As of yesterday, Jenni and I find ourselves in the town called Motueka. After partying hard at a crappy rave called Stardust, we decided to (reluctantly) hit the road and find some work. Quickly after hitting Mot., we picked up jobs picking pears at a local orchard. It should be hard but well paying work and we are only going to stick around for two weeks. Unfortunately Jenni had to pay around 180 bucks to get a work permit, but in the end she will come out much better off. As for me, this 2 weeks off climbing should be good to heal up and stay healthy, and the money should pay for my plane tickets to Australia and back to the states. The plan as of today is to head home to spend the summer in the Valley, which will be great because Jenni, Russ and Elaine are all working there, as are many friends from Kansas and returning Yosemites. I'm excited, although the idea of trad does not suit me as much as sport climbing right now, but who am I to complain!?! Well, I am out to pick some pears, so I will check you out on the flip side! Peace!

Hey you hippies, heres the scoop. Jenni and I are still in Takaka and loving every minute of life. We are climbing lots and doing a lot of hanging out on the beach as well. Yours truely is climbing harder than ever, having just bagged a sweet route called Creative Confusion that goes at 27 (12.c/d)! Thats right, 5.13a here I come! Below are some pics of a cool route called 1080 and the letter g. Classic Paynes, especially because of the no hands rest! Well, I have to run, more pics later, but until then, keep it all poops and smiles!


Man, I love overhanging jug hauls!



"I think I can see my tent from here!"

Recently, some friends and I decided to bail on Hangdog and head south to Castle Hill to get in some world-class bouldering. The problems were sick, the mantels horrifying and the company was, as always, great. In the middle of the trip we skirted off to Christchurch to hang out with some cats that our friend Sara hooked us up with. As it turned out, Blair and Marcus are two of the coolest people I have met so far. They let us run a muck in their place and invited us back with and open invitation. They also took us out partying and showed us all the great spots around town. We stayed for a few days, after which we decided to head back to the hill. Eventually, Max and Sara left for Hangdog and the next day I went back to the city to pick up Jenni. Everything worked out as planned and at 1020 NZ time she arrived in Christchurch. That day we explored the city while I tried to kill time before our hotel check in, which I surprised her with as a late Christmas present. We stayed in this awesome little place, right in the center of town. That night we hooked back up this Marcus and Blair and partied in the city that night. Next day we headed to Castle Hill and a few days later we find ourselves back "home" in Takaka. I sleep once again amongst the hangdogs. We are climbing and having a good old time just chilling out right now, but soon we plan on sea-kayaking the Abel Tasman National Park and hiking the Heaphy track which is 4-6 days. I fear that Jenni is going to have to knock me out and drag me away from climbing, as I still have a sick project to send that I just cant leave alone. Ill post photos once it has been sent. Below are some more photos of my recent adventures for your delicious enjoyment. Have a blast, I am!

P.S. The Red Rocket is finally fixed. All it needed was a new radiator cap. Who'd a thunk it?




Our hotel room in Christchurch.



The view from our room.



A normal sight while bouldering at Castlehill.


I stuck that move, if you were wondering.



This is the one I blew. Here is a photo of me blowing it. I fell off. Eventually I sent though.



This is Max. Max is my best mate. He is from England. He looks like a vampire from "From Dusk Till Dawn" when he boulders. In January, Max and I are planning on traveling to India to boulder in Hampi, then head to Thailand for more fun-in-the-sun climbing.


The shelter at Craigiburn, Castle Hill.


This was taken at Hobie's 30th birthday party. The face I am making comes from the fact that Ruth, the lady next to me is pinching my butt really hard because someone else did it to her and she thought it was me. Well it wasn't damnit! At the point when the picture was taken, I don't think I had decided if I liked it or not.



Hobie and Liz during a night of debauchery.


Hobie and I after a mussel harvest during a beach party. Later we cooked these suckers up and had one hell of a free meal.



This is Chewie, the Hangdog dog. Ahhh, so cute.


After bar hopping for a few hours in Christchurch, our new friends Blair and Marcus took us to Base, where we danced the night away. Man, I would love to spin in this club!


Fire twirling in camp. Just another night of fun times. Currently, I am learning poi and the staff, and have actually used the staff whilst on fire. This is not me.


View of a glacier on the way up Avalanche Peak, Aurthur's Pass.


Ana, David and I close to the summit of AP.



Victory smokes on AP. At 1800 meters, after 1100 meters of elevation gain, smoking is a bad idea. Well, even worse than normal! Sorry mom, Ill quit again soon, I promise!