Thursday, September 19th
It is this time of the year that tickles me. Windy days, pumkpin flavored everything, morning fog, and the start of the outdoor bouldering season. All these things begin to tease you on and off again in September, hinting at the great Autumn just around the corner. If you have second thoughts about this time of the year, I suggest you try the following:
I was in Colorado today. Specifically, I flew into Denver and then bused up to Boulder. I went to see the world premiere of the Reel Rock Tour 8, a compilation of short, climbing documentaries that were released every year. I have been following Reel Rock since about the start of my climbing and I was beyond ecstatic to be heading to the world premiere. And in Boulder, Colorado!!!!
Hooray public transportation!
I arrived in Boulder right around noon, adjacent to the University of Colorado-Boulder campus. I began crossing the campus to go meet up with some friends, and I was immediately taken away into the beauty of the area. Fresh, green grass, aesthetically pleasing architecture, and mountains in most of the background. The campus bustled with cheerful students and I was reminded of my freshman year of college. If I ever went back to school, this would certainly catch my eye.
UC-Boulder
So I met up with my friend, Chris and we set out for one of our biggest mutual past times: beer. Colorado is well known for it's breweries and Boulder was no disappointment. Seeking local stuff only, we first came to Fate Brewing Company. Stop number one. One flight later, I had tasted a delicious variety of heavily European-influenced brews, including a LAIMAS KÖLSCH STYLE ALE. The wings weren't anything special, but then again I just didn't want to be on an empty stomach for what was ahead of me.
Line 'em up!
We were then joined by Ronja, an acquaintance I met in Boulder and a friend of Chris'. We set off to what was to be one of the best breweries I've ever been to: Avery Brewery. Walking in, I was instantly sold as they announced a brewery tour starting in 5 minutes, with room for us to join! I glanced over the menu and quickly decided upon a barleywine style ale. I love this kind of ale, and at 9.2% ABV, Hog Heaven exceeded all of my tasteful expectations. A few sips in and we were off on the most informative, engaged and fun tour I've ever been on. A young brewer named Kyle led us and swept us off our feet as we toured the tanks and silos and all the magic that is brewing. We even came to the tasting room and saw their extensive collection of barrel-aged beers that made my eyes bulge. I was so impressed not only with Kyle's extensive knowledge of brewing, but also of what the company was doing for its consumers: frequest release parties, community events and parties, and lots of experimental brewing ideas to push the boundaries of American craft brewing. I cannot wait to get my hands on some of their Suerte Tequila barrel-aged ales, I guess I'll have to pay Avery another visit real soon!
Chris and I at Avery's Tasting Room. Suerte!
We left Avery with some buzz and headed over to the nearby tap room of Upslope Brewery Company (every brewery was within a mile of the last, so perfect). And wouldn't you know it, we came on the night of their release party for their seasonal Pumpkin Ale. I enjoy pumpkin ales and this was to be my first one of the season. Again, at this point I wasn't even surprised that I loved everything I tasted. Boulder lived up to all of its expectations in beer, and I couldn't be happier to have had to opportunity to visit. But the trip wasn't over yet!
It was at this point that our premiere was drawing near, so we made our way to the auditorium and fought the crowds to get pretty good seats. The air was saturated with energy as climbers poured in and exclaimed to each other in anticipation for the film. As the lights dimmed, the buzz settled down and the film premiered. I don't want to spoil the films, in case any one is inspired to go watch them now =] But they were as exciting as ever! You could see the passion in the climbers' eyes, it was a very moving film and reminded me exactly why I love climbing and why I love the climbing community. I CANNOT wait for next year's film!
The rest of the night panned out in a mellow fashion. Not really sure there was any other option after a day of drinking, palm sweating, and lots of walking. We grabbed some sandwiches at a local sub shop and I met up with an old friend, Michael, who was one of my original climbing partners when I moved to Phoenix. Michael had moved to Boulder to continue his schooling and it was the first time I had seen him in over a year. Reunions are the best =] A laid back night of laughs and stories followed as we all enjoyed each others' company. A quick sleep, a brisk and chilly walk and I was back on the bus in the early morning for Denver's airport.
36 hours from doorstep to doorstep, I was back in my apartment, still stirred by the exciting films and memories I had created in Boulder. I will return to that city ASAP. And next time I will stay long enough to climb outdoors!
