OK, one more late update.  Now that Freehub Magazine has released all of their Peak to Creek series, I can post these last pics.

We spent yesterday up on Reco firing some shots off for the final video, but the light wasn’t everything we could have asked for.  So we got up at a bit before 4am today and pinned it for the peak to catch the sunrise.

Just in time.

I think this was the peak moment of the summer, if you’ll pardon the pun.

It was a bit of a panic to get to the top for this moment, but it was so worth it.  When I look back on this year, it really is this particular morning that stands out.  Perfect weather, some great bros, and a beautiful sunrise at 8300′ is tough to beat.

The camera crew was sort of stoked, too.

Looking directly east, you can see the Selkirks, Purcells, and Rocky Mtns over Jesse’s shoulder there.

Some more posing with Gully and Jesse.

Making shadow puppets against Idaho Peak.

Another moment at the summit.

Gnargus was having a blast up here.  I’m guessing he’ll have a couple of double page spreads this year from this shoot.  Maybe even a shot at the cover the Photo Annual.  Either way, he was peaking as we chased the sunrise down the ridge.

Some more god light on the eastern ridge of Reco.

A bit of NWD graffiti from a few years ago.  Not much changes in the alpine.

The light was brightening fast, but we just kept working it as we went.

This angle is already a classic.

This gives you a bit more of an idea of the exposure.  It’s a tricky little technical drop, but if you blow it it’s one hell of a fall.

Grundberg gives the official thumbs up on the day.

Jesse and I played around a bit on the way down with a few different lines.

Some more insane panoramic views of the Kokanee ranges.

We shredded all the way to the bottom for a feed, and well deserved nap.  I would have slept the day away, but Matt made me get up (Dude, I’m way too tired and somebody has to be on point as guide.  You’re up….).  I’m really glad I did, as we went back up to Guitar Solo for a sunset session and I got to watch Gully lay down some lines.  There’s nothing like following one of the best riders in the world to learn some new tricks.  What a blast.

Just getting the last couple of nugs here.  You can see a few rocks right above Gully’s helmet in the pic below.

Jesse did a full front flip down those and rag dolled through the boulders just moments before this shot.  Gnargus and I were waiting out of sight above the corner, and heard something just not quite right as Jesse went out of sight.  I was already on my bike in first aid mode on my way down while gnargus was wondering what I was doing (my guides spidey sense was firing on all cylinders) when we heard the big SHATACK!  When I got around the corner, Jesse was holding his head and kind of moaning.  When I asked him if he was OK, he replied he was just dizzy.  He spun so fast in the crash that couldn’t stand yet!   There is footage, and it’s awesome.  I hope to see it online soon.  He got insanely lucky, as he cartwheeled between huge rocks and got the perfect catch on a little sapling.  That’s a pro rider for you, though.  They seem to get those breaks.

We also found these old spoons.

And this toad.   There’s bazillions of these guys up here, and they’re a protected species.   Not exactly rare, but amphibians of all sorts have really taken a beating worldwide, so we’re trying our best to not disturb ’em.

…and then on the way down we saw this big fella.  At first I thought it might be a wolverine (and so did Kinrade), but then when I got closer I saw that it was one hell of a big porcupine.

There ya go, my best day of the summer.  How was yours?

Check out the Peak to Creek videos over here.