The Pre-Trip Trip

In order to get a little time at some elevation (we live at sea level) and to re-familiarize ourselves with some of our gear we took a trip to Colorado. This was actually out of necessity to take our dog Jackson to start his summer vacation with friends and family. Thanks Tim and Hannah, Beano and Michelle, and mom and dad!!! Jackson is so lucky to have you.

Having lived and played on the western slope of Colorado I knew Ouray would be a good spot to ice climb. There’s an entire canyon next to town where ice is farmed, look it up here… https://ourayicepark.com/ Found out while we were there that Sarah’s uncle’s brother is the one who shared his water rights to make it possible! This was Sarah’s first time ice climbing and a good warm up as the vertical nature of the climbing was much steeper than anything we would likely do in the Himalaya. Most memorable moment was Sarah’s first pitch. One ice tool was dropped, so one must continue with only one tool. If that tool gets stuck while removing it, this may happen..

Ouray was the perfect spot to spend some time swinging ice tools and getting used to have sharp things on our feet again. Made even extra special by having good friends Steve and Kari along for the adventure and making sure we got to experience Ouray to the fullest.

With fresh snow falling and needing to keep up with our cardio training we skinned and skied a couple laps at Powderhorn ski resort before Sarah had to fly back.

Trip was finished up by getting to catch up with as much of the Grand Junction family as possible. Good to see all of you fine folks and the adorable little people you have been making. So happy to finally have some relief from the pandemic to see friends.