Gossiping About Mosquitoes

Castle Rock 2011

2011-02-01T00:02:00.001-08:00

Starting the year off right with a few trips to Castle Rock, so dear to my heart.

Justin makes quick work of Static Reach Low and executes creative beta to avoid an unbearable reach. Error in video: this climb is "Static Reach Low" not "Static Reach SUPER Low."

Castle Rock: Static Reach Low from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

Randy's Greenhouse

2011-01-04T16:30:00.000-08:00

Based on my lack of videos, I obviously haven't been out climbing much this past Fall; however I did manage to visit one of my brothers out in Tampa, Florida back in August. Randy and I explored a bunch of different places near Tampa. We saw dolphins, went fishing (I didn't catch anything), ate Robusto cheese (mmmmmmm), visited an alligator in a lake at dusk, gazed upon Dali paintings and swam in the ocean just before a thunder storm broke out. I have always known Randy to be one of the smarter people I know, being able to navigate topics from calculus to biology and everything in between. Randy and I made these videos while we were in Tampa together, where he demonstrates his knowledge about some pretty cool plants. He has many more videos about various plants (from venus flytraps to banyan trees) that you can find at Randy's Greenhouse if you want to learn more. Hope you enjoy them!

Way Lake 2010

2010-08-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Justin and I managed to take a little trip to my home away from home, Mammoth Lakes. Although I wasn't back climbing yet, I enjoyed the occasional run up to Mammoth Rock, playing with Turtle in the meadow as she bounded through the creeks and tall grass and watching Justin send Serpentine at Way Lake. What was most impressive about his send was the ability for him to find this incredibly unique sequence that allowed him to work the lower moves that are normally easier for taller individuals. Be sure to check out this wacky sequence in the video below.

I feel like it would be unfair to have a blog titled "Gossiping About Mosquitoes" and not mention that the mosquito alert at Way Lake was at DEFCON 1. Beware, mosquitoes were swarming to the point that we had to retreat away from water and into the talus. Even long garments couldn't prevent the attacks. Deet (although extremely toxic) may be necessary to tolerate the troops there. Good luck.

Way Lake 2010 from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

80 miles and beyond!

2010-06-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

On June 12 of this month I had the privilege of waking up at 5am and escorting my 67 year old father to the start of another 100 mile endurance run (yawn). He's participated in at least a dozen or so of these things, so it's nothing new. He's also completed over 130 marathons/ultras in his life. It was a fantastic weekend. He ended up finishing first in his age group (60 and above) and was the OLDEST PERSON TO FINISH THE RACE! Although there were ups and downs to the race, he did an amazing job and I'm truly inspired... again.

In my own life I've been battling a bit of injuries. I took a few months or so off from climbing due to some finger issues after Joe's Valley. And then I got that nasty cold that left me with two inhalers and a cough that persisted for over a month. After that subsided I got back into running (to be in shape to pace my dad). I was up to doing 9 milers on some hilly loops and then I decided to play soccer for a friend's b-day party and bam... reinjured the knee. I guess I won't be in world cup 2014 :(. It's not nearly as bad before, and I've kind of gotten used to this whole injured lifestyle so it's no biggie. I'll be back at it in no time I think.

Here's the 15 minute documentary I made about my Pops... Passcode is SD343.

SD 100 2010 from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

Rites of Passage

2010-05-24T13:31:00.001-07:00

No one ever told me that after you hit your 30s you cry at any rite of passage (weddings, graduations and sometimes sappy commercials [thank god I don't watch hardly any TV]), but it's true. I remember this phenomenon as a child watching adults in happy moments with tears running down their faces. "Mom, aren't you happy Joe and Jane Doe are getting married? Why are you crying?," I'd ask. I never pursued it any further and just assumed that adults were weird. But now this disease has infected me and I'm scared, and I can't seem to find any explanation for it in any of my anatomy or physiology texts, nursing school lectures or nursing journals. Is there some deterioration of the lacrimal duct as we slide into senescence? Well this past weekend was a perfect example of LDD (Lacrimal Duct Deterioration).

