5.22.10
After a busy semester filled with challenging exams, projects, and homework, I was about ready for a much needed vacation. I decided that the best use of my time off would be spent visiting Jon Newman in Atlanta. The day I arrived, Jon put me to work (but I didn't mind). We roto-tilled his garden, trimmed the bushes, and mowed the lawn. The yard looked great after everyone in the house (Eric, Mel, Jon, and I) chipped in. The next day we headed to Tennessee for some outdoor climbing with some of Jon's friends from Georgia Tech. It was my first time climbing outside (I've only ever climbed indoors) and I absolutely loved it. The rock was very easy to grab and there were so many more options in terms of holds. Not to mention, we spend the whole day outside!
For the next few days, Jon showed me around his lab (I saw the data collection set-up he built!), campus, and other parts of Atlanta. I asked him if we could make some Korean food and he took me to this amazing grocery store called the Buford Highway Farmer's Market. There was a plethora of food; just about any ethnic food you could think up. I kept having flashbacks to my trips to the Peacock grocery store near my apartment in Japan. We picked up some rice cakes, kimchi, hot sauce, and some shrimp for the tteokbokki (say 'toe-poe-key') that we were planning to make. We also decided to buy some wasabi green peas and some other fruits and vegetables. Everything was very reasonable and fresh. Overall, I had a great time and am looking forward to Jon's next Ithaca visit!
We are now entering Foster Falls, Tennessee.
View of Foster Falls
A Little Closer
Jon and his lab-mate Ming.
Jon insisted on rocking the bridge!
Jeff, Dustin, Niko, and Jon looking for the perfect location to start climbing.
This is the spot...
...and this is the route.
Ming, Jeff, Dustin and Jon getting the ropes ready for the day ahead of us.
Ming is the first to go up. In climbing lingo, you would say 'she was leading the route'. It is called lead climbing because you are the first one to go up the route, and thus, it is your job to attach the rope to a clip at the top of the route for the subsequent climbers. Because it was my first time, I stayed away from the lead climbing and only climbed up if the rope was already tied in at the top of the route. For this reason, it is known as 'top-roping'.
Here I am, getting ready to climb my first outdoor route.
You can't see the rope above me, but Ming has complete control on the ground below. If I fall the rope that is attached to the top of the route will hold my weight.
Coming Down
I was so impressed with Niko after he spent almost one hour trying to lead climb this very difficult route. After much persistence, he finally made it to the top. We all cheered!
Jon, Ming, and Dustin all climbing at the same time. Before Dustin, I had a chance to climb up the route on the far right. It was rated as a 5.9! According to Wikipedia, "Class 5 is considered true rock climbing, predominantly on vertical or near vertical rock, and requires skill and a rope to proceed safely." The rock climbing rating system typically starts with 5.2 and ends around 5.15.
High five! (Ming and Dustin)
Jon was the last one left.
Me, Ming, Dustin, and Jeff are happily tired after a long, fun day of climbing at Foster Falls (Jon is still up at the top of the route and Niko is taking the picture).
Jon climbing Ming's indoor bouldering wall. Jon and Ming built this so they could practice during the winter.
