This weekend’s outdoor adventure trip is rock climbing. A total of 13 of us headed up to Big Bear’s Castle Rock and the local boulders to feed our thirst for rock. This was an intro to climbing trip so we spent most of our time on some easier routes. However, we still put up a harder route to give people the opportunity to try something more challenging. Kenton got us two nights at Big Bear’s Pine Knot campground. It was a nice little place close to the slopes of Snow Summit. The only down side is that it was a bit close to the houses. We climbed, did some chilling around the campfire, and slack lining. Overall it was a good trip.
As for my own climbing experience, I had the opportunity to lead two routes. One on trad and one sport. I felt a bit more confident leading further above my pro on trade now. I also worked on the slack line and got the sit down and lie down. Too bad Hiroko was in Indiana or is it Illinois or was it Michigan. I think all three this weekend. She was there for Mariko’s wedding. She said she had fun, but I think she missed out on some good O’ climbing.

Special thanks to Robin G.


Leading Some Trad Climbing on Castle Rock - Me (Mark My Hsieh)


The group around the campfire telling stories of adventure and funnies.


Group shot atop Castle Rock, Big Bear


Adam N on the slackline

This will be my 5th time up Half Dome, but the only time up early enough to see the sunrise from the top. With an 1:15 am start time and a nearly restless push we summited by 6:00 am just early enough to see the sun rise over the horizon. As we climbed up the cables the soft glow of the arriving sun provided the light for our final push. We rested some and ate our sandwiches at the top and paused to take in the beauty of God’s creation. Though this is my 5th time up half dome, I am always just as awed as my first time up. This trip was the smoothest yet. Our early start combined with a fast group meant that we returned to the valley floor early in the day. Some of us even had time to take a dip at the top of Vernal falls. Dinner was earlier as well as our departure to High sierra. With a camp fire ready as we arrived we quickly got out the smores and sat around the campfire until one by one we crawled into our sleeping bag.

REMEMBER: 2267


Outdoor Adventures on Half Dome during sunrise


Group Descending cables


Group on small small beach


Food never tasted so good


Around the Camp Fire


Sharon and Marisa warming up by the campfire.


Kelly and Brooke on the couch.


Just before sun rise


Early sunday morning


Brandon descending the cables.

Pine Mountain Pull Down was much better than I’d expected (Click Here If you do not know what PMPD is). I thought it was just going to be manning the Mad Rock booth and then taking down the massive tents at the end of the event. However, it turned out to be such a good weekend. Most of Saturday, the climbers where climbing at the top of Pine Mountain, so there was no one at the event area. Joe was kind enough to let me go check out the comp. Me, Hiroko, and JM drove her mini scion up the rough fire road till we reached the comp site. We, meaning only me, then spent most of the day climbing with the Team Mad Rock Guys and Jesse. Hiroko took these times to take naps, pray and worship, which I am happy she had the time for. Saturday was the most I’ve climb in my level in a very very long time. I really enjoyed it. We were working on Sock Hop V6 for a long time when Will Young showed up walked up it. It was awesome to see the amount of skills pro climbers have.
Though the climbing was good, it was the people at the event that really made it good. Hiroko and I had the chance to meet very cool people and talk to them about many different things. During the event, we the pleasure of meeting Gina and Frank from Voodoo Climbing Holds. They were sweet and genuine. I learned a little about them and the company. I never knew that they together hand make all the soft goods. That is amazing. Now I have a new respect for them and their products. Well ... i can go on forever.. Here are the pictures.


This is Voodoo’s Various logos... Gina told me they have a hard time sticking to one.... I can see why.. they are all good.


Marty Climbing Sock Hop V6


My Honey Hiroko Sleeping


Back Flip Of The Slack Line - Matus


Me Climbing Clawing At The Walls V6


Chad Mantling to Gritty Slab


Dude Look At Those Fore Arms - Kenny Suh Cripping up Gardez l’eau V5


Jesse on Sock Hop V6


Mike on Sock Hop V6

September is when most schools start the new academic year. It is when students leave home and head back to the busy life of studying, cramming, and having a blast at school. However, for me, this year is very different. This will be the first year without classes to go to. A new full time job with Mad Rock and my gig as Outdoor Adventure Coordinator at APU will take up most of my time. This is why I’ve decided to take this year off and not take any classes for my MBA. It’ll be my one year leave of absence. I should go tell the school of business soon.
The last few weeks since I’ve been back from Japan has been crazy fun. As the school year continues, I will be on many many trips with APU and Mad Rock. In the past few weeks I have been in Big Bear twice totaling about a week and have also gone to San Deigo. In Big Bear there was a car accident as well as one on the way to San Deigo. We weren’t in a car accident, but in big bear Wilson and Rachel was and on the way to SD the roof rack, on hiroko’s car,holding the surfboards flew off into the freeway. We also had to chance to go kayaking with seals and through caves. Whoa.... lots of fun, but not enough time.


Rachel Worshiping - Kick Back Retreat, Big Bear California


Marcus Robinson Worshiping


Concert - Fall Fest


Wilson Wang’s Car.. notice the damaged frame and busted radiator


Chuck flipping his daughter.... FALL FEST


Concert - Fall Fest


Mom and Daughter


Aftermath


My Hiroko


Timmy Ngo


Timmy Ngo Repelling, Castle Rock, CA


Concert - Fall Fest