fire at the lake

Recently was down playing with poi and doing some yoga lakeside with a few friends. Here are some 'snaps'.

My journal writing has somewhat tapered off recently. Especially with the fact that I am a little stressed out by this move. While the majority of people use their journals and diaries as an escape, or another 'ear' to listen to their grievances.... I can not. My journal is usually filled with page upon page of lists, random events, simple mutterings, and general fluff. It's as if by filling my journals with the mundane, I am able to express through my letters to friends and family the greatness of each day.

That has always been the one thing that has greatly saddened me with the 'golden age' of technology. Although I did not grow up in an era that predates computers, I can't help but love the feeling of a handwritten letter from a long lost friend. When was the last time you walked to your mail box, pulled out a letter addressed to you, and stopped on your lawn or your driveway and just sat down to read it. Relishing in the moments of remembrance and happiness. Even the saddest of letters is most treasured in my home.

Last friday I went to a friends football game. The second time in my life I have ever gone to a high school football game to watch the coach and not the team. It's funny how different the whole high school football scene is down here compared to back home. I always thought of the 'Dirty South' as being pro-football everything. Back home the high school football stands are always packed. Even the small schools will always have full stands, and it's usually LOUD!!!. Oh yeah... and we usually try and make lots of noise when the opposing team is kicking off... not our own. I thought I was sitting in the wrong section when I heard all of the parents going nuts as their team tried to kick a field goal. Weird. :)

Alright.. this was random and I know it, so... I am going to go meet my realtor in half an hour and hope that this house sells as soon as possible... and at a good price of course!

End of the Road, start of a new road trip.

I just recently separated from the Navy (oct 23rd) and I am finalizing all of the little nitty gritty stuff around here before I move up to Boulder Colorado. My mom said she would be willing to come down and join me for the drive, I am looking forward to this road trip across the southeast.... Might be kinda like the trip across the northern states that we did.... twice.

If you are in the Augusta area and want to get any last minute plans together please call me or email me. I expect to be leaving the area around nov 11th.


As all things must come to an end, so must things have a new beginning. I am sitting here in front of my computer contemplating all of the changes that are set to take place in the future, and I can't help but cling to memories of the past. A part of me feels as if I am just on extended leave, and tomorrow or the next day I will polish my boots, throw on my uniform and drive in to work. It's almost lonely without that part of me anymore. I know that there will always be that unspoken fraternity between myself and everyone who has ever served, however, I am no longer a 'living' part of it. There is something to be said for the grand celebrations of graduations, marriages, significant birthdays, and other life changing events. At least with that grand hooplah one gets the sense of closure and enlightment all wrapped up in one extravagant night. I am not sure whether or not a large celebration for my seperation from the Navy would be most suitable for the occasion, however there is something to be said for the general acceptance of it being the end. It's still really hard for me to accept that that was that.... there is no more. I am not so much tearful over my 'release' nor fearful of the future, as much as melancholy over memories. Although my overall experience was fun, the last 2 years have been wonderful. I have been so many places, met so many incredible people, and ended up in a job that was perfectly tailored for me. Now I am left to sitting in front of my computer beyond my usual bedtime (no stress about enough sleep for tomorrow) thinking about such mundane things as "where can i find the cheapest gas now, how am I going to put my hair up, can i just wear the same clothes for the next week and will anyone notice?". It is a truly humbling experience, and it might be some time before I realize whether or not I have come to any self affirmations or grand conclusions about life.

I hope this road trip can at least usher in the new chapter....

As it is in all of my journals, the last pages of this 'chapter' will be left blank, a deep seated desire to truly never finish something, as if the thought of remaining something incomplete means that all of those involved will keep me in their minds. As if that thought of 'finishing' also symbolizes a finalizing of our friendship.

Anthony Shoals

Went climbing recently back up at Anthony Shoals along the Broad River. Here are some of the pics I took on that trip. Featured Climbers are Ant and Tony.







This final picture is following the one top out I had all day, and it was an easy problem. I had just spent the previous day up in Columbia at the climbing gym for 4 hours.

'Swamp Rocks'

On a tip from Ant, Tony took us out to this new project area, for now termed 'Swamp Rocks'.