All joking aside, I have never been more emotional at any graduation before, and I don't think the severity of my symptoms were due to LDD, but instead witnessing the culmination of years and years of hard work and perseverance of my brother, Johnny, in his nursing program. There were moments when he doubted himself, did poorly on a test (despite studying harder than I have the patience for) and sometimes even received doubt and undue criticism from some of his own professors that should have been taking him under their wing and providing him with support. Some people would have shirked at the difficulty and criticism and given up, but Johnny would simply pick himself back up, press on and study harder and was completely unwilling to give up. Johnny, I'm so proud of you and this achievement given all that you had to endure and all the courage and strength you had to muster. What an inspiration!

Johnny's Graduation 2010 from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

Shadow Warrior!

2010-05-23T15:29:00.001-07:00

Although Justin has left CA for a brief "month or so"visit to Colorado, he went out with a bang. On his last weekend in Yosemite he ticked "Shadow Warrior" (V12) and made it look quite easy on the send, I must say. Congrats honey! I miss you... you can come home now.

Shadow Warrior (V12) from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

Little Cottonwood Canyon

2010-04-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

At the end of my Spring Break I took a little jaunt to Little Cottonwood Canyon with some amigos. I was so pleasantly surprised to find awesome granite with sandbagged grades. It reminded me of the Valley and made me yearn for home. I only spent one day at LCC on "easy" problems, but after that day SLC got a whole lot cooler. I can't wait to return for more LCC rock, Fert and Emily time and a little more Red Iguana action (fantastic Mexican food.... Fan... tas.... tic!).

Unfortunately this will probably be my last post for some time since I'm back to school and working my booty off... sniff sniff. Don't cry for me though, I'm sure I'll weekend warrior it a bit and make it out to the Valley on the weekends.

The following is a short video with some easy LCC classics. I apologize for the lower quality of the video... iMovie sucks and exporting high quality videos from iMovie is even suckier.

LCC 2010 from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

SPRING BREAK IN JOE'S!!

2010-03-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks have been fantastic. It's been great to forget about school for a while and be FREE and what better way is there to spend my freedom than in Joe's Valley with Justin! It was also great to hang with Fert, Emily, Melissa, Adam, Noah, Siemay, Sandy and Matt (not to mention our four-legged friends *Emma*, Daphne, Turtle, Oliver and Chilly too). Justin and I also managed to spend a few hours in Little Cottonwood Canyon on my last day... loved it.

Today was my first day back at school and I wore my scabbed skin, healing flappers and calloused, dried tips with pride. AND, I'm back in time for prime Yosemite season... YESssss. Life is so good.

Although it was great to get away and enjoy Joe's and get to know SLC a bit more, I renewed my love of Oakland when I stepped off the plane and was met with biracial families, dreadlocks, yuppies... people from all walks of life as opposed to the uniformity of Utah. It was like a breath of fresh air.

Joe's Valley 2010 from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

Red Rocks and Beyond

2010-03-20T23:44:00.000-07:00

So we have finally made our way over to Joe's, but not before checking out Red Rocks and Moe's. Below are the first two videos from Red Rocks. More videos from Joe's to follow.

So far Joe's has been amazing, but even greater than that has been meeting up with old friends, Fert and Emily.

Red Rocks 2010 from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

Moe's Valley 2010 from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

Trafectallejo Strikes Again

2010-02-03T22:56:00.001-08:00

Although John already stole my thunder and posted the video on his blog, I thought I'd post it again in case some of you missed it. That's right, the amazing duo that is ***Trafectallejo*** has paired up once again to bring you coverage of another awesome Touchstone comp...

TRS GWPC 2010 from Becky Trafecanty on Vimeo.

In other news, Justin has made it home after crushing Hueco :) and is accustomed to falling asleep before 10pm and waking up way before 7am. I wonder if this is the same man? Strange.

Yosemite Fall '09 (Part Two)

2009-12-15T02:03:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-04T16:45:00.000-08:00

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)

2009-11-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-23T17:17:00.001-07:00

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"

2009-09-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-25T22:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-24T06:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-04T04:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-17T05:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-13T05:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-06T04:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

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.