Yosemite Fall '09 (Part Two)

I fear the time has come... snow has started to descend. Although many of us will have to wait until next season to send some of our projects, there were many great ascents this fall. The good news is that now that finals are over and my break has officially begun I have been able to compile a brief summary of some of the events from this fall. This video unfortunately is lacking; it neither contains all of the great events nor all of the great people.

Yosemite Fall '09 (Part Two) from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

As with any closing door, another opens. After spending xmas with some of the fam, I will make the pilgrimage to Hueco for the first time, albeit a brief trip :)

Stay tuned...

Lensbaby Photos

Hey all, I'm going to be submitting two photos to Lensbaby, and if Lensbaby likes them then I get my pics published in their book (cool) and then I get a free copy of their book (cooler). Sooo... here are some pics below that I'm thinking of submitting, and to the right is a poll I'd like you to take, letting me know which ones you like. You can pick multiple pictures (no limit to number). This will give me a better idea about which pics I should submit. Thanks peeps. Update: Since I forgot "Purple Flowers" in the poll... there is another poll to the right... if you like that pic click yes... I'll work out the math later. Thanks.

Pollen Bug


Daisy After a Rain


Pink Flower Field


Windy Daisies


Purple Flowers


White Flower


Unfolding


Purple on Dark


White Star Flower


Beach


Drops on Cactus


Yellow Feather


Justin Climbing


Mammoth


Blue Feather


The Mission


Weird Stick Thing


Little Yellow Flower


Daisy Field

Yosemite Fall '09 (Part One)

Although I couldn't imagine having a bad weekend in Yosemite, this past weekend stood out among the rest. Not only did I get to hang out with THE Peter Newman (always a huge pleasure), but this weekend was the first bouldering trip I have had with my close friend Shannon since last Thanksgiving and early December when we went to Bishop together. Shan had a rough year and took a large chunk of time off from climbing. She is now offically back, in shape and crushing. Although I think she still could have sent without Justin Timberlake, JT was psychin' us up all weekend long. Shan it's so nice to have you back climbing... it just hasn't been the same without you.

Yosemite Fall '09 (Part One) from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

South Africa Part Twelve: The Comeback

Alright so I've been back from South Africa for over a month now and I still have lots of videos to post. I apologize for not having any current videos. I think we've spent the last 2 or 3 weekends in the valley which has been awesome and I've purposely left the camera for fear that I will be buried in videos and have to quit school. No bueno. However I'll bring the camera out this weekend and do some catching up. Can't wait.

Although I wouldn't normally think that I'd like videos dedicated to myself... this one is actually pretty funny. It sort of illustrates the story of my recovery. A month after hurting my knee I started climbing really easy = no falling, and by the end of the trip, 2 months later, I was able to start working some lower projects and taking some falls.

View discretion is advised due to severe dorkiness. Cue that link to about 30 seconds and you'll see what I'm talking about.

South Africa Part Twelve: The Comeback from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

Here is another video of a bouldering area at Rocklands called Riverside. I apologize for the duplicate problem of me on a warm-up... boorrrrriiiinggggg. But the rest is cool.

South Africa Part Thirteen: Riverside from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

Plastic Party - TBS5 @ GWPC

Recently, I had the very happy privilege of being the official videographer for the Touchstone Bouldering Series 5 comp at GWPC. It was a great celebration, filled with much rejoicing, libations and pizza. I also felt privileged to be part of a new phenom known as TRAFECTALLEJO, a duo (comprised of John Vallejo and Becky Trafecanty) of unparalleled talent and radness in the photography and videoography industry that is now sweeping the comp scene. They're so hot all the climbing gyms across America are whispering Trafectallejo and scheming to try and be a part of this massive media movement.

GWPC - TBS5 from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

South Africa Part Eleven: Toto's "Africa"

It's the moment you've all been waiting for... the new music video of Toto's "Africa".

Disclaimer: Toto's song may get stuck in your head for the rest of eternity... But is that REALLY so bad?

