There are hundreds of wonderful stories woven in the final Connect With Smith Rock painting, and while I can't do them all justice, I'm trying to share some of them in my Story Sunday series on Instagram. Here are some of the stories I have collected so far.
November 1st
Here is the first installment of my #StorySunday. "This is how you climb at Smith on Halloween! An inmate and a jazzercise dance instructor poser!" 2013. Well done boys lol!
I've known these two jokesters since I wandered into the OSU climbing gym in 2006. Thanks for all the rad memories guys!
November 8th
Second edition of Story Sunday where I share some details from a photo of my #ConnectWithSmithRock project. Here's one of Cate's stories...
"We snapped this picture on my husband's and my first trip to Smith Rock. We were visiting and climbing with our good friends, Nathan and Claire, who had recently moved to Portland, OR. It was a rude awakening to Smith Rock climbing and the "cajones" and technique required. My ego was shot big time but I have never seen a more scenic climbing area in the US!"
Thank you again to everyone who has contributed!
Cate is also one of the founding members of Crux Crush an incredibly rad climbing blog.
November 15th
Hard to tell it's Smith Rock, but this photo taken of Becca, Amanda and I was an amazing hilarious evening night climbing(that green strap is holding a doll to Becca's back)! Since then, collectively we've wandered the planet a few times, climbed, danced, moved, got married, and had kids to name a few. Congratulations again Becca, Fitz and Tep, may your joy bloom, your laughter grow, and the adventure continue with little Wiley.
Becca and her partner in everything adventure Fitz are responsible for bringing us The Dirtbag Diaries, and Duct Tape Then Beer. If you haven't heard of their work, YOU'RE MISSING OUT!
November 22nd
One of the most incredible and unique weddings I've ever been to! This year my good friends Eric and Gwen were married at sunrise on top of the free standing pillar Monkey Face in Smith Rock State park. Followed by an epic swing, which in my mind guarantees an even more epic future. Thank you both for being an integral part of the community and our lives.
Eric and Gwen are monumental people in the climbing community and the owners of Redpoint climbers supply in Terrebonne Oregon.
November 29th
"Happy feet, happy heart" she says. Amy is what I would call a blissfully happy person with a never-ending tank of good energy! She is a Pharmacist at Westside pharmacy in Bend, trains for enduro races from her home near Smith Rock, and is my Story Sunday pick of the week. Thank you Amy for your endless support and all the wonderful photos you contributed.
Amy ran her first 100 mile enduro this year and has a 50K, 50 mile and 100k on the books for 2016. Get it girl!
December 6th
Having those people in your life that share laughter, advice, and adventure through the full spectrum of experiences are hard to come by. This is my original adventure partner. In 2007 my brother took on his first-ever multi-pitch climb at Smith Rock! Love you bro!
Truly someone I can always count on. This guy is my rock!
December 13th
"The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences." Mikki (Right) quoted Chris McCandless on her first ever multi-pitch! Well done chica! Keep crushing life and congrats again on your promotion!
Mikki was promoted to Sergeant in the U.S. Army shortly before I published this post.
December 20th
Smith Rock wasn't always the sport climbing Mecca it is now. Alan Watts was kind enough to dig through his archive and share some of his stories for my project. I had no idea he hand drew all of the topos in his guidebooks, so cool!
Alan Watts is responsible for putting Smith Rock on the map for rock climbers worldwide and writing the two most recent comprehensive guidebooks. Plus he's a rad guy.
If you have your own Smith Rock story or great memory with one of the rad folks above, please share it in the comments bellow!