To get this shot, we hired a driver to drop us off at the trail head. Turns out, a storm was coming in. It was already supposed to be an intense hike, and no one in this season hiked it because of mud, but we figured we'd give it a try, anyway.
So up the mountain we went. And we quickly got lost as there was ice and snow covering large portions of the trail. The hike was tough not only because it was slippery and muddy, and the rain weighing all our clothes and gear, but because the plants straight up bit us. Some of the leaves had razor edges that after you brushed past them, maybe five minutes later, you would wonder what was biting you. It took us quite some time to figure out why we felt like we were covered in venomous splintery sensations. I'm Colorado raised and I'm used to intense hikes. I hike trails all over the world. These slippery slopes did a number on my toes. This is one of the only hikes that I've ever stopped, most of the way up, and turned around on due to time, hunger, and discomfort.
But this scene, so near the very top...well, it was worth it.
I love hiking. I love getting lost. I love nature and adventure and seeing the strange and new everywhere you look, and also, I love that I can capture a little of it and share it with others.
Thank you for following my adventures.
ISO 160, F/6.3, 1/125s, Panorama. Subtle HDR.