The Summit of Royce Peak

The video begins by looking south-southeast toward Mount Humphreys over the Royce Summit (13,253') boulders and then turns north into Mono Divide and finally west into the Seven Gables/Vee Lake area (one of my favorites). This was an absolutely beautiful day to be on a summit with no storms on the horizon and very little wind. For those who know what they are looking for, you may even see Mount Hilgard (to the left of the jumble of rocks on the Royce summit, smooth rounded peak in the distance). Mount Hilgard is 13,381' and sits on the south shore of beautiful Lake Italy.

Reflections in the Humphreys Lakes

You gotta love it when the clouds roll in and there is no wind while at a remote wilderness lake. The west side of Mount Humphreys reflects in one of the Humphreys Lakes in this video.

Above Columbine Lake

Perched high up on the nameless peak just east of Columbine Lake, I get this spectacular view of Cliff Valley (I like it!!), Sawtooth Peak, and Lost Canyon. I don't know what it is about the high country, I just love it so much!!!

Approaching Storm While Climbing Mount Stewart

I captured this video as I was climbing Mount Stewart (12,025'). The weather rapidly changed with every step, but what an absolutely gorgeous scene!!! The mountains in the distance are the mighty Kaweahs. I touched the summit of Mount Stewart, headed back down, and it poured and thundered for hours.....

One Tired Son-of-a-Gun........

What a great trip this was!! Took 3 days to get into the Nine Lake Basin, stayed for 2 days in the basin, and then got the "Hamburger" craving and hiked all the way back to Crescent Meadows (22 miles) in about 8 hours. I even look tired!!

Upper Hamilton Lake

Hamilton Lake is just gorgeous!! Camped here for a night and didn't see another soul, except for the Marmots that tried to steal my boots while I was napping......The ridge up above is Kaweah Gap, a 10,700' Pass over the ridge and into the Big Arroyo.

Summit of Mount Tyndall

This is an old clip (2004) from a point and shoot captured by my good buddy Jaime just after we summited Mount Tyndall (14,018) by way of the North Rib. Beautiful weather and a great climb!!! I'm sorry, there is no sound with this one and the clarity is horrible......

Rain and Wind in the Nine Lake Basin

Whenever possible, I try and pick a camp location where there is a nice view from my door. Unfortunately, sometimes that means picking a location that is somewhat exposed to weather. In this case, I was lucky the wind was not as hard as it could have been as this spot is extremely exposed and my tent may have been destroyed!!!

Summit of Tresidder Peak

Tresidder Peak lies to the southwest of Upper Cathedral Lake and has one of the most spectacular views of the Yosemite High Country. On this day, the clouds came rolling in and made for some really nice photographic possibilities. If you look closely, you can see the "Thumb", Half Dome, and Mount Conness among other fine peaks.

Summit of Pilot Knob

Pilot Knob (12,245') has one of the most beautiful summits because it sits out all alone. A true 360 degree view with no obstructions. The video begins looking over the rocky summit and the convergence of Piute and French Canyons. A spectacular view of Glacier Divide and Merriam Peak as well!!! I make a funny reference to my wife (Lara) in this as she could care less about the outdoor stuff.......

The Wind Destroyed My Tent!!!

Even in a nice spot between rocks the Sierra wind can create havoc!! I'm glad it didn't rain during this trip near Upper Boy Scout Lake in the North Fork of Lone Pine. The evening/late morning winds shredded my rain fly.

Helicopter Ride out of Havasupai

This older video from 2005 with no sound and poor quality was shot as I hitched a ride back to Hualapai Hilltop with FEMA helpers from Supai Village. Havasupai just prior to my visit was hit with major flooding and needed federal aid. It was goof for me though, as I was the only "Tourist" in the canyon for 3 days.

Confluence of Havasupai Canyon and the Colorado River

After hiking over 18 miles in 2 days from Hualapai Hilltop down Havasupai Canyon, I reached the confluence with the Colorado River. This was an amazing trip and a bit early in my photographic endeavors. After hiking back up to my tent, I discovered all of my food was missing from inside. The canyon had just suffered major flooding and I was the only visitor in the 3 days I was there. I got the feeling the tribe did not want me in the canyon, even though I had my permit "Ok'd" by the tribal leader.

Mount Whitney and Candlelight Peak

North Lake in Winter

Sabrina Lake in Winter

Quicksand!!!

I truly feel like I almost "Bought the farm" just prior to this video. I walked out to the edge of this lake and both of my legs began to rapidly sink. I literally could not pull them up. The more I struggled, the faster my legs sank. While up to the knees, I threw myself backwards onto the wet sand and used my arms to pull each leg out and then I crawled back to firmer ground. If any of you are on the edges of Owens Lake and attempt this, be EXTREMELY careful. Very dangerous. Owens Lake is normally pretty dry, but this was a heavy rain year.

Crampons and Kearsarge Pass

Mama and Her Baby

Where the Hell is the Nearest Slot Canyon?

Slot Canyon 101

Peak 12,550' Above Hurd Peak

Wallace Col

This is a pretty steep climb up from Echo Lake, but a very rewarding one. This trip involved climbing over Wallace Col (13,000+') and over to Muir Pass. The east side of the Col from Echo Lake is very steep and treacherous and the west side was a steep scree slog down toward Sapphire Lake. I stayed in the Evolution Basin for a few days and then headed out over Lamarck Col (12,850', and much easier).

Muir Pass and the Black Divide