Hoover Dam, November 5th

So after a late night on the town and then a massive breakfast prepared by Andy and Vicki, the 4 of us headed out to check out the Hoover Dam. We had been talking this thing up all trip, totally stoked to see it. Due to the late start we arrived to the dam just in time for the last tour. Despite the steep price for the tour (a combined 50$ for parking and 4 tickets) we were determined to see this dam in all its majesty and grandeur. To our dissapointment, the tour itself was shorter than the time we spent in the elevator, descending 500 feet to the base of the dam. Oh well, we were not phased at all... Holly cornered the tour guide once the tour was done and we grilled him with questions for another 30 minutes or so. So I guess in the end we got our money's worth! This brings me to another point... he instantly recognized our "accents" as Canadian. Many other people climbing near us have noticed this too. I didn't think our speech was that distinct!

Saskatoon VS. Las Vegas (round II)

Well, after a number of days spent climbing we decided to take a rest day and return to Las Vegas, and return to visit Andy and Vicki (Holly's Uncle and Aunt who generously hosted us once before when Jeff was still down). We left behind our hot days in the sun, nights watching LOST in Nev and Linz's mansion of a tent, big & cheap beerz.

After downing excellent, refreshing margueritas made by Uncle Andy, we hit up one of the many renowned casino-buffets for a feast. Linz and Nev hit it off with Holly's Aunt and Uncle, and we all had a great visit.

The next portion of our evening can be summarized in a couple sentences: Nevin and I both experienced the less-glamorized aspect of a night on the strip, losing the money that we rationed for the evening of slots, black jack, and roulette (Jeff - you know what I'm talking about... ). Our better halves, however, managed to come out slightly ahead financially, all the while teaching us the finer points of blackjack...

The highlights of the night were definately when we sat down for a relaxing beverage on the balcony of the most expensive casino in town, "the Wynn" and enjoyed each others company...

a close second was when we called Andy for a ride at 2am, only to find out that he and Vicki were still out, in the same casino we were, still going strong. The four of us all found it inspiring to be around Andy and Vicki's enthusiasm for life, and their youthfulness. Needless to say we had a great night... the photos speak for themselves...

The Arrival of Lindsey and Nevin October 29th

Holly and I had spent the last couple days bouldering, and hanging out around the Red Rocks area, watching "Lost" at night, and playing crib, but things picked up when Linz and Nevin showed up after a 24 hour drive from Calgary to Vegas. After catching up we got right into the route climbing. Nevin taught all of us the technical aspects of route climbing: We now know how to climb up the faces, clip protective equipment to pre-drilled bolts, and how to take everything down when we are done. We FINALLY got to try our new gear (rope & quickdraws) which we have been waiting to use since the wedding, it was so awesome! So in the past 3 days, we've all climbed some challenging stuff, and improved so much. By the end of the trip the 4 of us will be in pretty good route climbing shape. The rocks we are climbing are beautiful red faces with everything from steep overhanging climbs to tall, vertical faces, to less than vertical stuff (slab).

The problem with having Linz and Nevin on the trip now, is that between the four of us we cannot hold one single conversation for longer than 45 seconds. We are all so excited not only to climb, but to see each other and share stories and jokes (that's mostly Nevin's deptarment) and do lots of laughing. I swear that our campground neighbours think we are all hyperactive spacecadets. We are so glad that they could make it down, (and Jeff we all have a moment of silence for you that you aren't with us. We miss you a lot, and HAVE to all go on a trip together sometime! Don't forget that you can be on a plane and here on your weeks off with only a small dint in your massive-winnings-wallet).

Anyway, here are some photos of our climbing for you to check out, and we will have another post up in a few days or so. Take care everyone and we'll talk soon.

p.s. Brenda and Joan! We just wanted to let you know that Nevin is doing an awesome job of teaching us the safest way to do all of this. We aren't being crazy, or risky in any sense of the word!

p.p.s. While hiking into the climbing area the other day, Holly (leading the group) came about 2 feet from a huge snake sunning itself on the trail! We aren't sure what kind of snake it was, but after Matt picked it up for a closer look, he realized that it wasn't a rattlesnake!

:)

Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

We are now in Red Rock Canyon, which is so close to Las Vegas I think Matt might be able to hit it if he were to spit hard enough. Just like the name says, these actually are red rocks! Matt and I spent about 3 hours yesterday touring the park from our bike seats. It was a lot of fun, and a lot of hard work. We biked from the campsite into the park where they have a 13 mile scenic drive. Lots of people take this loop from car, motorbike, bicycle...we even saw a couple guys running it! Anyways, the first 5 miles are literally all up hill. I thought I was going to die with the hot sun and dry desert air attempting to choke the life out of my lungs. Anyways, it was well worth the view, and the major downhill around mile 8. We also saw a couple wild burros, and some stupid californian tourists who were feeding them from their car.

Later that day we went for a climb to one of the bouldering areas in Calico Basin. We've had quite a few days off inbetween here and Bishop, so it was nice to get out on the rock again. Our friends Lindsey and Nevin should be here tomorrow, and we are going to start doing some Sport climbing. We are very excited for them to arrive!

