I was fortunate to get a photoshoot with SealLine dry bags and decided that Eleven Mile Reservoir would be the perfect location to showcase their new and updated products. The reservoir is located about an hour west of Colorado Springs near South Park, Colorado. No, we did not see Cartman or anyone else while down there. The plan for the shoot was to spend a few days camping and canoeing around the reservoir and amongst the various rock islands that are in the reservoir.

The day came and I got the car loaded up with all of my gear and dry bags. I borrowed a canoe from a friend of mine so we could get out on the water and started the two and a half-hour drive down to the reservoir, going down the day before to make sure I got one of the backcountry campsites.

The clouds were looking a bit menacing when we showed up. Luckily, it didn’t matter if it rained as all of our gear fit in the our bags. The Black Canyon 115L packs along with the Boundary 65L packs had plenty of room for everything we needed.

As I got there, I asked a couple to help me get the canoe off and they asked me if I had a permit for a campsite. I said no, as the backcountry sites were first come first serve. Well... They were, until July 1st of this year, and I was researching this project in May and didn’t see anything that had mentioned this. I found out that all sites were booked up for the weekend and I’d have to reschedule the entire shoot.

As luck would have it though, that turned out to be a great thing. I drove home with my tail between my legs and fuming at myself for not seeing it during my research. I got home, booked the campsite that I wanted and went to finding 4 new models that could go. Thankfully I have some friends that were said they could do it as those were their normal days off. Then life happened. The night before we were supposed to leave, 3 of the 4 had to cancel.

One of 7 shots I got before Pat reminded me I had another job to do…

I spent the night racking my brain for people who might be able to go. After hearing no after no, I was starting to get a little stressed out. That’s when I had the idea to call one of my longtime friends who now lives in Denver, Jessi (who is an incredible artist and you should check out her work). She was my literal first friend when I moved to Moscow, Idaho for college and somehow after 15 years, we are still friends even through school transfers, moves to different states and of course long absences without talking. Not because we were mad at each other, but let's be honest, you tend to communicate most with those who are physically around you. It’s nothing personal, but for lack of a better phrase, sometimes it is out of sight out of mind. And that’s ok.

I called Jessi out of the blue and she just happened to be driving back down to Denver from the Vail area from a weekend of camping. I told her my predicament and she agreed to help me and come hang out on the reservoir with us.

With the weight lifted off my shoulders, I picked up Pat (the one remaining model) and I again made the drive back down and Jessi would join us the next day. Funny thing is, I met both Pat and Jessi in college but they met maybe 2 times so they didn’t really know each other at all.

You may be thinking, why does that matter if they know each other or not. Let me tell ya why. I’m not one for really trying to “pose” people when taking photos. I want people to be natural, have their own reactions and don’t want things to feel forced. So, having two people who get along and who can act normal together while I’m taking photos makes my world a lot easier.

Pat and I got to the reservoir about an hour before sunset and quickly got all the gear together so we could paddle out to the campsite. The wind was starting to pick up which made our paddle in the heavy canoe loaded down with all our gear quite exciting. At one point I tried to snap a couple of photos, and Pat turned around and yelled “Hey man probably not the time to do that, it’s hard doing this by myself.” right as we dipped over a little swell and some water started to splash him. I quickly put the camera down and we paddled hard.

Our interesting tree friend right next to camp. The Boundary pack was probably our most used item during this trip. Besides my camera.

We made it to the site without incident and quickly started setting up camp as it looked like it might start raining on us and it was getting dark. The campsite was nestled between two small coves with a small spit of rock that jets out into the reservoir. The rocks would give us a great vantage point out into the reservoir.

