Sunsinger... the Land of the Ancients

1.23 Acres Bordered by Zion National Park

View from your future front window

If you haven't ever visited Zion National Park, there's no words that could adequately describe the jaw-dropping majesty that surrounds you.  Recently I listed a one-of a kind property there in the Canyon Springs subdivision in Springdale Utah.  From the moment you cross the Virgin river you know that you are in a very special place.  When my wife, Cristina and I drove up to photograph the property, we figured that we would get "skunked" as it was raining with little hope of enough hole in the sky to let in some light yet my instincts and experience in Zion told me that the best lighting comes from small lulls between storm fronts where the sun pierces through.  

My wife was in a "fair weather" mood and stayed in the car while I hike around seeking the best angles for my Nikon.  Just as soon as I topped a ridge in towards the rear of the property the windows of heaven opened up with a deluge of water.  Scrambling down to the car I was soaked in the time that it took me to get there.  This is a big property for 1.23 acres!

We waited out the rain and drove around to other potential photo sites and then returned and waited some more.  With only twenty minutes of potential daylight it was becoming an all-to-familiar scene that photographers find themselves in.  I put my Nikon in the trunk of the car and proceded to hike up to an ancient trail platform of stacked rocks... and then it happened.  A burst of sunlight flooded the lot lighting up the adjacent cottonwood tree like the burning bush before Moses.  

Standing on Hallowed Ground...

Then a rainbow appeared in perfect position.  These moments in the desert are often fleeting and I dared not run to the car to get my Nikon less I am too late so I grab my Android with it's very functional HDR camera and indeed, it was a fleeting moment of light that I was so grateful to be able to capture.

View of the Lot

With 360 degree views of Zion surrounding you, this homesite is ideal for the ultimate tranquil getaway.  Situated to the rear of the property, and ancient trail leads up the Watchman in Zion National Park.  

View out the back...

For further details call Dave Diegelman - Equity Real Estate at 435-703-4041. 
CLICK HERE for a full property detail sheet.  You can also search for unique Southern Utah properties on my website at www.Zionwest.com.

Property video:

 

Free Burma Rangers Birch Hollow Canyoneering Near Zion

Free Burma Rangers Karen & Dave Eubank

My friends Dave and Karen Eubank visited this summer from their home in Thailand where they have a ministry that trains the ethnic minority people in Burma, that are being systematically wiped out by their own government, to be physically fit enough to escape.  Dave grew up in Thailand and his parents were missionaries.  By the age of seven he had his own horse, gun and was allowed to go on extended trips solo... often for days. 

Later in life Dave joined the US Army and became an elite Special Forces Ranger.  That training and his love for climbing in the mountains led to he and his wife's amazing ministry sharing Jesus and preparing entire villages to flee the oncoming Burma army troops who routinely shell, burn, murder, rape and sow the village with land mines.

The first time I met them was in 2011 and Dave and I instantly took a liking to each other and shared not only a love for Jesus but also for climbing.  I mentioned that they should come canyoneering some time but knowing that they had arrived the prior night at 2am, woke at 6am and did 2 church services then a picknic (where we met) and had to leave the following evening, I figured that they would be too tired to wake up early and go.  When I finally asked, at the prodding of my wife, if they wanted to go Dave didn't hesitate to say yes.  I expressed my concerns about getting an early start as the July heat can reach 105 degrees by 10am and more than once I've had to help kids out who where struck with heat exhaustion.  Dave replied, "my kids are pretty tough... they're used to walking through the mountains and jungle for up to 30 miles through very rough country often without trails.  Heat is no problem since we're used to it in the jungles of Burma and Thailand." The following day we did a short canyon nearby called Yankee Doodle canyon.  Peter, their youngest at just 5, led the charge out of the canyon and I could barely keep up. These kids are in shape!

