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This Fine Art Wilderness Print was taken in July of 1987 on my first real hike into the backcountry of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of California.  My brother, Patrick, and I had just flown into Reno the day before, and based on a friends recommendation we decided to hike to "Barney Lake" for our initiation into the breathtaking Sierras.  We started our hike about 5 AM from the west end of Twin Lakes and headed up the spectacular valley toward our destination.  Our weather on this July morning was just perfect... not a cloud in the sky, and my anticipation and enthusiasm began to escalate as we climbed the last ridge to Barney Lake.  Upon reaching the lake we were greeted with this stunning view of Crown Point and it's perfect reflection in the mirror like waters.  In my excitement to start shooting, I hurriedly picked the spot to set up my tripod, took off my backpack and then very carelessly took my camera out (with lens attached) and proceeded to fumble it... and then drop it right on the log at the base of my feet.  It landed with a crash and my heart just stopped!  I was so mad at myself for being in such a hurry and I was sure that my Bronica was seriously damaged and probably useless.  After about five very anxious minutes of examination and testing I came to realize that my Bronica was one tough camera!

We continued up the trail beyond Barney Lake to a remarkable setting at the base of Crown Point and made it as far as Crown Lake before the gathering thunderheads hinted that we might want to retrace our steps the eight miles back to our car.  The return out of the mountains was not without incident as the thunderstorm did materialize and aggressively chased us all the way back down the valley to Twin Lakes.  My first adventure into the Sierras was truly an amazing experience... one I will never forget!