CMRCA has a habit of developing into a home away from home for many people, and often becomes an out-right home for others. Whether it’s dropping by for a cup of coffee, a bouldering session, a place to watch movies or to listen to climbing tales (the run-out was thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis big). It doesn’t take much to get climbers talking about climbing. Community has always been one of CMRCA’s core values. Part of this is welcoming everyone into their large, extended but extremely kind and caring family. Recently they have widened their perimeters or at least my perception of them by taking under their wings the newest member – Kao Gum. Distinct from other members of the family and team by being a chicken.
Kao Gum shares her signature colour with her namesake: kao gum, a type of sticky rice that is mixed with black sesame seeds giving it it’s distinctive colour. When she’s not perched a la mode pirate style on some one’s shoulder, she can be found roaming the crag car park or hanging out at the bouldering gym. At night she is taken home by her adopted parents Phi and Pum, who are now fairly certain she is girl. Thankful too, for not having a rooster living in their house, as one alarm clock is enough let alone one without any time settings or a snooze button.
The future for Kao Gum looks like she will stay with CMRCA till she is able to take care of her self in the wild. When the other chicks leave the care of their mother and make their own way in the world, which should be in six or so months time. Kao Gum will be taken back the Crazy Horse and released. Though perhaps she might receive some slight favoritism with the odd ‘accidentally’ dropped bit of lunch.