Rangers: Dave Eubank, Dave Diegelman, Spencer Kerrigan, Karen Eubank, Ina Amargo, Suuzanne, Sahale and Peter Eubank

So this year I was able to plan a bit longer canyoneering route, Birch Hollow, just outside of Zion National Park.  Dave, Karen, their three kids Suuzanne, Sahale and Peter along with Spencer Kerrigan, a Ranger supporter and friend as well as Ina Amargo from St. George, all embarked on this fun outing on a beautiful July day with smoke filled thunderheads looming on the northern horizon.

Free Burma Rangers Birch Hollow Canyoneering Adventure 2012 Video

More Images from Birch Hollow on DaveDiegelman.com

Canyoneering Images of Spry Canyon in Zion National Park

Free Burma Rangers Yankee Doodle Canyoneering Video

Living on the Edge

Nothing quite perks us my sense of adventure like climbing yet to try and explain it to a non-climber so often results in falling woefully shy.  It’s like trying to use words to explain the magical feeling of hearing a live orchestra play something like Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring… it’s just not going to connect like the actual experience.  Yet just like when we discover a wonderful restaurant, we inherently want to share or “turn others on” to the elation experienced.  I was reflecting upon this the other day during an early morning climb in Southern Utah’s Snow Canyon on a climb named “Living on the Edge” as well as reflecting upon the historical development of climbing and the milestones that have been achieved in the past 35 years since I first let my fingers on the stone. 

All of a sudden my partner, Chris Howard yells up at me, “hey you’re not wearing your normal climbing pants, did you forget them today?”  “No, but does my butt look big in these?” I jokingly replied. Being a middle aged guy has its disadvantages.

There was a slight chill to the air of the morning with the sweet fragrance of sage wafting through the still air.  The moon was just getting ready to depart over the crimson skyline.  I was grateful for the commitment of my friend and climbing partner, Chris Howard, meeting up prior to the first light of the morning in order to beat the heat which can climb upwards of 100 degrees in the summer.  Today’s agenda was to climb the first two pitches of Living on the Edge and string them together with a fixed line in order to run some self-belayed laps on this amazing climb. 

Although it’s not hard by today’s standards at 5.10c, it delivers a mix of radical exposure and intricate, chess-like moves climbing just above an overhanging arch for the first pitch then venturing out through a sustained face that is all about air as you pass over a roof on the second pitch.  I’ve always wanted to fix a line in order to climb both pitches continuously so we did just that.

I dreamt of establishing routes like this years ago but our generation insisted upon placing hand-drilled bolts only on the lead and without the aid of hooks or coming down from the top on rappel which became know as sport climbing.  Years ago I spied out an incredible overhanging face climb in Red Rock’s Icebox canyon and thought it would be really cool to bring some hooks and “set” a free climb up where there was no hope of standing upon one’s feet alone and drilling.  Intent upon doing so but hesitant about other local climber’s opinions about this style I discussed it with my good friend Randy Grandstaff (RIP) who had a strong distain for such an impure style so I decided to not pursue it.

As the years progressed, climbers in France started employing such tactics and even rappelled down from above to place bolts on severely overhanging routes. This opened up the floodgates of modern standards of climbing boosting the ceiling of what had been climbed, 5.12 at that time, to now over 5.15 with each increment being likened to an earthquake’s Richter scale as the successive grades are substantially more difficult that it’s predecessor.

Upon climbing the first two pitches and fixing the lines Christine Rutherford, who was visiting from the Midwest on vacation, approached us and was beaming with excitement about getting to do her first “outdoor” climb with her son Cam being guided by a local service.  Her enthusiasm was infectious and it brought me back to my roots of how cool climbing is.  John Long, a Yosemite legend, once exclaimed that “rock climbing is the king of all sports.”  Sadly many modern climbers don’t get the incredible experience of connecting with the beauty of creation as they are only exposed to climbing gyms.  Personally that’s part of the main attraction to me.  It’s like getting to follow a book by Braille as each natural hold opens up the passage through the sea of stone that surrounds you as you tread where you really don’t belong and get to experience things from an elevated perspective.  