South Africa Part Eleven: Toto's Africa from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

South Africa Part Ten: Champagne Room

So I've managed to make it back into the states on my b-day. There is nothing like realizing that your ankles have swelled up to the size of tennis balls after 25 hours of air travel on your birthday to make you feel REALLY old. Geez... this never used to happen. The cankles are slowly decreasing in size (elevation) so I thought I'd post a video of one of the areas in Rocklands that is a little bit more off the beaten path... we call it the Champagne Room (otherwise known as the Champagne "Sector"...borrrring....Room is way cooler). It's about a 45-60 minute hike to get there.

Lots of FAs went down... enjoy.

South Africa Part Ten: The Champagne Room from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

South Africa Part Nine: Powerline Boulders and Eight Day Rain Sector

Since I have been staying at the amazing Bushman's Kloof and have had access to internet in our suite, I have been able to get another video up. These problems are from two neighboring climbing areas (Powerline and Eight Day Rain) in the Rocklands. Next video upload may not be until our return, I'm sad to say.

South Africa Part Nine: Powerline Boulders and Eight Day Rain Sector from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

South Africa Part Eight: Kalahari Continued

Here is the full video of our Kalahari adventure... not as exciting as the ostriches but good in its own regard. More climbing coming soon. Patience people, patience.

Hope you enjoy...

South Africa Part Seven: The Kalahari Desert from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

South Africa Part Seven: The Kalahari Desert

I know you all have been DYING for more videos. The internet is slow at best so uploading has been minimal. Please forgive me for I only have a very inappropriate short for you today that involved an interesting sighting in the Kalahari Desert. A more complete video of the Kalahari Desert will be available shortly.

Disclaimer: May contain foul language, nudity, graphic sex, and degrading commentary provided by none other than Alan Moore.

Enjoy...

South Africa Part Eight: Ostriches Humping from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

South Africa Part Six: Peter's Big Send and The Arrival of Alan and Amna

For those of you with a fever for Peter...

A short film featuring the Zebra we all know and love sending his hardest problem to date... Petite Hueco. It was a glorious fight and was followed by much rejoicing. Great job Peter! Safe travels back to Davis. We miss you already.

South Africa Part Six: The Fighting Zebra Strikes Again! from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

In other news, Alan and Amna arrived a few weeks ago and due to the lengthy nature of this video it's debut has been delayed (slow internet). Anyone with a fever for Alan??? Didn't think so ;) ... here it is anyway...

South Africa Part Four: The Arrival of Alan and Amna from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

South Africa Part Five: Eland's Bay and Beautiful Blossoms

Since the last update we have taken a few side trips. The first was to Eland's Bay (see video below)... lovely...with Paul, Lyn and Cam. It was an excellent adventure where we stumbled upon an amazing empty beach with shells. We also drove to a point and discovered some tide pools with wall to wall carpet of sea anemones with all colors in the rainbow. I've never seen hot pink sea anemones before!! We also spotted some seals.

We then went back to Rocklands for more climbing...booooorrrrrring. ;)

Then we went to Cape Town, again with Lyn, Paul and Cam and saw whales (one on land and some in water). Apparently a whale had beached itself and a huge procession of sea rescue peeps (Dad... "peeps" is Oakland slang for personnel, people, or homies, if you will) went by in numerous cars followed by the whale him/herself on a truck. The radio was talking about the event and how they were going to release the whale in the next town up...pobre cito(a). Then there were the penguins and the whales (in the ocean). It was a great day.

South Africa Part Five: Eland's Bay from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

South Africa Videos

Viewer discretion is advised!

South Africa Part One: The Arrival from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

Especially with this one...

South Africa Part Two: The Disaster from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

South Africa Part Three: The Fighting Zebra from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

South Africa Part Four: The Arrival of Friends

So the hinged brace is AMAZING. Thank you Mom, Lyn, Shannon and John for making that happen. The knee continues to get better and better, slowly. I can get to most climbing areas which is challenging but good. Walking on good trail is super easy now... I can almost keep up with the others. However, when I encounter a 3 foot rock I have to treat it like a boulder problem. I quickly assess for good foot holds to break up the steps, plant the crutch with my right hand and carefully mantel up, pressing off of the crutch. It's pretty sweet. Sometimes I need to abandon one crutch to use a hold at the top to help pull myself up. So by the time we reach any of the destination areas I have already had a full day of climbing. Nalle eat your heart out. I've been having a better time getting lots of sweet video of the crew and cheering them along.

