Just cause I shoot mostly landscape photos doesn’t mean I can’t get down and dirty on the race track. YEWWW. I heard this might be one of the last drift events for a while, so Emily and I drove out to Spokane County Raceway Park to meet up with Edwin and Ethan from Grind Hard Plumbing Co. and shoot some photos.

If you haven’t heard of these guys, you need to go watch some of their videos. Whether you’re a gear head or you just like watching talented people make incredible (and ridiculous) things, you won’t be disappointed. Here’s one of their more popular builds.

We pulled into the raceway parking lot and the smell of burnt rubber and power-steering fluid set the tone for the afternoon. Ethan immediately pulled up next to us and yelled “Grab a helmet!”. To my surprise, Emily grabbed a helmet and was raring to go. She went with Edwin and I joined Ethan. After a quick pull on the stiff door handle, I climbed through the window and looked for something to hold onto. “Oh…the door works, you don’t have to climb through the window.” We laughed, and I told him I’d probably keep doing it anyway cause it felt cool.

Ethan and Emily in the 1998 BMW E36 Coupe-Truck UTE // Shot @ 400mm f/5.6 1/4000 ISO 400

The first few laps were fairly boring as the yellow flags were up because someone was being towed off the track. But once those flags went up, Ethan punched it into the first corner. Dust shot up from the floor as he cranked the wheel and powered into the turn. The screeching tires and the dirt in my eyes, what would normally be an annoyance, made me yell with excitement and crave the next turn. We did a few laps, then Edwin took me for a spin as well. After Emily and I were done, I hopped out and took some photos.

All photos taken with my Canon EOS R & 70-200mm f/2.8 Lens W/ a x2 Adaptor.

Being that it was Cinco De Mayo, Emily and I parted ways with the Grind Hard Boys and went straight to Taco Time for some Jaritos and tater tots. The drifting experience was a memorable one and I can’t wait to get back in the passenger seat. I don’t think I’ll be driving any time soon though, I’ll leave that to the “professionals”.

December 8, 2021

Spires & Lakes, Cascades & Caves: An Uncharted Mountaineer's Loop

Dramatic peaks towered in the distance and a huge waterfall plummeted into the open grassland, wild flowers and birds thriving in this small ecosystem. Tracing the source of the waterfall on Google Maps revealed a small, bright blue pool (tarn) at the base of jagged, black cliffs. Again, I could find very few photographs of the area and I was immediately intrigued.

March 21, 2021

Sufferfest 2020 - Alpine Lakes Wilderness

My buddy called me up and told me about this beautiful spot in the Alpine Lakes backcountry and getting there would take about 4 days. Apparently, there was an infinity pool, thousands of feet above two alpine lakes. “You have to see it to believe it” he said. He also told me it was gonna suck getting there.

February 3, 2020

Hiva Oa - French Polynesia Part 1

My French Polynesia honeymoon blog! We did things a little different. Known as one of the most remote island chains in the world, the Marquesas rise dramatically from the South Pacific, their jutting rock formations and lush jungles beckoning adventurers and explorers alike. We planned for 8 months before embarking on the trip of our lives.

July 29, 2019

Secret Waterfall - Moon Pass, Idaho

Years ago, while searching for local waterfalls, I stumbled on a picture of this spot. I didn’t fully believe it was in Idaho because of the moss and height, usually that’s a good sign its further west in Oregon or Washington. But then I saw some photos from a local photographer that said otherwise. Since then, I’ve been committed to finding this beautiful mossy grotto.

October 14, 2018

Mt. Whitney Summit via the Mountaineers Route - The Ultimate Hike

First pioneered by John Muir in 1873, this straight shot for Whitney's summit is 9 miles round-trip with over 6000 feet of elevation gain. That's 6000 feet in 4.5 miles. And to top it off, a good 40% of the route is steep talus and skree.

Spring Matsuri Drifters: Spokane Raceway Park W/ Grind Hard Plumbing Co.

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