CLIMB!

We were blessed this past week to enjoy two of the same days off together, and in the middle of the week! So we decided to take advantage of that and go outdoors! Two other girls that work with Tobin as fellows at school were able to join, so we went off together to Joshua Tree. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. We arrived mid morning on Wednesday, set up camp where there also happened to be a great area to set up a climb. I don't think I've ever had it so good climbing. Drive in, set up camp, climb, stop, tear down, eat dinner, sleep, then repeat (if you want) ;) Here's the photos of our adventure:

A Small Joshua Tree, crazy things they are! A cross between a cactus and a palm tree

Our Fearless first climber...Nici (this was her first climb ever).

She did great...with a bit of coaching and cheering!

Then Sara, who did an excellent job as well!

Tobin...if you look close he's wearing his new "fivefingers" on his right foot.

He loves them! Nearly went to church in them today!

Here I am at the top of a great climb!

Dinner was a bit of an adventure. Our camping stove decided to go on the fritz. But since my husband has amazing Macgyver Skills, dinner was hot, hot, hot! So we enjoyed good Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup with Garlic Bread! YUMMMMM!!

Here we are cleaning up the mess, over our well crafted sump hole,

utilizing our water preservation skills. With our trusty head lamps!

Now you can see the action!

Then...not to be missed a good game of cards! Hand and Foot!

Sara and I gave Tobin and Nici a run for their money, but in the end, I had to

let Tobin's team win so I'd be allowed to sleep in our tent.

The next day we enjoyed some more climbing! In a new spot.

This time Tobin led trad (using all the cool cams, tri-cams, nuts, etc), rather than being top-roped. And we did a two pitch climb to get to the top of the rock you see behind us in the following photo. It was a great climb, beautiful at the top, but the down climb on the back side was a bit interesting. But thanks to my amazing husband he found a safe way for both of us to get down!

The Geared-up Rummels!

Climbing Beautiful Point Dume

Tobin, Boom, and I went on a wonderful weekend day off to Malibu. One of our favorite places to climb, Point Dume. It's a beautiful setting, and rock cliff right on the beach, with amazing blue-green water, sun, sounds, and good climbing "problems."

As you can see, many other people had the same idea to good to the beach.
And there were actually quite a few other climbers.
We termed this the Sea of Umbrellas!

Conquering the climb. Beautiful reward in views at the top!

Just chillin' enjoying the ocean!

Boom with her amazing climbing skills.
She's getting so much better!
It's fun to see her figure out new problems!

God's Creation is amazing and awesome!
You can see the blue-green in the water here.

At the end of the day we enjoyed the water.
Here I am getting practically knocked over by the power in the wave.


Here's Tobin taking a ride with the Boogie Board!

Joshua Tree!

Yes, this is where we were about 3 1/2 years ago...where we got engaged! This past weekend, we got the chance to go with some friends of ours.

Kate and Kyle. Kate works with Tobin, and Kyle is Kate's husband. So the two couples ventured off for some adventure! And adventure we had! Some rock climbing, trying to make two new avid climbers, hiking, and playing hand-and-foot! Yes, another couple that loves to play (Kate's family has been playing hand-and-foot and canasta for a long time)! The warm days fluctuated into cold nights, but our sleeping bags kept us warm. I learned that I need to listen to Tobin and bring those extra long underwear and extra shell. I wanted to be tough, but realized I get cold so easily (you'd think I'd know this about myself, apparently Tobin knows it better!) =) Thankfully, Tobin had brought an extra wool sweater so I used that! Husbands are great!

Looking down on our campground

Kyle doing a great ascent

My contemplative husband and God's beautiful Creation!

A challenging climb for me...both physically and mentally

Hopping around on rocks was much of the weekend. Here's an action shot!

Boys must always get to the highest rock!

Cooking our yummy second dinner...Rice and Black Bean Burritos!

Our last hike to 49 Palm Oasis

Can you find Waldo? I mean me? And see the palm trees in the middle of the dessert?! Crazy huh?!!
Strange change to the tropics....

I love this man! Fun to be back where he proposed! I told him if he asked me again...

I'd definitely say, "YES!"