WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT

Writing Exit Wounds

Writing, for me historically, has been a way to share my journey, an avenue to celebrate life's highs, a path to processing challenges, a...

TEAM RACC 2002

It was the summer of 2001 when team RACC came into being. We were lounging and laughing on crash pads, and a bouldering session was conclud

From my home in Estes Park, Colorado, the destination of Fontainebleau was a dream far across the Atlantic. It was the middle of summer

Rocklands, South AfricaMay-June 2005- Photo Album

Adam + Melissa

Adam and I live in Estes Park, CO for most of the year. For three months we are in hueco Valley and hopefully for one month we get to trave

2003-2011 images

A trip to the magic forest of Fontainebleau--a bit different from the girls trips in 2002 & 2003 but always amazing!

I love to cook, but I must confess that I am not the best baker, probably because I don't like following directions.

Did I Mention My Husband is a Bad Ass? - September 2011

My heart is in the Rockies. I spent my formative climbing years in Rocky Mountain National Park, RMNP, which shaped the climber I am...

We had many great days this spring and summer climbing with friends from near and far! Here are some pictures of quality days in Rocky Mount

Girls just wanna have fun! Mt Ida one of favorite hikes in RMNP June, 2011

I love the brilliant hue that surrounds me this time of year. The golden leaves cling to the spindly Aspen branches while others fall gentl

Saturday evening, November 12th, the winds picked up in Estes Park. We have heard tales of winds clocked at 135mph that night.

Bear Lake Road is one of the most popular scenic roads in Rocky Mountain National Park and provides year-round visitor access

The woes of Bear Lake construction. Some days in the Park but the drive to find new rigs outside of the Bear Lake corridor.

Sitting at home in Estes Park, planning our escape to Hueco Tanks, I remembered that a turkey would not fit in our camper’s oven.

1 butternut squash cubed 1 sweet potato cubed 3 beets chopped 1 acorn squash sliced down the ribs 1 fennel bulb chopped

Exit Wounds: Climbing Through Adversity

Coming to a Bookstore Near You ~ MARCH 2026

From 2011-2017 I periodically shared my highs, lows, adventures, recipes, and aspirations in my blog.

Some years ago I decided to chronicle my life as a working athlete.

What message would I tell the younger Melissa--simple "don't play with electricity."

I stopped posting with the accident -- turning my time to recovery and opening Bird & Jim. Pouring my words into Exit Wounds.