Running the Augusta Canal Overflow

It's been hard to do any sort of whitewater kayaking down here with this region in a supposed 'drought'. Although recently thanks to a tip off from my 'bro' we were able to run down and catch the last remnants of the overflow from the Canal. Supposedly the day before it was running about a foot and a half high ( near edges ) , the next day when we go there it was running a scrape-able sliding 9 inches in the center, by the time we left 2 hours later it was down to a small trickle.

Stevens Creek and Turkey Creek

I was down hiking thr0ugh the junction with Stevens Creek and Turkey creek in South Carolina looking for some river info. Like where the gauge for flow level is etc.. and I snapped the following pictures. They were so beautiful I thought I should share them. The following, all though a somewhat boring movie by 'action' standards.... is what it was like during the whole hike, birds singing, the soft trickle of the creek below, a gentle mist following the rain storm... Film just does not capture it well.

Poi with Smudge

Recently went down to the lake to practice fire poi with a new friend "Smudge". Here are some pics from our escapade.

about 2 months

I have about 2 months left in Georgia. Time to cram in all of those trips and things that I haven't done up to this point!! Want to join me??? I am gladly taking anyone and everyone.

Cya out there!

Nic

upcoming BURN

I have been contacted to perform at an upcoming event. I would like to have a small fire conclave there to help with everything, sooooo here it goes.. if you know how to or are interested in learning any of the following, please contact me so we can get this set up.

*Fire eater
*fire fans/fingers
*Fire whips/snakes/swords

I have one person who might be able to perform with nunchuckas, but if there is someone else who is willing to have a 'mock combat' performance with them... He would be more then happy.

Anyways.. Get ahold of me ASAP, the first small performance is the end of August at Clarks Hill Lake on the SC Beach next to the Strom Thurmond Dam.... Everyone is welcome to come!!!

Cascade creek, Tye RIver, Baker Creek

Decisions, decisions, decisions, I wish it didn't have to be so hard. Right now I am trying to plan out the next year. Not an easy feat considering the upcoming move to Boulder. I have a tenative polar job lined up, 6 months away locked in a steel box in harsh weather conditions.. psssshh.... been there!! I think the food would actually be better this time around.

Anyways there is a 'job' offer for me next summer to go work as a camp host at the Turn Point Light Station, which if I am going to be driving from Boulder through the Rockies.. stopping over in Omak and heading up to the island... I might just pack up the whitewater kayaks, grab mom and Jeff to act as my support crew, rustle up a handful of boaters and tackle one of the above creeks/rivers.

I first spotted Cascade Creek when driving over HWY 20. It kept peeking at me through the trees, little snippets of tempting glacier fed whitewater splashing it's way through boulder gardens and dense tundra. What frightened me... is what i couldn't see from the road or through the trees. Of course I searched and searched for what creek this was and finally found the relevant beta on www.americanwhitewater.org. Where of course, I was slightly turned off by the following comment which was posted last year.

"Do not run this stretch of water!!!! Full of log jams and debris. A friend and I attempted this area on August 10, 2006. We ended up losing our boat and all of our gear. I was pulled under a log jam for about 30 seconds and managed to climb out. We had to hike 2 miles through thick wilderness to the bridge on road 1550. This stretch of water is UNPASSABLE. Do not attempt!!!!"

Maybe I will have to be Cascade Creek on the back burner for now, or at least until I get a little bit more beta on it.

Moving on to the TYE, a pulse pounding creek that 'D' from River Recreation tipped me to when rafting down the Wenatchee with them. Although the rapids and large drops look significantly bigger then what I could see of Cascade Creek, I am at least a little more at peace of mind due to the nearby roads that parallel the creek. My biggest worry, only from looking at the beta, is a 'rapid' called CRACK IN THE EARTH, http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Photo_detail_photoid_4755_
I might be making up demons in my head... or maybe not facing the right ones... still... There is something exciting about planning all of this.

River Rafting on the Wenatchee

**All names associated with RIVER RECREATION are omitted or changed for privacy**
Recently took my mom and Jeff on a little whitewater rafting adventure down the Wenatchee. I chose River Recreation because of the reviews I read about their services on line.

They did a fantastic job!!!

