Valley morning

Wake up early, but not for a job you hate.

It's a valley morning, and I wake up early to go climbing with friends down the canyon. The sun isn’t as atrocious yet, and with clock-in time at 2pm, we've got just enough time for a good climb. Rallying everyone in the morning is a task only for the brave—some are slow to rise, and everyone has different routines. A few like to eat a large breakfast, while others get by with just an apple and coffee.

Questions bounce around in my head: Who’s bringing snacks? Who’s bringing gear? And, of course, who’s in charge of spliff material? These are crucial details to sort out before we embark on our morning climb. Are we biking or driving? It all depends on where we decide to climb. If we bike, does everyone have a bike? If we drive, who’s driving, and how many cars do we need?

Today, we’re driving. We pile into whoever’s Subaru we’re taking, but wait—someone’s missing. They’re still getting breakfast, and everyone’s waiting. A few of us become impatient, and there’s always that one person who secretly wishes they could go back to bed.

The drive, though short, feels long. Wilco plays in the background, and the person in the passenger seat just lit up a spliff. It’s a valley morning, and we’re on our way to climb.