This was a very difficult photo to take.

It needn’t be that way though, but a lack of planning on my part meant that all the 4-wheel-drive vehicles for rent were already booked out for the day. My schedule only had me in the area for the afternoon, and I didn’t want to give up the opportunity of seeing this iconic location, so I asked, “How far is it to hike up there?”

Five miles up and five miles back.

I lightened up my pack as much as I could and set out.  The first mile is very steep, and that coupled with the high altitude had my lungs questioning the attempt.  But already one mile in, I wasn’t about to turn back.  Two miles in and I wished I’d brought more water and food, but figured I’d be okay if I paced myself.  Three miles in and I was wondering how much further.  Another couple of hikers passed going the other way, I asked, “How much further?” They didn’t know. They didn’t make it all the way.

The terrain was mercifully up and down the rest of the way, instead of just up, but I was really damn tired when I arrived at Crystal Mill. I had to sit down in the dirt to rest awhile before getting to work with the camera.  A four-wheel-drive came and went, the well-rested occupants stepping out just long enough to snap a selfie with their cell phones.  Bastards.

Got my shot, drank my last drop of water, then set out for the hike back.  It was brutal. Really, really hard…