All of the guides we had did a wonderful job at navigating us through the river and making sure we saw a fair share of the water find it's way into the boat. At one point our guide D had me get on the front of the raft and do a little bit of rodeo amongst this beautiful 7ft wave train. A gorgeous series of roughly 3 waves stacked one after the other, and there I am with only a little bit of rope and my 'balls' holding me in the boat.

All in all it was definitely worth it, and if anyone is planning on rafting any of the North Cascades rivers, I would highly recommend contacting these guys, everything about them is what one would expect of a high quality business. Maybe next season I will see them on the Skagit, or I might have to hit them up for the newest beta on Cascade Creek. My next BIG QUEST!!!.

Here is a few more pics from the trip.

Nic trying to eat B's hair. A game of 'trust'. I won.


Some of the rapids under the bridge.... like to slam you into a pole... not so good... D kept us out of trouble though :)
and finally... a pic of me and mom on the river.




For reservations or further information, please contact RIVER RECREATION at
http://www.riverrecreation.com/
or call 1-800-464-5899

here i gone again

It's been a while since i have done a burn... here I am spinning the rust off the chains.


Self Portrait - 26 June 2007

Pollards Corner

A new small little set of Boulders I discovered after a Swim. only a handful of problems... but worth stopping if you are driving by anyways.

if you want to see a full listing, please visit www.rockclimbing.com and search on STATE - GEORGA - AREA GEORGIA SOUTH - AREA POWELLS CORNER.

and on that note.. here is a little vid taking a short tour around the boulders after I sent a few routes.

id your kayak roll!

for those of you that need some help id'ing exactly what kind of kayak roll you do, i present the following video. Also if you are interested in learning how to roll, contact myself or the August Canoe and Kayak club.




if you are searching on youtube/google video this gentlemen has several very informative kayak rolling videos. user: speusa

another great production from petzl

Upcoming Tallulah River Gorge Release

Hope this wets your appetite.....

Looking for people to develop

We are planning another trip out to the Clarks Hill WMA climbing area, this area is in serious need of development. If you are willing to come out and help please contact me ASAP! either through this site, through email (mtthumper@gmail.com) or by phone, 706-267-8808.

Stay Green.
Nic

Shaking Rock

This is a REALLY great place to go climbing in the local area. There is enough boulder problems here that one could easily spend more then the day that we did. A lot of the rock and the problems are similar to it's cousins in Boat Rock a few hours to the west. Most of the boulders are located within the first walk up area, with a handful scattered out in the woods. The boulders out in the woods however have the marks of some dynamite handiwork.

Here is a short video clip of Tony at one of the very first boulders inside the gate of the park.

Picnic

I need all of the guides to send me in their RSVP's on whether or not they will be able to help support the games and festivities at the picnic this year. Supposedly the plan is for the 24th of May at the Softball field. Go figure, I guess the park isn't good enough for the likes of them.

Alright, this limits our options, probably have to rent the rock wall again this year and no kayaking. But we can play BALL!!! or.... tow the kayaks in a wicked race. What fun would that slip n' slide be. tee hee hee hee..... I personally will be photographing as the charlie oscar ends up at the end of the run in flipped kayak.

Anyways, please contact me asap!!! Oh yeah and happy climbing/hiking/camping and what have you.

PS. can every one let me know if they are interested in a Deliverance 2?

Our big fat georgian woody!!

This last weekend with the help of Tom and Tony we put up a woody in the backyard.


The first problem came with how could we safely bolt the panel to the tree providing support, but also allowing us to remove it when we go to move. After much deliberation with the folks at Lowes we came up with the following Idea. We used lag bolts, drilled them into the tree attached to a starter board. Now I was worried about drilling into the trees that it might kill the trees.



We recently had to pay a company to come remove a very tall pine that had died in our backyard, and it created a great inconvenience. After talking to the plant people and the carpentry people we agreed that 2 lag bolts per tree, spaced more then 3 feet a part should not harm the tree.

We installed the lag bolts and starter boards and framed a 4x8 panel of 3/4 plywood. Then we attached the panel to the two starter boards using decking brackets on the backside of the panel. on the right side of the panel we attached the brackets to the outside of the 2x4 frame, but since the left side of the panel extended past the tree we put in an extra cross support and used this to attach to the starter board using the same decking brackets. We went ahead and installed the whole panel and starter boards roughly 2 feet from the ground.


