Princess Leah on Star Wars, Eldorado Canyon, Colorado

Mr. Natural

Matt Shooting Mr. Natural. Photo: Rich Crowder

Rich and Kristie all smiles at the end of the shoot

Ms. Kristie Arend on the classic Eldorado 5.8 crack Mr. Natural. This was another shoot for the new Eldorado Canyon guidebook, due out this winter. I was lucky to have Rich Crowder along for the ride. Rich helped me rig and shot from above while I got the side angle.

West Crack of the Whale’s Tail

Roxanne Raymundo on the best 5.2 crack climb in Eldorado Canyon.

Calypso, Eldorado Canyon, Colorado

We showed up in Eldorado Canyon to do another shoot for the new guidebook. As we drove into the canyon the light was perfect. But as soon as we hiked to the base of the route, the clouds socked in and it began to rain. Discouraged and a bit annoyed we thought there was little chance of any successful climbing or photography. Just as we decided to quit and go home the clouds began to break and the sun reappeared under nice soft clouds. The shoot was on. Sara climbed gracefully, giggling her way up the beautiful 5.6 Eldo classic.

Jim Erickson on The Blind Faith, Eldorado Canyon, Colorado

In 1972 Jim Erickson did the first free-ascent of the Blind Faith on the Bastille in Eldorado Canyon. Jim free-soloed the pitch, on sight. Which means he walked up to the 200 plus foot wall, without a rope or partner, and climbed it, unaware of the difficulty. In 2008 he led the pitch again, this time with a rope and a belayer. It’s good to see him still climbing hard at 59.

Skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Alex, Matt A, and Andy on the way up to Ptarmigan Glacier. Notchtop Peak to the right. A beautiful day of skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Alex and Andy on the way to the summit of Mt. Bancroft

On a perfect Colorado spring day, Andy Jensen, Alex Platt and I skied James Peak and Mt. Bancroft, two peaks in the central mountians of the front range. It was a long day, comprised mostly of skinning and suffering, but we managed a few good turns.

Jordan River, BC. Surfing

On my latest trip to Vancouver Island the III crew and kids went camping at Jordan River. Jordan River is one of Canada´s best surf spots. Located on the Canadian side of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the right point break only works off a north swell, so winter is the time. The spot has a nasty localized reputation with all kinds of rumors of fistfights in the dirt parking lot and vandalized cars of unwelcome outsiders. Since I was there only to shoot we didn’t have any issues.

The waves were lining up nicely in the late morning. These two guys were getting long ride after long ride.

sailing

Sailing off Victoria, BC. Thanks to the Royal Victoria Yacht Club for the ride on the Committee boat.