Here's to a new year

The Pencil of Denver

 Hello, hello,

It has been a while, and it is that time again. So sit back and enjoy.


(This is a nice pic that my buddy took of the smokestack in downtown Denver that I was lucky enough to get to paint -->)



Since the last time we spoke, I have found myself far and wide. Some travels have been for work, some have been for leisure. The first of these places was in beautiful Crestone, CO. I went for a week long retreat up in the mountains. Here is my faithful van (named Apollo for those who dont know) looking in awe at the scenery before us. 

The schedule at the retreat was pretty regimented. However, when a little free time to explore arose, Great Sand Dunes National Park was just a short drive away. 

Pressure washing over the Cumberland River

Though the retreat was idyllic on every possible level, work was a callin' so I had to pack the bags... off to Nashville we go. The Coast Guard needed to have water level marks painted on a number of bridge legs.

After enjoying a bit of time in the East, it seemed like a good time to make the switch and head to the Southwest. Next stop... sunny Arizona.

Intended routes behind the saguaro

It is in AZ where my good friend (and best climbing partner) Colin live. And it was our desire to endure long hours of god-awful bushwhacking through some of the most hostile plants on the face of this earth, to climb infrequently traveled routes on questionable, crumbly rock (why do we have such a hard time finding climbing partners?).

Whilst in AZ, I was called away to work a few more times. Once to Norfolk, VA and another time to Albany, NY. Both jobs were cut short due to bad weather in the Northeast. After taking my yearly dose of cactus spines in a matter of weeks, it was time to move on yet again.... All aboard.

Chasm Lake (The Diamond in the background)

Back in Colorado life is much different than Arizona. The plants aren't sadists and I'm not wearing shorts and a t-shirt cause there is this cold white stuff that covers the ground that makes such apparel very uncomfortable. But if nothing else, your humble narrator/fun finder is a natural and makes the most out of it. As Christmas draws nearer though, thoughts turn from fun to family (haha, just joking mom and dad). But seriously, bundle up... it's off to MN. 

Sadly there were few pictures taken from the holidays. Seems that interests were re-prioritized and food and relaxing were placed at the forefront. After a few weeks of both MN and WI, it was time to pack the bags yet again. Buckle up.... California, here we come.

It is here in Anaheim, CA were I sit and type another one of these up. With record breaking lows throughout the country, the warm and sunny 70's of SoCal seem hard to beat. There is a pretty cool transit station that we are working on out here. I will have some better pictures ready on the next blog. Anywho, that ought to about catch you up for now.  I will be heading back to the Outback in Feb. and will be there for three months (I am starting to get pretty good at dodging cold weather).

I leave you with this.... Dirti Birdi. For anyone who doesn't know, I have been working hard at making the most of all my free time while hotel living, and making music. This is a promo picture my friend took. This is a mask I made and intend on wearing when I start doing shows. If you are so inclined, you can hear the music here... https://soundcloud.com/dirtibirdi























May 2014 be a good year for all of you!

-Dirti Birdi