After getting our tent and everything set up, we scoped out the area before we got to getting a fire going to help us stay warm and hopefully keep the bugs away. Sitting around the campfire Pat and I talked about life, laughed at some of the decisions we’d made, and passed the whiskey more often than we probably should have. As we watched the moon rise higher into the sky we looked down at my watch and realized it was quite a bit later than we had realized. Knowing we had a big day ahead of us, we crawled into the tent and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, we hiked around the rocks and found a very interesting tree, branches growing to show the prevailing wind direction. We decided it would be prudent to go paddle around the coves and rocks near camp so I could get a better feel for the area. We paddled from one cove to the islands that littered the shoreline, creating channels to paddle through with rocks on either side of you.

Once we paddled back to shore, we soon realized we had forgotten toothpaste and both of us had mouths that smelled like a cat took a dump in it and then set itself on fire. We decided that since it was going to be a few hours before Jessi was going to arrive and we’d really start shooting, we should go into town and get some toothpaste for everyone's sake.

We hiked back to the car instead of paddling because we didn’t want to just leave the canoe sitting there away from camp in the parking lot. It wasn’t a long hike (and we would do it many more times before the trip was over) but it sure was beautiful. We passed through an aspen grove that made you well aware that there are beavers living in the area. As we crested a small hill, we could see a small bay with a beautiful beach that transforms into a gorgeous grassy meadow that climbs up the hillsides. Passing the beach, the last part of the trail meanders through some large rocks as you slowly gain the last little bit of elevation back to the parking lot.

The last little climb back to the car amongst all boulders.

Returning from our errand, we met Jessi in the parking lot, I reintroduced Pat and Jessi to each other after a 13-year absence and started hiking in towards camp. On the way they began chatting and talking and before we even got to camp, they were firm friends (not that I had any doubt). Once we got to camp, we got settled in and went over the plan for the afternoon as far as what I was trying to achieve with the shots.

Jessi getting settled into camp. Big fan of the new clear Discovery dry bags, this one hasn’t been released yet, but they have others that are already available. Being able to see where your GPS, food, or whatever it is that you’re looking for can save a lot of time.

It was a beautiful partly cloudy afternoon, with white to light grey clouds dotting weightlessly floating overhead. The perfect type of situation you would like for shooting during the midday hours. The light can more dynamic, and having clouds light up is substantially more interesting than a clear blue sky. With my models getting along, I was excited that I’d be able to get some really natural-looking shots. I had Pat and Jessi load up the canoe and start paddling around the rocks that were all around the rugged shoreline.

While they paddled, I was running around the rocks trying to get as many perspectives as I could. From my viewpoint, it seemed as if they were paddling amongst the clouds as they reflected down on the reservoir. After a while, it was time for a break as they had been paddling for a while and were starting to get a bit tired.

Scrambling along the rocks gave me some unique vantage points.

After a quick rest, snack, and conversation on the correct pronunciation of the name Gabriel (we decided on gay—BREE-el with a proper southern twang was the only correct way to pronounce this name), I jumped into the canoe with them and we headed back out. That is when my stomach started to hurt. Not from sickness or anything like that, I just hadn’t laughed that hard in a very long time. The three of us are all fairly quick-witted so it was just line after line after line of pure gold. It definitely adds a level of difficulty in taking photos when you’re crying.

Once we got back onshore, Pat had the great idea that it was prime time to jump into the lake. The water was surprisingly warm, much warmer than any of the other lakes I’d jumped into this summer. We checked out some areas around the rocks to find a spot that was deep enough for us to jump into but also had an easy exit nearby.

Just an afternoon chilling on the lake. Get a PackTowel. These lightweight towels make jumping into lakes in the mountains a lot more bearable.

We found a spot just passed the leaning tree that we had become quite fond of, that was deep and had a nice little spot for a beached whale move to get out. Of course, as we started to jump in the wind picked up, so as you climbed out you got a nice chill to the bone as the wind passed by, thankfully we had been provided PackTowels by Seal Line which was quite helpful in fighting off the chill.

As form was discussed on our differing methods of jumping in the water, I noticed that the conversations just kept going and going. There was never any awkward silence and nothing felt forced. It was a constant reminder of when you have good people in your life, good things just happen. We took a break from shooting for a while, playing cards in the tent for a while as we waited for the sun to get a little lower in the sky.

