Sequoia: Autumn

These photos are almost 2 years old. They were taken in the fall of 2014 on a trip to Sequoia National Park with my brother, who is also my best friend and confidant.

I don’t often add personal commentary to my photo posts. It’s easier to let the photos speak for themselves and just throw in a few notes about what equipment I used or the trail I took. However, I’ve been avoiding developing this photo series, because they made me feel sad in a confused sort of way. It’s been a struggle, but I’ve finally pushed through, and I’m left with an unavoidable emptiness.

For me this series has always been about heading up into the void, a tutorial in embracing uncertainty with relish, or perhaps conversely letting it enfold you like a warm coat that’s a perfect fit. Yet, looking back, time has added a new element. Now this series is also about grappling with the grains of truth that were hidden in my brooding thoughts; the internal dialogues that I went to the void to comparatively diminish. I know that my daily worries are so insignificantly tiny compared to mountains. Yet, even Kerouac thought of women, weaknesses, friends, and fast cars when he sojourned in the shadow of Desolation Peak. Perhaps these things aren't so black and white. There is nothing to do but cherish the journey and forgive yourself.