Brent and Frank Martinez sitting up high in the Wind River mountain range in June 1999. The Arapaho Indians used to say that from up high in that mountain range, one could see heaven (heaven being the green land at the foot of the mountains). They looked out over heaven that day.

Frank: "Elephant Head is a special place for me. It's where Brent took me up on a multi-pitch climb to the top. Just him and I."

"I still remember the day... Brent and I got up at about 4am. It was very cold. After grabbing a quick bite we gathered our gear and prepared for the long trek. Before leaving, I asked Brent if I could say a Navajo Prayer to the 4 directions to ask for protection. He agreed and joined me in the prayer. We then headed off to the foot of the climb..."

"It was one of the best days of the trip for me and a day I won't forget. I can still feel that cold, windy day. I can still see Brent with his red helmet, his yellow wind breaker, leaning over the last ledge of the climb cheering me on. Then, at the top with a high five before noon. I wouldn't have been able to make it up there without him."

"On the way down, we took a route down the backside of the mountain. Over a massive boulder field. At one point, I stepped on a giant, unstable 100 lb. boulder. A quick step on that rock and 2 seconds later it had trapped and pinned my left ankle. After lifting the boulder and pulling my leg out it was obvious I couldn't walk much less climb down the next part of the route down the mountain. Brent was able to rappel me down the rest of the way (a long way). A one hour climb back down to to camp ended up taking about 4 hours. I was reminded and thankful that we had prayed that morning."

"I am reminded now and thankful that Brent and I climbed that day and celebrated at the top. A great day in my life for sure."