Surprise!

After over 2 months on the road, I've decided to make my way back to Santa Barbara, rather I've MADE my way back to Santa Barbara. I know what you're thinking. "Why would Micah come home early from paradise?" Yes, the plan was to stay for another month, but with a beautiful girlfriend at home, Stateside work opportunities in the air, and the quickening approach of winter in the Mediterranean, I opted to spend November in Santa Barbara. Not a bad place to be this time of year. The air is crisp and the temps are perfect for climbing and just about everything else outdoors.

So was the trip a success? After putting some thought into it, I can say without a doubt that it was worth every penny spent and every moment missed back home. In 2 months on the road I was able to cover over half my expensed through my work as a chef; eat and experience the food and culture of two ancient countries; learn to make dozens of new dishes; meet people from dozens of countries; hold my breath for longer than I ever have (3:00 minutes); take thousands of photos; spend hours alone in complete silence; and climb harder, higher, and smarter than I ever have.

Speaking of climbing, I tallied up all my ticks for the trip and was pretty stoked to see the totals. Only redpoints are listed below. Add in the dozens of routes I simply got on, one falled (sometimes at the chains), etc and the mileage starts to get pretty large.

5 (up to 5.10a) - 19 (all onsight)
6a (5.10b) - 4 (all onsight)
6a+ (5.10c) - 12 (all onsight)
6b (5.10d) - 10 (all onsight)
6b+ (5.11a) - 5 (3 onsight)
6c (5.11b) - 9 (8 onsight)
6c+ (5.11c) - 10 (9 onsight)
7a (5.11d) - 10 (3 onsight)
7a+ (5.12a) - 2
7b (5.12b) - 2
7b+ (5.12c) - 1

Total sends: 84