Aric Pope, recreational attendant, West Gym, searches for his next opportunity to advance up the rock-climbing wall at the West Gym, June 4, 2014. With air-conditioning, hydration readily available and safety systems in place, the rock-climbing wall at the West Gym offers a safe facility for all Combat Center patrons. - Aric Pope, recreational attendant, West Gym, searches for his next opportunity to advance up the rock-climbing wall at the West Gym, June 4, 2014. With air-conditioning, hydration readily available and safety systems in place, the rock-climbing wall at the West Gym offers a safe facility for all Combat Center patrons.
Cpl. Decil Burns, lifeguard and safety swimmer, Training Tank, helps a participant over come her fear of jumping into the pool by catching her on the way down during a swimming class for children hosted at the Training Tank, June 10, 2014. The group of children are part of a program which takes kids who are in home schooling and have them participate in activities that change monthly. - Cpl. Decil Burns, lifeguard and safety swimmer, Training Tank, helps a participant over come her fear of jumping into the pool by catching her on the way down during a swimming class for children hosted at the Training Tank, June 10, 2014. The group of children are part of a program which takes kids who are in home schooling and have them participate in activities that change monthly.
Pope has been climbing and hiking for the 13 years he has lived in Joshua Tree. Since the age of five he has also ridden dirt bikes, constantly seeking a thrill either in his day-to day life, in the open stretches of sand in the desert, or on the side of a mountain. - Pope has been climbing and hiking for the 13 years he has lived in Joshua Tree. Since the age of five he has also ridden dirt bikes, constantly seeking a thrill either in his day-to day life, in the open stretches of sand in the desert, or on the side of a mountain.