So, my friend Lisa is always telling me that there's so much to Mill Creek, and really, I've never really gotten it. I mean, I pretty much just go to the Wicked Crag, and it doesn't seem all the extensive. So where was all this fabled climbing? Well, as it turns out, EVERYWHERE. We spent the last couple of days exploring lower Mill Creek, which is home to huge bands of rock on either side of the creek, many of them stretching over 300 feet. We rappelled in and checked out some of the multi-pitch climbs. They're stunning. Lower angle than the wicked crag, so perfect for, say, rope soloing on days when you feel like being alone. You're up off the ground, which makes for a more exotic experience. You're at elevation, so the air is cold and clean. There's 5.10s, 5.11s, 5.12s, maybe some 5.13s (I'm not sure. I'm still learning stuff about this area). Most of the routes were bolted on lead, so they tend to be a bit run-out and not made for the timid, but luckily it's easy to toprope since you approach from the top. The dogs seemed to enjoy hanging out on the rim and peering over the edge at us far below, their legs spread wide and locked in a solid stance. There's numerous jutting diving boards of flat, black sandstone, sticking out over the canyon and perfect for sunbathing. It's basically a simply beautiful place, and I can't believe I hadn't been there sooner. It really made me not want to leave Moab. I mean, I could just "move" to lower Mill Creek for the summer and avoid the heat of town....

But alas, I had made arrangements elsewhere, so off I went. Yesterday I did the twelve hour drive from Moab to San Diego and now here I am. I'm hanging with my good friend Cory Richards and tomorrow I'm going to the prAna headquarters to see how it all gets done. I'm REALLY excited about that!! As for my dog, he's really excited to check out the ocean for his first time, so we're off the get a little salt-water bath.

Cheers.