Voice Of The Orphan

One of the most popular pastimes in Boulder, Colorado is undoubtedly rock climbing. The beautiful mountains and plentiful rock formations make getting out and climbing easy and fun in the warm months. But what happens when the weather turns cold? For that, try turning to one of Boulder’s great indoor rock gyms.

Spot Bouldering Gym: the Spot Bouldering Gym (www.thespotgym.com) is considered the best rock gym dedicated to bouldering in the world, as well as one of the largest at 10,000 square feet. This gym has freestanding structures reaching up to 18 feet high. The rock textures and forms range from Hueco to Fontaineblue to Yosimite. For those who prefer lead climbing, the Spot offers a 25-foot rope wall. As usual, a variety of climbing classes are offered. The only down side to the Spot is that membership buys not only access to a great gym, but also a perceived …

No pressure, U.S. skiers, but you’re coming off the nation’s best performance in Olympic history four years ago at Vancover without your top gun on the women’s side and a 36-year-old on the men’s side who’s trying to grab the gusto one last time.

No problem, right? Certainly expectations aren’t as great for the U.S. as they were in 2010, but this U.S. team might have a good mix of veterans and emerging standouts who could reach the podium stand when the Winter Olympics begin in Sochi, Russia.

Although Lindsey Vonn, the first U.S. woman to win Olympic gold in the downhill, will be stateside tending to her surgically repaired knee, and Bode Miller, who will become the oldest American to participate in alpine skiing when the Olympics begin, is trying to race Father Time, all isn’t lost. The U.S. has medal possibilities when the Olympic downhill begins Feb. 9 …