#developingyoureye

Standard Route on Mt. Lemmon

Ryan and I first climbed on Mt. Lemmon near the base, at “the wall of the flying scorpions”. This was a single pitch crag and near 1500ft. elevation. We had fun, even though I did split open a couple fingers in the process.

This time we decided to head up near the 4000ft area to a multi pitch climb named “the standard route“. This climb is located on Chimney rock and is only a 200ft climb, divided into 5 pitches. Perfect for me but pretty lame for Ryan!

It was a gorgeous day when we got to the base of the wall.

IMG_3174

Ryan placed his rope and some gear near the base and we “suited up”.

IMG_3175

IMG_3180

IMG_3177

There was a party of three ahead of us, so we waiting our turn. I watched the two women ahead of us in the hopes of learning the best way to maneuver the route.

Then Ryan lead up to the first anchor.

IMG_3179

There was a big ledge here to sit and wait for our turn on the second pitch.

IMG_3181

The view just keeps getting better!

This is the start of the second, and my least favorite, pitch. This is the chimney, which is just large enough for your body to squeeze into the gap. You can see the last climber in the group ahead of us as she tries to work her way up the rock face.

IMG_3184

Eventually, Ryan and I got up, through and over this pitch. Below is the top of the chimney and the start of my favorite pitch, number 3.

IMG_3191

We waited here for a bit while the other group made their way up.

IMG_3185

 

IMG_3186

IMG_3187

Helmet hair!

 

IMG_3193

Ryan was tired of waiting at this point and was ready to head up.

The view from the top of pitch 3.

IMG_3199

IMG_3205

After talking with the group ahead of us, we all decided to combing pitches 4 and 5 and went to the top!

IMG_3215

This rock teetering on the spike, was another 1000ft or so above us. Would love to climb in that area!

IMG_3214

The obligatory Summit Selfie!

 

IMG_3219

We waited for our turn to rappel off the top.

IMG_3210

Ryan goes first and I wait for him to yell clear, then I head down. When we are both on the ground, we pull the rope through the anchor.

But the rope did not cooperate this time. Ryan had to climb back up and retrieve it!

IMG_3212

This happens sometimes! Luckily he knew what to do because that rope is $300.00, Yikes!

After a fun climb there is only one thing left to do!

IMG_3247

Happy Hour at Zona78!

Our next climb will be with the whole family!

Black & White & Color Photo Challenge

I have a spot in my backyard garden where nothing will grow. It’s near the path and the sprinklers just won’t reach it, no matter how I  configure the nozzles. I decided to find a Buddha statue to place there but have had little luck finding just the right size and style that I really liked. Then, while my daughter and I were in Leavenworth (where we were supposed to be purchasing Christmas gifts for friends and family) I saw it.  Exactly what I had envisioned for the bare patch!

I will be placing it in the garden when the weather warms up, but for now here it is by the fountain. Black & White, or Color? Either way I am happy with it 🙂

 

export

 

export copy 2

Grab your camera or phone and join Linda from Everyone Else has the best titles and Take the “Black and White and Color” photo challenge!

Black & White & Color Photo Challenge

We finally had a break in the rain this morning. I went for a long walk and saw so many ways that the rain made the environment better. The air is clear, the foliage is well hydrated and the colors are so vibrant today. Everything is pretty well saturated and this bush has more rain drops than berries right now!

I love the reflections in the water drops 🙂

Which version do you prefer?

 

IMG_2566

Or

IMG_2566 2

Grab your camera or phone and join Linda from Everyone Else has the best titles and Take the “Black and White and Color” photo challenge!

Black & White & Color Photo Challenge

I am really missing Tucson and the sunlight! Today I chose a throw back picture from a hike through Sabino canyon. I loved how this cactus was growing out of the top of a rock, defying gravity and the lack of natural resources in the area!

 

IMG_2165 2

 

IMG_2165Grab your camera or phone and join Linda from Everyone Else has the best titles and Take the “Black and White and Color” photo challenge!

Black & White & Color Photo Challenge

We, brilliantly, left our rock climbing gear in Arizona last month. So we had to buy a few items when we returned to Washington. I feel that there is a big difference between the color and black and white version, do you agree?

 

IMG_2408

IMG_2408 2

Of course the price is the same for both sets of gear from REI- a lot!

Grab your camera or phone and join Linda from Everyone Else has the best titles and Take the “Black and White and Color” photo challenge!

Black & White & Color Photo Challenge

The bees have been very busy in my backyard this summer! Now I am not sure what to do with this nest.

 

IMG_2453 2

Black and white photo of a yellow jacket nest

 

IMG_2453

Color photo of the yellow jacket nest

Any suggestions?

Grab your camera or phone and join Linda from Everyone Else has the best titles and Take the “Black and White and Color” photo challenge!

Black & White & Color Photo Challenge

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and, like most bakers, I have been in the kitchen for the last couple days. I finished this apple, almond and cranberry pie late tonight. Here it is right before going into the oven. Which looks more appetizing?

 

IMG_2363 2

The black and white version of the pie

or

IMG_2363

The color version

I wish you all the best of holidays and a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

Grab your camera or phone and join Linda from Everyone Else has the best titles and Take the “Black and White and Color” photo challenge!

Black & White & Color Photo Challenge

The Seattle Seahawks hosted the Atlanta Falcons for Monday Night Football last night. My husband won tickets through his work and we braved the cold and potential rain, that fortunately did not materialize despite the threatening sky! We had pretty good seats!

 

IMG_2322

Color view of the pre game warm up

IMG_2322 2

Black and White version of the warm up

Based on the outcome of the contest, the black and white version accurately sums up our feelings and mood as we made our way home 😦

Better luck next time!

 

Grab your camera or phone and join Linda from Everyone Else has the best titles and Take the “Black and White and Color” photo challenge!

Black & White & Color, Photo Challenge

I am going to break my tradition of never posting pictures of myself today. This was a shot I uploaded to Instagram on a day where I ran without goals. No pace, no distance and no time recorded. Just a path and some good music, and even better weather!

This was one of my last runs in Tucson before heading back to Seattle and I was feeling the future pain of training in the wind, rain and cold!

So which version captures the feeling of freedom of running without limits?

IMG_1920

The color version of the end of my run

or

IMG_1920 2

The Black and White version

Grab your camera or phone and join Linda from Everyone Else has the best titles and Take the “Black and White and Color” photo challenge!

Black & White & Color, Photo Challenge

Last night we went to a Meet Up Tucson group. The goal was to meet some of our new neighbors and, finally, start getting to know some people locally. We met up with the “off the couch gang” at a Zona 78, an Italian restaurant. I had this raspberry martini (to start!)

It was delicious and the company was great, we really did have a fun time! I got to thinking this morning about using the drink for this challenge, but wanted to take it a little further with some animation, so which do you prefer:

 

 

export copy

The color version of the raspberry martini with bubbles

or

export

The black and white version with bubbles

Grab your camera or phone and join Linda from Everyone Else has the best titles and Take the “Black and White and Color” photo challenge!