Hello,

first off, Let me apologize for not updating the blog sooner. I found myself busier than I initially imagined with climbing, work, and other activities. It would appear that my time in Fayetteville is coming to an abrupt close. I am determined to spend more time here next year, perhaps a full two months. It would be pretty sweet. As far as electricity goes, I have given up on the solar challenge. There is not a lot of sun where I am camping, and it moves around a lot. I have been working in town on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Hosting at the upscale restaurant called "The Station", and expediting at "Vandal's". I also had the opportunity to work a wedding catered by "The Station" at The Confluence Resort, about 1/2 hour out of Fayetteville, where the Meadow River and the Gauley River converge. For work on the weekends, I have enjoyed riding my bicycle into town. Unfortunately, I haven't done any significant mountain biking or road biking, simply due to a lack of partners. I have however done some good climbing, especially at Summersville Lake. The lake is drained every year in the fall, into the Gauley River. During the fall / winter, about 30 feet of extra rock is exposed. Many climbers have set up routes on this rock. In the spring, when the water is raised, 30 feet of the routes disappear. However, this provides a prime location for deep water soloing, which is climbing rope less above the water, which is safe because it's so deep and there are no obstacles. Other than that, I've been frequenting some of the local restaurants, gleefully exercising my "Industry Discount" of 15%. I have also been doing a fair amount of cooking at the campground, trying to go through all of the perishables before I leave. This Saturday will be my last full day. My Dad and grandma are driving in from Cleveland to spend the night, and we will depart Sunday morning. After that, it's back to school for me! And there it is, the end of summer. It's gone so fast this year; I guess that is because I have most always had something to do. Also, enjoy some of the pictures below. The fog over the bridge in the morning is nuts!

Good evening, Francis

 Well, I guess that it is the dawning of a new summer chapter! I am back in Fayetteville for a three-week stay, working, climbing, biking, and LIVING! I am back at the AAC campground, which has a shiny new shower and bathroom facility. And, the kicker is: free cold water!!! Especially when the average temperature is 95 with a high humidity to boot. So far, I have two jobs: Vandal's kitchen, and The Station. At Vandal's, I am the food expo, dishwasher, food prep guy, and a little bit of everything else! I worked there last year, and I was happy to be back. At The Station, perhaps the fanciest restaurant in Fayetteville, I am hosting and bussing, which is what I did back in Cleveland. Although I have not been to the "Ville for almost a year, I feel right at home. Everyone is so caring, kind, and awesome! I will update the blog as needed, for now, peace out!

Back in CLE, the fully loaded car.

The solar array. My challenge for this month is to be 100% solar powered if possible.