I’m sure many of you have noticed my absence as of lately. Over the past few years, I’ve visited the Colorado Plateau each spring — but that wasn’t in the plans for the spring of 2012. I can assure you that there is good reason though. The past several months in particular have been crunch time for wedding planning. Lyubov and I tied the knot just over a week ago. It was a fun wedding, and we spent our honeymoon in Zion National Park.
We’ve been to Zion many times in the past, but we saved the best hike in the park — Angels Landing — for our honeymoon. Those who are afraid of heights will want to skip this one, but the views are outstanding. I recorded much of the hike with my GoPro mounted to a chest harness. It gives a great perspective of tedious trail that climbs a razorback sandstone ridge.
Now that the wedding is complete, you’ll be hearing a lot more from me. I have many Gear Guide videos planned, as well as another shooting trip in the near future.
July 9, 2012 at 8:38 am |
That looks like an amazing hike. Your wife is quite the trailblazer lol.
July 11, 2012 at 6:26 am |
She’s a very fast hiker — faster than me! Last year in the Olympic rain forests, we put in about 20 miles one day, and she was always full of energy. That might have had something to do with all the berry bushes along the trail though.
July 9, 2012 at 11:36 am |
It’s really nice to hear some news about you. As I see you have spent a great honeymoon in a beautiful place. Can’t wait to see the new videos and blog entries than you give us!
July 11, 2012 at 6:24 am |
Mateu — Thanks for the kind words. We had a blast on the trip, and I’m definitely looking forward to telling the story of my next shooting trip — wherever that might be.
July 9, 2012 at 3:13 pm |
What, no 8×10? Just kidding. Amazing. Always wanted to do that hike.
July 11, 2012 at 6:22 am |
I had my backpack on, but it was only filled with gatorade and some snacks. Even with the “light-weight” backpack, it still put my center of gravity a bit higher than I would have liked at times. I’ve seen some people bring camera gear up there before, but no thanks with an 8×10.
July 10, 2012 at 12:53 am |
Congrats Ben! After visiting Zion on our honeymoon & last year, we’re planning again for 2013 with Angel’s Landing top of the list, but also building it around the Half Dome & Clouds Rest hikes in Yosemite!! Great video!
July 11, 2012 at 6:21 am |
Thanks Mark! Zion sure was a great spot for the honeymoon. It’s much better than the cookie cutter locations that are much more common. I haven’t visited Yosemite yet (yeah, shocking I know), but Lyubov and I are planning on going there at some point as well. I’ve heard great stuff about those hikes!
July 10, 2012 at 3:03 am |
Congratulation on your wedding!! long time reader and you really inspired me to learn about composition and metering from your videos. Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures.
July 11, 2012 at 6:19 am |
Thanks Des! I’ve had a blast making the videos, and I’m really honored to hear that they have served as an inspiration.
July 11, 2012 at 10:49 am |
Congratulations Ben and I wish you many years of happiness and hiking. Looking forward to more posts as well! Just celebrated 7 years with my s/o by finding Laura Lake-there’s nothing better than a day spent in paradise. You NEED to see Yosemite, especially off the beaten path! Now I’m going to watch that Angel’s Landing video and hope I don’t get dizzy from vertigo (I’m one of those that won’t go near heights)…..
July 11, 2012 at 10:57 am |
I got 3 minutes 26 seconds into it before I had to turn it off. I’d have to be suicidal to do that. Thanks for the video reminder of why I stay away from that trail!!!!
July 17, 2012 at 7:13 pm |
Congrats Ben!
July 26, 2012 at 5:25 pm |
Okay Ben… Is the trail really that narrow, or was there some lens distortion exaggerating it? And what’s the deal with the chain switching sides in some critical spots?? Looks liked there were several feet of narrow trail with no chain. Is that right?
My nephew is getting married in Zion this October (on 10/11/12) and we’re planning a group hike up to AL. I’ll need to watch this a few more times to get in (mental) shape for it. Anyway…
This is terrific!! Definitely the best footage I’ve seen of the hike. And BTW, looks like you married yourself a great hiking buddy. Nicely done…
July 31, 2012 at 2:44 pm |
Ben,
Congratulations! You don’t really know me; I bought a Canon Elph off you on FredMiranda a year or so ago… But my new wife and I similarly got married recently (June 2nd) just outside of Zion in Springdale. Although we’d gotten some grumbling from people who had to fly out to Las Vegas and then make the drive up, everyone was stoked to be there once they were on the ground. Our reception was on the back patio of Sol Foods Market, just across the Virgin river under Zion’s cliffs. The alpenglow late in the evening was fantastic, and I didn’t even regret that other people were photographing it instead of me.
Best wishes,
Mark.