Looking Back at 2016
The year is already almost over. It's been a crazy whirlwind. As per usual, I end the year with a recap of highlights documenting the new experiences and adventures I had, as well as new momentous decisions I made throughout the year.
And, as usual, I'm going to write a bit about all that has been happening. Because all my friends know that a lot happened for me this year.
In my 2015 recap I mentioned that it was a "year of firsts, and a year of extreme growth — in both climbing and as a person". And well, 2016 really built upon that. Long story short, I started the year feeling pretty down and demoralized with some personal circumstances. Things weren't going so hot, so I started trying to climb harder to deal with my stress. And just as luck would have it, I tore my A4 in my left ring finger... at the gym, nonetheless.
What a big bummer. It wasn't even outdoors on a badass climb. I remember feeling absolutely defeated in the days after, sitting at the gym with my friends asking,
"Why aren't you climbing?" or "When do you think it will be better?"
I could barely use my finger to pick up my phone without it hurting, let alone get on the wall! It was going to be a while before I could climb again and months before I could get off climbing on jugs.
It was at that point I decided I needed to pour my time into other hobbies and other goals. I started doing more workouts, going out on photography trips, and hiked more (which then led into camping and backpacking, also exciting!)
All of which snowballed into all that has happened in the past half year or so. And what can I say? I owe all of these new experiences and opportunities to my f'ed up finger.
Through a series of events, this year I:
Went on a road trip to Utah's National Parks (a trip I've been wanting to do for over a year now)
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Hiked Angel's Landing and the Narrows:
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Visited a friend in Chicago:
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Camped in Yosemite for the first time:
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Hiked to Glacier Point from the valley floor:
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Biked through Yosemite Valley under the supermoon and took this shot:
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Backpacked in 20 degree weather for the first time, partially through snow (snow was fun, the cold at night was not)
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Went on a lot of hiking trips:
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Yosemite during Autumn... beautiful.
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Hiking but itching to climb:
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Went on a trip to Socal and hit up Universal Studios and whole bunch of delicious food places:
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More photo adventures:
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Explored new areas with old friends:
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Camped and Hiked thru Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:
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Did more climbing photography:
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Lost 20 pounds (this was a goal of mine for 2016!)
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Went on nighttime/sunrise photography adventures
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Got some of my designs on Gate 11 (Pst pst, go buy one!)
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Went to Vegas+Red Rocks
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I also got a few more photography gigs, and on top of everything, I started a new job in IT.
So it's been a hell of a ride. And about 8 months after the injury, my finger has finally recovered and I'm feeling stronger than I did before. With all that's happening as of recently, free time is precious and limited, but the year ended up being pretty great and I know the upcoming year will be interesting for sure with more trips and projects in the works!
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Also, much thanks to my 56 followers! I started this blog last year to document my adventures and never would have thought I'd have people who'd want to read about them. Thank you guys.
Stay tuned everyone for 2017, and climb on.
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