SUN'S OUT, GUNS OUT!

[song: change is hard by she & him]

i'll have to say that hueco has been a complete success for me. new grades (i'm psyched to have done a few soft 10s (you gotta break into the grade somehow, right -if not just bulking up on 9s), new climbs (super-new, hidden away gems -i may have even done an FA, at hueco!), and new friends (people who know people who i know, and now i know people who know people, you know? i know!). good times... good times. .

as my time here comes to a close though, 2 major things come to the forefront which necessitate (hopefully only) a week of rest: 80 degree weather and a knuckle the size of a quarter.

the weather is telling enough. the latter is some sort of joint inflammation due to overuse/overwork/stress; the big knuckle of my left ring finger is experiencing some increased, acute pain. the sheath that surrounds the tendon that encompasses the joint, i believe (based on multiple conversations with people who've experienced similar pain, and who have previously spoken with some sort of finger specialist), is worn down and not getting enough lubrication. if that is in fact correct, i can tape the finger, even buddy tape, and continue climbing, with no ill effects. to be sure, i'm taking time off to help speed the recovery process and to try and ensure no further damage. and of course, i'll have to limit the load i put on it.

i've been nursing the knuckle for most of my trip here, not thinking much more than it just being the usual stiffness. warming it up slow, loosening/stretching it before climbing, taking anti-imflammatories; whatever precautions i can think of -aside from, of course, complete rest. it seemed to have worked, up until the last few days; the joint pain has come to a head though and now i can't even bend it completely. so i am forced to rest (which is no problem because of this coming heat and volunteer responsibilities with the upcoming Rock Rodeo). especially if i plan to continue climbing for the remaining months leading up to this summer: hopefully heading for bishop, ca and cooler temps next monday or tuesday; and on to joe's valley in utah when it seems to hot there.


so raise a glass with me: to personal progression/victories, to friends & climbing partners, and to new climbs... and whatever else may be on your mind...

here's to this season...

cheers!