Marty Galang loves his Suburu. So much so that It is like kin to him. He washes it nearly every week. He maintains it routinely and reduces strain by having a maximum capacity of 3 people including driver at all times. So, its very unfortunate and sad when his car gets damaged. Marty’s car was relativity damage free 5 months back. A series of unfortunate events took place that left his car with dent, scratches, and holes. First, while parked out front of our office, a large branch fell and landed on top of his hood creating a large and noticeable dent. Second, while parked outside hanger 18 Riverside on a windy night doing a sale, the trailer used got blown from its place and rammed Marty’s car with a sharp metal corner. Third, which happened today, Luz while in a frantic caused by Kenny in some way drove into Marty’s car. She underestimated the the space required to turn and ended up slightly under his bumper. The damage was the most noticeable of them all; dents, scratches, and a hole from the head light lens point. What is ironic about all this is that all of the 3 instances are Mad Rock related. My condolences.


The damage suffered.


Marty Galang ripping out the pointy headlight peice that broke off of Luz’s Car

Until Wednesday of this week I thought I was going to be in Bishop getting some more climbing in before the season gets to hot. The sign ups for this week’s Eaton Canyoneering trip was blank. However, at the last moments of thursdays, it filled up. Though the thought of canyoneering is quite fun, the frigid waters that runs between the canyon walls causes some second thoughts. Its too late now i told myself. We have a trip planned and it is going down.
I stayed up pretty late Friday night, packing for this adventure. I had to make sure I had all the necessary gear if a rescue were required. Lucky there needn’t be one. However, there was a close call. Most of the trip went fairly smoothly. Started at 6 am at APU. Got some tortas at taco king then off we headed towards Eaton. The morning was crisp and cool. The sun was bright but the heat has not yet come. We hiked up the fire road toward Henniger Flats, surmounted a saddle, then it was time for some poison oak bush wacking. After some encounters with ticks, and loose rocks we ended up at the top of the canyon. So, the fun starts here we thought until we jumped into our first pool of water. First reaction we got “F*** Sh** Cold”. I have to say, though it is ridiculously cold and lots of hiking/rock hopping, Eaton Canyon is one of my most favorite adventures. Overall I feel most of the participants enjoyed it as well. The only close call was one of the participants had an asthma attack while in the canyon without an inhaler.



The latter part of the approach where I had my first encounter with Ticks



Suiting up for the super cold waters of Eaton


The look of excitement and shock after the first pool


Just a small squeeze past this fall, Josh Parker


Keeping the shoe lace tied, Daniel


Alex P on the first rappel of his life. He lived


Upping the Ante, Josh Parker


Famous second fall of Eaton Canyon


This super snake caught a fish


The group after rappelling into a pool with an audience

Art of Two Germanys, that is the title of one of LACMA’s featured Exhibition. It featured Germany of the East and Germany of the West during the Cold War. This weekend was a weekend of relaxation. I didn’t have any outdoor adventures planned and not prior engagements scheduled. We had a weekend all to ourselves. We decided to head down to the LACMA and LA to check out some art and food. Like a typical Saturday with no plans, we woke up at around 10:30. Staggered into the showers and got ready for the day ahead. Since it was already time for lunch we stopped at the Garlic Rose for some Brunch. Oh how I love garlic. With our tummies happy we drove, windows down, to the LACMA.
We explored the exhibits. Hiroko was very involved with the art, I one the other hand was a fidgety as ever. Hiroko, having lived in Germany during the end of the Cold War found that the war’s influence on the Art and Artist very intriguing. She would walk from piece to piece reading each description and thinking about them thoroughly. I only need a split second on each piece of art. Though, I must say, it was hard to stay interested and entertained I was happy that Hiroko was having a good time. The rest of the day consist of heading home, cleaning our room, and reading a books. Very pleasant.
Sunday: He has risen! He has risen indeed! Happy Easter Everybody!



P1 to G, Hiroko Otsuka Hsieh in a Glass Eleveator, LACMA


Lamps Galore, Mark My and Hiroko Otsuka Hsieh, LACMA


Hmmm Hummm.. Photographs of WW2’s Aftermath, LACMA



Here are some other pictures not of this weekend.



Erich Chen’s Birthday, He’s had a bit to drink, Dave and Busters


Hiroko’s new cuddle buddy, Won it at Dave and Busters.


Night in K Town with Kazumi and Kenny Suh

This last weekend was spent in Bishop, CA. The land of classic boulders problems. Problems like Stained Glass, Iron Man Traverse, South West Arete, Soul Slinger, Fly boy, Mandala, Ruckus, High Plain Drifters, Strength in Numbers are just faction of the classics. I headed out there with Hiroko and the Mad Rock crew. Marty, Kenny, Melissa, JV, Mike.. etc etc. This time however Victor came as well, which was sweet. He always talking about how he doesn’t really climb that strong but he was sending everything. Kenny and Marty, showed me and Victor all the classics. This weekend turned out really great. Hiroko had great success as well. She was able to work and send two V3s. One is a classic called Funky Tut. I was pretty stoked when I got Pow Pow V7, Fly Boy V8, Strength In Numbers V6, Iron Man Traverse V4, Southwest Arete 5.9 Solo. What topped it off was that we had awesome cooking from the Gees. Ryan, Victor’s Cousin, and Victor brought a kitchen out and cooked an awesome dinner and tasty breakfasts. I’ve never been disappointed with food when victor is involved.


Melissa Aoki on Funky Tut v3


Victor Gee on Stained Glass v10


Marty Galang on Stained Glass V10


Hiroko Otsuka Hsieh on some Arete to roof problem


Me (Mark My Hsieh) Topping off on strength in numbers v6



Marty Galang keeping the holds clean so that other can send. Thanks Marty


Kenny Suh crushing the pinch Soul Slinger v9


Victor Gee on the Spinal Cord located in the Sads


Mike the Mongol


Marty Galang falling in elegance


Mad Rock Switch Backs Rock!


Victor Gee about to match on Strength In Numbers V6


Mark My Hsieh falling off Soul Slinger


Just arrived Kenny Suh, Melissa Aoki, and Hiroko Otsuka Hsieh


Kenny Suh on Stained Glass V10


Jessica Varner warming up


The view from the Buttermilks, Bishop CA


The Down Climb Melissa Aoki and Mike Yang


Melissa Aoki

Paul Gotaco Focused and Intense on Funky Tut V3


Kenny Suh and his audience


Hiroko Otsuka Hsieh warming up for the day


Marty being the man again, cleaning the holds so that we can climb harder


Victor Gee’s Ripped Forearms

Gee’s Kitchen - Camp Chef double burner


Suh


Melissa Aoki climbing some V3 in the sads


Hiroko Otsuka Hsieh on some V3


Kazumi


After Ryan’s proud high ball


Climbing with intensity, Melissa Aoki