Tough Guys and Toe Warmers...

Behind the Scenes of Rock Stars

Being a southern man, I have never been to the New York and now I know why. It’s grey all the time and freezing cold. Spending most of my time climbing rock and mountain for the past twelve years, I consider myself "tough" and do not complain much. But now I am complaining, “It’s freezing cold!” I packed for a job in Florida and did not go home before this trip to New York. I am now suffering because of this decision. But because I am “tough,” I will never put on Dave Medara’s extra warm jacket. I guess I'm stubborn. I have my gear and I'm fine. Don't tell him but I broke down today and I'm wearing the tow warmers. These things are amazing. I have always found these items to be excessive and not for someone who is "tough." Not anymore. Brilliant invention.

Anyway, today we are working at the Cave of the Winds and it is in the shade until after lunch. It's seriously cold over here. It was seven degrees when we woke up and now we’re working on rock, snow, and ice in the shade. Miserable! The guys are scaling a very steep section today. In order for Cliff Hake to get the shot we have to drill bolts to hold him into position. This is bad for me because I have to work with my bare hands while I am fiddling with a nut, bolt, and hanger. I drop over the edge for 20 minutes, trying to install the first bolt. It’s too steep and I will need Cliff’s help. So I climb back out, hoping the climbing will warm my frozen fingers. I get to the top and my hands feel like they are going to explode! Then the nausea sets in. Cliff asks, "What’s wrong?" "Screaming Barflies," I say, an affliction common with climbing in the cold. I think it’s when the blood comes rushing back into cold fingers that causes it. Regardless of the science behind it, it hurts, bad! Since I'm now working in the TV business and not climbing mountains, this "tough guy" asks, "does anyone know where Shannon (set PA) is with the coffee?"