I should probably back up, April was far busier than anticipated and so much has gone on that I just realized our trip to Florida is exactly one week away. How did that happen? Boot Camp still reigns life, Monday-Friday. And sometimes Saturday. We both continue to make progress, meet new friends and gain confidence in our abilities. This past Saturday was our first opportunity to
participate in an "Extreme Challenge" - Boot Camp lingo for a field trip/race/adventure that all campers are invited to participate in. April's challenge was held at Turtle Head Peak in Red Rock Canyon.
It was a pretty intimidating peak, especially for me, since I'm more of a nature walker than a hiker. None the less, we both finished. Nick's time was slightly more impressive than mine...ok who am I kidding?? He is an official BAD ASS! Congratulations must be given, he finished 3rd out of 39 people and was the FIRST non-instructor up to the top of the peak. Job well done, love.
I made my way up to claim a somewhat respectable 14th place, and also a new found respect for rock climbers. There isn't exactly a trail all the way up Turtle Head Peak, so the group I was climbing with decided to take the steeper, but shorter route. Bad decision, us. One of the instructors was in our group, and ended up with a pretty nasty head wound due to some loose rock in a blind slot (yes, this is a new to me rock climbing term). Aside from that scare, it was an amazing hike and I am proud of me, Nick and our awesome 6pm fellow campers for making a solid showing at the event.
*6pm Mission Hills Class*
From left: Eva, Debbie, Darcell, Julie, Alyssa, Rachel, Nick
As always, we've been so lucky to have some great visitors this month. The fabulous Tracie and John were out for the annual APEX Show (still not exactly sure what goes on there, but lots of technology and lots of nerdy people who were super excited for the IPad Debut to be sure) and we obviously met up with them at Nine Fine Irishmen (John's favorite LV bar) for a few rooftop cocktails, catching up on each others lives, and singing a few Irish Drinking Songs. Good times had by all, and guys, just THREE MONTHS till the big day! We can't wait!
Also in town, the infamous Justin Gorbet! We caught up with him on the tail end of a bachelor party on a Sunday afternoon. Note to self: Boys recovering from bachelor parties are different than girls recovering from bachelorette parties. Girls want to lay by the pool, gossip about the preceding festivities and upcoming wedding, and essentially CHILL out. Boys just want to drink. Oops. Lesson learned the hard way. Lunch turned into beers and snacks, and more beers. Needless to say Monday was a rough day at work. But it was well worth good times spent with a fabulous friend.
We had another great weekend of pool time, sunshine and relaxation when Justin and Leah made another appearance in Las Vegas. Friday night Happy Hour at Ra, drinks on the roof of the Palms at Ghost Bar, Saturday at the pool at the Wynn, Saturday night at Christian Audigier and of course Sunday recovery at Town Square. Epic, classic, perfection.
As our time in Las Vegas dwindles, I can really begin to appreciate all this town has had to offer. You truly cannot hate living in a town that attracts vacationers from all over the world, including some of your very best friends. Over the years, the distances between Las Vegas and Boston/Denver/Ohio/Seattle/California, etc have seemed a little less daunting, thanks to the pull of Sin City. I can say without a doubt that is one of the truly unique things I will miss about this place..
