T Cross Ranch

We are excited to announce our new Through the Lens: Photographer Highlight series. The beauty and majesty of the T Cross has attracted the artistic eye of many outstanding photographers. Today we introduce you to the talented Mike DeGrow. Enjoy!

“Ever since my father gave me my first book on photography in the early ‘60s, I’ve had a keen interest in taking pictures. Many years later, I took classes in photography at Michigan State University. Although I graduated with an Advertising degree, I have continued photography as a hobby and I have also attended small workshops in Ansel Adams’ studio/darkroom at Yosemite, extended my interests to large format photography (8″x10″ and 7″x17″) and produced hand-coated platinum/palladium prints.

“Riding horseback into the wilds while trying to haul a fragile 35mm Nikon camera system around presented quite a challenge for me, but I devised a saddlebag carrier arrangement that protected the camera and lenses from dust and damage while remaining readily accessible. I always use a tripod for sharp photos and found a compact, lightweight carbon fiber one that worked well. Other riders have always been very patient with my set-up time knowing they would also benefit by getting prints of their ride, but I always have to be very cognizant of guests enjoying a ride without too many stops…and to make sure the photos are worth it!

“My wife Kathy and I have been going to T Cross for ten years or so and absolutely love the wilderness, mountains, and traditional ranch experience that’s so difficult to find anymore—and we have tried other ranches prior to T Cross to know that this ranch, by far, is the best!

“I have hiked along the beautiful Horse Creek for fantastic photos, but perhaps my favorite places are Ramshorn and Twilight Falls—both difficult to get to, but absolutely breathtaking and worth the trip.

“The trail to Twilight Falls ended abruptly at a nice picnic spot but, always looking for the best picture, I asked Mark to guide me through the thousands of loose rock up to the falls. Loaded with camera gear, I was soon to regret the arduous trek in cowboy boots and a top-heavy camera pack. However, all the work was soon rewarded with an incredible vista of the falls and creek. The trip is not for the faint of heart but, fortunately, I captured a photo I can always look at that immediately takes me back to that place.

“Perhaps another photo I really like, because it reminds me of the beauty along the trail and the incredible flora, is a simple shot of flowers by the stream—nothing out-of-the-ordinary but, again, it transports me back to the unbridled natural beauty of the ranch.

“Nowhere can a photographer find such diversity and beauty in an expansive mountain wilderness, and never see another human being, than at T Cross. Great food, wonderful people, and incredible photographs are guaranteed at the ranch—elements of a great vacation that continue to beckon me back for another adventure in the wild.”

Mike DeGrow, Eaton Rapids, Michigan

View more of Mike DeGrow’s incredible photo artistry by visiting his website here.

We offer a big “Thank you” to Mr. DeGrow for his generosity and willingness to share his view of the T Cross with our readers and friends.