So after taking the lead climbing course last week, Anju and I were stoked to take our practice test while everything was fresh in our minds. We decided on Tuesday and made sure that there would be someone at CragX who could test us. We were riding on a wave of stoke to take another step closer to completing our goal. What we didn’t count on was me getting sick. Like not just sick for a couple days where we could go some other time this week, sick as in it took me out for a full week and it was not a fun time. Since I wasn’t able to eat anything, my strength was completely wiped out. I felt so bad not only for myself (in my current state) but for letting my partner down! I had a fear of this during the course or the test but not because I was sick! I still can’t believe it.
Needless to say I did no training or reading or really anything this week. Just a whole lot of sleeping and trying to keep hydrated. The one thing I did do, was cuddle up with our cat and rewatch some climbing videos from Red Bull TV. For those who don’t know, Red Bull TV is a fantastic resource for all kinds of sports with a variety of films, movies and short clips. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not at all into energy drinks and haven’t had a Red Bull for about 8 years but Red Bull has done some great work with athletes and filmmakers. The show that is my ultimate favourite is called Reel Rock. Each episode is about different climbers, alpinists and mountaineers in a variety of environments with incredible objectives. Which episode is my favourite you ask? Well, I’d have to say its a two-parter called Dodo’s Delight (Season 3 Episode 2 & 3). It’s about a couple humorous climbers sailing through the Arctic sea to find some epic big-wall climbing on Baffin Island. These episodes are hilarious, jaw-dropping, and suspenseful. They’re also the first episodes I ever saw of the series so there is definitely some nostalgia there.
There are 7 seasons of Reel Rock, so plenty to watch and the episodes are only about 20-25 minutes each on average. The stories and goals are inspiring and always get me excited for my next objective. I highly recommend this series for any kind of climber or adventurer, even if only to watch when sick and at home.
It’s the Dodo’s Delight, It’s the Dodo’s Delight
Shining bright in blue and white, It’s the Dodo’s DelightWell there’s Sully on his squeezebox, Nico on his mandolin
Dodo’s Delight
And Sean here with my whistle, the spoons are plated by Fin
So tell me what’s the menu, where the concerts on tonight
In the middle of the ocean on the Dodo’s Delight!
I didn’t feel like posting a quote this week as I didn’t feel like any of my favourites really spoke to me. Instead I’m sharing a piece of the song from the Dodo’s Delight. If you’d like to listen or watch, you can do so here. It’s a fun little tune and it’s pretty catchy.
Shared by Shaun Grech through Youtube
