The CragBaby

I recently posted about Lauren Yant’s startup, Ruthie Pearl . This year she has a booth at the Farmer’s Market and due to her presence there was picked up by the Daily Style on Dooce.com . Superb! And now she is all sold out on bags and quickly sewing more. Ha ha… congrats!

If you haven’t yet, you should check out her site and try to secure an order before she sells out again. =)

A fellow SLC climber and friend, Lauren Yant, has started her own business, Ruthie Pearl , selling fashionable, earth-friendly shopping bags and gift bags. Lauren is highly earth conscience and taken her activism to the next level by creating quality products with low impact, while offsetting all business energy consumption through wind power credits, reducing and recycling wastes, and educating others on global impact and how they can have a positive influence.

She was recently quoted:

"A lot of people think that environmentalism is a political movement, but it really isn’t -climate change is something that affects us all. People in my generation look at our grandparents who thought nothing was wrong with smoking and think they were crazy. I think that’s the same way that our grandchildren will look at us."

"They’ll wonder, ‘What were they thinking?’ If there’s anything that I hope people learn from what I’m doing, it’s that anyone can make small changes to help the world become a better place - and you can even look cute doing it. I simply hope that people start taking small steps to make smarter decisions for a better tomorrow."

The current selection of bags can be seen on the site and at the upcoming Farmer’s Market . Lauren has offered a 20% discount for any of the CragBaby readers. Just enter CRAGBABY as the discount code at the time of checkout. And then of course let me know which bag you purchased, as I am still trying to decide…. =)

I truly love Salt Lake City. It is a fantastic place housing numerous top notch outdoor recreation possibilities, a handful of great theaters, an excellent symphony (plus opera and ballet, though I don’t frequent those nearly as often), a good number of great restaurants … while still maintaining the small city feel. Living here truly is superb. Summer, though, is my favorite season as the city comes alive with the following events.

The Gallery Stroll , actually occurs all year round on every third Friday of the month, but I participate only in the summer as it is by far more enjoyable (in my mind) to check out The ArtSpace, Broadway, Pierpont Strip and individual galleries in the summer evenings.

The last Gallery Stroll in May showcased plates (a square sheet with two hole punches near the top) at the ArtSpace.

Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday morn starting on June 14th and and goes until completion in October. Over 70 Farmers, non-profits, and artists house booths to sell products and/or inform the public. A friend of mine will be there this year selling her Ruthie Pearl bags . Must see booths include KCPW where you can opine on local debates, the Salsa King (yum!) and all farmer booths were fresh local produce can be purchased. Or, if not wanting to show up weekly at the Farmer’s Market, the Community Supported Agriculture program is a fantastic alternative.

Every year the Farmer’s Market has a fantastic posters, which I proudly hang in my home.

Gallivan Concert Series is held every Thursday from July 10 - August 28th. It is amazing the line-up of artists the city brings in and provides to the public for free. Last years highlights included Michael Franti (who always puts on the best shows), Peter Bjorn and John and Yo La Tengo. The 2008 line-up includes Andrew Bird (yayayayayayay!), Josh Ritter and The Roots.

The audience at one of the Michael Franti shows. Franti came both in 2006 and 2007, but unfortunately (truly unfortunately) will not be in the 2008 lineup .

Sundance Outdoor Film Festival can be enjoyed in Sundance, Park City or Salt Lake City. In years past it seemed to show more actual Sundance films from the annual film festival, where now the mix seems to be more broad highlighting a variety of independents and classics. The 2008 schedule includes 2008 Sundance film Adventures of Power, classic Raising Arizona and a handful that I have yet to see. I have to date only viewed films at the SLC Gallivan Center where movies can be enjoyed while kicked back on the lawn, munching on any food or drink carried in.

Shot from the film Adventures in Power.

For more event listings, visit the Downtown Alliance , the City Weekly or even the Visitor’s Guide .

