Monthly Archives: May 2010
Adventures in Rock Climbing
This post was written by Heather Rae. Follow me on Twitter or Facebook.
One of my favorite activities: checking items off the bucket list. Thus, I’m very happy to report that I checked something off this weekend.
I went rock climbing!
Rock climbing was an activity I added to the list when I was trying to come up with things that are outside of my comfort zone. Here’s why rock climbing fits the bill: I’m afraid of heights. Yeah, climbing up a steep rock, held by one rope and sheer will — let’s just say that’s not something I would naturally be inclined to do. It definitely qualifies as outside the box in my book.
Steven and I headed out on Saturday with a group of friends. We went to Point Dume in Malibu. I really had no idea what we were in for. My idea of rock climbing for the novice was something small and manageable, something where I was sure to reach the top. I was in for a surprise.
We walked along the beach for a while before reaching our destination. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. They couldn’t have picked a more perfect location to spend a day outside, soaking in the sun.
The rock, however, scared the crap out of me. It was tall…and steep. I know, I know — what did I expect? Apparently, in the world of rock climbing, this is an easy climb. Point Dume is noted as being very moderate and “a common place to take novice climbers.” When I first saw what I had gotten myself into, I had to disagree.
In some small (and rather vocal) way, I sort of wanted to back out. I thought, I could be happy just watching other people climb. I don’t actually have to do it. Luckily, I was with friends that wouldn’t let me back out.
So after watching Megan and Nathan climb, I gave it a shot. And you know what? It wasn’t so bad. Actually, I’d dare to say it was fun. Granted, that doesn’t mean I made it to the top (I didn’t). But I gave it my best shot and had an awesome time trying.
All in all the day was great. After chasing down an In-N-Out burger and a Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Nathan declared this the perfect college day (not that any of us are in college anymore). But it did have that feel to it. Hanging out on the beach, trying out rock climbing, laughing with friends. Now that’s a good day.
Vegas Vacation
Things were a little quiet around here last week (on the blog, that is). That’s because I was in Vegas!
For the first time, I actually gave myself time to enjoy the trip. My usual trips to Vegas last a day or two, and I’m gone as quickly as I appear. Inevitably, those short trips always left me feeling guilty — there was always someone I didn’t spend enough time with (or didn’t see at all).
Did I mention that I’m originally from Vegas? Yeah, I grew up there. So this wasn’t some crazy, binge-drinking week of partying. It was a trip to visit friends and family.
Given our impending move to Seattle and the fact that Seattle is way further from Vegas than Pasadena (where I live now), I decided to take a slightly longer trip than my usual. I drove up on Tuesday and left on Friday.
As I tend to forget to use my camera whenever I go to Vegas, I made a point to take pictures this time. I did pretty well, with a few unfortunate exceptions. For instance, I stayed with my grandparents during my visit. And, wouldn’t you know? I didn’t take any pictures with them (or of them). I’m really disappointed about that. Oh well, I suppose that gives me another excuse to go back soon.
I spent the week visiting with my brother, my sister-in-law, my grandparents, a few awesome friends and, of course, my absolute favorite niece and nephew in the world.
I still don’t feel like I spent enough time there. I suppose when you grow up in a place, there are always people you wish you could hang out with more. That said, the trip was still great! (I miss you all already.)
Below is a collage of some of my favorite pics from the trip. If you’d like to see a larger view, click on the photo.
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