-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

Frey, March 26, 2009This time I went to Frey in a day with my friend Pablo, with the goal of conquering some adventurous trad. multi-pitch climb! Above, I am atop the 2nd pitch of some unknown route I´m calling Visteme!Pablo and I, atop Pitch 3, about to lower and downclimb in the coming darkness! Great feeling to be in Patagonia with a friend, atop a long climb with the sun setting on the

Cerro Ventana Again!

2009-03-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

Cerro Ventana, March 25, 2009So, this is more of a photo post regarding another pre-work trip to Cerro Ventana with my buddies Josue (from my hostel) and Pablo! I led-climbed a few routes and remained at the anchors to snap some action toprope shots!Action shot of Josue reaching for a jug near the anchors of the 6a on Pared Abajo, Cerro Ventana.This route should be named Triangulo for the likely

Climbing Buddies, Guiding Job

2009-03-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks I have been the fortunate recipient of some great new climbing buddies and a new side-occupation of guiding for rock climbing! Below are some cool photos taken by my friend Oscar from Brazil at Cerro Ventana, a great climbing destination reported earlier on this blog, where we occasional drive to in order to climb our hearts out before some of us have to work at 4pm.(Note: all

Refugio Lopez

2009-03-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

Sebastian from Germany with bicycle met Nathan from the U.S. with sandals and started running and biking from Colonia Suiza´s entrance in Bariloche, Argentina, to the 4x4 road´s start and all the way up to Refugio Lopez. This entire trip, concluding with a dip in the frigid-at-first waters of the Seven Lakes District had to be completed prior to 4pm. In fact, much before since my work schedule

Frey and Laguna Schmoll for Day Off

2009-03-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

For my Thursday day off before Alisa's work started, we decided to hike up to Frey to enjoy it the right way: by camping out! On the hike up, Alisa got hungry and ate some quick sandwiches while I bouldered a little!At the top we set up our tent and put on our warm jackets! It's pretty and it's cold! We're excited by the stars that start popping up all around us within the circle of spires!

Good News!

2009-03-02T13:53:00.000-08:00