I rarely post the same information, let alone the same post, on both the Wasatch Girl and the Crag Baby. I like to keep the sites distinctly different, but make an exception on certain occasions. I consider this to be one of those occasions. Here is the last post from the Wasatch Girl .

As many of you local readers and twitter-ers already know, one of the fellow technologist in the area, Phil Burns , learned this past week that his 22-month-old daughter, Serenity, has leukemia. Incredibly heart breaking news, but with the upside that she has immediately started chemotherapy and should be able to survive. His previous business partner, Jesse Stay , has created the Chip In Widget where donations are directly deposited into the Burns’ paypal account. The goal has been increased to raise $1,000 by June 23 and Jeff Barr has committed to donate an extra 15% to the final amount. I have integrated the Chip In Widget on both of my blogs on the right hand column.

I have gotten to know Phil through a handful of his startups and by following his online presence. He is a good guy willing to take the continual risk of being an entrepreneur in order to provide innovation to many. I would urge you to help him out in this time of need.

For the past couple climbing seasons I have strived to travel out of the Salt Lake area frequently to explore the dozen+ other crags within a 5 hour driving radius. This year is quite different. I realized that I am in my 5th year of climbing and have yet to explore numerous lines right here in Salt Lake City. I will definitely get out of town on occasion, but am pretty psyched on checking out all that the local crags have to offer.

A couple weeks back Shaft and I headed up to the S-Curves with the sole goal of hitting up a handful of the lines we had never tried. The S-Curves are in Big Cottonwood Canyon located, unsurprisingly, at the huge curve in the road that resembles an S. The crags in this area include the Pile, New Cliche and the Lower and Upper S-Curves.

The above pic shows the view of the lower S-Curves from the road. The big roof houses three lines, none of which I have ever done: Dog Eat Dog (three star 5.13d that is the front picture of the Wasatch Guide), S-Curve Overhang (two star 5.11c) and High Life (two star 5.12c). The first pitch to all three of these climbs is a 5.4 trad line. Hmmm… I didn’t realize this until writing this post. I should definitely go check out the 11c.

The S-Curves can be quite deceiving. For instance, Ionic Binding is a 5.9+ on the lower wall that I often use as a warm-up yet have never climbed without getting a flash pump. There is the poorly bolted 5.11a, Megalopolis, that I have only hopped on once and never returned, noting in my book “pretty burly!” And then there is Madison Avenue, 5.10d, that I have ran twice and still described in my book “weird holds.” Basically, you just never know what you are going to get.

Shaft at the top of Geronimo, hanging out on a fantastic belay ledge. Across canyon snow still lingered with the Millstone being completely covered.

This particular day Shaft and I only had a couple hours so did a lap on Clean Underwear (5.9) and Geronimo (5.8) and then did a couple laps each on the upper pitch of Geronimo named High Dive (5.11b). High Dive was extremely fun, resembling a Black Monday, but with more traverse rather than vertical moves. Most of the holds were huge jugs with a cruxy and crimpy little top out finish. Fun, fun, fun! The book gave this climb one star, but I would up that to at least two.

Me real smiley at the top of Geronimo.

I like to try and support the local entrepreneur, especially considering I work in venture capital . The local establishment of highlight today is 4th Street Laundry located on 4th East and 1700 South.

When I moved into the area I decided I would try out this laundromat to wash a bunch of sleeping bags. Like every laundromat I have ever frequented, it was pretty (to be honest) ghetto when I walked in with the somewhat dirty floors. However, I was pleasantly surprised on my return visit. I had forgotten my sleeping bags and had to pick them up the next day. Upon walking in the lady behind the counter immediately said hello and introduced herself (her name being Rita) and told me how she had owned the establishment for 30 years. She was so extremely friendly and had gone out of her way to ensure my sleeping bags were completely dry and bagged up for me. I had brought some dry cleaning with me to drop off and she insisted that I just pay for the sleeping bags when I pick up my dry cleaning as it would be more convenient.

The service of 4th Street Laundry is phenomenal and their dry cleaning prices far beat out Red Hanger.

