You're Still In Vegas??? What Are You Doing?

Only in Vegas can you run into a snow park built in the middle of the street with professional riders doing all sorts of tricks.

Took Drew to Red Rocks for his first ever outdoor climbing experience. Also finally met up with Sara again! She's been on the road for almost as long as I have and we've climbed in a lot of the same places over the last couple months. I was supposed to climb in Mexico with her but I ended up heading to Vegas instead. She ended up making the trip to Red Rocks so we can finally climb together again. For Drew's first ever outdoor climb, we had him try a 5.9 finger crack. Far from the ideal first climb, but he did an awesome job. Then had him try another 5.9 and then a 5.6. Despite a fear of heights, he got out of his comfort zone and made it to the top of the 5.6 which was awesome.

Checked out the aquarium at Mandalay Bay with Drew and his cousins. Barring my disdain for aquariums and zoos, it was fascinating to see all of the different aquatic species.

The Human Experience open mic night at Hop Nuts Brewery. Great beer and great performances from locals. Loved the artistic expression and support from everyone present.

Awesome 5.11- offwidth at Red Rocks! Sara bravely led this beast and I less bravely followed on top rope.

Ever have a falling rock cut through a rope? Apparently it happens...

Another day at Red Rocks with Sara. Also climbed with Dave and Susan again, who are fellow Massachusetts natives. Feels really good to be climbing trad again! Today came with some extra excitement when a rather large boulder broke off while Sara was finishing up a climb as I was belaying her. This large boulder knocked down some other boulders, maybe 30-60 pounds each. As I looked up, I saw this avalanche of rocks tumbling off the cliff and heading right towards me. I dove to the right as Dave (who was belaying Susan at the time) ran backwards into some bushes. Thankfully we were both able to evade the boulder kamikaze avalanche and Susan and Sara were both okay on the wall. Unfortunately my rope was not so lucky. One of the rock chunks hit the pile of rope on the ground so hard that it cut it clean in half. Upon losing ~40 feet of rope, we needed to get clever with a second rope in order to get Susan off the wall safely. Everyone was safe and despite a busted rope, I'm happy to have learned a valuable lesson concerning the danger of unexpected choss, even on a popular climb.