Discovery is a funny thing. We walk through it, drive by it, jump over it and sometimes even look directly at it, only to dismiss it. It's right there off the trail that leads to the "classic area", hidden by nature. It's the enormous 45-degree overhanging cave that we've been walking over for years. It's the imaginary voice that repeatedly whispers, "I know there's a ton of rock in there...there has to be," while passing the same mile marker every weekend on route to the crag. It's just around the corner, down the hill, a five-minute hike. It's easier to see in the winter when the leaves have gone. It's right there...right where? Nothing's changed and that sucks.

Sometimes the routine circuit gets stale, traveling funds get low and the itch for fresh stone needs scratching. Finding new rock is undoubtedly the spark that re-ignites our fire for climbing. Whether the discovery takes form of a single untouched line in the vastness of the Colorado Rockies, a whole sandstone playground somewhere off a West Virginia country road, or another limestone paradise peeking from waters surrounding Thailand, the idea of unlocking completely new experiences close to home is enough to make any climber spontaneously combust.

The foreign textures, movements and surroundings of newfound climbing leads to sleepless nights and unproductive workdays, long-winded phone calls, major preparations, high-energy sessions and friendly competition. Those first days, those first stabs at creation are really what it's all about. It's about our partner's (sorta) encouraging cheers while we challenge the unknown... move after advancing move. It's about wanting something so badly that the brain doesn't process such feelings as fear and hesitation, because those things happen knowingly, and all we know is nothing matters but "doing this". After all, a single burn could end with the ultimate reward - a first ascent, a mark on history, made in a matter of seconds.

Discovery and development - These are the golden nuggets at the end of our dirt rainbows, two of the few things that even the sweetest dreams can't touch, the rare moments that makes what is already worth it priceless. And they're not always so far away; Take the minute to walk down that hill, pull over and dip into the woods, check the backside of that boulder, and stick around for the winter - you might be amazed at what's been waiting there all along.

See you out there.
Joe Iurato

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