Jack and Scott have been kind. Neither mentioned that after leaving our camp site at Deep Lake (shown in Scott's post) that I plain ran out of juice on the way to the Cirque of the Towers. I needed a Floyd Landis milkshake or something...
As Scott and I made our way to the Cirque to meet up with Jack, the weight of the gear, elevation and steep, rocky terrain conspired to push me harder than I recall being pushed on any backpacking trip. So, at a junction where the trail splits where you can a) take a steep, undulating trail to Jackass Pass or b) take a big boulder-hopping, relatively "level" trail to a saddle that leads into the Cirque, I decided to listen to the inner voice that was saying it was time to call it a day.
So as Scott headed off on option b), I found a comfortable little spot to setup my tent, surrounded by trees, rocks and some healthy patches of wildflowers. After a dayhike across option b) (where I parted ways with one of my toenails on one of those jackass big boulders...) I shot the Cirque with the LF for awhile and then retuned to my camp site for sunset. A whopping 30, 40 or maybe 50 seconds from my tent was an outcropping/promintory that offered views into the Cirque, and also back into the basin where our previous camp had been. I was bummed about not making it into the Cirque, but the sunset made me feel a lot better. This shot was taken in between sheets of 4x5, looking back into the basin that holds Deep Lake.
The lit mountain on the left is Haystack, then East Temple, Temple and Shiestler, left to right.
Olympus C-8080
p.s. The lake in the scene is North Lake; Deep Lake is not visible, hidden behind the knob sitting between East Temple and Temple Peaks.
Posted by Momo Vuyisich on August 14, 2006 at 9:00 PM
Very nice photo (and the story). Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Todd Caudle on August 14, 2006 at 9:07 PM
Man, from the looks of things, you guys had a very productive trip. This is my favorite image so far, can't wait to see many, many more!
No problem, D. Critiques are always welcome! I agree about the hot spots in the sky, which is why this is a digital pic and not a 4x5. Those dark clouds moved slowly left yielding more even lighting, and that's when I shot a couple more sheets.
As far as the hike, it doesn't have to be that difficult. I had a heavier than necessary pack, and we left from Deep Lake that morning, making for a fairly long hike. You could break it up into two smaller hikes (and pack more sensibly than I did) and it wouldn't be too bad. If/when I go back, I'd plan to camp at this spot again, and then start fresh the next day for a fairly short - even if steep - hike up to Jackass Pass and into the Cirque.
Posted by Rene Pirolt on August 15, 2006 at 9:56 AM
Sounds like you guys a had great trip. Awesome shot, Rick!
Posted by Jack Brauer on August 15, 2006 at 10:58 AM
Your shot really shows the bastard rocky nature of the Winds. Looking closely you can see how each rock is about the size of a car. I had one day in particular during my earlier Winds trip when I went about 5 miles up and down endless boulderfields... took me ten hours and I really thought that I was hurting myself in a general sense. Not fun.
Can't wait to see some of your 4x5s!
Posted by Roger Rouch on August 15, 2006 at 11:02 AM
Looks to me like the circumstances provided a wonderful photo opportunity. What a great spot to hang out for a while.
Discussion
9 repliesAs Scott and I made our way to the Cirque to meet up with Jack, the weight of the gear, elevation and steep, rocky terrain conspired to push me harder than I recall being pushed on any backpacking trip. So, at a junction where the trail splits where you can a) take a steep, undulating trail to Jackass Pass or b) take a big boulder-hopping, relatively "level"
So as Scott headed off on option b), I found a comfortable little spot to setup my tent, surrounded by trees, rocks and some healthy patches of wildflowers. After a dayhike across option b) (where I parted ways with one of my toenails on one of those jackass big boulders...) I shot the Cirque with the LF for awhile and then retuned to my camp site for sunset. A whopping 30, 40 or maybe 50 seconds from my tent was an outcropping/promintory that offered views into the Cirque, and also back into the basin where our previous camp had been. I was bummed about not making it into the Cirque, but the sunset made me feel a lot better.
The lit mountain on the left is Haystack, then East Temple, Temple and Shiestler, left to right.
Olympus C-8080
p.s. The lake in the scene is North Lake; Deep Lake is not visible, hidden behind the knob sitting between East Temple and Temple Peaks.
Thanks for an awesome pic and the tale behind the image!
As far as the hike, it doesn't have to be that difficult. I had a heavier than necessary pack, and we left from Deep Lake that morning, making for a fairly long hike. You could break it up into two smaller hikes (and pack more sensibly than I did) and it wouldn't be too bad. If/when I go back, I'd plan to camp at this spot again, and then start fresh the next day for a fairly short - even if steep - hike up to Jackass Pass and into the Cirque.
Can't wait to see some of your 4x5s!