Steve wrote:Ascentionist, that sounds like some families I know.
You can't choose your family, but you can choose your community. Except that you can't totally choose your climbing community because its a free country and by golly anyone can come climb in the Red River Gorge 'cause its public land.
Very true. And don't think I harbor only bitter memories of climbing (and living most of my life) in the RRG. I don't, but I did truly come to hate the "scene" there. I had lots of great friends, but just didn't like the overall feel of the place after a few years.
I must admit, I contributed myself at times. I was immature, territorial and I still can't relate well to all you crazy people. I guess I'm just antisocial by nature and all social function or dysfunction is hard for me to digest.
I like not being part of any scene though. I've started cycling a lot more and have toyed with the idea of joining some local cycling club, but every time I think about it I see someone decked out in their team jersey almost knocking grandma on her cruiser off the bike path and I decide I'd rather just be my own team.
I guess that's why the last few years I climbed in the Red I primarily rope soloed. And I was happiest in my marathon solo bouldering forays.
Wait! Maybe it's me.
Nah! It must be all of you.