mikeygribbin

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

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.

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The Salmon Run - North Idaho

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.

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Sufferfest 2020 - Alpine Lakes Wilderness

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.

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A Moab & Southwest Roadtrip

A 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!

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Are My Photos...Photoshopped?

Are My Photos...Photoshopped?

I get a lot of questions asking what creative liberties I take with my photos. How often do I make drastic editing decisions? I wanted to share with you some examples of how I use Photoshop. Some techniques are a bit more intrusive than others, but I think the most important thing photographers can do is be open, honest and have a reason for every creative decision.

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Yosemite Firefall 2020 Info & 2019 Trip Report

Yosemite 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.

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Hiva Oa - French Polynesia Part 1

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.

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The Schooner Zodiac: An Evening in Bellingham Bay

The 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.

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Kaua'i - From Sea to Sky

Kaua'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.

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