Yay, I finally got a chance to put together a little personal video about this summer's stand up paddling adventures! Check it out.[vimeo 58205844 w=500 h=281]
SUP High - Paddleboarding Colorado's high alpine lakes from Cedar House Cinema on Vimeo.
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This summer, Zach and Jenn (one of my best friends) and I had a conversation that went something like this:Jenn: "Paddleboarding! So much fun!"
Me: "Let's go soon!"
Zach: "We should! But little town lake is so boring."
Jenn: "I wish we lived closer to the ocean. We should do something cool."
Me: "Like Ptarmigan?"
Everyone: "Haha..."
Me: "No, really! Let's do it - that would be SO epic!"
Let me explain. Jenn is one of my favorite people, and works for Colorado Kayak Supply, the nation's awesomest purveyor of kayaks, paddleboards, and rafting gear. Paddleboarding, also called stand-up paddling or SUP, is one of my new favorite things ever. Ptarmigan Lake is one of my favorite high alpine lakes in the Collegiate Peaks - gorgeous scenery, fresh air, columbines and wildflowers everywhere, crystal clear water....oh yeah, and it sits at just over 12,000 feet, reachable either by a 6 or 7 mile hike (coming from one direction) or an hour or so of 4-wheeling and then a 1-2 mile hike (coming from the other direction). There are usually patches of snow year-round and frequently nobody else for miles and miles. What a recipe for awesomeness.
It was a gorgeous summer day in the mountains. So, we grabbed our boards, Jenn's daughter, and my three-legged dog, and headed up the back way, figuring we'd 4-wheel up most of the way and then hike the boards in just that last mile or two.
This is where we parked, inflated the boards, and started to hike in. What a view!
Not gonna lie, we got tired. The hike from the 4-wheel trail is really not that bad, but between the altitude (we're above timberline) and carrying the paddles and boards over our heads up the trail... we stopped frequently to catch our breath. Haha.
See our little truck in the distance?
Jenn and I, wondering what the hell we were thinking.
Then... we got there, and it was absolutely, totally worth it. Look at this place! Can you see why it's one of my favorite alpine lakes? Mt. Yale is in the background.
Let the awesomeness begin. While the rest of us were getting ready, Isabell geared up, beat us all to it, and jumped right in.
The water level there makes it feel like an infinity pool, looking out over the mountains. Plus, Ptarmigan Lake is a popular fishing spot, and the water is so clear that you can see large fish swimming below you :)
Jenn and Isabell and I napping in the middle of the lake :)
I have literally had dreams about this day... several times. We checked with some friends at CKS, and they hadn't heard of anyone SUPing Ptarmigan before, so I think we have a first ascent? Well, technically, Izzy does :) The next time we were back home in Buena Vista, we grabbed some more friends and headed up to Hancock Lake - another gorgeous alpine lake around 12,000 feet, but with much less hiking required. You can essentially 4-wheel right up to the water. Unfortunately it was a little chilly and grayer than our day at Ptarmigan, but still absolutely worth the adventure!
Stand up paddling is fun and mellow and so relaxing, and SUPing through high alpine lakes is surreal and makes you feel like you're floating through the sky and the mountains at the same time. As soon as the high lakes thaw in June-ish, we'll be right back up. Wanna come with us? Just get in touch! We know those back roads inside and out, and Jenn, Izzy, Zach and I all promise to take good care of you :)
I shot a bit of video during these two trips and hope to have a chance to put something together soon.
Happy New Year and fingers crossed for an early spring! Yay for Colorado adventures and thanks to our friends at CKS for the boards and paddles!
I grew up in Santa Fe, and I miss the desert like crazy! I always jump at the chance to be able to head back to New Mexico, so when Stacy & Grady contacted me about shooting their engagement session in Albuquerque, I was thrilled! These two are wonderful people, so fun to be around, and I'm so excited for their wedding in Estes Park next summer. Gotta love all of this gorgeous, golden, desert sunrise light :)
Then we headed to Old Town Albuquerque for some fun shots. I love all the history of the Southwest!
Congratulations, you two!
I love these day after shots! Although we got a little rained out on Rachel & Daniel's wedding day, we were able to have some time to shoot on the beach the next morning at Grand Velas in Playa del Carmen. I'll start with this one because I just love it.
Love you two - what a fantastic weekend!
Rachel originally contacted me about shooting her wedding to Daniel in Denver, but after getting sick of wedding planning and making a few schedule changes, we ended up in Mexico instead, and I'm so glad we did! Grand Velas near Playa del Carmen is the most AMAZING venue - right on the beach, breathtakingly beautiful pools, amazing rooms... such a dream to shoot. I was so glad that Rachel & Daniel decided to take some of the pressure off and go with a destination wedding, and I was excited for them to have a chance to relax and enjoy the day!
Skyping with family back home :)
Rachel, you are so beautiful!
Right as the ceremony began, we started to see evidence of Tropical Storm Debby... it got super windy (really really windy), but the rain managed to hold out until they were walking back up the aisle together.
I love this one :)
Thankfully, we had the time to do a day after shoot on the beach the next morning and were able to wait out the rain for some fun beach shots! Rachel & Daniel, thank you both SO much for the honor of shooting your wedding. I had an amazing few days with you both and can't wait to get the rest of your images to you!