So the Journey continues...

(Shaun at Lake Tahoe)

So upon dropping off Chris, Jono, and Kate we were back on the road, just the two of us and a half empty van. Our first stop, Bishop California, where we hear there is some good climbing to be had. Unfortunately for us, we didn't realise you needed a rope longer than 50m... But however we bumped into a group from LA who let us climb with them and I have to say the climbing was worth the trip. The next day we figured we might convert our bed into a bouldering mat and head to the famous happy boulders instead, not having a guide book made this harder than it needed to be, but we had a great day...

(Shaun dominating at happy boulders, Bishop)

(We managed to find some magic campsites - that stream is a hot stream!)

So we thought we might try out luck again and head down to Red Rocks, which is just outside of Vegas. Having no guide book (again) we thought we might just try the local climbing store to give a few pointers, having no such luck with them we just grabbed a pen and paper and drew our own guide from a book from the shelf ha, and it worked well (well enough). The next day, trying to beat the raging heat of the sun we woke early and found some awesome climbing, it is a maze to find your way around I have to say, but! our rope was long enough!

(Jacqui at the top of Pantywall, Red Rocks, Las Vegas)

After a big morning of climbing, the heat drew us off the rock, what can we do in this heat we thought? where can we cool down? And before you know it we were lapping up the luxury of the pools a Stratosphere once again, having stayed there just last week, we knew the ins and outs to this place, so we walk around with confidence and nobody suspected a thing! We also thought a good feed of buffet should not be missed also, so we headed on down to the Sahara with our club cards and got the infamous $6.95 dinner deal we once found a week ago. However the delicious buffet we once thought it was when we were full up on gin, turned out to be quite the opposite, I am now convinced buffet is not a bargain!

Moving on East we headed to our next National Park on the agenda, Zion, Utah. This place is magic with some amazing steep canyons, and some awesome views to be seen...

(Shaun on Angels landing, Zion National Park)

(Looking down Zion Valley at the top of Angels Landing)

Upon frolicking through all these amazing National Parks I have grown a fond obsession with the wildflowers, I just cant get over the amazing colours, and places they grow!

Next stop, Arches National Park. Headed for the weekend Helmo and Jenn decided to join us in an adventurous weekend. The local town Moab, is famous for its adventure sports: hiking, climbing, 4wd, whitewater rafting and i think the best in the US, mountain biking. So we took advantage of this area and had an action packed weekend...

(Jenn dominating a 10c climb)

(Shaun gave it a go too)

(Helmo in his preferred belaying position)

(The team heading down a spectacular trail with views of the area)

(Shaun making the most of his rental bike)


(Shaun and Helmo at Slickrock, this place is all sandstone rock which makes for some excellent mountain biking)

(Helmo dominating the roof)

(Jacs giving it a go too!)

(This little guy joined in on the fun too)

Upon waving goodbye to Jen and Craig, with their subaru full of gear, we were left to explore the parks themselves. There were two in the area, Arches National Park and the Canyonlands. With some amazing views and hikes to be done we weren't limited at all...

(Jacqui with some of Arches NP in background)

(Delicate Arch, check it out it rained on us! this place gets 10 inches annually!)

(Mesa Arch, Canyonlands NP)

So we are now reunited with Craig at his place in Glenwood Springs Colorado. Here we are hanging out with Helmo and checking out his local sites. Were planning on heading toward Denver for the weekend...watch this space