Throughout college, I have had a number of friends that I was able to climb with. We took many trips into Arkansas to camp, hike, and climb. Coming to Korea I
wasn't expecting to be able to continue this sport like I have been. A friend and fellow teacher at
ECC, Zach, has been very motivational in getting me out and grabbing some rock again. There are some beautiful spots overlooking the area.
My first time out, Zach took me to a mountain on the southern part of the Island down by
Gujora beach. We took a taxi and were able to make it there in a round about way. Zach's Korean language skills have about 10 months more experience than mine so he was very good at chit-chatting with the driver. A short hike upon arrival took us to a beautiful rock outcropping.
There were a number of bolted routes to choose from. We chose a "five-nine" named "
Mong Tor"
Zach led the route to the first pitch and then belayed me up to the first anchor. We switched and I led the second pitch to the top of our 200 foot route.
Spectacular view. It is really fun to climb with someone as easy going as Zach.
Our first trip was a riot. Transportation for the return trip was not arranged so we had to leave plenty of time to get back to school. Bets were placed on how many cars would pass before we were picked up. Koreans are very good about picking up hitch hikers. We didn't look too threatening. Car 5 stopped and we were able to get a ride to the nearest bus stop. Its always an adventure.
The second time out we left the island the took an intercity bus to
Tongyeong. Then took a taxi to the base of the mountain.
The climb was a bit more difficult this time. We chose a 5.10a "five-ten A" slab that looked pretty cool and gave it a shot. For those of you who are not familiar with the rating system routes are rated based on their most difficult portion, the crux. The American system scores routes with grades such as 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4...... and continues to 5.15 I believe. All ratings below 5.10 can have a (+) or a (-) and those above 5.10 have four gradations each given an a, b, c, or d. This climb was a was a beautiful slab with lots of tiny nubs and two fingered pockets.
The top of this route also
yielded a fantastic view with rice fields and islands in the distance. Perched at the top of the 220 foot route, Zach pauses to meditate in his yoga spot.
"Gnarly man!"
Someone had lots of patience and possibly some extra time on their hands. There were four beautifully built cairns at the base of the climbing site.
Hopefully you'll never catch me passing up an adventure in the outdoors. Gotta love em.
The bamboo forests are thick and tall. Reaching about 35 to 40 feet in the air they are prone to damage from winds and seaside gusts. A quick bit of research tells me that bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth. It can average four feet of growth a day. Its incredible ability to grow so fast makes it an excellent resource.
Bamboo was one of the novelties which I was really looking froward to seeing while we are here.
The other day Mike, a friend and fellow English teacher from the states, and I went out to harvest some of this plentiful natural resource. We found a number of canes that had fallen in the last wind storm, cut them up, tied them in bundles, and hiked back to the apartment. We did get some funny looks. Unlike the States, it is legal to harvest off of national and state parks here.
With tons of ideas for products in mind we had an "arts and crafts day" on our front porch. We bought all of our tools at the local "made in china store" and begun to saw, sand, and glue. 
Here is my workshop on our front porch. Chelsie has been very sweet and has tolerated the mess that I make when construction is under way.
My largest project was a floor lamp. Floor lamps are very expensive here so I decided to make one. It is great for replacing the bright flouresent light with a warmer light.
It has been a challenge, and I wish I had some power tools.
The shade was made out of split bamboo, glue, string, and paper from the paper store across the street.
Drinking mugs were a must. I have had lots of fun experimenting with the handles.
Smaller drinking glasses came as well. I hope to have a nice set when all is said and done.
A soap dish for beside the tub.
Incense holder.
Tiki sounds now come from our new windchime.
One of the most unique creations has been the candle holders which are lashed together by a paper rope material. They add great atmosphere to our living room. The bamboo is initially green and then after a week or two it begins to turn the golden brown that we are more familiar with.
In the mornings while Chelsie is gone to dance class I sometimes go climbing with my friend Zach. Because there is no "Z" sound in Korean and the "J" is similar, he is known also as Jack at school. First by bus, and then by taxi we find our way to the climbing area out by Tongyong.
Its a short hike into the mountains and on the way we walk through a small rural area. All the garlic has just been harvested and so it is piled in huge mounds and hung on fences and cables stretched between trees and houses.
The climbs that we have tackled reciently are rated 5.10a and 5.10b. Zach is a better climber that me and keeps me challenged. There are around 20 to 25 bolted routes that are well maintained at this location. Most are two pitched routes which means that there is a change up in belays before reaching the top.
Zach and I trade off on leading the route. There was a really challenging spot on the route this week that we took a couple cracks at after we had it top-roped.
The view from the top is great. The rice patties are really greening up, and the islands on the horizon peek out of the moring fog. We both really enjoy the fresh air, the rocks, and the wilderness.
I would be happy to admit that the highlight of this past week was the surprise birthday party that Chelsie held for me. Upon arriving home one night I was jumped by a bunch of our friends and co-workers packed in our living room. The evening was filled with brownies, rice crispies, juice, and laughter. Yes I have made it to the ripe age of 24.
