A five day trip to the great southwest desert was kicked off in Vegas with my buddy Mike and three acquiantances, soon to be good friends, Rick, Jay and Aaron. We rocked out Vegas, the best way five quasi-health conscious nerdy guys can: we drank marginally and took the house for $80. The next morning we packed up our rented Sienna (aka: dream on wheels!) to the brim - honestly it was a little embarrassing to see this much stuff accompanying this few dudes, but we didn't care, we were already in a minivan.
Following a tour through the mojave desert (see blog title background pic) we broke camp in Joshua Tree. We were entertained with Jay's fireside mandolin covers from the likes of Gillian Welch to Elliot Smith while we dined on steak-veggie medley - my favorite camping "dish".
Day one on the rock taught us about induction periods. That is to say we were met with some unforseen challenges: 1) Joshua Tree primarily consisted of trad routes, for which we didn't have the equipment, 2) Most of the routes were underrated - nobody wants there first ascent pride to be "downgraded" and 3) bouldering was less prevalent than we hoped. For example, take note of the giant Don Juan boulder shown here. We didn't bring boldering pads big enough for this "boulder".
Day two was about the importance of an induction period. Coming out strong we hit a sloping friction 5.8 route. Rick ran lead, laid the top rope and we all completed our first JT roped climb of about 70 or 80 feet. After a little boldering, Jay scoped us out a great "5.9" called the crypt on tombstone rock. Unbeknownest to us, this was the rock to make our whole trip worthwhile. Kudos Jay. Mike ran lead (check out photoalbum) while we all held our breath. I then followed on top rope. I was a bit shaky as the drop off looked nasty. But, after conrolling my nerves, i made it to the top and can say hands down was the biggest thrill of my life.
The next day we approached headstone again, but having become acclimated to the precipitously balanced rock we were able to climb two new routes. It was all quite a rush, and needless to say I think have found my new hobby. Mike, Rick, Aaron and Jay, next trip?
We lit out of JT tuesday afternoon and hit up a room for a little less than $70 at Bill's on the strip. And as Jay liked to say, "I like to think of all expenditures in terms of fifths"; that is the room cost ~ $14 a person. Later, we hit up the casinos a bit. Mike and I are suckers for roulette and Jay was on blackjack. The house immediately took me for $50 buck, but after 2 hours of free High Life I clawed my way back to +$10 (not counting High Lifes) - I won. Here's to bufoo.
The next morning, we all parted ways. I sent off my camping gear and 'unnecessaries' via UPS. It cost $105 - ouch! They charged me $35 for "packaging and handling" - being that they are a "shipping" company, you would think that would be included. That is what they do - "packaging and handling"! Anyway, next time - Fedex! However, feeling much lighter on my feet I was ready to go - next stop: Hong Kong.
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