Just when I thought the climbing season was over, I found myself in Las Vegas getting in some of the best rock climbing in the world.

I was feeling strong after logging some hikes above 10,000 feet, ready for my summit bid on the tallest mountain in the continental U.S.

Mom's 75th b-day coinciding with the 30-year anniversary of moving to the East Coast, was the perfect excuse to take Mom back to Washington!

To sum up the trip to Breckenridge, Colorado, in three words: “Ben is back!” This trip was confirmation I am ready for some summer summits!

In mountaineering they say it is not about the summit, it's returning home alive. That bodes true as this adventure was about the journey.