Moon Shot

There is nothing more comforting than finally getting a clear day in the middle of winter and getting mooned by mother nature; she was a little bashful though, only giving us a half glimpse. The weather was perfect though, and continues to be simply amazing outside with temperatures in the low 60's. The evil man on the television is threatening to take it all away this weekend however...rain, rain go away, come again some other day.

Round Two

We did it! The Lower Table Top Mountain has been conquered once and for all, and it did not disappoint. I have to be honest, there were several points on the trail where I had to stop and find my breath; (It seem to escape and run off into the woods on it's own quite a bit.) The weather was perfect; this was a slight concern because on the ride over the fog had rolled into the valley...again; that was not an issue as the sun burnt off the lower layer of haze and opened up an incredible view. The temperature was in the mid 50's, a perfect shorts and shirt hike. Once the top was reached it was like an entirely different world, the comment of it looking like a Martian landscape was made a few times. Millions of small lava rocks framed by tiny strands of yellow grass and moss covered the mesa. A few trees here and there stretched up from the sides but overall the skyline was unobstructed and gorgeous. If you are afraid of heights do not follow the trail to the edge (see the top picture) as it will make feel like a very small speck on the face of this planet.

A Step Above

Okay, if you have driven through Medford, Oregon on Interstate 5 (North or South) you will have had to of seen two mountains with incredibly flat tops (mesa). Not being known to leave well enough alone we pursued these lumps further than just a subtle driveby. We ended up driving through a little town known as White City and playing slave to the little brown signs that pointed the way. By now, it is close to 4pm which left little time for exploration (but still enough time to get into some trouble.) The road ended at the trail head to the lower Table Top Mtn. It offers a 3.5 mile loop (with the first 1.75 miles being straight up.) I'm sorry to say that we were slower going up the trail than the sun was falling out of the sky so the top we did not make (thank you Yoda).

Busy as A...You Get The Picture

Wildlife photography is always fun, especially when the subject of the day happens to be insects. I can't speak for other enthusiasts out there who can probably snap this shot off in two minutes but for me it took close to 50 pictures before I was satisfied with the image. That was close to an hour of sitting in the pile of rosemary at this little park in Santa Rosa, California with bees orbiting around me like tiny buzzing satellites.

Head in the Fog

The winter mornings in the Rogue Valley along Interstate 5 look a lot like this in early February. These silhouetted pear trees offer a haunting look giving the feel of isolation and solitude in the little town of Phoenix. What you don't see here is the huge Home Depot shopping center to the immediate left of this picture, again displaying the wonders of the Medford, Oregon area.

"All Aboard!"

If you find yourself in Yreka look this little place up on the East side of town. This little train has a history of giving tours in the Summer; (It didn't in 2009, but they are working very hard to make sure it happens in 2010). It features an "open air" car for the visitors so bring something warm to wear just in case the evening is a little cooler than what was planned. There is also a little gift shop there so you can purchase a memory to take home with you.

Head in the Clouds

What better way to spend Groundhogs Day than in an area where Winter's thumbprint is felt the most, Mt. Shasta, California. Actually, we didn't make it that far as this was taken from a vista point north of Yreka off of I-5 south. No matter how many times I see this it still takes my breath away; the size alone can be very humbling.

Home Sweet Home (For Now)

A few short steps down the street from my front door (and a slight turn to the right) and I find this rather cold looking lanscape. Medford, Oregon is diverse in that man made structures can be found on one side of the street and then views like this one open up across the horizon on the other side. I am looking forward to returning to Colorado later this year (2010) to have the opportunity to capture more of this incredible country one picture at a time.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star(s)

This was another one of those trips where dad had to get out of the house and go take on nature head to head. We ended up in Brookings, Oregon, his old romping grounds. He grew up there so it was fun to hear the stories that came rushing back to him as we strolled down the streets of memory lane. If you time it right the tide pools are worth a visit, extremely colorful and fun. Some of the biggest starfish I have ever seen could be found there, snuggled up on every rock structure that dotted the white sandy beach.

The Suburban Country

Hot off the press, this little setting was taken from the parking lot of the Farmers Market in Phoenix, Oregon. The winter storm was beginning to break up just enough to create some amazing lighting conditions. This is why I try and take my camera with me everywhere I go, (I'm just not always successful.)

Group Therapy

Mmm.....Fruit. There are some things that just look better in their natural surroundings rather than all bunched together under faux sprayers at the grocery stores. The grapes were found at the Sundial Garden in Redding, California; the blackberries were hanging around off of a trail in North Bend / Coos Bay, Oregon.

Going Down?

On Hwy. 62 in Southern Oregon, there is a sign that reads Butte Falls. If you take that exit and follow the dirt road for a few miles you'll find a perfectly groomed parking lot. Nope, the journey does not end here; there is still a 1/4 mile hike down a forested hill before you come on to this location. you would think that this majestic waterfall would be be the most memorable part of this exploration wouldn't you? I'm afraid the 30 or so mosquito bites trumped that card.

"Something Wicked This Way Comes."

On a trip back to Medford, Oregon from Klamath Falls we discovered this little gem hiding in the hills above Crater Lake. 2009 was a very active year for thunderstorms and lightning strikes in Southern Oregon, which afforded me several opportunities to capture some amazing pictures.

Got Wood?

The best places for me to recharge my inner batteries are along the coast or deep in the heart of a Redwood grove, like this one at Prairie Creek State Park in California. Pictures and words really don't do any justice to the beauty of this magical landscape.

Baby, it's cold outside!