If your wondering who the guy with me is, its still Matt. Regretfully he said goodbye to his haphazard mane for a squeeky clean haircut. Matt refuses to look into a mirror now, and its a sensitive subject, so I'll just let the picture do the talking (just kidding).

We bought the first season of "Lost" and have watched a few episodes now, its pretty exciting and we are hooked now. We've set up a comfortable couch in the car to watch the show, for nights when its too cold and windy to play crib.

October 21st to 25th Viva Las Vegas

What to say about Las Vegas…well, for starters it is unlike any place we have seen so far on our trip! We have been staying with Uncle Andy and Aunt Vicki, who have spoiled us rotten with delicious meals, comfortable beds, showers, and great company and entertainment. We have toured through most of the casinos and spent a late evening out on ‘the strip’ before Jeff left.

We saw lots of light shows, water shows, and even a cannon battle between two ships (one of which was filled with scantily-clad women…much to Jeff’s delight). We played the slots, blackjack, and roulette. Jeff even placed some bets on some hockey games that night. Although none of us actually won by the end of the night, we had lots of fun laughing along the way at our misfortunes. I have a recommendation that Jeff never be allowed in a casino without supervision, as he likes to take big risks (until he’s flat broke).

From the pictures you’ll be able to see that the boys were at the top of their game with some new hats they bought in Victoria. Unfortunately lucky hats don’t work in Vegas. Some of the designs and themes of the casinos were very beautiful. I spent most of the time admiring the marble floors that had all this intricate tiling in it. It looked so pretty. You can see it in the picture of the boys with our hosts.

Farewell to the Rat

…and then there was two. Yes it is true, the infamous Jeff Gabrush has headed back home. Jeff spent nearly 3 weeks with us on the road, and we had lots of fun together. I (Holly) will miss my short climbing partner (Short 2: Tall 1), especially now that Lindsey and Nevin will be joining us (Short 1: Tall 3). Jeff, I’ll do my best to work scrunchy, crimpy, high hand-to-foot match problems in your honor. These pictures are a tribute to our narcissistic traveler. Jeff, we loved having you in all your quirky glory. Next trip we’ll have a primo ride for you (note to reader: Please refrain from rolling your eyes, but Matt and I have decided we need an old VW for the next trip…we’ll be riding in high style). Post us on the blog, and remember to put it all on red.

Ritz, thanks for coming on the trip. It was awesome to have you along, and I had a blast climbing and making stupid jokes all the time. It was aces. Anyway remember to write when you're up at the mine. We'll take some pictures of ourselves in your honour! You climbed strong, I wish I could say the same for our hands at the blackjack table... we'll get them next time...


Hugs,
Matt and Holly

Bishop Continued:

Climbing in Bishop was phenomenal. There was such a variation of terrain. In one area a volcanic rock bed made for some beautiful, unique and fun bouldering. Holly, Jeff and I tried some cool problems, and spent a day in the hot dry desert sun. I crawled through a cave only to look back upon the Mojave rattlesnake, which was hanging out at the mouth of the cave, as I obliviously walked past it. But don’t worry Joan and Brenda that was the only little guy I saw (unfortunately!). Another special experience was seeing a road runner (the bird from the cartoon). I was more excited for Holly, as that was a first for her.

The next day we went out to another area full of massive, round granite boulders. As you can see from the pictures, they were quite weathered from rain and sun, unlike the granite boulders in Squamish that we climber earlier. We tried an ultra classic problem up the corner of a very tall boulder (the white boulder that Holly is sitting on top of). After that we moved on to a smaller, less challenging line up another boulder. We finished up and hiked out in the dark, licking our wounds all the way back to camp. All 3 of us now have some pretty ragged finger tips, so the trip to Vegas will provide us with a chance to nurse them a little (they give out way before endurance, strength, enthusiasm, or anything else!).

The camping at Bishop was rad, since the days are so hot and the nights are cool it makes for a nice sleep. The highlights here were some of our gourmet food dishes, the most amazing starry sky I’ve ever seen, a very comfortable campfire, and an excellent 24oz bottle of Becks.

The slow pace of life in Bishop was enjoyable, as compared to a place like San Franciso. We were only in San Fran for an evening, but that was enough for all of us. It was late on Friday night and trying to find a place to crash amidst the night life and craziness was frustrating. Needless to say we skipped town and pressed on to find a motel outside of the concrete confines of the city.

On a more tasty note, we have pioneered a new dinner entre, a camping dish which is a variation on spaghetti sauce. “Spa-ghetto” sauce consists of adding numerous cans of vegetables to tomato sauce, some spices, and hoping for the best… So far we’ve had some winning combinations, especially when there’s cheese on hand to add to it.

Oh, and we nabbed the hitchhiker that was tagging along with us! A few nights ago we caught the mouse that was in our car. He was caching nuts in the engine, eating our chips, and pooping all over the place. Needless to say, he won’t be missed.