Well, I’ve been back in the northeast now for about 9 days and I’m relieved to say the least. My last trip to the Cascades was a tough one. The trip and the clients were, as usual, amazing and upbeat. The challenge laid more in the number of transitions I was quickly forced to make in the days prior to the trip. A serious airline fiasco (see my last post) made things much worse by ripping the band-aid off what was basically a nasty open wound.

I started doing some simple math, and it turns out that I’d been in New Paltz less than 10 of the past 50 days. No wonder I was feeling out of sync and tired. I am a homebody and an individual who identifies strongly with the northeast.

The last few days of work have helped the readjustment process. A SUNY Backpacking trip in the roadless wooded quiet of the Catskills, a film shoot at majestic Lake Minnewaska (perhaps the most beautiful place on the east coast) at sunset, and yesterday…

Yesterday I was given a giant treat – a Mohonk Mountain House client who wanted to climb Foops. Our half day included Foops, No Exit and Krapp’s Last Tape. Not a bad half day and a pretty tough transition to make. Mt. Rainier one week, 5.11 in the Gunks the next. Umm, ok. I was reminded why rock climbing always seems like my favorite thing to do. The movement is pure joy, and pushing it above gear when you’re pumped is so exciting.