CLIMB | KALYMNOS

One 11-hour overnight layover in Zurich, followed by a missed connection in Toronto due to customs delays and an unplanned stop in New Orleans for refueling later, I finally arrived back home in Houston. Two weeks later and the perma-grin is still on my face. Kalymnos in a word: EPIC.

The kindest, most gracious people, outrageously stunning views and the most incredible rock I've ever put my hands on. Oh yeah, and the Mythos wasn't too bad, either. 

Thank you to Rock & Sun and our guides, the extraordinarily talented Trevor Massiah, and rock goddess, Desirée Verbeek, for the totally inspired experience. Kalymnos, you'll definitely be seeing me back again very, very soon.

KALYMNOS CALLING

Hard to believe, but we're coming up on the one-year anniversary of Elements+Found. When I first started this Blog, it was really just an attempt to hang onto my funny, learn a little something about myself and maybe serve up a few laughs for those of us out here braving it in the modern dating world. 

But that's just part of the story. It's occurred to me while I've been stuck getting the junk out that there's a much bigger story to tell. I haven't completely figured out what that is just yet — but isn't that part of the process? So I thought I'd broaden the content and share a little bit about the people, places and experiences that are currently inspiring me and kicking me forward. 

First up, Kalymnos. A Greek island in the southeastern Aegean sea that offers world class climbing and bouldering all year round. It's quickly become one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in the world with its unique rock quality, fast access to links between climbing areas and the island's mild climate and warm hospitality. 

It first showed up on my radar sometime last year with this picture in adventure photographer Nathan Welton's Instagram feed. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to go. And then it's like the island blew up all around me. Suddenly I was seeing Kalymnos everywhere I went.

A sign. 

So I do what I do. I think about it, I talk about it, I dream about it, I research the hell out of it...and still don't make any solid plans to go. 

Until last month when on what was an otherwise uneventful afternoon, an unidentified number from Greece showed up in my missed calls.

That's it. Kalymnos is now calling. Literally calling. Time to stop planning, get out of your head, just go. 

Super impressed with Lesley and her team at Rock and Sun, the UK-based guide service I'll be climbing with next month, May 7th-14th. So impressed that I'm already planning to get my ass handed to me in one of their performance coaching clinics in Spain next spring. But first Kalymnos...

You can follow my trip updates, photos and videos on Instagram with the tag #kalymnoscalling and drop me a line in the comments. Would love to hear your solo travel tips and what adventures are calling your name this spring.  

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