Gross National Happiness
We put so much focus on work and money sometimes. Why can't we have something like Bhutan's new measure of wellbeing, Gross National Happiness? Doesn't it sound glorious?
Apologies for being under the radar recently. You see, BF and I played hooky took a vacation for a few days. We went climbing in Arizona.
The sky is amazingly blue, isn't it? And the limestone cliffs of The Pit, which is just outside Flagstaff, are in the sun all day long. See all those holes, or huecos, in the rock? Plenty good for pullng on.
Butterfly remains in one of the huecos. A reminder of the fragility of life.
I like to randomly click the button on the camera while hiking. This is one of my favorites, from walking through grass on the way back to the parking lot.
Evidence of fall everywhere in Arizona. The canyon was alternately greens, yellows, oranges, and reds.
Limestone cliffs in Jacks Canyon, some 30 miles south of (Standing in the Corner of) Winslow, Arizona. Note the first 5 feet off the ground where water cut into the cliffs long, long ago.
The abrupt weather changes from sunny to cloudy to sprinkly all weekend made for spectacular pictures.
Climbing-wise, I lead all the 10s and 11s, and completed a 12 that BF put up for me. In other words, I am on-track to doing a 12 this year. We made a campfire every night, talked about future climbing trips, read from each other's books and discussed the significance of wet wipes, down booties, and headlamps. All in all, a wonderful vacation.
And happy to be home, clean, and warm again!
nice photos. nice weather. it poured rain the entire weekend here in the northeast. i'm jealous.
Beautiful! Looks like you guys had a great trip. Glad to see it!
Yeah, those wetwipes just don't cut it, do they. Nothing beats a hot shower.
Beautiful pics, as always. I need to start climbing again. My arms and back are sloppy pasta.
I may be up in your area on the 22nd, what'll you be up to?
Wow, beautiful! I want to go on vacation again..
That sounds and looks like a nearly perfect vacation. I think I will try the random picture-taking while hiking the next time I am out.
Fall in Flag is the best, isn't it? I worked in Phoneix for about a year and a half and got up to Flagstaff as often as I could. It's beautiful country.
It's been so long since I've done any climbing that I didn't think I would do it again, but you've been so inspiring that I'm thinking of bringing my harness and shoes back with me next time I go to DC. My crappy little gym has a climbing wall where I could get a little indoor practice.
I can't believe you're climbing 11's outdoors - I have no doubt you'll make 12's. Personally I'm hoping to start with a nice safe 9!
Climb on!
BEAUTIFUL.
thank you so much for sharing, living in a city makes you forget such beauty exists.
hi MJ! WOW what a great vacation... you and BF sure know how to relax :) I didn't have your email, but yes i got that pattern book from the library! thank you so much for mentioning it on your blog. So I am gonna start mirebella socks soon! its on MY LIST ;) and I have cotton angora dying to be knit as Liesel!