South and Camelback Mountains

With the large number of storms we've had lately, the skies above Phoenix have been unusually clear, offering fantastic views of the valley. I simply couldn't pass up the opportunity to lug my equipment to high ground and get some haze-free shots of the valley and surrounding mountains.

First, I took some photos from the top of South Mountain, located on the south side of Phoenix. (Hence the name.) The great thing about South Mountian is that you can drive all the way to the top, allowing for great photos with minimal strain on the body. Camelback mountain on the other hand, is a far different story. If you've ever seen Mission Impossible 2 where he's climbing the vertical rock wall, you've pretty much seen what Camelback Mountain is like. It is a serious hike/climb with several near-vertical sections. It took me an hour and a half of grueling work to get to the top. (Read: don't expect more Camelback shots for a while.)

Luckilly Paul was around again to help carry the tripod and equipment up the mountain. I most definately would have plummeted to my death off of some rock wall or something without him.

The sun nestles into the western landscape, ending another beautiful day

Blowing dust creates a brilliant sunset over the desert

Nothing is left but an orange glow after the sun has gone

And a purple sky marks the transition to night

Scaling one of the cliff-faces. Notice the tiny people and buildings in the background

Paul fights the high winds to brace and set up a tripod

Time for a brief glamour shot with the McDowell Mountains in the background

Looking north towards Squaw Peak and the homes nestled at its base

Paul precariously perches on a small peak

Just happy to have survived the climb!

Thanks for looking through my photos! Perhaps someday when my hands, feet, and lungs have healed, I'll be willing to climb Camelback again for some more photos. Until then, take care and I'll see you on my next trip!