Climbing has a way of gently pushing out all the thoughts and worries of the day and puts one in contact with the present like nothing else. When you’re climbing on the stone you tend to focus on your immediate surroundings in a primitive way.  Fear must be dealt with and literally put in its place, a very useful skill in all aspects of life which if not dealt with can snuff out dreams and kill ambition.  No wonder St. John proclaimed that “perfect love casts out fear.”  Life is just better when we focus on love and the task at hand rather then dwelling in the dark caverns of fear.  The natural high of endorphins rises above the perceived comfort of a restful, sedentary lifestyle that can often lead to depression for many.

Reflecting back on the changes of climbing styles throughout the past 35 years I can’t help but be impressed with each successive generation’s achievements and the building blocks that help stem the void of improbable to the reality of possible.  I’m 53 and for me both as an observer of the knarly and a participant of the mediocre, it’s a testimony of the incredible tapped and untapped gifts that God has given us each to use.  The creativity and physical training keeps my mind always looking forward to possibilities that I can’t comprehend presently.  I’m so grateful for getting a glimpse of this ever-evolving sport and the Creator’s vertical riddles that evoke awe and wonder in all those that participate. I soon realize that it’s ok if my butt looks big in my new attire, it’s almost 10am and it’s time to go to work for a living.  

You can see more images on this video or go to www.DaveDiegelman.com.

Failure

Cactus Bllom by Dave Diegelman

Failure

Spring brings unusual surprises in the desert. Shortly after moving to Southern Utah a few years I was working a tedious office job that only gave me two days off every couple of weeks. Longing to make the best out of those days, I set out to obtain my Utah driver’s license, register my car and go mountain bike riding all on the same day. In my simply understanding I divided them up into two categories; one was a set of clerical pestilences and the other nourishment for my soul. Both were crucial.

My wife woke me up for an alpine start around 7am and reminded me how critical it was that I get my act in gear since my license was due to expire shortly. She’s really good at playing the drill sergeant and it reminded me of preparing to do what rock climbers call a grade V in a day. A grade V is a climb that normally takes two days but if your skills are moderately honed you can pull it off in a day with adequate preparation and skills. I knew it was possible especially since I hate to fail.

After gathering every possible document to accomplish the task, I set out totally focused. First stop, DMV for the vehicle registration. The first line granted me access to a receptionist who greeted all with a warm smile and calmly explained the procedure that each bewildered visitor would need to go to next. Her half glasses rested upon the tip of her nose as she gently pulled my pile towards her. She dipped her fingers into a little pink sponge and rifled through my papers. She took off her glasses and looked at me. “Um, you don’t seem to have your safety inspection here. Do you have any it with you?” She must have seen the blood drain from my face, because she quickly said, “There’s a Jiffy Lube on Sunset in Santa Clara. It also looks like you will need a more current copy of your insurance since this one expired yesterday.”

I sigh, knowing it’s about thirty minutes away but my mantra for the day was, “No big deal…I can do this.” “Thanks,” I said, managing a smile. “I won’t be long.”

I returned home and dug through every place I could think of. Finally, resorting to the help of my wife on the phone, I locate the current proof of insurance and gleefully set out for the inspection twenty miles away. Luckily, the Jiffy Lube is near a Starbucks, which are few and far between around these parts and I realized that I had forgotten perhaps the most important ingredient in a successful plan: caffeine.

An hour and a half later the receptionist at the DMV had changed guard and the new one asked if I was also going to license plates as well. “Yes” I replied, “that’s next on my list.” She informed me that I might want to take a number here and then head over to the office across the street and get a number there as well to speed things up so I didn’t have to wait as long. Great plan!