The light and the reflections on the water were absolutely breathtaking.

Once the sun started to dip the light started getting absolutely stunning. I forced my models back into the canoe and had them go for a lovely sunset paddle. It was incredible! Gold and purple filled the sky as the light tried to break passed the clouds. They came back in before long as you can’t be on the water after sunset. When they came back, we got the fire going and the whiskey flowing. We talked and laughed (a lot) until late into the night. Stopping briefly to try and get a few shots under the stars, which didn’t work too well as the clouds that had been hanging out with us all day didn't feel the need to go home just yet. Apparently, we are fun people.

I woke up before sunrise the next morning to check out what was going on and to see if I should wake up my campmates. I stood there for about 15 minutes and it didn’t look like it was going to do anything. Right as I was about to call it and go back into my sleeping bag, the sky erupted! It was completely unsuspected and didn’t last long! I didn’t have time to wake anyone up, so instead, I took some landscape shots and enjoyed having this moment to myself.

Thee moon was up lighting up the landscape, I just wish the clouds would have moved out of the way.

After everyone was up, we tried to figure out the day. Pat had mentioned he was wanting to head home after we got the photos even though we had the site for another night. We all agreed to that and we started to pack up camp. The plan was to leave some stuff and the canoe at camp, we’d go to this other location I wanted to go to at the head of the reservoir, and then come back for the remaining gear and canoe.

Black Canyon 115L pack posing and basking in the morning light.

We made the familiar hike back to the cars and everyone piled in my 4runner and off we went. The location was a gold medal fly fishing stream that I wanted to get some shots of people paddling down in an inflatable kayak or fishing on. Unfortunately, Pat just broke his pole, and upon getting to the stream we realized we had missed the heavier water flow to allow for proper floating/paddling (the pump for the kayak also broke).

We made do with the conditions but I didn’t get anything I really loved. It was also exceptionally windy where we were so we decided to head back to camp and see what else we could capture there before leaving. En route back we made a pit stop at the marina store to get a new pump for the kayak. It was starting to get windy but I wanted to use the kayak to try and get some on-water shots of the canoe so we blew it up anyway. Jessi and Pat hiked back to camp while I attempted to paddle out there.

As I hit the water, I realized I was in for a struggle. The kayak was extremely light and I was getting blown around like a ping pong ball inside a Dyson vacuum. Pat and Jessi were apparently just dying laughing on the trail overlooking the water as they saw me just moving sideways in the water. As I kept paddling further out, each stroke became more difficult as I just kept getting tossed. A few times I’d make a stroke and then go up on a little wave and just get blown completely around. It was quite frustrating. After what seemed like an eternity, I pulled up to shore exhausted. (When I got home and started getting things reorganized, I found the removable skeg under our trashcan in our garage, this would have helped a great deal...)

I dragged myself up to camp to the sound of Pat and Jessi laughing at the spectacle that was me trying to kayak. Once they regained their breath, we looked out over the water and saw that it had gotten even worse out there. The reservoir had white caps forming as the wind started blowing even harder. Knowing that we would have to paddle back through this with the rest of our gear, we had a decision to make. Did we feel competent enough to get back in these types of conditions or would we prefer to wait it out and paddle back in the morning when things seem to be calmer.

Beat the wind and worsening sun burn by playing cards in a tent. The Baja dry bags also make a nice card playing surface. They are also my personal favorite dry bag.

After an hour it didn’t look like it was going to get any better (it appeared to actually get worse) so we decided to stay, which meant walking back and getting the gear that we had brought back in the morning. The whole way back we were laughing at the absurdity of the day. One necessity in someone wanting to be my friend is they need to be able to just go with it.

