DAY SEVEN

I woke up refreshed this morning after finally having a good sleep on this trip. Last night Lelo, my Brazilian bro, and I had deep conversation about life, love, happiness, and of course, the climbing lifestyle. I really love meeting new people and having good conversation… it is one of my favorite aspects of traveling, I think. It’s so cool to connect with people from all over the world!

Today I was invited to go climbing at a secret undeveloped area with some of the strongest climbers in the South Island. After driving an hour and a half past dark gray mountains and boulders, we arrived at the secret bouldering area: white quartz boulders scattered among the fields. Bizarre. I truly felt like I was on another planet.

We all ran around like little kids, seeking out the good lines. There is so much potential to this place… it’s endless, really. Super inspiring and very motivating. Exactly what I needed.

I had the opportunity to create my own climb, which is always such an amazing feeling. It’s so cool to seek out a beautiful-looking climb and then go through the process to develop the bloc: clean it off, find the holds, and unlock the sequence for the first time… and knowing that you were the first person to ever connect with that rock on that level. Too cool. I called it “Gunga lagunga,.” which is a word I used to use at camp to say thank you to the land.

Near the end of the day my body was pretty trashed and I could barely close my hands. We were all climbing this really cool problem and I kept falling at the last move. My forearms would just completely give up at the end… But my mind wouldn’t: I was determined. Try after try, I was falling at the last move. Either slapping the slopey top or not being able to even move from the last holds. After a good break, I finally unlocked the sequence and let the moves flow. It was a beautiful feeling. Despite my body’s fatigue, I was able to overcome my weakness and let my inner power rage. We called it “Sunray” because an intense sunray appeared as we were climbing this bloc. Magical.

At the end of the day, we were blessed with a vivid rainbow. Thank you, Universe!

Well hello there buddy! We were greeted by the local horses on our way out.

Overall, today was one of the best days I’ve had in New Zealand. I love climbing so much!!!!!!!!

Oh, and in case you were wondering what i've been eating, it's golden kiwis. I ate 20 for lunch yesterday and even more today. They are super tasty and super fresh! Mmmm!!!

Who knows what i'll to tomorrow!? I like being spontaneous.