Summer Rambling, Amping Up for the Zine Thing

I've been a bit silent with inner ramblings on this blog; getting into a summer writing routine has taken some time. But, I feel like I'm getting it back, settling into a pattern of writing something every morning, the key to the art for me.

This week I've been soaking in the Gunnison Valley summer, and it's hit me, this is it. This is what I live for: good friends, beautiful weather, and re-creation in the outdoors.

I've also been preparing for tomorrow’s “Climbing Zine Thing”, which will take place at the Firebrand in Gunnison at 6:30 p.m. It’s a release party for The Climbing Zine Volume Three. I’ve been frequenting the Firebrand for over a decade and it will be an honor to present there.

Looking through my photos as I’ve put them together for the slideshow, an overwhelming emotion comes over me; I am grateful that I’ve lived this climbing life for so long, and that I am still here to tell the stories of living such an existence.

I am also grateful for my friends that I share these adventures with. The last few years I’ve been trying to let go of my ego more and more, and simply enjoy what happens on a climbing excursion, with an emphasis on safety and friendship with my climbing partners. “If you’re still friends with your climbing partner when you come down, it was a success,” is a quote that has been running through my head a lot lately.

Another prevailing thought that I’ve had while preparing the slideshow is how much I love the climbing lifestyle, and sharing that with my various partners. It’s what I live for, and the climbing life is the greatest thing I’ve found on my 32 years rambling on this planet.

Here are some of the photos from the slideshow I’ll be giving tomorrow. We’d be honored to have you there if you’re in the neighborhood.

Peace, Luke