Everyone has those special places tucked away in the back of their mind. The places you think of at a certain time in the year, places that hold memories and experiences you hold onto for the rest of your life. Ouray is one of those places; the annual Ice Festival is one of those times. For the past three years, I've attended the Ice Fest with new and old friends, embarking on a weekend full of adventure and growth, always coming back closer than when we left. There's something about being around climbers in such a magical place, sharing stories, snacks, and whiskey. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to put that type of energy into words, it's something you have to live through to fully understand. I'm incredibly thankful that I get to ring in the new year like this, with people so lovely.

Mike singing Tom Petty's Great Wide Open as he tops out