Shaft bought me the nicest gift, The Free Spirit. She is a beautiful cruiser, previously owned (my favorite type of gift), purchased from craigslist, a little rusty, only has one gear but now (thanks to Shaft) fashions a basket, bell and kickstand. I love her.

Whew. Pure beauty! I was so thrilled upon receiving her as it was completely unexpected and exactly what I had been looking for on craigslist.

Ever since I received this beauty, Shaft and I have cruised to the our local coffee shop on the weekends. CB typically trots alongside, but I have started to train her to actually lay in the basket (with a little mesh covering protecting her) in prep for the longer ride to the downtown Farmer’s Market (which starts in a couple weeks). Yeah, we somewhat resemble the Wizard of Oz..

It is amazing how much rock is in Utah. I have been climbing 4 years (this season will be my 5th season) and there are still canyons I have yet to explore. I finally made it to Echo a couple weekends ago with Screamer, Mr. Math (who will from here on out be called Bold-er), Barlow and new friend Adam.

The rock in Echo is similar to that of Maple and lower City Creek, being a conglomerate composition with medium sized stones. Conglomerate does not make up my favorite rock lines as it is anything but aesthetic; however, the routes are usually pretty good for re-gaining endurance, of which I currently have none.

Adam climbing at the Main Wall.

We climbed a bit at the Main Wall, where I was introduced to a real fun, boudery 12a (thanks to Screamer for throwing up a top rope for me), and then we ran a couple lines at the Echo cave.

Barlow and Screamer hanging out at the Main Wall.

The day was so enjoyable besides one weird incident.  I have no idea the reasoning, but there were 5 dead animals along the 15 minute trail up to Echo Cave. These weren’t just any animals, but rather one buck deer, two doe deer, an elk and a huge moose. All of which were just along the trail (if not right on the trail) without any sign of hunters or reason for death. Anyone know a probable cause?

Picture from my birthday dinner at Cafe Madrid last August.

The other day I received a text message from a friend inquiring about Salt Lake City restaurants recommendations. I realized that lately I have been frequenting the same restaurant continually and making a list of favorites reminded me I needed to re-visit some of these classics. My favorites include:

Sushi

• Koko’s Kitchen - I was introduced to Koko’s by my friend Gunner. I might be in debt to him for this as Koko’s is now my favorite restaurant, with me visiting about once per week. I have always eaten sushi there (as sushi is one of my favorite dishes) but Gunner has a whole list of recommendations. For sushi, definitely try the Fireball and Pocky Dynamite. They have great sake, an extra large filled to the rim being only $8. Location is the corner of 300 south and 700 east.
• Takashi - Takashi is great place for a nice night out on the town, but expect to wait if you don’t make a reservation in advance. They have some creative combinations, including Strawberry Fields which combines the odd couple of strawberries and red chilis. Location is on Market Street in downtown Salt Lake.

Mexican

• Red Iguana - though the place is a dive, it is hands down the best mexican dishes in Salt Lake City. Location is the west side of North Temple.
• Lone Star - the best fish tacos are definitely found at Lone Star located on 6200 south. It is the place with an old car covered with stickers out front. Note that they do not take credit cards for amounts under $20, but do take personal checks.

Italian

• Michelangelo’s Ristorante - homemade pasta in the heart of sugarhouse. However, for some odd reason I think I have only gone there on one occasion. Located across the street from the Wild Oats on the Highland Drive side.
• Caffe Molise - located downtown on 100 south, this quaint restaurant has delicious gnocchi that can be enjoyed in a nice outdoor setting.

Mediterranean

• Mazza - fantastic Mediterrean food. There are two locations, one in 15th and 15th and another in 9th and 9th. The menu and pricing are the same, but the atmospheres are distinctly different. The 15th and 15th location is loud and small, feeling somewhat like a small cafe. The 9th and 9th location is more elegant with the white table clothes and lots of room. Both are great depending on the occasion. Definitely try the looma, hummus, grape leaves and lentil soup.
• Atlantic Cafe - cafe atmosphere. Food is more expensive than Mazza and not any better. Still worth a visit. Location is main street and about 300 south.
• Cafe Med -located on 33rd south and just a little east of state, this restaurant also has good food, but doesn’t completely compare to Mazza.

