Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Canyonlands National Park

A trip into the heart of the back country of Canyonlands National Park, UT, down steep canyon walls, through tangled walls of riverside trees, and scrambling over rocky terrain. A photographic introduction of the brave crew follows. 

Seth "Reconnoiter" Jaramillo. Known for his ability to walk great distances and find routes through impenetrable passes. 
Austin "The General" George. "A Gap Filler", who's duties include doing what the others don't.   
Travis "The Lucky Doc" Cook. Armed with his lucky horseshoe and skills honed in university science labs, He was quickly given the duties of Head Doctor and Leading Scientist. 
Preston "The Inventor" George. Possessor of great ingenuity, strength, and natural building genius.
 
Just outside Canyonlands National Park, the view form our first campsite after an afternoon of traveling,
The twenty miles of inhospitable land we would cover over the next two days.
The Crew over looking the drop into Gooseberry Canyon and the only known photo in existence were The Crew is featured in its entirety. 
The beauties of the wild, both foreground and background. 
Descent into Dog Leg Canyon. Preston uses his advanced skills in reasoning to devise a system of pack insertion. 
Doc perched near the Colorado River.
Seth emerging after a dip in the mighty Colorado River.
The Crew's Camp a few hundred yards from the river.
Seth and Travis finding inner balance on the lookout over our camp. 
Preston shows off his strength, making an impossible jump while in search of a way to reach the heavily guarded shores of The Great Colorado.
Preston cleaning his beard after a long day on the trail.
Austin overlooking the Colorado River just moments before the storm hits...
The Crew seeks refuge beneath a small ridge while the rain and winds rage over their camp. 
Preston, tired of hiding from the claws of nature, convinces the storm beaten travelers to begin the dangerous and exerting task of finding a way out of the canyon. Seth, using his abilities as a skilled adventurer, points out a weakness in the mighty walls of the enemies stronghold. 
A picture of pure bouldering beauty. Seth makes the First Ascent of "Cupped Hands" V0 while Preston spots and Travis gives encouragement.
Travis blesses the working party with his luck.
A daunting view. The last wall between victory and triumph. 
After a success trip, the Crew dined in near by Moab, UT at the Moab Brewery, Where near misses with death and laughs from the trail were recounted.





Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Baker Hot Springs

Located near the town of Delta, Utah are some amazing hot springs that have been well taken care of and developed. Seth Jaramillo and I made a pretty long voyage down to the springs this afternoon. While the springs are located a good distance from what most would consider civilization, not many would credit Delta, Utah with such refinement, they are definitely worth checking out. 
  
Baker Hot Springs 180 Degrees F
Canal That Connects The Springs To The Pools

Seth Relaxing After A Long Drive
Austin George and Seth Jaramillo
Baker Hot Springs With A Beautiful View
Austin George In Short Shorts

Monday, March 28, 2011

Nephi, Utah

Sunday Nate Brun and Tyson Marshal took me down to Nephi, Utah to show me an amazing climbing area. Nate has spent an amazing amount of time in the area putting up new routes and exploring. Unfortunately we didn't have much time to climb due to some pretty heavy storm clouds blowing in. I hurt a few of my fingers pretty bad trying to out run the clouds and get some climbing in, failing to warm up properly. Hopefully I will not be out for to much time. 

The Boulders of Nephi, Utah
The Red Warrior

Nate Brun guiding Tyson and I around Nephi
Tyson Marshal putting down the First Ascent of Hot Pocket Sit-Start 

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Exploration of Rock Canyon, Utah

Jon Brun, who once lived an entire year in Rock Canyon, guided Jordan Ashlee and I around the canyon on a beautiful snowy day. Some of the best seen landmarks were amazing Bouldering Lines and Hippie Hangout Spots. 


Jon pulls a crossover move in the Kitchen 
Jordan inside the Hippie Hut
Jon and Jordan on a platform over looking the canyon
Jordan and Jon in the mouth of a cave near the Zoo
Warm Up in the Eliminator Cave
Jon and I on our way down the trail
Jon pulls down snow on Jordan

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Little Rock Canyon

The crew consisted of Jordan Ashlee and Jon Brun, Guides and unfortunately both not pictured, Seth and Myself. Little Rock Canyon is a really beautiful small canyon located just to the north of Rock Canyon in Provo, Utah. The area has five or so climbs in the V4/5 range and a few solid problems in the V6/8 range. We had a great day soaking in the rays from the sun and climbing on some much needed real rock, after a winter of plastic.  
Austin George: Unnamed Crack V6/7
Seth Jaramillo
The View Looking Up Into Little Rock Canyon
The evening included another magnificent meal prepared by Chef Jaramillo, Chicken Mac and Cheese, and a trip out to Saratoga Hot Springs to show Travis Cook the new found treasure. 

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Saratoga Hot Springs

The Saratoga Hot Springs located on the northwest side of Utah Lake.

Seth Jaramillo checking directions while lost in the wild reeds near Utah Lake
Saratoga Hot Spring
Seth enjoying the view of the Wasatch Mountain Range



Seth Jaramillo making his famous "Jaramillo Stew"

Thursday Tacos on Squaw Peak

Taco Thursday was an event that took place on the 3rd of March, 2011. Master mind/planner behind the adventure was California's own Fernando Martinez (Tyler). I'm going to let the pictures do most of the talking on this one, aided of course by a few captions. 

Kenny Seymour and Mr. Martinez join us on the trail on the way to the summit. 
On our way to the top the clouds opened up above Utah Lake and gave us an amazing view of the valley, renewing our spirits for the final push. 
Austin George from the top of Squaw Peak
The beautiful view of Utah County from Squaw Peak
Kenny "The Master Chef" Seymour preps his equipment for the creation of a master piece
Tyler Martinez dons a thick jacket to ward off the coming cool night
Travis "Jesus Lizard" Cook tries to stay warm while sitting in the snow
Tyson "Mewtwo" Marshal enjoys the lights of Utah County and ponders on his existence
Kenny warms his hands over a burner while Travis and Tyson  await the upcoming feast with anticipation
Kenny warms some shells and cheese for the first round of Pork Tacos
Travis for a brief minute finds himself warm as he eats a taco in the dark
The Kitchen on top of Squaw Peak