When Dave told me his parents were buying him a ticket to Bishop for his birthday, I immediately turned my attention to how I could join him on this trip. The notice was short, just 2 weeks and we'd be heading out. Dave said we even had a pickup from the airport from a friend, Todd Bradlee. Where this is a will, there is a way and within 2 days I told Dave to book 2 seats on the plane.

March 5th
3 hours to Minneapolis
2 hour layover
3 ½ more hours to Reno
3 ½ hour drive to Bishop

12 very long hours later we arrived at the aptly named "Pit." It was 4 a.m. and we tried to get some sleep, but it just didn't happen for me. After a day of bouldering and no sleep, I just couldn't bring myself to go back to the campground. I checked into the Outdoorsman Hotel for a bed and shower. The next morning I knew I'd be staying there the rest of my trip.