The first panel was the hardest to set up and get in the right spot. At the same time we started framing the second panel, drilling the 6x6in grid for the holds in both panels and attaching the relevant hardware. Although I should have drilled holes in the first panel before I mounted it, I am glad I didn't, especially since we had to make a few minor adjustments with the starter board support on the back of the panel that would have interfered with a few of the bolt holes. At the same time we should have installed the T-nuts, but alas, hindsight is 20/20. While building the second panel we installed 2 eye bolts with locking nuts into the top corners of the panel, with the eye on the backside of the panel, and attached a non locking carabiner clip to the eye bolt.

We then installed 3 heavy duty door hinges on to the bottom side of the panel so that the pin was resting on the outside of the panel. We wanted it to eventually angle down when the top panel was opened up.


Approximatetly 4 feet up from the top of the bottom panel I drilled a hole in the side of both of the trees, attached an eye bolt, and looped the chain around the tree and used the eye bolt as a catch to prevent the chain from slipping down the tree. We secured the chain at it's tightest with a locking chain clasp/closure. we then used the chains and their supports, attached some tow straps, and hoisted the second panel into place. This is where it definitely was helpful to have two extra sets of hands. Due to the angle of the top panel we needed it to lay nearly flat so that I could access the hinges and screw them in to the bottom panel. This completed we attached the chains to the carabiners on the back of the panel.

This completed, we started to install the holds. A long and tedious process, especially due to the fact that some of the holds used hex wrenches to tighten others used various other tools. Which we just happened to have hiding in Tom's Bike tool kit. It took almost 2 hours for us to install the holds, which we didn't put all 50 of them in. But come nightfall, we hung a lantern behind us and proceeded to test out our new woody!!





Here is a picture of the finished product! We purposely built it where we did because of the possibility of expanding it. There just happens to be a set of 3 trees in an L shape in this corner, two of which we used to build this section. The third is in the corner where the two fences meet, which happens to be blocked out by the woody.





At the same time, Tom also built a canted campus board and hung it off the deck so now we have a great training board that we can use whenever we feel like. This was also designed to be portable, and we can chuck it into the moving wagon when we go to move. If anyone would like some help designing or building their own woody feel free to contact me at mtthumper@gmail.com.

Ring of Fire

Let me start out by saying in no way shape or form do I believe that I will accomplish the following feat in the next few years. It's something that I will hope will take a little bit of time and that I can tick off one by one.

My goal is to hike all of the major volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest, an endevour that I have named "The Ring of Fire". Which is of course only a small section of the true Ring of Fire. Anyways, I look at it like this, I have already been on Mt Shasta and Mt Baker, the two ends of the range and I guess I should start filling in the middle. Most of these mountains were literally in my backyard and they became landmarks or monuments of my life.


There are a handful of lesser peaks that at the moment I don't plan on putting on my list but one day I might decide to go ahead and do the easy hike up them. As for this summer, I am looking into hiking one of the following mountains..



Mt Adams














Glacier Peak,












Mt Jefferson or maybe one or another.
















I have one hell of a training program set up right now, and if anyone wants to join me at the gym or on one of my outdoor workouts, you are always welcome, I could use the motivation :).

Alright, I will keep you all updated on the 'Mountain of Choice' and my progress. till later... CHEERS!!!

command picnic

The Navy command picnic is coming up and we have been asked again this year to help provide stuff for them. Do you have any ideas thoughts or suggestions? let us know... either post it as a comment here or shoot us an email at either oaforever@gmail.com or mtthumper@gmail.com.

We are hoping to push them into having it at North Augusta Park so that we can do some climbing, some hiking, some bigger games and bring the kayaks back out. Let me know if you support this!!!

I will be in the area till October!!

Ok we are getting OA up and running, everyone send me your info... I will be pushing this hard till october/november if you are willing o hang on for the ride!!

Riverview Climbing

Recently we have been cleaning Dynamite wall at Riverview. The weather has been so-so and every time we get down there to clean all of the mud and grit off, the rain comes washing down from above and brings with it a whole new coating for us to get out there and scrub off. yippee. well this picture is from a recent trip down there to show some people that are new to the area a few of the hidden secrets that we have tucked in under most peoples noses.

