Lucas stopping at the creek to fill his water bottle. He'd camped at the trail head and we all met up at 7am. Conor and I got up at 4 so we could leave by 5 and get there in time.

Conor at the waterfall.

Heading up the trail.

Entering the wide valley and finding the sunlight. Conor and Lucas on the right.

We stop to look at the reflection of mt Birdwood in the creek.

Instagram rock rests in the creek without a model.

The path feels slightly overgrown, we're getting wet because it rained overnight. I like when the light gradients at the shadows.

Looking back at the morning light. I think a telephoto shot would have been cool to get closer to those trees, but I'm falling behind and have to get a move on.

Further up the valley, some avalanche debris below Mt Birdwood. The broken trees due to past avalanches is impressive.

Conor on the trail below Mt Birdwood.

This tree was much bigger than the photo makes out.. plus it has a hidden Mickey mouse on it

Light streams over the ridge. The air is thick.

Lucas as we start up the steep end of the valley to get to the Smuts/Birdwood col

At the edge of the light as we ascend.. it got much warmer. The Fist and the approach valley in the background.

More beautiful light on our ascent.

Conor with Mt Smuts behind.. our objective for the day.

Lucas coming up the trail, slopes of Mt Birdwood in the light.

This part of the trail was covered in wildflowers.. it was so beautiful.

Mt Smuts and Wildflowers

Lucas and our approach valley.

Conor ascending to the col. We're almost to the scree.

Well trodden path on the scree slopes below the col.

Smuts on the left, the Fist behind and our approach valley.