Stoney Indian Pass

This hike was one of my favorite of all time. From start to finish it was magical. We got great weather, we ate like kings, and we didn't kill ourselves with our pace. We took it all in. With easy vistas like these you gotta. Scott, Brett, and Amy were perfect backpacking companions. I had never gone through the Belly River Valley towards Stoney Indian Pass but had wanted to for several years after seeing some of Scott and Cody's pictures. Next time I plan on going all the way past Cosley Lake, up through the Stoney Indian Pass and over into Waterton National Park. I honestly can't wait to get back there. Glacier National Park was already my favorite NP in the US and this hike I think solidified it for good. *All pics were taken with the iPhone 4s. Kinda wish I brought my Canon but these hold up pretty good I think.

Yosemite

I hadn't been to Yosemite since I was a kid so this little weekend trip was a bit overdue. I couldn't pass up a weekend hanging out in a campsite in the valley with several good friends I grew up with back in Newbury Park. I could talk your ear off about this place and how enjoyable it was. A few things I'll touch on briefly: We ate like kings (honestly ate more than I do at home thanks to Rob and Brian getting fanatical at Costco and stalking up two full size coolers), we didn't hike half dome but it will be done next time in the not too distant future, we found a great swimming hole off the beaten path on the Merced River and it didn't disappoint, the company was great and so was the weather. What more could a guy ask for?

*I would break down each picture but I won't get into it here. Shoot me a message or an email if you have a question. All pics were taken with my trusty iphone. I've been bad at bringing my G9 around with me since my phone is so convenient and produces pretty decent quality pictures. 

Yosemite Since I'll be heading to Yosemite in a few weeks I figured I would post this video. This place is stunning. I haven't been in several years so this trip will be memorable. If you haven't been hopefully this short video will help sway you to go sooner than later. The music is a little much in my opinion but its a great little flick. This guy knows how to capture Yosemite in a different way than most people do. Impressive.

One more from the Uintas

I think this is my favorite picture from the Uinta camping trip. Neat thing is that the two people in the forefront of the picture are getting married soon. Congrats to Tyler and Sarah.

Camping in the Uintas

A few weeks ago I had the chance to go camping in the Uinta Mountains with some friends. I had never been so I jumped at the opportunity. We were planning on camping at Mirror Lake but ended up just heading down the road a couple miles to Butterfly Lake. The group was great. I mostly went with friends I knew but there happened to be some people I got to know for the first time there. Overall it was a great little trip. I plan on heading back there soon. It's nice that there are such majestic mountains only an hour or so away from Salt Lake. While on the drive there my buddy Bob coined the term, "easy vista". We used it throughout the remainder of the trip. I liked it so much I just keep using it. Whenever you see a spectacular view or "vista" and it happens to be "easy" on the eyes... go ahead and use it. It's perfect.

Zion National Park

Took a quick trip with a great littl crew down to Zion National park. Chris, Madison, and Kyle were a good group to go with. We hiked Angels Landing after camping just outside of the park on some BLM land. You can't beat free. I even got to break out my Poler Tent. It was a pretty good weekend. Also, we made it down to Bryce Canyon to watch the eclipse. I'll make another post with some of those pics soon.

Take Me There. 

I got this from a friends blog. I hope she doesn't mind. I rather enjoy everything about this. Mark my words, before I die... I'll renovate an old airstream and make it just the way I want it. Then I'll take it around North America. Grand. *This isn't my picture, if I knew who took it I would give credit.

Mexican Fireworks

I can't get enough of the site www.mexican-fireworks.com

Blake Griffin


I would be stoked to go camping and see Blake Griffin automatically show up as he feeds a deer. These commercials are too funny. At least he's being constructive while the NBA has decided to take a break. I'm ready for basketball to get going again cuz this guy was incredible to watch.

MADE IN ICELAND

This gal documents her trip throughout Iceland perfectly. Not just because she has skills with her videocamera, or picked spot on music for her production, or happens to be quite charming, or chose an incredible location, but because she weaved a bit of a story into her documentation. Enjoy all fifteen minutes of it.

POLER STUFF

I got me a Poler two man tent this summer and I must say I'm quite happy about it. I would have gotten one if it was a different color but it just so happened to be one of my favorites so it worked out great. I don't remember exactly where I came across their site but all I gotta say is that I'm happy with their products and I can't get enough of the pictures they post on their blog. I'm looking forward to seeing what other crazy gear they start offering throughout the year. These guys are onto something. They will be rolling out more products so keep going back. Support what they got going on. You won't regret it. I was so stoked to get my tent I immediately set it up in my room and slept in it the first night I got it. Weird? Perhaps. Normal for someone who likes camping and everything else associated with it?

Yes indeed.

I wish I would have brought it out to Hawaii this time around. It would come in handy right about now. 

Boundary Bay

This was taken on a calm evening at the border between Alberta & Montana in Waterton National Park. This could be my most favorite picture I've taken with my trusty Canon G9. Not that it's that great but I like it. You don't get calm nights like this very often where the moon reflects the mountains. Makes me wish I had a more powerful camera.

COLD SPLINTERS

I came across one of those blogs that make you go look through every past post since it started. Yeah, I pretty much did that and I'm not even mad about it. Coldsplinters.com is filled with great content about camping, hiking, environmental awareness, etc. I'm already looking forward to implementing some of the wisdom found within the webpages of this site over the summer. The eclectic (that word is for your Doug) mix of information and the collection of old photographs really make for a great experience. ENJOY.
(photo taken by me a couple of summers ago in Banff)