Pictured : Nic in arrested rappel off of Wasp
Photo Credit: Evonn O'Neill


anyways, a few of us are always climbing at either riverview, stevens creek or the canal. just call and see where we are. Also this Thursday (the 22nd) to the 28th we will be doing a camping and kayaking trip in northern georgia. so if you feel like stopping by over the weekend, for you day workers, feel free to come and visit, we will have everything to keep you comfy and happy.. .and of course a hot pot of coffee... CHEERS!

Nic

Riverview - South Carolina quarry bouldering

This is a short clip taken during a recent session down at the local crag. This route (believed to be called Milkiti) is one that several of us have been working on. it diverges at the top to follow a few different routes, names unknown at this time. I need some help in creating a map of the area, so if anyone knows any of the route names please let me know!!


this is a clip of Tony on the final moves of Wasp on the Dynamite Wall.

ok not OA but for the Warramunga family

alright... this is for the Warramunga Family.... OA people... skip down to the next entry good stuff!!

Jan 27th Update of events

Here is your update for January 27, 2007

We are planning out this years’ calendar, at least the big events. So if you have any suggestions on where or when feel free to drop a line anytime. Also we are on the lookout for people that are willing to act as guides this year. If you are interested please, PLEASE, PLEASE get in contact with us, as of right now there are no qualifications to be a guide. We are actually setting up a ‘training program’ for interested guides. Certification (possible free) through major organizations, to include but not limited to First Aid CPR, Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Master etc…

Right now on the tentative Outdoor Adventures Calendar we have:

* A trip to Atlanta bouldering areas and outdoor gear stores sometime in the next 2 weeks, along with another one in February, March, and April.

* a 3 or 4 day Toccoa Kayaking and Camping trip planned for April

* a 3 day and a 2 day Chattooga whitewater rafting trip for June,

* a skydiving trip in May, June and July

* a wildflower hike in April

* An overnight Congaree Swamp trip.

* An overnight Savannah Forts and islands trip.

* and of course a few overnight camping trips scattered throughout.

Some other events to plan ahead for the months of February - March.

Feb 03 2007, Winter Challenge Adventure Race in Springfield South Carolina.

Feb 10 2007, Bear Creek Mock Race, Bear Creek Campground.

March 02-03, Goldrush 24 Adventure Race, Woodstock Georgia

March 03 The Azalea Festival Century Bike Ride, Lake Park Georgia

March 03, Thrill in The Hills, Fort Yargo State Park Winder Georgia

March 03, Palmetto Swamp Fox – Awendaw South Carolina

March 10^th STW Navigation Clinic, McCormick South Carolina

March 17^th Mungadai Adventure Challenge, Columbia South Carolina

March 17^th Run for the Children 5k/ 1mile fun run/walk, Canton Georgia

March 24-25 Checkpoint Zero Adventure Race, Helen Georgia

March 24 Georgia Flatwater series – Lula Bridge Race , Lake Lanier Georgia

March 31 Georgia Flatwater Series – Canoochee River Race, Canoochee River

And on that note I will leave you with this beautiful picture of Half Dome in Yosemite California.

Redefined routes at SC Quarry

It's prime climbing season in the southeast again boys and girls. I hope you are getting your shoes and gear out and used!! Recently we went back down to the quarry to clean holds and do some climbing. All the while getting together with some new friends and generally having a good time.

Right now all I can give you is a picture from then, I am still awaiting the video upload. Check back shortly for updates

call to arms

Alright, boys and girls, since I am back and still shaking off the sand from the Persian Gulf... I am sending an all call out to all those that are interested in restarting up the Outdoor Adventures program. I want to get the permits in for certain things etc.. etc.. but I need to have an idea of what everyone is interested in. So if you could, please email me at mtthumper@gmail.com and lets get the ball rolling on this. I am up for anything!! and if I can't do it due to time constraints... I know a handful of people that would love to set up something for you. Anyways... yeah... drop a line or give me a call.. you all know my number! if not... 267-8808. CHEERS!!!

I am back!!!

I am back from the Middle East and ready to start up the new Outdoor Adventures... but to wet your whistle and for my new friends from down under, here are a few photos from my excursions over there! I will keep adding to these everyday, so that way I know my Warramunga family is getting a chance to see them!