Mt. Kilimanjaro or bust....

With years of planning behind us, it was time to take on Mt. Kilimanjaro.  Team Tsunami gathered its forces and assembled in Kenya where we drove to the base of the mountain that stands 19,340 feet tall.  With 11 of us in total, we had chosen the Lemosho route.  It's a newer route that takes 7 days and approaches from the north side, descending on the south side.  Day 6 was brutal.  I can honestly say that day 6 was easily the most physically challenging of my entire life.  It started as early as any day can start, at midnight.  Headlamps on and all the layers we could wear, we started the slog up the side of Kilimanjaro.  This day would result in climbing to the summit over 4,000 feet above us and then descending over 9,000 feet back into the oxygen.  It took us just under 16 hours to complete.  Lack of oxygen for sustained amounts of time begins to do funny things to the human body.  Some don't react well, others feel just a little off. In our group we had all of the above from potential brain swelling to vomiting to head aches to just simply not remembering parts of the summit day.  All in all we managed to make it to the top and down safely.  The funny thing about getting to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro is that once you reach it, the only thing you want to do is get away from it....and that means going down.

To see the Full Gallery click here.

Once we finished the climb, we went on Safari in the Serengeti.  Pictures coming soon.  In the meantime, if you'd like to see the Full Kilimanjaro Gallery click here.

Off to Africa...

When I went around the world twice back in 2007 and 2008 one of the places that I didn't get to spend as much time as I wanted to was Africa.  One of the main areas that I wanted to visit was the south eastern cost, specifically Kenya and Tanzania.

As of this posting, my journey to that region has finally begun along with 10 good friends.  The plan is to fly to Nairobi, travel overland to Arusha, climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, go on Safari and then off to Zanzibar for a little R & R.  The hike will be 7 days and the Safari another 5 or so ending with 5 more days on the island off of the eastern coast of Africa.  The entire time I will be tracking our positions and providing updates as connectivity allows.

To get updates and follow us online to the summit and beyond, you can visit My Map Here.

The updates will begin on Dec 27th with our drive from Nairobi to Arusha.  The ascent up Mt. Kilimanjaro begins on the 28th and will be completed 7 days later.   If you aren't seeing the updates daily, it most likely means that I don't have a connection.  Either way, you can follow limited updates made by our guide on their Team Kilimanjaro website.  Our group code is: NARE x 11, 28th December 2011 – 3rd January 2012, Chief Guides: Fred Achedo and John Naiman.

Also, if connectivity IS an issue, I will update the climb notes and stats once I have connection again, even if it is after the fact.  And of course, once I return from lugging my camera across Africa, I'll be sure to have some pictures for everyone to check out!

I think we got everything......

Frittfall Kalendar

What a great way to celebrate the new year!  With another month in Frittfall's 2012 Kalendar!  A few shots from Chicks Rock at Skydive Elsinore will do the trick.  Thanks guys!

Ellie

I did my first Senior Portrait shoot with a good friend's daughter a little over a month ago.  I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I can very comfortably say that I'm happy with the results.  We started in the studio and then went outside to take advantage of the fall colors.  Mom was my very important assistant and helped with wardrobe and hair that was flying in the breeze.  All in all it was a good experience and I'm looking forward to doing more in the future.

If you'd like to book your photo shoot or contact me with any questions you might have, you can do so right here online.

It's Christmas Shopping time!

Black Friday has come and gone and you still don't know what to get that skydiver on your x-mas list?  Well, let me suggest you get them something that you wouldn't mind looking at either!  All of my in stock Gallery Wrapped Canvas Art is on sale.  Make sure to order early if you'd like it in time for Christmas!  See what is left by visiting my website and ordering online.

February is my month

I wish it was February all year long......Not only was I born in February, but the 2012 USPA Calendar is sporting one of my shots of Brad and Jenny Cole in the month of February.  We took the shot in early June around 8:15 in the morning on a clear blue day with snow still covering the Rocky Mountains in the background.  Thanks guys for getting up early!

Aspens in Colorado

October was a busy month for me.  I was literally gone every single weekend on this coast or that.  Over the summer I was really excited to get the so iconic aspen pictures this fall that help define Colorado.  Unfortunately we were having a warmer than normal fall and all of the trees were turning late.  So the last weekend in September was the last weekend that I could go and search out some nice aspens.  As luck would have it, we stumbled on a few and here are some of the choice shots.  Next year I'm hoping to be around more so that I can enjoy the changing of the seasons here as I once did in New England.  Aspens don't quite compare to what New England has to offer, but they are quite beautiful in their own right.

Meet the Artist - Denver Arts Week

Quick mobile post.....Just a quick thank you to SkyVenture Colorado for hosting my art this week during Denver Arts Week!  And thank you to those that came out and supported the event.....until next time.

Skydive Sebastian's Halloween Freefly Extravaganza

Skydive Sebastian hosted their Annual Halloween Freefly Extravaganza this past weekend, but someone forgot to put the Freefly part in there.  Remnants of Hurricane Rina covered southern Florida and put a stop to all jumping with winds and rain.  Aside from a few hop n pop loads on Saturday, there wasn't one jump to be had.

It's a sad thing really to travel across the country and spend a bunch of money getting there to end up not making one skydive.  It does happen from time to time, but that still doesn't make it any less sad.  With that said, the saving grace to this trip were the Halloween Costume Party and the Fear Factor Food contest that were held Saturday night.  Jumpers weren't going to let the fact that they couldn't jump get in the way of the party!

Here are some of the choice shots from the event.  If you'd like to check out the ENTIRE GALLERY CLICK HERE.

Again, if you'd like to check out the ENTIRE GALLERY CLICK HERE.

Denver Arts Week coming up in November

November 4-12, 2011 is the Denver Art Week.  I will be displaying my work at SkyVenture Colorado down in Lonetree, CO.  10% discount during that week only!

SkyVenture Colorado is hosting my exhibition to emphasize the experience and beauty while skydiving.  Meet the Artist on both Sat, Nov 5 (5p-9p) & again Wed, Nov 9 (5p-8p).  Light appetizers and drinks provided!  Self-guided tours daily during DAW beginning at 9am.  Admission to the Art Exhibit is Free!