With a little teamwork, we were able to get camp set up again pretty quick. Which meant we could finish our hearts game! The wind kept howling so we crawled back in the tent and played some more cards and got a good ab work out. Ultimately, I came in last place in hearts but hey that’s ok. When I crawled out the wind had died down and I decided to give it another shot on the water. I went out by myself and just started exploring the now-familiar coves and islands. Before long, two crazy people in a canoe were coming around the corner.

Things got weird while we were waiting for the wind to die down…

They weren’t thrilled when I said I wanted them to splash each other.

We paddled around for a bit before Pat made an offer I couldn’t refuse, to tie my kayak to the back of the canoe and they’d pull me around. I was king for an evening. Getting pulled around at sunset in an inflatable kayak is quite the treat. The sunset was less than spectacular, but it didn’t matter. The day had easily been one of the most enjoyable days I’d had in a while. Spending time on the lake with my friends while I pursue my passions and try and make a name for myself. With two of my most supportive friends with me, I felt like I could do anything.

As the night wore on, we huddled around the fire, sharing stories from college to talking about astrology and everything in between. Apparently, the stories were pretty good because there were plenty of little mice hanging out listening to what we had to say. It was a beautiful way to have the trip wind down. Laughing under the stars and reminiscing about old times, finding some clarity under the clear night sky. It was the first night we could really see the stars as the clouds had finally moved through.

Even after we had all gone to bed we couldn’t stop laughing from our tents, the next morning I woke up with some very sore core muscles. The water was as still as glass when we started packing up. It was a perfectly calm morning where I almost felt guilty disturbing the water once we started paddling home.

The sun was coming up as a mist on the lake started to rise when we were just about back to the car. We stopped paddling for a second and just took it all in. We'd had an unbelievable trip that had strengthened some friendships and started others off on the right foot. With the canoe strapped down and all the gear organized(ish) we all exchanged hugs, thank yous, said our goodbyes, and turned the wheels towards home.

Have you ever gone on a trip or a vacation and when it was over you were genuinely sad? The feeling where when you get home you illogically start looking at real estate and job opportunities in the place you were just at? Well, that’s the feeling I got heading home.

Spending those few days being able to work with two of my oldest friends was such an incredible experience. It was great to also have two of my closest friends properly meet and get to know each other. For me, it just confirmed that when you surround yourself with good people, they will always get along, and always bring out the best in you and whatever you do.

This trip really showed me how every relationship you have is different. Pat has been my best friend for over a decade, we talk to each other and see each other regularly, and he’s been there for some of my lowest lows and highest highs (including my recent engagement to Lauren). We go on little adventures often together as we are both people who NEED to be outside.

The mist just came out of nowhere and started floating on the breeze towards us.

Until a little over a year ago I hadn’t seen Jessi in probably 10 years, we had talked a few times in between but saying we “stayed in touch” would be a stretch. It wasn’t until she happened to be working at a wedding up in Beaver Creek while working as a florist that we actually got to hang out for the first time since I lived in Jackson, Wyoming. She came over after a long day of work and it was as if we had never been apart. She and Lauren hit it off, I told her about our plans for moving into our van and traveling while I pursue photography. She was so excited for us and so supportive. Being an artist herself, she really understands the ups and downs that come with it.

Lauren and I got the chance to go to her wedding last summer while we were living on the road. Now, I got to work on a project with her. I hadn’t seen her since her wedding, yet she dropped everything she was doing to come and help me. Proving that friendships aren’t measured in phone calls or hangouts. Friendships are measured in actions; they are measured in enjoying the time you actually spend together. No hang-ups about losing touch, no one blaming the other for that or feeling like they need to apologize. Sure, all relationships need work, but it shouldn’t be work that tires you out. If it is, it’s probably not the type of relationship you need in your life.

At the end of it all, this trip was an amazing reminder of the great people I have in my life. No matter what else happens, that’s the only thing that really matters.

Trip Report: Eleven Mile Reservoir

Trip Report: San Juans part 2

Trip Report: Mohawk Lake