A fun thing about climbing is all the people we meet. It is common to go to an area - even out of the country - and see people we know from home. And it is super fun to meet new people as well. Here in Potrero, it is especially easy to do this since climbers are generally found in a small area near the walls.
Not only are the people fun, but the dogs are as well. (Yes, that is me, the dog-chicken saying that). Take Scout for instance. He is an 11 year old Jack Russell Terrier whose home is in Canada, just north of Spokane, WA. This dog LOVES to fetch a stick and return it. Dave threw the stick so many times, and Scout returned it so many times that the dog was limping after a while. This didn't dissuade the dog - he didn't want to stop. I thought they should stop before the dog keeled over dead of a heart attack.See how Scout is draped over Becky's shoulders? This is the way they hiked! Given the man-eating (and dog eating evidently) pit bull en route to the wall, Ian, her companion says putting Scout on her neck is like putting bacon on her jugular.
Then there is Doofy - Dane Bass' - dog. She is a two year old cattle dog of some sort that Dane got near Chihuahua, Mexico. This dog LOVES to chase the frisbee. She can catch it in mid-air and return it. When she brings it back, she drops it on the ground so one can pick it up and throw it again. If she drops it a couple of feet in front of the thrower, the thrower need only say "I can't reach it" and she picks up and deposits the frisbee at the thrower's feet. She does this though it seems apparent that she knows the thrower is just being lazy and could very well pick up the slobbery frisbee! Very cute dog for sure.
An interesting character we met while here is Bob. Bob (maybe his last name is Harper) lives in Paris now though he originally is from the U.S. He started climbing in the Gunks decades ago and is still cranking. The day we took his photo (as he enjoyed a glass of wine) he'd flashed (completed the climb on first try, no hangs, no falls) a climb he'd has his eyes on. It is rated 5.10c which isn't a walk in the park! The best part of the story is that this same day Bob was celebrating his birthday, he turned 76. I know 50 year olds, hell - 30 year olds - who dream of being in such good shape to be able to climb this hard!
A constant companion while dining at the Posada (and a visitor to our front porch) was a beautiful gray-haired, green-eyed kitty. She ate ANYTHING. French fry? No problem. Avocado? Yummy. Fish? INSANITY!!!! And she is playful cat too - though her razor sharp nails made it hard to wrestle with her. We both are sporting some claw marks from our slowness in getting away from her cat-play.
In the Posada eating one night, in walked some friends from Boulder. We had dinner with them a few times, and one of their friends from Salt Lake City - Kim. All very nice people who ensured some really interesting conversation. Kim was especially fun. He posts on Supertopo.com occasionally. He introduced us to his 17 year old son - via his son's blog. Check out this kid's artwork at: http://millersforpetessake.blogspot.com/. I really love the watercolor stuff.Kim and his family live near the City of Rocks in Idaho. Next time we're out in that direction climbing, we'll definitely visit with them.
We spent several morning and one dinner at Homero's across the street. Homero (in cowboy hat) and Milton (in white t-shirt) are great fun and make a yummy breakfast. Milton spent 10 years in the Houston area where he went to high school and worked for UPS. He's interesting to talk with.
One of our trips into town, we thought we'd be funny and take a photo next to a man-like thing in front of a pharmacy. I walked up to it and turned for a photo - just at it moved! I nearly peed myself. We didn't realize a man was inside of the suit at all. Super funny!
On another trip into town, we picked up some food at the market. I like Mexican markets - they have FOOD in them. No other stuff to clutter up the store. Easy to make decisions and get in and out. And none of those @#$@#!$$ self-checkers. Those things make me SO angry...
And look at the photo of the kooky character in found in Mexico - the one drinking a Sol beer. Look at the size of that beer - and what it's done to that poor fellow! Haha!
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