Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 17, 2010 at 6:17 PM
Yesterday I took a spectacular albeit a bit painful hike with my 8 y/o son Luke along the Rocky Ridge and Soberanes Canyon trails. With the incoming storm we hustled it to the top ridge from the road below. Elevation gain ~ 1800'. On the way up it felt like we past 2-3 ecosystems starting the rocky coastline below. Then thru cactus fields. We passing thru old growth Redwoods and then above treeline were rolling green hills with wildflowers already starting to bloom (poppies, lupine, paintbrush).
If you haven't taken this hike before and have the chance I highly recommend it. It is steep in parts.
Looks great, Derek. There's nice drama in this. What a grand view! Having your son in the frame really gives a sense of scale; I bet he was awed!
--P
Posted by Craig Myers on January 18, 2010 at 4:10 PM
Beautiful vistas, Derek. The first reminds me of my 50's boyhood, schleping my dad's camera bag for 10 cents/hour. Don't think we were ever closer than those photo treks. You are a lucky man and be assured, your son will never undervalue these moments.
Looks like a great hike Derek. I will definitely have to remember this for the next time I'm in the area.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 19, 2010 at 1:34 AM
Thanks guys,
This shot really speaks to the parts of photography I love the most. Its awesome being able to share the experience of being out in nature with my son. On the way up we met an older couple hiking together. They said they remembered when they used to drag their kids along on hikes. And now they are old enough to know they don't have to go. However I am hoping my son and eventually my two daughters will have gain a life long appreciation for nature and the outdoors. Even after they become cool teens.
Derek
Posted by Paul Duval on January 19, 2010 at 8:44 AM
Derek,
You certainly get around nice vista shots, like the one with your son in it. It's great to have a built in buddy. The wonderful thing about children is they push you to do things you think you can't, like the time my daughter forced me to drive through the snow over Chinaquipin to get my first breaking storm shots at Yosemite. Oh and I didn't stop to put on chains. Anyway lovely vistas. Be careful with the pounding surf this week, and try to stay dry.
Paul
Posted by Rudy Ruberti on January 19, 2010 at 9:02 PM
What a great way to spend the day. I have two "cool teens" (one of each), so I know what you mean. I took my daughter backpacking last year and we had a great time. Hiking and photography is a great common bond to share. With my son it's skiing and golf.
Posted by Greg Cope on January 19, 2010 at 10:30 PM
What a great photo. The clouds add to a serious 3d effect. Sounds like a great hike! The upper stretches of Big Sur are so incredible. The photo you posted really captures the expansive landscape
Posted by Mike Ryan on January 20, 2010 at 10:22 AM
Nice image Derek. The rigors of the hike were definitely worth it. My parents got my sisters and acclimated to nature at a very early age and the bond is especially strong for me. I can't imagine not getting outdoors. Keep getting out there with him. Like my Dad and I someday the two of you will can shoot together!
Discussion
10 repliesIf you haven't taken this hike before and have the chance I highly recommend it. It is steep in parts.
The larger image does the view much better justice:
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Seascapes/Big-Sur-Seascapes/10828392_2Vfh7#766828286_UQG4a-A-LB
And here are a couple more from the hike:
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Seascapes/Big-Sur-Seascapes/10828392_2Vfh7#766371686_ucWGF-A-LB
http://landandseaphoto.smugmug.com/Seascapes/Big-Sur-Seascapes/10828392_2Vfh7#766350964_pPeRD-A-LB
Big Sur has the highest coastal mountains in the lower 48 with some incredible views.
Derek
have to try that walk some time.
--P
This shot really speaks to the parts of photography I love the most. Its awesome being able to share the experience of being out in nature with my son. On the way up we met an older couple hiking together. They said they remembered when they used to drag their kids along on hikes. And now they are old enough to know they don't have to go. However I am hoping my son and eventually my two daughters will have gain a life long appreciation for nature and the outdoors. Even after they become cool teens.
Derek
You certainly get around nice vista shots, like the one with your son in it. It's great to have a built in buddy. The wonderful thing about children is they push you to do things you think you can't, like the time my daughter forced me to drive through the snow over Chinaquipin to get my first breaking storm shots at Yosemite. Oh and I didn't stop to put on chains. Anyway lovely vistas. Be careful with the pounding surf this week, and try to stay dry.
Paul