Cathedral Peak Free Solo (Aug. 02, 2014)

While I had hiked in Yosemite area in the past, I have never had the chance to climb in Yosemite. Until the month of August in 2014, where I was able to convince two of my climbing buddies to tag along for a classic Yosemite climb such as the Cathedral Peak.  John Muir wasn't kidding when he said he felt he was at Church when he did the first known ascent of Cathedral Peak.

Me and my friends took the South East Buttress route, which is a fairly easy 5.6 climb that can be done in 5 pitches. I basically free soloed the first three pitches, and roped the last two remaining pitches.

This is start of the climb (or at least the route I took). The route veers straight up the left facing lake and moves diagonally across to ending at some point on the middle left of the picture

Here is a picture of the end of first pitch, showing off my favorite climbing shoes.  Comfy place to hang out.

Almost at the top...

A video taken at the top, taken by one of my friends, and me belaying up the other friend.

Pirates Ahoy! Sailing and Chilling

What best way to celebrate a halloween weekend than by sailing on the san diego bay waters, dressed up as pirates! And it had been quite a while since I last sailed.

Here are a few pics...

Russel Hustle (10/19/2014) - A solo trip to Mount Russel (East Ridge) in the Inyo National Forest region

An overnight trip along the Mountaineer's Route of Mount Whitney. Camped out at Upper Boyscout Lake and summited the next day. I had originally wanted to take the so called 'Thompson Variation' where you end up scrambling along the slippery and steep looking slabs on the north end of lower boyscout lake.  The route looked initimidating, so I instead took the normal mountaineer's route along the south end of the lake.

An early morning view of Whitney (picture taken from the Russel Carillon Saddle...

My shadow reflecting on the Russel Carillon Saddle, looking towards the start of the East Ridge route..

Somewhere along the East Ridge when coming down...

And it was a cold day, I needed my hat..

Close to the summit...

Tahquitz Climbing Trip / White Maidens Walkway (7 pitches? , 07/05/2014)

Tahquitz / White Maidens Walkway (07/05/2014) / A rough map of my route...

Zion Narrows Backpacking Trip (06/21/2014)

A friend and her group decided to celebrate her birthday by backing the Zion Narrows (top to bottom hike) in the Zion National Park. I was lucky enough to get an invite to this hike since June is a pretty busy season and the Narrows Permits are hard to get.

Here are some pics from the trip...

Mount Whitney (Mountaineer's Route 6-8-2014)

My crude attempt at creating a photosphere on the Summit of Mount Whitney. We took the mountaineer's route and base camped at Iceberg Lake. Summited the next day. Great weather that day. Just a tiring hike.

360 Panorama View of Whitney Summit

Whitney Mountaineer's Route / Early Season Winter Trip (March 2014)

A trip up the moutanineer's route of Whitney early March of 2014. I don't think I made it beyond a quarter mile beyond upper boyscout lake. But the sleeping quarters were very comfortable.

And the torn pants didn't bother much...