I've never spent such little time in one place and felt as though it was an eternity. The desert can be a harsh environment: no water, no escape from the sun, and unpredictable weather. But that's what makes the desert an intriguing place to live: you're not supposed to, and yet we try. I found it ironic that a place like Las Vegas, one in which everyone's basic needs have mutated into needs in excess, did little to provide shelter from the desert. In other words: it's almost impossible to relax in Las Vegas. By day four my sunny disposition and relentless optimism had taken a critical hit.
Vegas has a peculiar energy, one that was not on my radar during my last visit. My previous visits I went in with blinders on; solely focused on the climbing and not really experiencing the absurdity and over-the-top, perverted illusion of luxury that is Las Vegas. It's funny how perspectives change once you've acquired more lenses.
Social commentary aside, I was pleased with our tour of the area. As a last minute game changer, the opportunity to check out the Kraft Boulders came up. The days at the boulders turned out to be some of our favorite days simply because we were able to cover more ground quickly. While the concentration in this area is low, what problems happen to exist on these boulders are amazing. Big, varnished sandstone blocks with improbable combinations of unique holds- what's not to like? This is what makes certain routes and boulders impressive. Had some of these blocks landed in a different orientation they might not be climbable at all, or they might have yielded a completely different set of challenges. It's when factors like these come together and harmonize that makes life an amazing thing. It's good to be alive, no?
Aside from appreciating small, amazing things, it also came to my attention that for the first time climbing had taken a back seat. It was strange to go climbing without the same hunger, drive, and relentless commitment that I typically throw with. But you can't fake passion and if it's not there you just roll with the next best thing- having fun with your friends, climbing rocks, playing in the dirt, and drinking margaritas.
By now, those of you who are looking for numbers, names, and a tick list are probably disappointed. Trust me, I am too. But sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you can either find any number of factors to blame, or you can swing- accept that you're only human and that it's time to sit down, reflect, change lenses, and try again. Besides, it's Vegas. No one wins big in Vegas, right? Despite how badly you might want something, you might not get it. This is life. It's what makes all the successes that much sweeter.
[ Small highlights on my end included flashes/onsights of Classic Monkey (V6), Sunny and Steep (5.12a), Give Me Back My Bullets (5.12a), and redpoints of Special K (V6), Angel Dyno (V7), Caliman (V7), and The Glitch (5.12c) ]
Honestly, I could talk more about the climbing in Vegas, but the bottom line is that it was nice just to go out and enjoy climbing for what it is- something we're not supposed to do: fighting gravity and having fun doing it.
So now I'm back and ready to find something new. I don't know what that is yet, but I'm sure it will be great. It’s hard to wait for the cues that life hands you, but opportunities fly by every day. Keep your eyes open.
*Every photo featured in this post was stolen from my friends' respective Facebook pages: Sophie Binder, Yoli Chen, and Natalie Hunter
