Top Ten 2008

(in no particular order . . . )

10. Stumbling upon a perfect, lonely granite boulder in Steamboat Springs, CO. in mid-June. A classic V4-5 and the eleventh hour send (see "Eureka" below). Who says there's no climbing in the 'Boat?

9. One of my clients getting her hair sucked into her rappel device, necessitating a rescue. There's nothing like putting theory into practice.

8. The so-called "Team S&M Epic Ride," August, 2008. 60 miles of glorious mountain bike adventure with the homies. Best ride of the year by far.

7. Wintertime sending spree with my old bike racing buddy from our junior days, Ted Lanzano (who now climbs 5.14), on Flagstaff Mountain, CO. "Damn Jeff, you should just climb full time . . ."

6. Coming close to death while putting out a roof fire on Jordi's mom's cabin in the Ochoco's during Spring "Break." Exhilerating workout.

5. October trip to Colorado to attempt "The Naked Edge," Eldorado Canyon. 900' of air between your legs & "5.11 Eldo" does strange things to your head.

4. My sister's wedding. The 100+ degree "dry heat" of Colorado taught us all a few things about the glory of shade.

3. Sending "The Right Side of Red Wall" on Christmas Day after years and years of effort. Praise Jesus.

2. Guiding for Chockstone Climbing Guides. Maybe one day they'll update my profile on their website.

1. Backcountry skiing Berthoud Pass with Matt "Ping Ping" Battaglia. That put a little more hair on the bear...