Goodbye Mexico, Hello Thailand

Amid the rain and cold, we decided it was time to leave Mexico. A friend who had come from Montreal and 2 other friends who are road tripping decided to head south to warmer weather and exploration. Though tempted to go, I was offered another opportunity which led me to return to the states more quickly than expected.
So, once again I have returned to Kentucky. Thankfully I can stay at the hostel because it is cold and wet outside. People are slowly starting to return and on warm days, there is possibility of climbing.
However, the real reason for returning was the opportunity to go to Thailand for the month of February. A friend from Kentucky was offered the opportunity to go to Thailand, all expenses paid except for airfare, to scout out a possible new climbing area in Northeast Thailand. Basically, they want to open up the area to adventure tourism, namely climbing, and they need some people to say whether or not the rock is good. So, I get to go, hike in the woods and climb on rock where no one has before. Only we will be allowed into these areas of the park to explore. Meanwhile, we get to stay at a 4 star hotel in the heart of a city, an hour from the park. So, if all works, I'll be spending the month of February in Thailand, where at least it will be warm.
More to follow..

El Potrero Chico, Hidalgo

A week and a half it has been in the beautiful El Potrero Chico. The first couple of days were slow, climbing was hard to get used to for those used to overhanging jugs. The vibe was a little difficult which led to some long days and early to bed nights. But, its absolutely beautiful here with cliffs everywhere and sunny days for the first week.
Market days are Tuesdays and Fridays, so we walk into town (about 3o minutes) and shop for fresh fruit and vegetables. We certainly eat well here. My friend and I also spend the day in Monterrey, which is very industrial and big, with lots of traffic. We wandered around a lot, getting lost on some side streets and went for supper at a local fish restaurant (oops) that served tacos and burritos, etc. and but with fish in everything. It was a challenge, but we tried some things, drank some beers and met some locals. Then, got lost coming home from the airport. It seems to be a common thing in Mexico, getting lost that is. But, it was a fun day and we felt that we were in Mexico, unlike the feeling we have at the americanized campground that lacks a bit of soul.
Friday brought the arrival of Jess and Shant, two friends from Montreal also on a road trip, and Saturday the arrival of Adam. With the new blood brought some good energy and yesterday's climbing day was my best yet. I led everything, something I had been having trouble doing, and did some of my toughest climbs. It was sunny and warm and a great day. We've spent the evenings catching up on lost time, drinking wine or tequilla, or sometimes both, and eating really well.
Today there is rain, cold and fog, so a day inside, playing Settlers of Catan and resting is on the agenda.

Mexico

I have made it!

After an exciting border cross and 36 hours drive, we arrived two nights ago. Crossing the border was epic. Not the crossing part. We just drove through but then couldn't find where to go to actually get the visa. You'd think that it would be marked, but alas, it was not so well. Anyway, after asking multiple people directions and driving down a couple of one way streets, the wrong way, we made it to the "border crossing", paid a ton of money and finally were on our way to Monterrey. After one last checkpoint, and getting lost in Monterrey, we finally drove into the campground at 11 p.m. local time.
Upon arriving, we pitched tents and I ran into some people from Boston I recognized from the Red. Had a beer with them and hung out. The next morning, ran into a bunch of people from the Red. Everyone is really nice, friendly, tons of Quebequers here, it almost feels like home.
Climbing today for the first day was great. It was so much fun, though harder and sharper than I expected. Despite many warnings about rock falls, it seems pretty safe here as long as you take precautions and yes, I'm wearing my helmet. The pitches were long and it felt great to be climbing again. The approach is easy, but I feel well worked and excited for some more tomorrow.
The area is beautiful, mountainous and so much climbing in such a small space. The views from the crag are spectacular and we haven't even done any multupitch. Pictures to follow soon.
Haven't really made it into town much, but tomorrow is market day, which should be fun.
More impressions to follow.

New Years on the beach

I had wanted to spend Christmas on the beach if I couldn't be at home, but I made it home, minus the white Christmas.
We rented a cabin on Lake Erie and unbeknownst to me, it had a beach. So, I got to spend the first couple of hours of the New Year under the stars and the moon, while listening to the lapping of the waves, it felt like the ocean and was blissful.
I am now in Kentucky, where it is beautiful and warm. We went for a hike yesterday and tomorrow we'll do some climbing before I leave Friday for Mexico.
There are some new pics up, both from Kentucky and the time I spent in Ohio.