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.
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The Salmon Run - North Idaho
When asked where to watch the “salmon run”, most local people online said you could see them “next to my huckleberry picking spot” or “my favorite elk hunting spot”. In Idaho, this is considered a polite way to say “f*** off”. With not much help from the locals, I realized I didn’t know much about these fish at all and decided to do some research.
Read MoreSufferfest 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.
Read MoreA Moab & Southwest Roadtrip
For my birthday this year, Emily and I decided to meet up with my sister, brother and his wife in Southern Utah for 5 days of desert exploration! We wanted to take Rex the Van and, in a whirlwind of last minute work, we were able to insulate both walls, the floor and get a few placeholder walls up for the trip, not to mention new tires and an oil change!
Read MoreThe Great American Solar Eclipse - Sawtooth National Forest
The wind stopped. Chills ran down my spine as the temperature dropped 10 degrees in a matter of seconds. There was an unsettling silence across the lake. I took my photos and paused for a moment to just look up at the eclipse. Stars twinkled in the dark sky. I suddenly felt a feeling of wonderment mixed with anxiety. I felt small.
Read MoreFatu Hiva - French Polynesia Part 2
Monumental cliffs set the backdrop for unique, towering stone pillars. The jungle was a vibrant green. Squinting, I could see tropical white birds, soaring through the infinite space between us and the volcanic peaks in the distance. This was Fatu Hiva.
Read MoreFatu Hiva - French Polynesia Part 2
Monumental cliffs set the backdrop for unique, towering stone pillars. The jungle was a vibrant green. Squinting, I could see tropical white birds, soaring through the infinite space between us and the volcanic peaks in the distance. This was Fatu Hiva.
Read MoreEarly Spring at Silver Falls State Park
Emily and I have been dying for a road trip, and with President’s weekend giving us a long weekend, we decided to pack up the Tesla and head for Oregon!
Read MoreYosemite Firefall 2020 Info & 2019 Trip Report
What is Firefall? When does Firefall happen? Where can you watch Firefall? You're go-to source for the 2020 Firefall. I also dive into my Firefall 2019 trip report. So many things had to fall into place for these photos. The experience of a lifetime.
Read MoreHiva 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.
Read MoreGlacier National Park - Honeymoon Pre-Game
After saying our “I do’s” on Tubbs Hill, Emily and I returned to the house, threw together some last minute snacks and hit the road for Glacier National Park, one of our all-time favorite parks. Our last trip was a literal whirlwind of inclement weather, unexpected snow and dramatic overlooks.
Read MoreThe Eagles of Coeur d'Alene
Our yearly eagle pilgrimage was a success! Despite wanting to go a few times, I found the prime months for eagle viewing slip by faster than expected. But before these beauties left for the season, Emily and I were able to make it to the lake.
Read MoreThe Schooner Zodiac: An Evening in Bellingham Bay
The Schooner Zodiac was designed by William H. Hand, Jr., a renowned naval architect, and was built in 1924 in Maine. She has a rich history, traveling as far north as Labrador as well as participating in a yacht race from New York to Spain. After some time in San Francisco, she now operates out of Bellingham, offering evening sails and tours of the San Juans.
Read MoreKaua'i - From Sea to Sky
I have this strange sort-of magnetism to the island that I cannot shake. I want to know everything there is to learn about the beautiful coastlines and how they were formed, the warriors that once called this place home, as well as the legends and traditions passed down through generations. I want to see everything there is to see, sleep next to the streams and battle the notorious north shore waves. For some reason, it feels like home.
Read MoreSecret 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.
Read MoreMt. 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.
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