Nevada 214

Madeline left, Las vegas has been rainy, and it’s getting colder. I can't say Las Vegas has been treating me poorly because it hasn’t. I have a relatively good job where I can combine work and play. It’s also rewarding not only financially but personally. I’m given the freedom to be creative and set routes for others of all body types to climb and enjoy. On other days I am Coach Andy, coaching youngsters but it feels a bit more like babysitting at times. It doesn’t stop there on other days I’m a teacher of climbing techniques and personally, I am so shocked that anyone would let me teach them climbing techniques. Not that I’m a shitty climber but I’m not the climber that is looked to for advice on technique and beta. I try my best to give the best lessons and advice I can. It’s a fantastic sport, and teaching newer people reminds me of when I started climbing.

I never thought that I would become all consumed by this body-torturing nerve-wracking sport. It very well did though and I’m glad to say I believe it did for all the right reasons. I grew up very average in terms of physicality and athletics as the years went by many of my peers just skyrocketed in height and size. I, unfortunately, stayed the same as nature intended me to. Climbing was just something I felt didn’t matter who you are. Anyone can climb. I enjoyed the training style and the fascination with strong hands, fingers, and forearms sparked. It fired off a train that hasn’t stopped and I don’t know when it will. It brought me to some cool places, met some great people, and I discovered the ability to do certain things I didn’t think I would be able to do.