August 20th. 5 hours from departure. This trip has been in the making since my buddy won the lottery March 15th. The plan is to hike through the night tonight to make the crest of Aasgard a few hours before the Solar Eclipse.
6 dudes will embark from Stuart Lake Trailhead between 1 and 2 a.m. The eclipse is at 10. For most of us it will be the longest hike with heavy packs of our lives. The mental and physical challenge won’t be easy, but the eclipse has us on a time frame, with a huge reward at the top.
The photo above is from my GoPro, on the side of Lake Colchuck in Summer 2014. The beauty of Colchuck is just the beginning of the Enchantments. With 29 named Lakes in the Core zone, which lake is each of our favorites naturally becomes a topic of conversation. Hopefully the gear we’ve got prepped will be enough. Weather is supposed to be clear with lows in the 40s at night and 70s in the daytime.
This trip is special for multiple reasons. Our group of friends is on the cusp of a new chapter in our lives, and this trip is a chance to get energized and ready to attack the future. Justin, who recently starting working at a start-up firm will be hiking straight from the core zone to his car and directly to work on Wednesday (talk about GRIT). Matt, our photographer on the trip will be sporting his brand new Nikon camera. Ready for beauty to fill the lens, Matt’s photos will be highlights in the film.
Speaking of the film: the title/theme is “When our Path’s Cross”
The adventure-style, interview-based film will focus on a revelation I had a few years ago, while backpacking with a few friends. What I realized was that even though we were great friends and had known each other since we were kids, we are all on our own paths. Unlike the transition from high school to college, graduating college means choosing a more specific, distinct life path. The film will investigate the value of friends’ support and how it can impact one’s internal compass and decision making.
I want to challenge the viewers of this film to consider their own lives. Where do you find support? What gives you the confidence to take a risk or embark on something new? Of course, some of it comes from within, but support from peers and family is crucial. I was reading a study recently that:
“the total number of people receiving general medical services for mental health problems was reduced by about 50% when there was a higher than median level of social support from relatives.” via Role of Social Networks in Mental Health.
We have an opportunity to share a week of adventure, photography and enjoyment away from the constant hyperactivity of daily life. I have three goals. 1. Capture a compelling adventure film 2. Keep everyone safe 3. Come back revitalized and energized for the Fall.
Kyle Huber 