Running Timpanogos

I stared up at the Timpanogos ridge line not too long ago and realized there is so much of it that I have not explored. I called up a couple friends that I knew would be down to help me remedy my situation. Parker had been up to the summit earlier in the week and Josh had been trapped at home with a heavy homework load, so I figured we would make a good team.

I had been itching to shoot some trail running photos so we met at the trail head fairly early to try for some good light. I had borrowed a lens from Parker that I wasn't used to and messed up a bunch of photos. We made good time and it wasn't long before we were in the alpine. I made them stop periodically and run back and forth until I captured something I was happy with.

These shots are the few that turned out. I shot over 300 photos so I would say it was a bust, but all it takes is one photo to make shooting worth it for me. Not to mention that photography is now pushing me to get out and do something different and new. We hit the ridge after about three hours and started our traverse toward Bomber Peak. After shooting a few photos we hit our turn around time. Josh took off so he could make it to work as Parker and I trotted our way back to the car. All in all it was a fun and successful outing. I hope to get up high again before we get too much snow.

Main Crack

The flick of my camera shutter on climbing outings is becoming a familiar sound to those whom I choose as climbing partners. A shoot with my friend Greg fell through this past Friday morning, luckily Parker had something in mind that he wanted to climb. We pulled together the plan for an early morning in Rock Canyon.

Shooting for me right now is quickly becoming as important to me as climbing itself. Trying to capture the moment when an individual is pushing themselves to progress speaks to me in a way I hadn't anticipated. 

Parker has been a long time friend who I actually introduced to climbing. He has come a long way since that first day. He isn't sending 5.12's yet, but climbing is a personal journey and he is still fairly new to it. There are so many things you have to learn and overcome as a climber. Sometimes it is easy to look around and see others who are sending hard routes and to start comparing yourself to them. Climbing grades are there to help you push your limits, not to put you above anyone else. 

I am really happy with how these images turned out. Parker's climbing continues to progress and capturing part of his journey into traditional climbing made for a fun morning.

Superior South Ridge

The South Ridge of Mount Superior is a jagged exposed line that is a the most direct route to the summit. It has a good mix of class 4/5 scrambling, exposure, and beautiful views. The last time I was up on the east ridge I decided it would be fun to shoot some photos of my friends on the south ridge from the east ridge. I immediately thought of my friend Brody Leven. He recently got back from an amazing trip to climb North America's highest peak, Denali, with a huge historic expedition. 

Parker and I had been talking about doing the ridge for a while so he made the list as well. We met up at the mouth of the canyon and spent the drive up prodding Brody for details on his trip. I dropped them off at the base of Superior and headed for the trail that would take me up the east ridge. I hurried up the route and got myself into position. It was nice to be up in the alpine with an excuse to sit for a decent amount of time. 

I snapped photos until they were out of sight, then I ended up following a hear of mountain goats around for an hour or so. They were surprisingly fine with me getting close. All in all I thought the evening was a success. 

Morning Shots

Another round of snow came through just in time to celebrate Parker's birthday. I wasn't sure what the conditions would be like as I drove toward the canyon, but as soon as we hit the trail we realized it was going to be good. We headed up to Cardiff Pass and took turns behind the lens. It was a great way to celebrate life with a good friend.

I have been trying to learn more about photography lately. I am learning a lot by watching Youtube videos and reading articles, but there is still so much I don't know. I am realizing how much the quality of your images can change the perception of the words you put to paper. Guys like Jimmy Chin, Jim Harris, Cedar Wright, etc.. really get me excited to sit behind the lens and to try to tell stories.

Parker in deep! 

Devil's Castle

Parker

Photo Credit: Parker Alec Cross

Photo credit: Parker Alec Cross

Better than coffee

People love their coffee... I have tried the stuff. Tastes like someone scraped all the burnt stuff off of toast and put it in water. I love the smell, but don't want to "acquire" a taste for something like that. I will stick to waking myself up by having something to look forward to.

Josh recently picked up a split board and there was a fresh layer of snow so we headed up early for some turns. It was an awesome morning to be out. We got some really great turns in some settled powder. Parker was able to snap a few really great pictures which he let me post. Hope you enjoy them.

Another day in the trees

The snow changed dramatically from day one of the storm until now. It came in light and fluffy initially, that is what we rode the other day, but throughout the course of the storm the snow became much more dense and heavy. Every day I go out things are different. Sometimes the snow is great, sometimes it sucks. Occasionally I think "it isn't worth getting up at 5 in the morning today" but every time I do I never regret it. Parker shot these photos of me this morning. I am really blessed to have talented friends that enjoy the mountains. 

Touring lately

Winter? Oh yeah. This is what that feels like. After last year I kind of forgot. So far it already feels like we have more snow than all of last season combined. We have been getting out a bunch and it just keeps getting better. The snow has been fairly stable and I am looking forward to getting into some bigger lines this year.

Todd came out for a tour a couple weeks back, it wiped him out for a few days but we had a good time. Other than that there have been quite a few good days and I am looking forward to the rest of the winter.