At the River / On the Rocks

Yesterday I got a surprise phone call from Oleg, all the more surprising since I was thinking of him on Friday, and wondering how he was doing. He invited Marisa and I to join him rock climbing in NJ, and told me to bring the Things with me.

I told M that I had an early class at TSNY this morning, and asked her if she'd like to join me, and then we could head to Oleg's from there. She said that she'd get back to me, but of course did not. It was nice seeing her there this morning, however, both to act as my videographer and to hang with.

Overall, a successful morning. Did a few e-swings, which I like, and which may eventually become a blend of the two swings that works for me (the g-swing ;-)) Tried out the cutaway 540's again... which need a lot of work, but still fun to dust off. Did a couple of mods.

The first was the usual - I did not mod the first time out:

But check out the second:

Still need to be a little straighter, but the uprise felt pretty smooth, and on the right spot on my hips... overall, not too shabby...

Then I threw the planche across to Jonathon:

I also threw my splits, and returned to the bar, but alas, the memory card on my camera was full, and could not record that for posterity!
(If you have the volume up on the videos, you will hear Marisa practicing her mommy skills on Thing 1 and Thing 2 -- Thing 1 told me tonight that Marisa would make an excellent mom because she is very strict!)

After a quick pit stop at home to eat and walk Fiji, the Things and I met Marisa at the ferry and went off to NJ to visit Oleg and hang out here. A great time was had by all!! Thing 1 was a natural climber, in fitting with her capricorn nature, and really loved it. She has made me promise to bring her back and take her climbing in Manhattan. Thing 2 also had a great time, and did really well at her climbing attempts. Marisa tackled climbing in her usual type A way, trying to do the most challenging climbs she could, but taking care to do them right. As for me, well, I climbed. Maybe not impressively, but it was fun! Plans are in the works to go back next week, and get belay certification (which apparently you need to do that at every climbing club/gym you go to!) An altogether good time! Thank you, Oleg, for suggesting it, and belaying us!! I'll get certified next weekend so I can repay the favor!

(The one drag about this blog? Waiting for the videos to upload to youtube)