The annual Red Rock Rendezvous was a bunch of fun this year. Great weather, good friends, and a beautiful spot make the RRR one the best climbing festivals in the country. This year I taught crack climbing at the Hidden Falls crag. Everybody in my class seemed to have a blast, and we talked about everything from racking, to taping, to the various jamming techniques. It was especially rewarding for me to see people dramatically improve; some were unable to struggle their way to the anchor on their first try, but managed to climb the route cleanly by the end of the day! Thanks to everybody in my clinics for the great effort and good times, I hope you all enjoy your hard won Mammut swag!

The photos from top to bottom: Bill and Miker climb Left Out and Brass Track respectively, the crew on Saturday, showing Ben and Jessica how to tape.

On the way to/from Vegas I was able to do some personal climbing. Highlights include some 5.13 sport onsights (especially psyched to onsight the VRG classic .13a, Joe Six Pack in HOT conditions), and making an early repeat of two new classic "longish" routes at Red Rock--The Velvet Tongue and Jetstream. Both of these routes were amazing, so if you climb .12+ look at Jerry Handren's new Red Rock guide and check them out. It was pretty chilly during these climbs, and I received several comments and longing looks from my partners over my light, yet warm, Broad Peak and Microlayer Windbreaker Jacket combo. Stay toasty while belaying, then stuff them into their own pockets, and clip them to the back of your harness while you climb, perfect. I know...the Microlayer isn't available any more, but Dean tells me that there's a new jacket on the way that utilizes the same ultralight material.

Excited for some great trips for this summer. Hatching plans with Whit for a trip to Mt. Hooker in the Wind Rivers, and Dylan Johnson and I have a Lyman Spitzer and Mugs Stump Grant for an exciting unclimbed peak in China! And of course there's also the constant stream of projects closer to home! Hope you're all having a fantastic and productive spring. Thanks to Dean, Mike, and everybody at Mammut for their continued support!