East and West Mittens Silhouette

East and West Mittens in Monument Valley at Sunrise

The East and West Mittens silhouetted against a colorful sunrise. Monument Valley, Utah

Upon waking up in Monument Valley, I climbed out of my tent in my pajamas, looked up toward my car and saw a rather large group of photographers trying not to stare back down at me. Apparently the primitive campgrounds at Monument Valley Tribal Park also doubles as the most scenic spot to take photography tours.… Keep reading...

Upper Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park

Rainbow in Upper Yosemite Falls

A rainbow shines at the bottom of Upper Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park, California

One of the hikes I did during my stay in Yosemite National Park was to Upper Yosemite Falls. The easy thing about it was the trail started practically right in Camp 4, which was where I was staying that night.… Keep reading...

Waterfall and Pool Along Sweet Creek

Sweet Creek Hike Near Mapleton, Oregon

A cascading waterfall pouring over a steep rocky cliff and into a pool along Sweet Creek. Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon

Going back a bit for another shot taken along the Sweet Creek Trail just outside of Mapleton, Oregon. It almost felt like the trip actually started here since there wasn’t a whole lot that I wanted to see in Idaho.… Keep reading...

Milky Way Above Campground

Milky Way and Night Sky Over Big Lagoon County Park, California

The Milky Way Galaxy extending out from a glowing campfire at the campground. Big Lagoon County Park, California

The first week or so of the whole trip prevented me from getting any shots of my favorite time of day: night time. The first night was entirely too cold so I wound up getting to sleep early and then every night thereafter was too cloudy.… Keep reading...

Red Fall Leaves Against Evergreens

Fall Leaves Along Highway 26 in Oregon

Red fall leaves contrasting against evergreen trees along Highway 26. Ochoco National Forest, Oregon

Not even realizing it, mid-October turned out to be the perfect time of year to be driving through Oregon. Fall leaves were at their peak all along Highway 26 and made for an amazing display for practically the entire drive.… Keep reading...

Sweet Creek Trail on Boardwalk

Sweet Creek Hike Near Mapleton, Oregon

A section of the Sweet Creek Trail as a boardwalk as it passes over the calm waters of Sweet Creek. Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon

The Sweet Creek Trail begins just outside of a small community called Mapleton, Oregon. I hiked it with my aunt on the way out of Eugene heading toward the Oregon coast.… Keep reading...