Raff's Top 5...

Post Crag Indulgences

So I love doing Top 5's, have my whole life. I believe that everyone does, in some way you're always thinking of what your favorite movies are of all time, or books, meals, albums, songs, climbs, whatever. These lists may change from day to day, your favorite song may change with your mood or be affected by your daily activities. I understand they're completely biased but they're fun so here is the first of what I hope to be many Top 5's. Starting off with my Top 5 favorite indulgences post climbing. Until I find out how to make numbered lists count down instead of up, we're gonna start with my favorite and work our way down from there:

1. Burritos - perfection in my opinion. All you would want in a conveniently portable wrap...oh so good! If you can find a burrito place close to the crag than it's a no brainer! It's bound to be good and immediate indulgence will always trump the wait accompanied with the long ride to your favorite parlor. Gyms tend to be in more populated areas with a wider variety of options. Might I suggest Ana's Taqueria in the Boston area or Natural Grocer's on the North Shore.
2. Beer - eat a Clif Bar and then head to the closest watering hole! Now I know that alcohol isn't everyone's cup of tea, but you don't have to drink to share the experience of laughing over the days conquests or failures. To me, it's the social atmosphere that is provided accompanying the tall frosty IPA that stands before you. And more often than not, food is involved and welcomed.
3. Pizza - I must say that this wasn't always on the Top 5, that is not until I visited Red River Gorge. If you've ever been, you know what I'm talking about...Miguel's. Amazing!!! There's nothing like picking from a menu of dozens of fresh ingredients, and they've got it all...I'm not kidding, you can have mac and cheese on your pie if you'd like. This does translate well to the rest of the world outside of Slade, KY. There will always be a pizza place close by and if you get super motivated, homemade pizza with friends is where it's at! 
4. Coffee - getting your sweat on? Tired from putting yourself through the ringer for hours on end? Nothing will get you going again like a nice cup o' Joe! But seriously, I'm addicted to coffee and it's simple...hot weather climbing = Iced Coffee, cold weather climbing = Hot Coffee. You can't go wrong!
5. Music - there are a lot of crags within an hour of Boston, not many provide the quality that comes with the hour plus ride. With this ride comes a lot of time to think about the day; the climbs, the people, the weather, the crag demon barking all day long, whatever. Nobody likes to do this in silence and most people are too wiped to hold a conversation that lasts more than 30 seconds, so in steps the music. Now you can get away with your iPod on shuffle or even Pandora, but nothing helps you during this intrinsic time than a well thought out playlist. Think it out, do you want to continue with the techno dubstep robot porn or take it down a notch and chill out in your own thoughts? Like most Top 5 lists, this can change day to day so it's good to have a couple of lists on stand by.

So there it is, the first of many Top 5's. I hope this gets you thinking about what you like to indulge in after a hard day at the crag. Please feel free to comment and let us know. You never know, it might make it on my top 5 one day...

Peace!