It was my last day working at Millennium Health. I worked here for the past 2 years and 6 months, but it was time for me to look for the next opportunity in my career. After receiving the offer from Canyon Bicycles during my trip to Colorado, I decided I needed to do something for myself(again) and go for another adventure. It was on my list to make it out to Yosemite. So, I decided to take a week off before starting the new job and go on a road trip to the birthplace of rock climbing and hit other spots along the way.
After conducting the exit interview, I headed back home to finish packing for what was initially a 10 day camping trip consisting of gear for cycling, hiking, and climbing. I underestimated the prep work needed for a trip like this and didn't realize how many errands needed to be done before actually leaving San Diego. I did however received amazing advise and help by two close buddies of mine Jonathan D. and Ben A. They emphasized that organization and scheduling is key to a trip like this to prevent any time from being wasted.
During my drive up, I hit a good amount of traffic driving through San Bernardino. So instead of continuing to listen to music in bumper to bumper traffic, I decided to kick it old school and checked to see if anyone was available to chat on the phone. Luckily I learned this method from Jerome M., who happened to return my text by calling me back!
Once I got through all the traffic and started my journey on Highway 395, I was able to enjoy a beautiful sunset east of the Sierras. The colors that I saw in the sky throughout the drive were astonishing. I was practically crying from happiness and while Jerome was still on the phone listening in on my experience.
I was also able to chat with a good friend Dennis C. regarding some ideas regarding where I would like to take my photography and what I have planned for my site’s future.
I finally got to my destination in Lone Pine to meet Jason A. and Courtney M. We got a quick bite, then headed straight to Alabama Hills to stargaze and set up camp. I could not believe my eyes once we parked and got out of the car. Looking into the sky, I could not believe what I was looking at. The Milky Way was so clearly visible and I was speechless. I got my camera set up to capture some astrophotography shots, but it wasn't until a fellow photographer, Justin Manos, at the same site showed me some shots he took of me while on top and next to the famous Mobius Arch. He kindly shared his settings with me so I could capture the same shots with my camera.
We headed back to the camping area to settle in for the night. This was the first time I had slept in my tent with the rainfly off. I was able to fall asleep under the ocean of stars.
-DEHNIS DELACRUZ