I was born in the flat lands of Kansas and raised in some more flats lands in Chicago. I have spent lots of time in Chattanooga, Boulder, and Phoenix, but the north east has always been, in my mind, a far away and mysterious world.

A few weeks ago my sister and I made the long drive from Phoenix to Amherst, Mass. She started school at Mount Holyoke in the fall, and with some convincing from her I applied to Hampshire College. I didn't really put any emotional attachment into getting accepted.. I just thought if I get in I'll go and if I don't I won't. It has turned into a great and serendipitous move for me. I moved here without any knowledge of the climbing around or the climbing community, but blindly walking into this place worked out really well. The climbing community is just about the friendliest Ive ever encountered, there is a big nice new gym (Central Rock Gym) and a small dusty co-op (The Dojo), and there is quality climbing close by! My lack of expectations for the Northeast were definitely blown out of the water.

I am really happy here, and excited to explore all the climbing the area has to offer!

Check out my personal blog for more detail and photos! http://isabellefaus.blogspot.com/