From the Hills of Judah to the Hills of Moab

During the month of March I was able to visit Israel to shoot images for a group of Christian pilgrims, shortly after my return I headed down to Canyonlands to shoot some images. I have always had an affinity for the Moab area; the rock, the culture, the light, it all inspires and fills me.

Israel on the other hand, blew me away in every way. The historical, political, theological, cultural depth of that area is boggling. I was able to visit with and learn from so many minds.


The Western Wall of the Temple Mount is revered orthodox Jews as the last remains of Solomon's temple. They visit the wall to study and pray, this image was shot the evening Shebat(Jewish Sabbath) ended.
In the Arab Christian village of Taybeh this father of the Greek Orthodox church gave us a tour of a Byzantine era church that they still use for certain rituals including animal sacrifices.


Wadi Quelt is a large canyon in Palestine running north to south. I was able to visit it with a group of Israeli climbers during a charity event raising money for ALS. Wadi means draw or Arroyo.The Jewish settlement of Shiloh in the West Bank is being excavated as a possible site for the historical town of Shiloh where the Jewish tabernacle was believed to be erected in its first permanent site after the 40 years of wandering in the Sinai wilderness.
The climbing in Wadi Quelt was outstanding!! The potential for routes limitless—minus the fact that the Israeli government doesn't currently allow anybody to bolt. Nonetheless the existing climbs were phenomal and the setting very inspiring with a large monastery built into the cliff side. Here Israeli climber Nimrod Nahmias nabs the redpoint of his project.
The Kedron Valley divides the Mount of Olives from the old city of Jerusalem. Here is a modern view of the houses and hills of modern Jerusalem.
An immense Jewish graveyard sits on the opposite side of the Kedron facing the Temple Mount.
The Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. I shot this image while wandering along the foothills of the Golan Heights—a disputed area of land between Syria and Israel.
The most iconic and magical part of the journey for me was visiting the Temple Mount and experiencing the Dome of the Rock mosque up close. I have always had a deep fascination with Islam, and through my studies have always been inspired by this structure. To finally be able to visit it was a lifelong dream.
Another mosque, this one in the town of Akko along the Mediterranean coast. Akko has been around for many many years, and it amazed me as we walked the underground passageways layer upon layer of civilization.
The from the Holy Land, which many consider the center of the universe to the another land many outdoor enthusiast would consider the center of their universe. Moab and Canyonlands. Here the edge of Monster Tower looks down on the White Rim
Thirsten Noflex works out a first ascent on a boulder after a day climbing Washer Woman tower, which looks down from the far left of the frame.
Climbers, Grace Rich and Scott Epperson scope the line to be taken on Washer Woman that day.
The mighty Colorado river from the White Rim Trail, such a magnificent specimen of errosion and beauty.
The world and its beauty fill my soul. These two trips were strikingly distinct, but the same message came through, people the world over follow their passion and find meaning, whether it be religious passion or adventure passion.