Abbey Smith

Abbey Smith

Pick up any publication pertaining to the sport of rock climbing, and chances are, you will see a smattering of descriptive chronicles highlighting the travels and adventures of the prolific scribe Abbey Smith. A climber and writer for over 10 years, Abbey travels extensively, financing her jet set lifestyle though her writing, allowing her more opportunities to pursue her love of adventure. Abbey has reported on a myriad of topics. From the exclusive hobby of vintage motor racing, to sassy, healthy-savvy posts on BeThree.com, to being on the editorial staff of the independent green publication elephant journal, a quarterly magazine devoted to living the "mindful life" through conscious consumerism, sustainability, eco-fashion and non new-aged spirituality.

Abbey's energy for writing is ravenous. When she speaks of it, her article ideas roll out of mouth in constant barrage without commas, periods, or other punctuation, but when placed in front of a computer, the word stream subsides into descriptive prose reminiscent of Joanne Harris. Dead Point Magazine is privileged to have her as a contributing blogger.

 

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Abbey Smith: December 2010 Blog

Everything was dark and silent. Glittering snowflakes gently gathered around me. My body convulsed against the freezing cold air. The skin on my face tightened and my eyes burned dry. “I’m not ready for this,” I thought to myself as I stared into the blackness of the night. Twenty-four hours prior, I was on a remote beach in O’ahu watching the sky glow bright pink and orange as the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. From my new vantage point, I was obliged to confront my shadow side.
 
 

In early December Jason Kehl, Caroline Treadway and I traveled over 3,000 air miles to explore the bouldering on the island of O’ahu. Even though I wasn’t expecting to sunbathe on Waikiki’s famous white sand beach everyday, I never predicted that Hawaii could be so epic. After 10 days of climbing, I returned to Colorado with shredded skin, swollen hands, dark bruises, countless cuts, and a salty taste in my mouth. For the first time this year, I truly desired to stay home to rest my achy muscles, eat consistently, exercise regularly, sleep in my own bed, wake up to a dependable coffee supply, and download the last six months of non-stop travel.

This was the first holiday season I’ve spent in Colorado in several years. Once the first snow falls, I typically head south to Hueco Tanks. Being home to experience the cold darkness of winter has forced me to reflect upon the past year. This year has been full of surprises, deep emotions, and life-changing adventures that leave me in absolute disbelief. I never expected to spend a full season with my crew in Hueco Tanks, document historic Formula One races in Monaco and Montreal, or climb at the finest areas around the globe from Texas to New York, Vermont, Colorado, Utah, India and Hawaii -- all in one calendar year. I’m eternally grateful for the support of my family, friends and partners who give me the confidence and encouragement to go after my dreams, unleashed. As this year concludes, a new chapter of life begins. And I have a feeling it’s going to be a good one...
 
 
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