While my passion is still alpine climbing (of the ice and mixed variety), the new focal point of my climbing is going to be sunnier, dryer and considerably warmer. I have successfully avoided learning how to climb difficult rock climbs, as least by my standard, throughout my career through my constant pursuit of alpine and ice objectives. This unforeseen move to Las Vegas will hopefully fill in some blanks in my repertoire and hopefully translate into gains in the mountains and on ice or mixed.
Change is hard. I'm already missing the ability to connect with my usual climbing partners and charge after windmills I'm sure I'll miss the winter routine of scouring NOAA for weather forecasts and, as strange as it may sound, the long drives to Montana, Wyoming and Alberta for ice trips.
Breaking the routine may prove to be the impetus I need to overcome some of the hurdles I consistently face. A lot remains to be seen. At the very least I'm embracing this change. I'm resolved to develop my climbing in whatever ways I can from the Las Vegas area, even if that means I move away from traditional goals. It looks like I'll be trading ice axes and crampons this Spring for what I've always disdained as...
...flip flops and bolts.
 |
| You can't find this in the NW... |
