Saturday, March 15, 2008

Everybody Loves Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

A few weekends ago, we escaped the snowy city and headed to St. George with three other couples for a few days of camping and climbing. It was great! It was the perfect reason to get out of town and enjoy some fresh air, sunshine and fabulous company.

The spearheading duo, Ben and Raeshell, are the type of couple every person needs in their arsenal. They are so outgoing and fun, and even though they can do things like THIS,

they were still so encouraging and made the experience a blast for all us climbing newbies. In fact, though they warmed us up on a 5.6, by the end of the day each of us conquered a 5.9. I may percept a slight guffaw from all the hard-core climbers who frequent this blog (?). But for those of you who think our little victory is pretty neato, and would like a visual translation, that means we climbed THIS...

Noah totally owned these climbs, and at one point earned the highest of all praises uttered from my lips (typically reserved for the likes of Jason Bourne) - "babe, you're such a bad-a." (Shout out to Whit.)

It's going to seem like none of the pictures are of me actually CLIMBING anything, but please understand the photos from this trip must be sagaciously selected - the harnessed butt flatters no one. But just to prove I am not SO concerned with image, I will post this little ditty - what's it gonna be, Al? The gun or the thumbs up? Because we just can't have both... (please do note the delightful sunshine in this shot).


We ended up camping in the foothills of St. George just above Grandma and Grandpa Riley's home. When Noah called to tell them we'd love to swing by for a few minutes before we left town, Grandma countered with a comfy bed, a shower and a hot breakfast. There was no sense in arguing. You don't argue with a woman who once outsped and hid from the highway patrol and expect to win. :)

14 comments:

melissa o said...

No guffaw-ing from me. Just in awe! Go Al!

Rae and Ben said...

Thanks guys for the fun weekend. I'm glad we can be in your arsinal. And to everyone else, despite the lack of proof of Alison climbing, I will be a witness to her talent, she did climb, and climb well.

Quinn and Linds said...

I am very impressed by your hard core climbing skills! I can also say that when we repelled the subway, I too stratigically posted pictures as to exclude any of my harnessed butt!

Natalie Que said...

That looks like fun. The last time I climbed was on a blind date {the date ended in the ER}

Don't worry, it wasn't for me, I just just the one at the top seeing the rope fly through the super 8 at an alarmingly rapid rate. We didn't go out again...

Darby said...

You guys are so hard core! I love it. I've only climbed indoors. I'll have to venture outside.

Ashley said...

Cool! I didn't know you went, I always thought rock climbing looked 'bad a'.

Skipper said...

Props on the gutsiness! I spend my weekends watching America's Next Top Model.

Tristie hearts Dax said...

i am Ashley's friend and just happened upon your blog from hers. i just have to say you're writing is so entertaining. love it.

Jen said...

So...what about the bagels?

Nick and Leila said...

This looks like so much fun. I promise I haven't forgot about dinner we were just waiting for Anne Marie's brother to get married. Maybe next week or so. I'll let you know!

Whitney said...

i realized i got a shot out on this post and i never commented! i think it's because i emailed you my comment back. not only is noah such a bad A, but you are such a bad A also! look out paul petzl!

Travis said...

I think that's awsome that you went rock climbing and don't worry you both look like hard core bad a** rock climbers. Where in St. George did you go climbing? Looks like a place I would like to venture.

Sarah and Trent said...

Looks straight AWESOME!! Way to go guys! I miss the cliffs of Logan Canyon myself~ AZ just doesn't offer the beauty of mountainous rocks. That really made me laugh about the non-butt-flattering harness. haha!! No joke.

kelly said...

Oh, man! I am so jealous!
Once upon a time I did things like this.
SO FUN!