A few months ago Erin and I finally made the trip out to Cincinnati to visit my brother, his wife and our two little nephews. I know I'm a little late but I couldn't let this trip go un-posted! We had a great time in the big city and even more with the family. Did some adventuring to the museum and zoo while we were there. We even went out to this little park with a great overlook and did some family pictures. We had a really great time and can't wait to make it out there again. Thanks again Nick and Andrea!
Read More
This was the first hike of the season for us. We're just tip-toeing into hiking and we found this one to be very reasonable. It had a few down trees that had to be either walked around or climbed over. The view of the lake and Baring Mountain at the end of the hike was very nice. Take a gander at the rest of the images from the Barclay Lake hike...
Read More
#GOSEAHAWKS!
Read MoreHere are a couple of images from a camping trip my wife and I did this summer. The location is Diablo Lake on the Northern Cascades Highway of Washington state. As I had mentioned to others about this area, it's one of the most scenic areas in the Pacific Northwest. Nothing but clean air and good views for a relaxing weekend. We did the Rainy Pass Hike overlooking Lake Ann and even canoed on Ross Lake. That was in the midst of a small lightning storm too! If you like to camp and adventure into the wilderness, this area has tons to offer. Take a visit!
Read More
Love shooting film!! I just got a couple rolls back and nothing but gold. Most were shot on Fujicolor Superia x-tra 400 and another set of regular Fujicolor 200. What I love most about shooting film is the color and the dynamic range that you just don't get with digital. At least, without having to pull some photographic tricks from your sleeve. What is also enjoyable is that every roll is like opening presents at Christmas. For one, I don't ever remember what I had shot on the rolls so it's exciting to open it up and see what I had done months prior. If you ever get a chance to shoot film, I highly recommend it. It's like a refresher for your photographic brain. Everything has to be perfect in those 24 frames :)
Most of the photos below were shot on a chartering trip in Westport, Washington. Another highly recommended part of the state that everyone should visit at least once or twice. And if you fish or love camping near the beach, just go every year!
Read MoreWith all the news about the wild fires growing between Leavenworth and Steven Pass, it blows me away that we were just there camping! No more than 4 days prior. We were probably about 10-15 miles south of the fires too. However, at the time we were there, it was extremely hot and we didn't do much but enjoy the landscape and take a dip in the water. Our campsite was just an unmarked area, pulled right off the side of the road. Enough to fit the cars, tent and couple chairs to relax in. We did take a hike up the mountain in search of some boulders to climb, but as we topped the hillside we found what appeared to be the remains of prior fires. We walked around of what looked to be the 1994 fire that engulfed Icicle Creek Canyon all over. Anyways, enjoy the photos and do hope that current flames can be put to rest before any more damage is taken. It sure is a beautiful landscape of the Northern Cascades.
Read More
Every year in preparation of another season of camping, the Ranch as we call it, gathers help to clean up the campsites and buildings for future visitors. This weekend is called "Friends of the Ranch" and as like many years before, there was a great turnout of helpers. As I busy on my own tasks, I unfortunately didn't get around to everyone in the campground, but I could certainly see all the hard work by everyone. Earlier this year there was a wind storm that is know as a microburst wind storm. Basically the wind comes straight down at damaging forces and wipes out anything in its path. As you will see in the pictures below, that windstorm took down dozens of trees throughout the campground that had to be cut up and hauled away. Of course we like to have some fun after a long day of work. Take a look and enjoy!
Join us next year and mean while you can plan your trip by visiting the Circle 8 Ranch website and liking them on Facebook!
Read MoreCouple images I wanted to share of our favorite place in the Pacific Northwest! It's a great place to relax and spend time camping in the Summer. As the season changes to Fall and Winter, it's very interesting to see how the landscape changes from what is normally seen during the summer heat. Can't wait to get some snow up there!
Read MoreWe have a new family member! He's a two and half year old pitbull. My sister Shauna came across him at a clinic in Eastern Washington where he was being treated for a bad wound due to a collision a car. Sadly he had lost his front left leg due to the damage inflicted. Prior weeks before that he had fractured his other leg in another incident. This week he gets his stitches out, about 28 of them! He's tired but doing very well and is making great adjustments to getting around. Pitbull's have been given a bad rep over the years... though having two previously, we can only say that they are absolutely the best and this one does not stray from that either!
Read MoreFor some reason I have been spending the past few evenings photographing hot air balloons throughout the Snohomish, Washington valley. With the help of a little bird and good timing, I caught an engagement proposal in action! Here are some of the highlights from the Airial Balloon Company and a few other local flyers:
Read More