Indian

• Bombay House - the Bombay House might be my all time favorite restaurant. Everything from the massaman to saag to all appetizers are utterly fantastic. Location is off Parley’s Way by I-80.

Tapas

• Martine - good tapas in ample sizes. The setting is just ok, but the food quality makes up for it. Location is downtown on 100 south and between (I believe) State and Main.
• Cafe Madrid - located by the Black Diamond store on 3900 South, Cafe Madrid has fantastic tapas made of exquisite mixtures. Unfortunately they are quit small in size, probably the smallest portions I have had from a tapas place. Definitely try the shrimp in cream sauce and the sausage in fig sauce. Delicious.

Pizza

• Settebello - if you have been to Italy and enjoyed true Italian pizza, you will adore this place. Fantastic pizza that makes you feel like you are sitting in front of the Duoma. Location is downtown by Red Rocks.
• Este Pizza - the Grayhghost gave me the heads up about this joint. It is small shop in Sugarhouse with some snow attitude. Stickers of ski resorts are plastered around and they refuse to put pineapple on pizza. Great pies and pitchers of beer. You honestly can’t go wrong with this place! Location is one of the side street of Sugarhouse and around 1100 East.

Sandwich Shops

• Robin’s Nest - this woman ran business is by far my favorite sandwich shop in town. My personal favorite (in fact, so good that I don’t think I have ever branched out) is the Robin’s Grill. Location is Main Street and 300 South.
• Gandolfos - New York style subs that are good, but their breakfast sandwiches are delicious and extremely fairly priced. My personal favorite is the Radio City. Location is downtown on about 200 South and Main Street. There is another location in Sugarhouse, but the hours are really odd.

Pubs

• Desert Edge - this one would not have made the list, except that once I tried their crabcake salad. Superb. I will never order another dish there.
• Bayou - whenever I have a friend visiting I take them to the Bayou. The beer selection is the best in SLC and the food, especially the sweet potato fries, are delectable.

If you readers have personal favorites, please post up in the comments.

The biggest downside to climbing is finding climbing partners. My phone is chalk full of people I can call, but I would absolutely love to find one solid partner who is excited to get out on a regular basis. Yet there are so many variables when finding a solid partner, which include finding someone who is:

• psyched on the same type of climbs I am pysched on, which this year is 5.12 sport climbs.
• willing to also hang the draws. It is easy to find a catch, but harder to find someone willing to try and lead. I don’t mind leading, but I also get scared and have mental blocks, so it is nice if my partner and I can swap leads when necessary.
• knows the art of the dynamic belay. I am usually lighter than my climbing partners and do not want to end up with another busted ankle.
• has a similar schedule to mine. This is real tricky in Utah as many of my friends can get out earlier than 5pm.
• who is jazzed to go out with me, so the calling isn’t one sided. This is one of the trickiest variables. I feel like I am always doing the planning and it would be nice to find someone where the excitement to get call me was equal.
• and it would be nice to find someone who could plan prior to the morning of the climb. I have noticed that this one might be real tricky to find.

The ideal situation would be to find someone who every week wanted to get out on a certain day to work 5.12’s. The problem is, if this person is found, it is real easy to date the person (if male) and then inevitable things end and though friends, there really isn’t the interest in climbing together regularly. Or if female, as soon as they find a guy they would rather climb with their boyfriend. I understand both these traps and realize it is just part of the variables in finding a partner.

Regardless, if you are reading this and looking for a 5.12 sport climbing partner please contact me. I would be jazzed to meet you and get out on a regular basis. Hell, I will even bring beer and try to be cheery every time we hang out. =)