They called their adventure "The Eastmans Most Excellent Adventure," and here's what they had to say about their time spent in Thailand climbing:

The Eastmans Most Excellent Adventure Mike, Chris & Cynthia have returned from their surf 'n turf expedtion to Thailand. Week 1 was primarily spent in snorkeling trips from their base on Phi Phi Island. Huge coral, lots of colorful fish - parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, long skinny blue guys - and giant clams were the highlights. There were some warm-up climbs on Tonsai Wall near Phi Phi town with the important lesson being "wait for the shade." Week 2 was spent in Railay Beach for climbing. Unfortunately, the Southeast Asian Climbing Comp ended the day we arrived but we were in time to watch the fire competition on the beach in the evening. Dum's Kitchen, Groove Tube, and 123 Wall were the favorite climbing spots. Mike and Chris were happy to see many routes with new titanium anchors instead of the rope anchors seen on their previous trip. Cynthia experienced climbing at dusk with diminishing light (go fast before it really gets dark). Mike and Vanda survived a trek through the jungle to find a nice bouldering spot. Chris's wife Lauren (the sensible one of the group) steered clear of the climbing opting for foot massages and banana pancakes instead.

Looks like an amazing trip. We encourage any and all of you Touchstone members that have climbing trips, videos or photos to send them in. We'd love to feature you on the blog. Welcome back guys!

Labels: Adventure, Eastmans, Thailand, Touchstone Members, Trips

If you have any interest whatsoever in climbing, there is a pretty good chance that for you, the absolute climbing mecca of this world is in and around Nepal. With the tallest mountains in the entire world, and the greatest challenges required to get on top of them, Nepal is packed with more climbing fantasy than just about anywhere else.

Turns out, one of Touchstone's very own members did more than just visit this climbing mecca, he actually climbed. Tom McMillan recently took a trip to Nepal to climb the famous Manaslu, in October. He, Ang Dawa (Nawang Sherpa's younger brother) and a man named Pete Lardy from Colorado Springs took the expedition on and came back with some stunning photographs to prove it.

So, no matter what you find yourself doing this dreaded Monday-after-the-Holidays, you can at least escape to the mountains of Nepal in your browser for awhile, can't you? Head over and check out their full gallery! To learn more about Nawang Sherpa, and I fully reccommend this as well, head over to Friendship Beyond Borders. At any rate, amazing trip guys, keep trekking and when you do, send the photos back our way!

Labels: Expedition, Manaslu, members, Nepal, Tom McMillan, Touchstone Climbing, Trips