After a fifteen-minute wait (you know, where you’re watching all the clerks passively milling around with no client’s at their window shuffling through papers but never looking up to invite the next guest to their counter), it was my turn. “I just got back from lunch and the mou’ans over by Zions were so pretty today” she mentioned. The dropping of the “t” in mountains and the added “s” in Zion led me to believe that she grew up around these parts. After several false starts and a long personal call about what type of blouse she would be wearing at some upcoming social event, the clerk finally hands over my shiny new plates. It’s now about 1pm and I’ve got it made. One more quick stop with my pre-drawn ticket across the street and I’m up to Gooseberry Mesa for one of the most glorious rides on this planet. Upon entering the licensing building, I sadly note that my pre-drawn number has just passed. Again, no bid deal…“I can do this!” I draw my new number that’s only ten away from the current one. I count my blessings as this could be a California DMV with hundreds in front of me (It’s so bad there; they rent cots and offer weekly rates!).

Ten minutes go by, and no numbers get called. Then fifteen more go by, the same thing. Then after twenty minutes they slowly start creeping toward my number. Finally it’ my shot. We go through all the necessary paperwork only to be thwarted by one small detail. “Do you have your Social Security card?” she politely asks.

“Social…uh…security…uh…I know my number,” I pleaded, but it was no use. Before I could finish the sentence she handed me a study guide with the address of the Social Security office (again, just fifteen miles away).

It’s now 3 O’clock. I can do this, I can do this, I can do this… besides I can pick up a taco at Irmita’s on the way back and still have time for a ride. All I have to do is get back by 4pm when the office gives its last test.

Another short, but painful wait at the SS office. All goes smoothly (including the much-needed taco stop) and I’m back at 3:40. Again the wait, but victory is in the air: it’s 3:55 and my number is called. The woman at the counter is asking questions and this time I’m on it, producing document after document as requested. She clears her throat and adjusts the crooked bow holding together the top of her chartreuse blouse, and then looks through my papers for a second time. “I don’t see your proof of residency.” I feel a trickle of sweat go down my face. My stomach gurgles from the taco, which I now realize was way too spicy. I look down at the floor and shake my head slowly and then look back up at her. Her bow is crooked again but she smiles, looking as patient and polite as if she were welcoming me to a fine restaurant or offering me free food samples at Costco.

Now for those of you reading this I know what you’re thinking, “this guy’s an idiot…EVERYONE knows you have to bring a utility bill or two to show residency to get a driver’s license.” A small smirk comes over my face as I reach into my folder of utility bills and mortgage statements. In my brilliant planning I brought a triple redundancy of such documents just in case. Again the ever-so-polite-civil-servant-voice she informs me that they need to be current…within the past sixty days. Mine are…uh…slightly older. “Besides,” she says, “we don’t offer the test after 4pm and it’s now 4.”

I snatched the papers from her hands, scrapping my good manners and my mantra. Outside, thunderstorms are hovering over my riding areas. This pity party is a grand banquet in my brooding mind. The world is conspiring against me. I don’t have another shot for a day off for two weeks.

Soon my lovely wife calls full of cheer. “All done?” she asks. I instantly attempt to subdue her joy with my pouting as I recounted the day, “I give up! I’ve been at this all day and still I’m no closer to getting my license. What a waste of time, I should have just gone riding to start with because now it’s too stormy to ride.”

There was a short, but powerful silence. My own words of frustration were cutting through me like a knife through butter on a warm day. I didn’t mean to vent everything out and certainly not on her. She calmly replied, “well the light on Zion with the black thunderheads above is amazing. You should take Nokie (our Siberian Husky) for a walk around the neighborhood before it’s too late.”

As much as I wanted to continue my private pity-banquet, I reluctantly decide the walk would be best for Nokie. I grab my Nikon and head towards her with a leash. She’s dancing with joy, elated that we are going for a walk. Now I’m convinced that God put dogs in our lives just to show us how to love unconditionally. We strolled up the hills near our home and were treated to one of the finest display of Spring that I’ve ever witnessed. The burden of the day was gently swept away and soon I was like a kid in a candy store capturing the raw beauty around me with my camera.

