The gang goes to the desert

With the University of Calgary having its mid-term break at the end of February it was time to think of holiday! In the US Covid restrictions were gradually being lifted and the border was opened again to travelers - so it was off to the desert of Nevada and Utah for a week of climbing and adventure. This would be Eva's first trip out of Canada since the pandemic hit. The plan was I would drive down in the van and meet her in Las Vegas, then spend a few days in St George and the rest of the week in Red Rocks for a nice week of climbing,

So about a week before Eva was to fly down the gang loaded up in the van for an adventure down south.

The drive down was effected by truckers protesting at the border so we had to deviate from the usual route through Coutts and headed west into the mountains. This added a little adventure as the weather was not the best.

Snow at the border

Snow on the lonely mountain road...

after a few hundred miles of detour we were finally back on the highway with blue skies overhead

two days of driving, the snow is gone, the sun is out and Brian arrives in southern Utah 🙂

With a week till the arrival of Eva, Brian spends some time exploring the desert around St George

Goes bouldering...

Rides the Mt Bike...

Enjoys evening solitude

and nights under the stars...

After a week adventuring on their own, everyone is excited to see Eva!

After two years in Canada, Eva was excited to be in the desert to climb

Getting ready...

Roping up...

On Belay...

Climb on...

Eva says hand cracks are for wimps - bring on the wide stuff...

On the summit...

Time to head down...

Back at the van enjoying a snack...

While the weather was mostly good it held a few surprises - snow comes to Red Rocks!

Eva watches the storm come in

while it snows on Brian

No climbing in the canyons this week

trying to stay warm

Maybe best to stay in the van and eat some nuts

or make dinner

or when it gets too cold head in town for some fajitas!

After a day of snow all was not lost, the next day the sun came out and we warmed up under its glow

The Giraffe enjoys some quality time in the sun

Brian enjoying pancakes in the sun

Back to climbing

and enjoying the sun

Time passes quickly and before you know it Eva has to fly home to teach...

meanwhile Brian and the gang head south to visit family in Southern California

making some stops on the way

Enjoying the solitude of the desert

Alone under the night sky

Enjoying some pool time

some bouldering at J-tree...

and then while reaching high on some 5.12 techie crimp route...

the shoulder pops out of the socket, sending Brian to the ER 🤕

The docs do a good job reseting the shoulder but alas its time to head home...

The gang is excited to be back in Alberta

Back home Brian heals...

Teddy naps...

the Giraffe gets a much needed bath...

and we can reminisce on fun adventures past