Lyn, Paul and Cam are now here and I'm excited that Beth and Randy will be arriving shortly. The five of them are staying in the much cuter/cozier Sassie house. That's right... I'm dissing on our Ernie house. I'll be a fixture in their place for sure, which is only a short walk away. :)

Until next time...

South Africa Part Three: The Recovery

So the knee is slowly but surely getting better. I made it out to some boulders, also slowly but surely, which was wonderful. Lyn is bringing out a hinged brace which will also help the mobility and support of the knee. I think I may be able to get on some easy and low stuff before the end of the trip, which is better than nothing I suppose...but it won't be quite the same as what I was hoping for in this trip.

Alan and Amna have made it out to Rocklands. They have yet to boulder due to the rainy weather since they have arrived. I think they are still jet lagged. The rain pounded on the house last night and when Mike woke Alan and Amna up this morning Alan asked "Where are we going climbing today?" and had no idea it was pouring outside. The two days of rain has been making everyone stir crazy... not me though... it just means music video makin' time. YESSSSssssssss.

Highlights of my trip so far: Deadwood (nuff said), our Toto music video (that's right), and the quiche at Nancy's. I can't wait to show you all the music video... it's worth the wait.

Looking forward to Lyn and Paul's arrival this Tuesday...

South Africa Part Two: The Disaster

So now imagine a rad problem, "Dawn With Words" I believe, with a big dyno going up and left off of some underclings under an archway. Feet are out right and when you pop up and left your feet swing. First go I pop and miss, legs swinging and the right leg lands first off the pad (a double whammy). The pads were placed perfectly and the spotting was wonderful; it was just a weird, unpredictable fall and wasn't preventable. The shrieking and hyperventilating followed. After downing some ibu, Kevin and Mike (thank you so much) piggybacked me out. The OLD-school doc gave the diagnosis (without xray or MRI) of a partially torn MCL and told me to be bedridden for 3 weeks (yeah right) and then to use crutches to get around (still not bearing any weight after that). I've already been hobbling around and today received some crutches. I'm hoping that the crutches will at least enable me to go to the boulders with the guys since most areas involve some sort of a hike. Justin has been very supportive and fetching me things and cooking me food. I'm so bummed... so bummed. I know things could always be worse, and I am grateful that it wasn't worse... but it's hard to stay positive. I'm in Rocklands for 2 months and will have climbed only 1.5 days by the end of it... sucks. Anyhow... video to follow. Stupid internet is too damn slow.

At least I still have Toto.

South Africa Part One: The Arrival

I arrived in Cape Town after 25 hours of air travel time and realized that Kevin (who was supposed to meet me at the airport) was not there. I cabbed it to the Green Elephant and eventually met up with Kevin. Kevin said something to the effect of "blah blah blah Ryan's fault blah blah blah climbing." We picked up Peter, Justin, and Mike the following morning and made our way north to the beautiful Rocklands. My days generally start and end the same way... laying in bed listening to the sounds of Toto's song "Africa" coming from the kitchen provided by Peter and Mike, don't laugh... it's cool, and so far it hasn't gotten old. I think it's our theme song. As we await the arrival of our friends (Beth, Randy, Lyn, Paul, Cam, Amna and Alan) we have been acquainting ourselves with some of the various climbing areas. We have now seen the Sassies and the Roadside. It was nice to see some taller boulder problems there since Rocklands has been rumored to be quite low. There will be lots of killer videos for you all to watch once I find a fast enough internet connect to upload them. I'll try to upload some smaller files of them for you in the meantime.

As for the mosquitos. . . I've been bit once, only while sleeping. There aren't any to speak of at the climbing areas. No deet needed Lyn.

Image to leave you with: The five of us walking in slow motion on the trails carrying crashpads to the beautiful boulders in Rocklands. The sun is shining down and smiles fill our faces as we all look at each other and laugh (slow motion still) and Toto is playing. Toto is cool dammit!

Old Time Climbing Videos

Before I head off to South Africa, I thought I'd post an excellent video of some rad climbing from around 2004-2006. Enjoy. . .

Old Time Climbing Videos from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.