NOTED | 9.5.16

I won't lie, still missing the sunsets from last week over the PNW, but Austin was a pretty nice place to come home to — especially when I'm ten minutes from the airport going against traffic. My Houston friends are jealous.

Enjoyed a pretty perfect Labor Day weekend climbing at Reimers yesterday with Coach Seiji and my friend Max (aka Houston's Lost Soles) followed by pizza and beer at Stanley's Farmhouse. It simply doesn't get much better.

A little late posting links, but there were too many good ones not to share. So without further delay, here's a few things of note from around the Web last week.

Columbia is hiring 'Directors of Toughness.'

The world's best skiers take over Portillo. *They're all women!

57 peaks in 32 days.

The AAC Ueli Steck tour kicked off this week and is coming to a city near you. Get your tickets here. 

Everything you need to relax after a day in the mountains. Psst, there's bourbon. 

Current girl crush: competitive paraclimber, Maureen Beck.

The pursuit of happiness. 

NOW PLAYING | E+F SEPT 16

Well here we are, summer's last bash. I for one could not be happier for the 3-day weekend. Extra time to unplug, get outside and maybe even do a little bit of *gasp* nothing. These days, I'm trying to practice being more present and in the moment, but I can't help thinking ahead to my fall climbing trip calendar. Things are looking good with CO and Red Rock already on the schedule.

Wherever you are and whatever you're doing this holiday weekend, the E+F Sept 16 playlist will help you celebrate these unofficial last days of summer and welcome the new fall season ahead. Enjoy.

NOTED | 8.28.16

This morning I woke up in my camping trailer happy and sore after a day of climbing at Smith Rock. I'd be willing to argue with Disney that Smith is actually the happiest place on earth — well, at least for me anyway. 

Ben Randall with Smith Rock Climbing School and I spent a full day at the crag, splitting the morning and afternoon between the Northwest Wall and Phoenix Buttress. If you ask me my favorite place to climb, it's usually always the last place I've been, but there's something really special to me about Smith. This will definitely not be my last trip.

In between climbs, here's a few things of note scouted from around the Web this week. 

The Process: "You know what's down below, but you also remember what was up above and how to be because of it."

Happy 100th anniversary to the National Park Service! Why America created its first national park.

What happens when ego is left behind, doubt is overcome and simple passion is left to lead the way.

Out of office reply: I'm in Nature.

An interview with the setters of Austin Bouldering Project.

She's 91, but feels 15. Here's her secret.

This video sums up everything we feel about the outdoors. 

NOTED | 8.21.16

My Dad is visiting from Jackson this weekend, and, with the seemingly non-stop rain, we've done nothing but eat and drink our way through Austin (not that I'm complaining!). Jeffrey's certainly did not disappoint on Friday. We kept things pretty low key with pizza in the neighborhood last night and plan on enjoying a few farewell oysters at Clark's tonight before his 8+ hour drive back to Mississippi tomorrow.

Looking forward to a little road tripping of my own this week. Headed to Oregon to sneak in my first Smith Rock climbing experience with Smith Rock Climbing School before making the drive from Redmond to Portland for work. If you have any favorite lines not to be missed, definitely send them my way. In the meantime, here's a few things of note from around the Web this week.

Healthy smoothies in 30-seconds.

Outside's The 16 Best Places to Live in the U.S.: 2016.

Party for the Parks tickets are now on sale.

A yoga warm up for climbing.

Outdoor inspiration delivered monthly. 

Alex Honnold on his brain.

Eight ways to improve your footwork.

For the love of climbing.

photo: Smith Rock Climbing School

NOW PLAYING | E+F AUG 16

Awesome day climbing with Coach Seiji at Reimers yesterday — I've had the biggest sh*t-eating grin on my face all week and still can't quite believe that, at any given time, I can now get outside to climb in 15 minutes or less. I love Austin.

Got rained out this morning, but recovered with hot cakes and a little afternoon gym session planned with Chalked Up Chicks. This month's playlist got delayed with the move, but here it is E+F Aug  16. A good one for these last few training days of summer before fall redpoint season begins. What's on your tick list?