Sometimes God has other plans for our lives than what we set out to accomplish. The images below were captured.  I was very grateful that day I failed.

 

Zion Evening by Dave Diegelman

Desert Blooms by Dave Diegelman

More flora and fauna images.

Midnight Lightning by Dave Diegelman

Midnight Lightning by Dave Diegelman

Midnight Lightning by Dave Diegelman

Nokie, our now departed Siberian Husky, used to get so scared when fireworks or electrical storms happened. She would loose all sense of direction and just try to escape often wandering to a neighbors house or even worse to one of the coyote-inhabited canyons nearby. The fear was so deep that one has to assume it’s a self-preservation instinct. I can relate having been out in the wilderness many times in terrifying electrical storms not really knowing where it’s going to strike and always questioning safety.

Viewing the same storm from the security of a porch near a warm house however, brings about a sense of awe and beauty that is hard to match. It stirs the senses into a frenzy of euphoria both to our eyes that get to watch the incredible show and also our nose that gets to take in the sweet fragrance of the rush of negative ions that fresh rain produces.

During our monsoon season I’m always on the prowl for a good storm to photograph. They are usually fleeting and distant at best. Getting “skunked” with no suitable images is most often the result of the elusive chase. My wife Cristina, having endured many such “chases” with me, doesn’t always share the same enthusiasm. Much like preparing a good meal, it takes a lot of time and patience but unlike the gratification of feasting, the crumbs of famine are often the only fruit until next season’s display.

Sometimes God unleashes His spectacular artistry just to let us know that it’s not about us nor our pursuits, rather it’s about His timing and kindness to usher us into box office seats. During the shooting of the Midnight Lightning series was one such occasion where I had to keep pinching myself just to know it was real. The images only represent a small glimpse of the display witnessed. To my wife’s delight we watched it from the comfort of our rear porch and as fate would have it, Nokie did not have to endure it…at least not from here. She may have even enjoyed it from Doggie Heaven.

To see this in sequence in my gallery click here: Midnight Lightning

PS  If you continue to the next image in the gallery you will notice a fire burning in the lower right-hand corner where the above strike hit.

Vanishing Point by Dave Diegelman

Vanishing Point by Dave Diegelman


Sometimes life just goes by way too fast… always catching up with the though of behind. And then suddenly you look back only to see a blur of motion masking the people, places and events that really define us. Relish the moment with thanksgiving being grateful always of the sacrifices others have bestowed upon you.


Happy “He is Risen” to all.


Vanishing Point

Angels Landing Fun in the Wind 3-19-10

I’m still blown away at the number of folks who braved the elements for the “alpine conditions” ascents of Angel’s Landing yesterday. While the temperature was probably a mild high 40’s the wind at times was unrelenting…I’m guessing up to 60 mph gusts. Most of the folks were here on spring break and dressed like they were in Florida…running shorts & tees-shirts. There were even two young ladies that were barefoot! I was cold watching them go through the snow patches but they seemed really stoked to be in one of the most breathtaking places on earth. You can see some pictures of them on my website at: (barefoot in snow)  and another one (un-related parties) at:  (barefoot 2).

Angels Landing Fun in the Sun

Had a wonderful day shooting pictures up on Angel's Landing yesterday. Met lot of really cool folks from all over the world. One of the day's highlights was a pair of Condors riding the thermals just off of the saddle. It is so inspiring to see the recovery of these magnificent birds. It brought back memories of the early 80's when I helped the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Group bring back the Peregrine falcons off the endangered species list by swapping eggs from the wild hatch sites, replacing them with fake ones, then after the group hatched the chicks, replacing them in the nests.




Wish I had brought one of my bigger lenses, but there's always another day!

Angels Landing by Dave Diegelman