So I haven't really held up my end of the whole blogging thing so here is my first post.  The summer has been pretty unbelievable so far.  My first trip was a combination of climbing in Red Rocks Nevada combined with Hiking in the Grand Canyon.  Much fun and much learning happened during this trip.  My climbing skills improved a great deal in Nevada and the group there was awesome!  In Red Rocks we were on a constant search for the endangered desert tortoise who sadly never showed it's face.  We did learn a great deal about them however from the pamphlet the park made us read and sign ensuring we would not steal one and ebay it.  If you have any questions regarding the tortoise please feel free to leave it under the comments.  I feel somewhat of an expert now having read the pamphlet.  I even know what to do if I am forced to approach one of these elusive desert creatures. Though we were not graced by the presence of our hard-shelled desert dweller we did encounter some wild burros (A mother and baby) while in Red Rocks.
      In the Grand Canyon there were many cool experiences such as a full moon lighting our path during night hikes, an owl that seemed to be just as curious about us as we were him, a golden eagle, fresh spring water straight out of the rocks and much more.  The north rim of the canyon is awesome and we saw nobody other than our group while in the canyon.  We did however meet some wonderful characters over the course of the trip.  Amongst our most memorable and notable are: Debbie, our camprground host in Redrocks who didn't refill our TP in the latrine, thought we may have stolen the solar panels off of the latrines, and who was pretty convince her boss was a murderous lunatic., Lo, the man who fed me my last non-self-prepared meal before I went into the wilderness and who gave me a free drink if I purchased my meal back at the deli rather than at the front check-out counter (thanks bro anyone who gives me free Dr. Pepper is a hero in my book).,  And finally Steve, who was a National Forest Service Fire Fighter who jumped the van at the trailhead so we could go home after a long time in the backcountry.  Steve, we will forever be in your debt.  We may also wonder if you used to be one of the Village People.  Your mustache, wool cargo pants tucked into your boots, and your diamond earing make you a person I aspire to reflect.

    After the Redrocks/Grand Canyon trip, I was able to spend one evening with Angela before she left out to go to Virginia.  It was good to see her after such a long time apart.  All in all it was an awesome beginning of my summer and things just continue to be amazing.  More updates coming soon! Peace out!