Last night I dropped off Lauren at the airport, and today Ryan and Courtney headed back to their home in Wichita. We had a great visit, and I think everyone really enjoyed their vacation in Vegas. We did some great climbing, had some fun on the strip, and soaked up some rays. It was Ryan and Lauren's first time climbing and they did great, and I think they might both be hooked. By the end of the trip, Courtney was itching for some harder climbing and was ready to get after it for sure. We stepped up the climbing everyday and finished the trip with a great 530 ft., 4 pitch route that we all enjoyed. Austin and I got some good practice guiding, and I think our visitors enjoyed it all, except for the small amount of short roping that we made them endure. But it was great practice, especially since we are both planning on taking the Rock Instructor Course with the AMGA this fall. But right now, we are both ready to get back to some personal climbing. We have our eyes on a couple of routes that we want to grind our teeth on. Austin and I can tell we are getting stronger and are ready for some harder, more challenging routes. It is really exciting to see our progress and to feel like we are accomplishing what we set out to do on our trip.

The weather has been gorgeous, but it is getting hotter and hotter. Today topped out at 96 degrees, and to a couple of mountain bums used to the cold and snow, that is really hot! But I do think that with some time I could really get used to weather like this. The next couple of days will be in the mid 90's and then it should cool off again to around 85. We are planning on staying in Vegas until Friday, then heading out to Joshua Tree, California. We would like to climb for a week or so there, then head up the coast back to the Washington area. The plan is to go surfing while in Cali, which should be fun since I have never been. Then spend some time on the beach working on our tans before we put on the puffy coat and pants for the Rainier season.