The Motherload

The Motherload is an '89 Ford Econoline that was converted to a camper. It can be a little crowded at times but it has all the amenities we need and the headroom is wonderful. It's perfect for our little family. Our only issue is that this beast tends to be hungry. It's only a 6 cylinder so I thought we'd get 16ish miles-per-gallon but it actually clocks in around 12. I guess that's the price you pay for comfort. And of course gas prices are laughably low compared to Sweden. GBA.

The Load

Home sweet home

Little Chris swings by for a visit

Friendly Faces

Some of the good folks in Bishop.

Upside down Hammie

Greg looking swoll

My big sis

Chris struts his stuff

Jenny shows up Jason

Bishop

We made it to Bishop! The weather is fantastic and there are heaps of friends hanging out. We're still trying to dial in living in the van with Hammie but it's getting better every day. On the climbing front both Lina and I are feeling weak from rotting in Sweden the last couple of months and I'm nursing a cold. Despite the excuses I'm sure we'll be back in form in no time. Other folks are climbing strong and recent highlights include Prairie cruising the Hulk, Jenny rocking the Iron Man Traverse and Jason shaking his way up the Mandala (pretty impressive actually). Hopefully Lina and I will be able to jump on the sending train. Plenty more to come.

Brooke focuses on Mr Witty

Lina somehow trumps Chris in the bronze department

Prairie commits a fashion crime while sending the Hulk

Jenny cruising Mr Witty

Sunshine and The Motherload

Since arriving in the States we've been taking it easy and enjoying the sunshine. It only took 3 days in the USA to equal the amount of sunshine I've had the previous two months in Sweden and the forecast calls for more of the same. Ahhhhhh, the good life.

We've been hanging in Malibu with family and moving into our new home, a '89 Ford camper van we are currently calling "the Motherload". We managed to get out climbing for a couple hours at Stoney Point and explored some other boulders we'll sample next time we're in the 'bu. As for now we head toward the main event as we pack into the Motherload and head to Bishop. Let the grappling begin.

Prairie at gripping choss at Stoney Point

Peter with good hair on Leaping Lizard

Prairie seeking friction in the 16 degree Celsius weather

On the Road Again

So the last couple of months have been slow. The entire month of November saw only 11 total hours of sunshine in Gothenburg and December hasn't been much better. Fortunately I'm leaving this God-forsaken place for the greener pastures of the USA where Lina, Hammie and I will be cruising around the west soaking up the sunshine and grappling boulders. All areas to be hit are still up in the air but Bishop and the Tanks serve as the starting points and when things warm up we may make it all the was to Squamish. We have until June 2nd so we'll see where the wind blows. If anyone has suggestions for our journey drop a comment and we'll try to swing by for some climbing and a game of pass the Hammie.

If anyone is in Bishop we should be there within a week where we'll attempt to get our weak and pastey bodies back into shape. See you there!

And for those sorry souls that remain in Swedish purgatory, I'm sorry.

Boring Pictures of Boulders

Went down to Ronneby to visit with family and managed to get out bouldering for a couple hours. I made quick work of the project from last trip then drove around looking for boulders. I found plenty. You folks down south got your work cut out for you. I'm really hoping to spend more time down there and I'd love to see what others have found.

Also made the standard pit-stop in Värnamo to say hello to the locals and ogle at a sick boulder.

Here's a couple boring pictures of boulders that I'm hoping might encourage people to check out these areas.

Värnamo's biggest boulder

Super arete I brushed up

Pretty damn good boulder. Most of the lines are undone

Slättadamm

I'm continually amazed how much climbing can be found around Gothenburg. Just when I feel like I've explored every corner of our fair city I stumble upon rock so obvious it has me questioning my ability to sniff out bouldering. In my defense, I'd inquired about bouldering in this area long ago but was told there was nothing. That's what I get for trusting others to do my scouting for me.

Slättadamm lies within the city and is a 1 minute walk from parking. It can almost be seen from the Tolered bouldering area and offers quite a lot of rock with several good lines. A bit of climbing has been done but there is room for more and I'm sure there is more rock in the area I haven't seen.

Trendens makt

Lars on one of the better lines in the area

Jesper shows his war face

Bethlehem Abortion Clinic