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From the Archives - 2011 -2017 Blog

TEAM RACC 2002

It was the summer of 2001 when team RACC came into being.  We were lounging and laughing on crash pads, and a bouldering session was conclud

Fontainebleau France 2002 2003

From my home in Estes Park, Colorado, the destination of Fontainebleau was a dream far across the Atlantic.  It was the middle of summer

Rocklands, South Africa May through June 2005

Rocklands, South AfricaMay-June 2005- Photo Album

Adam and Melissa September 2005

Adam + Melissa

Our Life In A Nutshell June 2011

Adam and I live in Estes Park, CO for most of the year.  For three months we are in hueco Valley and hopefully for one month we get to trave

This & That before 2011 when blog starts

2003-2011 images

France 2011

A trip to the magic forest of Fontainebleau--a bit different from the girls trips in 2002 & 2003 but always amazing!

I Love To Cook and Recipes July 2011

I love to cook, but I must confess that I am not the best baker, probably because I don't like following directions.

Did I Mention My Husband is a Bad Ass September 2011

Did I Mention My Husband is a Bad Ass? - September 2011

RMNP Is Where I Love To Be June 2011

My heart is in the Rockies. I spent my formative climbing years in Rocky Mountain National Park, RMNP, which shaped the climber I am...

Summer Fun! August 2011

We had many great days this spring and summer climbing with friends from near and far! Here are some pictures of quality days in Rocky Mount

Mt Ida RMNP June 2011

Girls just wanna have fun! Mt Ida one of favorite hikes in RMNP June, 2011

Fall is my favorite time of year but it can come with challenges

I love the brilliant hue that surrounds me this time of year. The golden leaves cling to the spindly Aspen branches while others fall gentl

100 plus mph Winds Makes Adam's Job Interesting 11 18 2011

Saturday evening, November 12th, the winds picked up in Estes Park. We have heard tales of winds clocked at 135mph that night.

Facing two years of Bear Lake Road Construction

Bear Lake Road is one of the most popular scenic roads in Rocky Mountain National Park and provides year-round visitor access

Road Construction Blues and Pear Lake August 2011

The woes of Bear Lake construction. Some days in the Park but the drive to find new rigs outside of the Bear Lake corridor.

Thanksgiving Dinner Deconstructed aka Ravioli Recipe 11 24 11

Sitting at home in Estes Park, planning our escape to Hueco Tanks, I remembered that a turkey would not fit in our camper’s oven.

More bad ass tree removal by Adam's Tree Service 11 20 2011

Roasted Vegetables with Apricot Chicken 2011

1 butternut squash cubed 1 sweet potato cubed 3 beets chopped 1 acorn squash sliced down the ribs 1 fennel bulb chopped

Wagon Wheel DazeWinter in Hueco 2011 2012

The warm weather came with the people this season.  Right around Christmas the days got warmer and have continued to be so

melissa i strong blog - From the Archives

+ a few added tidbits--pre-blog

Climber, Melissa I Strong contemplates rock wall

From 2011-2017 I periodically shared my highs, lows, adventures, recipes, and aspirations in my blog.

Rock wall with sunset
Overhead view of Melissa I Strong climbing

Some years ago I decided to chronicle my life as a working athlete. 

It is interesting resurrecting these old post and visiting with the youthful and optimistic me. 

What message would I tell the younger Melissa--simple "don't play with electricity."

I stopped posting with the accident -- turning my time to recovery and opening Bird & Jim. Pouring my words into  Exit Wounds.

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