Slot Canyons, Joshua Tree & Palm Springs

I was down in LA for work again last week (per usual) and decided it was time to bring Matt down for a taste of the sunshine. He flew in on Thursday, we had dinner in Venice, and made our way two hours east to Palm Springs. Ah, sunshine. We worked from our hotel in Palm Springs on Friday, taking plenty of time for some strolls outside.

Waldorf Astoria Palm Springs

Saturday we spent the day in Joshua Tree National Park. I had been to J Tree last year with Valerie on an epic January weekend of camping in the car and exploring the desert, and Matt still hadn't quite gotten over being jealous. We did a 7 mile loop to Lost Horse Mine, which was beautiful and spent lots of time wandering among the Joshua Trees, and then a shorter 2.5 mile loop at Split Rock, seeing some different terrain. Joshua Tree and the desert continue to be fascinating, strange, and beautiful. We loved getting out in the sun and the wild and exploring new areas. We were back in time for some lounging and reading by the pool and some yummy food.

Lost Horse Mine

Sunday we were up early and drove out to Painted Canyon, right out side Mecca, which features an array of sweet slot canyons. We'd seen pictures but never actually been to a slot canyon before, so were pretty jazzed. We had a great time exploring many different canyons that would widen, narrow, and eventually become so small that we would turn back to find a new venture. It was definitely a different type of experience and super fun, as you never knew what to expect. (There were some 'routes' we had looked up beforehand, but come on, it all looks the same. We just wandered). After a few hours in the canyons we made our way back for some pool time before heading west.

Hyatt Palm Springs

Back in LA, we spent the afternoon in Santa Monica and Venice Beach, both fun (and very different) neighborhoods. Urth Cafe in Santa Monica was delicious, and Venice Beach always provides enough entertainment to last a lifetime. Eventually it was time to make our way back to the airport and rainy Seattle. As much as I dont see myself as a California girl, 10+ trips in the last year have helped it grow on me

Ice Climbing - Ouray, CO

A few weekends ago we made a quick trip out to eastern CO for the weekend to meet up with our buddies Ashley and Steven. After flying into Grand Junction, they picked us up and we made our to to Ouray, CO a little tiny town up in the mountains. We found our cute little cabin and met up with friends Ed and Mike who we knew from wedding festivities two years ago. New friends Eva and Trent met up with us the next day.

The weekend was a perfect combo of outdoor adventure, relaxation, great friends, and good food and drink. Unfortunately the camera really only made it out for the outdoor adventure piece.

The highlight of the weekend was our ice climbing adventures. Right on the edge of Ouray, there's a box canyon that is a few miles long, through which the towns water line runs. At some point, the water line had broken, creating some sweet ice. The town leaders must have an awesome sense of adventure (and perhaps entrepreneurial spirit?), because instead of fixing the leak, they decided to tap the line in ~100 places. There's now a few miles of canyon covered with perfect ice, plenty of places to walk up and down, and lots of natural anchors.

Ouray became one of the premier ice climbing destinations in the world, and they were hosting an ice climbing festival the weekend we were there, which meant there was lots of demo gear for free! We showed up with a rope and harnesses, and were able to pick up crampons (the spikes for your shoes), ice tools (the pick ax things), and boots (for those that needed them).

Spy the climbers?

headed up

ready to roll

hardcore (thats not us)

love the mountains and sunsshine

Ouray

We spent a few hours at it both days, got to try a number of routes, and hone our skills. The basic act of ice climbing is pretty easy - you have spikes on your shoes and axes in your hands, an you just go for it. We watched the speed competitions and were blown away by how fast and nimble the professionals were, but found it a beginner friendly sport too. I hear there is some good ice climbing in WA, but sure wish something like this were closer to home - we loved it!

Matt on the beginner wall

Ed gearing me up

first go

Ash is awesome

Matty

Ash & Eva

Mike killin it belaying

Steven

Speed competition

Expo area

Sunday afternoon before we left was a stop at the hot springs in town. We had a fantastic time with the crew, loved Ouray, and (as always) can't wait for our next venture back to CO.

no words..

Brrr