Smith Rock

I've been to Smith Rock twice in my life, and each time I view the canyon, its beauty always takes my breath away.  Located north of Bend, Oregon, Smith Rock boasts one of the best sport climbing locations on the West Coast.  It's not for the weak of heart, since many of the climbing routes are frighteningly under-bolted.

I was chased out of Squamish, Canada during my vacation due to rain, and sought sanctuary at Smith Rock.  Unfortunately, the storm followed us to Smith where we were bombarded by hail despite the 85 degree weather.  Everyone, including the locals were baffled by the weather pattern.....blue skies one minute, and foreboding storm clouds the next.  Disappointingly, my visit was cut short, but I did manage to find a pause in between the rain to capture this stunning place.

Read more...

Iphone Adventure at the Chief

I love my Canon 5D Mark II, but most of the time, it's just not practical to carry on a rockclimbing adventure.  People ask me all the time why I don't have climbing photos in my portfolio since I spend a lot of my time outdoors.  And my response? I would much rather have fun climbing then spend time behind the camera trying to get the perfect climbing shot.  And to be honest, I'm lazy.  I hate  to lug my heavy camera on a 15 pitch climb when I'm already weighed down by gear, guidebook, shoes, water, food, spare jacket, headlamp, etc in my backpack.  And believe me, every extra pound counts when you are climbing, especially when making an overhanging roof move. 

When documenting spontaneous adventures, I instead turn to my Iphone 4.  The image quality is surprisingly good, and photo apps, like ShakeItPhoto gives you the look/feel of a Polaroid camera.  Plus, among all the photo apps available, the color quality of ShakeItPhoto is my absolute hands down favorite.  I may not be able to achieve high quality large prints from my phone, but the convenience of having something light weight that I can carry with me at all times is a trade-off I am willing to live with.

Below are photos I took with my Iphone on our climb at the Chief (first pic) in Squamish, Canada.  We linked a few climbs together...Diedre to Boomstick to Squamish Buttress....which altogether merged into a brilliant 15 pitch climb which we finished in under seven hours.  Featured in these photos are the spectacular views from the Chief.  And the handsome star of my photos is none other than my husband, Aaron, my best friend and favorite trad climbing partner.  Sorry, no actual "climbing" photos though, as my partner gets quite upset when both my hands are not on the rope belaying. 

Read more...

A Peek at Paradise

A friend introduced me to Paradise Valley near Squamish, British Columbia, and I immediately fell in love with this hidden gem. I was mesmerized by the abundance of lush green foliage and moss covered trees....a rare visual treat for a city girl like me.  I'm not a writer or poet, so it's difficult to describe my emotional response to a place like Paradise.  Instead,  I'll let  David Wagoner, a poet, express my thoughts for me:

Lost

Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you
Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you,
If you leave it you may come back again, saying Here.
No two trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows
Where you are. You must let it find you.

Read more...