Milan, Italy

The Duomo of Milan

Erika and I sandwiched our time in Switzerland with a couple of days in Milan. We ate some amazing gelato and panzerotti (sort of like a deep fried calzone). We window shopped our way through the fashion district. We explored the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II- easily one of the coolest malls in the world. We visited the Duomo of Milan and gazed out on the city from its rooftop. And, we drank some espresso. Out of tiny, miniature cups. :)

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Gucci, with its own personal cafe

Erika engaging in a Milan tradition-spinning around on the bull's balls

Another view of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Various views of the Duomo of Milan

The amazing Panzerotti Luini

Long Island

New Hampshire

We spent a rest day driving up to Sugar Hill, having breakfast at Polly's Pancake Parlor, and then over to North Conway with plenty of sightseeing in between. Erika fell in love with Polly's pancakes and fresh maple syrup. I enjoyed showing her around and revealing the subtle, undeniable beauty of New England.

Pawtuckaway, NH

After about a week in Vermont, Erika and I spent four days in New Hampshire, three of which were spent climbing at Pawtuckaway. This place is one of my favorite climbing areas in the world. It's always great to come back here, especially during the crisp days of fall. The trees are glowing, the granite feels sticky and the smell of wood fires permeates the air. It feels like home.

Erika Curry-Elrod- 'Scared For Life' (v0)

'Provia' (v6)

'Crimp Problem Sit Start' (v6)

'Edges' (v2)

'Cause For Commotion' (v2)

A three photo sequence of a fun v3

'Atlas' (v6)

Montreal

Due to our location just south of Burlington, we were also able to make a quick day trip up to Montreal. Crossing the border into Quebec is always a unique experience, as English abruptly gives way to French and the Vermont countryside slowly morphs into a cobble stone street city with a very European feel. Montreal is definitely a charming city. Walking the narrow alleys of the old town, one can easily be fooled into thinking they've detoured through France. Yet this city retains it's North American character and comes out as something uniquely its own. Erika and I had a wonderful time eating crepes and poutine, walking along the riverfront and exploring the many shops and museums.