Super Kolsai Lakes Weekend

We were able to escape the city for a long weekend out at Kolsai Lakes with some of my awesome friends here. The second night we camped on the shores of the second lake, and it was the night of the "Super Moon," which meant we had some fun and animal spirits were high.

Skiing the Peak of the Soviets (Пик Советов 4317m) + Hiking Big Almaty Peak (3600m)

After gaining about 500 meters from the road, the border guards caught up with us. Luckily, we were 500 meters above the road and a few kilometers away, and the guards were not to anxious to leave their Lada 4x4 or the road. They shouted and whistled at us, but we played deaf until we arrived at the top of the ridge, and at that point we lost sight of them until we would arrive back at the observatory later that evening.

Пик Комсомола (Komsomol Peak) – Part Two: First Descent with Skis On

At this point, I cannot say I was proud about how I skied it, if you want to call it that (I’m still hesitant to call it anything but a “first descent with skis on”).

Пик Комсомола (Komsomol Peak) – Part One: Ascent

Climb Screen Grab On July 26th, 2013, I free-soloed the Northwest Face of Komsomol Peak, which rises 4376 meters (14,357 feet) almost directly above Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Bangkok, I Shit Love You

John and Rosie in front of the Golden Palace The Temples and tourists were positively amazing, but the heat was overwhelming. We walked back to the train, where a very nice lady overheard us speaking in English, and after some conversation, hailed us a tuk-tuk to take us to China Town. We zipped through the city to a place where it's nearly impossible to walk down the sidewalk without bumping into someone, seeing some amazing (and hilarious) things for sale, and getting distracted very quickly.

Deep Water Free Solo – Ton Sai

Closer to the top The second zone we climbed at separated the climbers from the watchers. One of the guides scurried up both of the moderate routes, and then jumped about 12 meters into the water. Everyone in the boat was a little intimidated, but I jumped in the kayak and headed towards the ladder, refreshed from the delicious Thai lunch.