Here is Klamath Falls, Oregon! This should answer the question of if it snows there or not. The bottom shot was taken in 2008 from behind Pelican Cinema staring out over the railroad tracks, the snow was about knee level then. The top view was my front yard, the tree on the left fell from the weight of the ice. I learned that clouds need not be present to snow in this area that year, an all new experience to be sure.

One Leg Up

Nestled in between the hussel and bussel of Santa Rosa, California a park with a country setting waits to be explored by people of all ages. Howarth Park surrounds a lake that is crawling with wildlife, both fowl and aquatic (which makes it perfect if you are looking to get rid of an old loaf of bread.)

Giver Her Flowers

If you find yourself in Trinidad, California be sure to visit College Cove, especially in the Spring time and all through Summer. The sights are memorable (and yes, there is a nudist beach here as well so consider yourself warned), and the trails are well groomed. Bring your camera along as the photo opportunities are around every corner.

Stop Your Blubbering!

These seals are actually hamming it up on the beaches of the Mad River where it feeds into the Pacific Ocean just outside of McKinleyville, California. You can find these vocal creatures, from late summer to early fall, basking in the sunlight with the young ones nearby.

Got Fish?

Do you think the landlord will be upset when they come in and find this waiting for them in the upstairs bath tub? These would be trout, or dinner as I like to call them. The fish hatchery in Blue Lake, California is where they call home (Not my bath tub); in fact these little guys will soon be released into the Mad River where they will go off to live their life in the mighty Pacific Ocean.

What's Up?

 In Redding, California there is this little...um...big surprise, a really big sundial. Actually, there is quite a bit for one to do here, a museum, garden, the sundial itself, and some incredible fishing all await the explorer that resides in all of us.

Were You Raised in a Barn

Between the towns of Klamath Falls and Lakeview (which there isn't a view of any lake what so ever), Oregon, sits this rustic treasure for all to see. The drive exhibits the fact that you truly are in the hi-desert part of the state; with miles upon miles of long yellow grass resting on a shapeless canvass. It is a great way to relax and offers an amazing sky when the summer Thunderstorms push their way through.

Hitchin' Post

On a summer afternoon in Klamath Falls, Oregon, I took a short drive to Miller Park and discovered a whole new world to explore. The Park itself is surrounded with rolling hills and mature trees and a great trail that wraps all of the way around it all. During that magical time between Thanksgiving and New Years the city offers a holiday display for all to come and see that will be sure to melt the coldest of hearts.

Reflections

Would you believe that moments earlier it was very clear and warm outside, well it was. These little lakes can be found in Coos Bay / North Bend, Oregon and offer great fishing opportunities for those who are inclined; I know this for a fact as I have lost many a worm feeding them! Go to a little tackle shop, just down the street from here called "The Bite is On" and say hello to Joe for me; he will get you all set up with the gear you need to be successful.

Closing The Day

Humboldt's sunsets are traditionally colorful and vibrant (and a little brisk so keep a hooded sweat shirt close by.) It offers a great atmosphere to snuggle up with that someone special or maybe even propose to spend the rest of your life with them as husband and wife.

We'll Keep A Light On For You

The light house in Trinidad, California diligently stands awaiting the fog to swirl in off of the ocean. The view from here will take your breath away, especially in the winter when the waves can reach over 40 feet tall as they charge the shore line, one rolling in after the other.

All Nutted um Knotted Up

The title says it all doesn't it? This is my father who happened upon this float late in the afternoon. We did not leave until that rope was free of all knots, no small task I assure you.

A Little Too Angelic

My son Tyler found his happy spot and thought deep in a redwood. Nothing was altered on this picture; this is what the camera saw when the button was pushed.

Pure Blue

Crater Lake, Oregon offers some incredible views year around; a person just can't take a bad picture here. This picture was taken in June of 2009, even then there was still a large amount of snow on the ground.

Lonely Sandals

I took a trip to the Arcata Marsh, in Humboldt County, California, to unwind and clear my head. The views are amazing if you get the right weather conditions and the tourists have gone back home. This picture has won me over on many levels, first of all, who would leave their sandals on a rail road track? Where did this person go?

Golden Falls

My dad and I wanted to get out of the house one fall day of 2008, this is where we ended up. This is about 30 or so miles to the east of Coos Bay, Oregon, up in the beautiful hill country.

Lucky Strike

An early summer thunderstorm found it's way into Medford, Oregon this year, loaded with tons of cloud to ground lightning. Shortly after this picture was taken a house was struck less than a mile from this location and a tree was split into two in the same parking lot that we were positioned in.

The One Shot that Many Have

In August of 2009 I found myself in Seattle, Washington; taking in a Mariners game and seeing the sights. (Mariners won the game that night, defeating the Oakland A's). This shot was taken from atop the Space Needle at around 11:00 o'clock at night. It was very windy as a storm was moving into the area (I know wierd right, I mean a storm in the Seattle area, crazy!)

Right Place at the Right Time

This is one of my favorite shots, it was taken from atop a very large boulder that wasn't so bad climbing; getting down on the other hand is an entirely different story (and picture).

Takin' a Break

Ahh the redwoods, truly a national treasure and tucked away nicely here in the great northwest. This picture was taken about 2 miles in on one of the many great trails at Prairie Creek State Park, south of Crescent City, California. What can I say, the tree was on fire and someone had to put out the flames. I am currently taking a break though, that much is true. For almost 20 years I have been working 12 to 17 hour days and spending very little time with the kids, hell I lost an amazing woman because of that life style and my 2 wonderful boys as well, for a short while. I have decided to pull back on that aspect of my life for a while and regroup.