Monday, April 12, 2010

Yes we are guilty

Forgive us Blogger, for we have sinned. It's only been, like, 11 months or so since we last posted. Had to post something before a whole YEAR passes. At least we know we suck. We could make up excuses for our blog slacking and give you a lengthy list of "whys" but we'd rather spare you. No worries though, we still have been stalking you on your blogs to remain updated. Now for a quick update on us... We've been climbing lately as the weather has warmed up. Had several days last week at City of Rocks, and hopefully we'll make it to Joshua Tree next week. If that happens, we'll be stoked about the nice southern California weather! Work is going well for both of us... for Zach, well, it's good because he still has a solid job {happy happy faces} and for Rochelle things are busy. Nothing too exciting is going on so we'll call this a wrap. Wouldn't want to get ahead of ourselves after 11 months of not blogging! :)

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Old Hyndman Peak, Pioneer Mountains

Friday and Saturday we decided to get a gear test session in in the Pioneer Mountain Range just outside of Hailey, ID. From left to right Ed (The Sledge Hammer) Evan (Private Tough Guy) and Dave (Fast Freddy) at the trail head for our destination Old Hyndman Peak.


Ed Hammering his way down the trail.

Ed warned us that we would have to cross a creek of freezing snow melt and so we did... in our snow shoes. Yeah!


Evans turn



Fast Freddy is slowing down and making sure footed placements.


Looking into Big Basin... Idaho is beautiful!

Yes we all have the same sunglasses its because we are all experienced mountaineers! Julbo Explorer glacier glasses are the only way to climb.


The boys peering up the basin.


Finally found a campsite.


The EV2 and the EV3 in their glory!


Babbling brook where we got our COLD H20


The next morning heading up toward the summit of Old Hyndman.


1500' later where we decided to turn back because of white out conditions where we couldn't tell up from down or left from right because of the clouds and snow rolling in. We made the right decision and now we will have an opportunity to come back to climb in this beautiful area again during the summer months with slightly less snow.

Evan and Dave descending the mountain.


Ed leading the way back to camp.

The crew just before throwing the packs on and heading back to the car.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Trip to the Owyhee's

This weekend Rochelle and I and 3 friends, Dave his girlfriend Toni, and Evan ventured out for a backpack overnighter in the Owyhee high desert of Idaho/Oregon. We got a late start and didn't really know where we were going to exactly go but we parked off a dirt road and headed north for about 2 miles and set up camp.

Sammy is an adventurous little backpacker here she is following me up a slightly unsafe rock outcropping... she is fearless!

If any of you have seen the animated movie open season 2 this should explain itself Dave is a clown.

The boys from left to right Evan, Dave, me.

Rochelle and Toni making the ascent.

Our camp site in the Owhyee desert.

Playing some frisbee

The girls got all bundled had some snacks and watched us play frisbee like little boys in the park.

The whole crew... Sammy was only interested in the frisbee.

Rochelle and I with the sun setting.

Sunset.

Packing up camp the next morning. Lots of dry grass and Sammy hair in the tent.

After we got back to the car we went into the Leslie Gulch area. This place looks just like Death Valley. Rock of all colors greens, purples, reds, and browns. Very pretty area.

Owyhee Reservoir
Some rock climbing anyone?
Rochelle down climbing. Dang she looks good!
So we had a great time on our trip to the Owyhee's I'm disappointed that something so beautiful has been so close my entire life and I've never been there to explore it. Rochelle and I love the rock formations and plan on heading back out to the Owyhee high desert again and again.