Check out the video below. I had a great time!

Oh man, what a weekend! The semester at Hawken ended last Friday, and the student body gratefully recieved a four day weekend. But don't worry, school's not out yet. Hawken has a somewhat special schedule, we have "intensives" twice a year. Basically just one class for three weeks, all day long - I have mixed feelings about it. But back to the weekend: adventure was calling. I started out on Saturday going "off-roading" with one of my Dad's childhool pals, Dave. He has spent the last several years modifying a Jeep Wrangler to fit his off-roading needs.

As a budding car enthusiast, I could not pass up the opportunity to visit our local trails. I am super excited to be getting my temporary driving permits in just a month and a half from now. Of course my mom is more than a little nervous - it's her nature and I can't fault her for it. Sometimes I like to stir the fire a little bit, just to keep her on her toes. She always says, "you definitely need to have a manual for your first car." To which I respond, "of course". She responds, "you have much better control of the car, and it is much better in the snow." I jest, "yah yah yah, but that's not the real reason. I'm just excited to be doing 'featuring the engine' every morning on my way to school and doing burn-outs in the driveway". Of course she ripostes with fire in her voice and malace in her eyes, "YOU'RE MISSING THE POINT!". I just grin as we continue on our way to school

Back to the off-roading: I was eager to take the first available opportunity I could to drive the Jeep. I'm trying to get as much car experience as I can before I get my temps. The only issue is that it was a manual. But fret not, I did not encounter too many issues. In fact, I would say that it was a relatively easy learning curve. Understanding the general concept certainly helped! Furthermore I think that a fairly empty space with not a lot to hit / not a lot that would damage the car is a good place to learn indeed! In fact, here's a video of me hill-climbing with the Jeep, not 1/2 bad!

On Sunday I went to work at the butcher shop, and in the evening my Dad and I departed for Fayetteville, WV, my longterm summer haunt for the past two years as well as this summer. I hadn't been climbing outside nor to Fayetteville for nearly a year, and I was practically jittery with excitement. As we approached the campground, a five minute drive from downtown Fayetteville, I suddenly felt the urge to see downtown Fayetteville. Yes, it was 10:00 and everything was dark, but by gosh, I wanted to see it. My Dad didn't understand, and I'm not sure that I do either. I felt complete in that moment. Fayetteville has treated me so well, and I've been so happy to have the distinct privilegeto call it my home for the past couple of summers. I am unbelievably excited to return this summer; but for now it's back to school! P.S. below are some climbing pics, enjoy!

​Best, Francis