Many New Things

Last week, my much awaited Columbia Bugagloves arrived. Right now the weather is not cold enough to justify turning on the battery pack. But as the nightly lows continue a downward pattern my excitement is growing.

Expect a full-fledged review soon after the first snow; oh heck, if the weather gets cold enough and I have some spare time I should probably do an overview of the features before then. 

The day after those got here I was getting some pictures of the local Moosejaw when I found a pair of FiveFingers that were at such a good price that it was ridiculous not to pic them up. Wore them three days this week. When you have them on things come at you in a different way. For example; the first day wearing them it rained. Upon my arrival at school, I had to make a conscious effort not to step in the deep muddy spots where my Keen shoes would keep me dry. I feel a little more grounded in them, my feet get a chance to stretch under my weight and exercise muscles that are usually aided by the confines of the modern shoe.

Still doing daily workouts on the Metolious Rock Rings. I think that I may make a trip to the climbing gym before my finals, just to see how it is. I will surely have the strength; hopefully the skill comes right along.

I also have found a new interest in mountain biking and am working on acquiring a decent bike. I have a friend that is lending me a bike until I get a set of wheels of my own. 

Working on some pieces for the Grand Traverse Mountain Bike Association, The Awesome Mitten and HikeMichigan.org. Very excited to be working with all of these people!

Putting together a story about Sleeping Bear Dunes in the late fall. Would you like a preview pic? Ok:

Beauty.

Time to get on that pile of books that needs to be read.

Enjoy what looks like it will be a beautiful day!

-J

New Toys!

Last week I ordered these sweet rock rings from Moosejaw in Ann Arbor. I just picked them up and am foaming at the mouth to give them a try!

I am going to play with them for a week or so and then give you guys a video demo!

Time to continue enjoying my three day weekend!

Go do something fun!

-j

A late birthday gift

I am still on this goal to do some indoor bouldering and rockwalling. However, I would like to show up to the gym and be in shape for the rigors of climbing. This means strengthening my fingers, forearms and back with various pull-up combinations.

Enter the use of rock rings! I have played around on these nifty things at MooseJaw a few times and I think that they will do the trick!

I would really like to have one of the 3D training boards, but you have to have a good spot to put that up, and something tells me that the landlord would not like be mounting that in the wall!

Well, here they are: 

Ordered them from MooseJaw on Friday. 

PS, those people at MooseJaw are super handy and friendly. A great company with loads of character! Not a big box store with bland faces.

Have a great day.

I will let you know how these things work when they get in!

-J