Chasing the light to 14,309 ft.

I don't think I've ever pushed my body so hard for a photograph before. After three straight days of climbing mountains in Colorado with 30 pounds of photography gear, I summited Colorado's 6th highest mountain, Uncompahgre Peak just before sunrise after a 3 AM start. There was significant haze and smoke in the air from forest fires in the Pacific Northwest which contributed to the colorful light at sunrise. During this climb with my best friend Sarah Musick, I kept looking over to the east, and with each change in the light I kept pushing harder and harder to ensure I was on top before the magic began. I can't really tell you the euphoria that is created and realized when you reach the top of a high peak right before the sun crests the horizon, it is truly magnificent.
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