Avalon Harbor

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Red Lamp

California, August 2013

Diving Lover's Cove, Catalina

Curious Garibaldis were all throughout the kelp forests.

GoPro Outing: Highlands Ranch Backcountry Area Morning Ride

Uphill through the trees in the Highlands Ranch Backcounty Area.

Into the open.

Summer Camping in the Angeles National Forest: Part Two

My bag, tucked close under a tree to help keep it dry during the intermittent rain.

The K-Bar my father gave me a few years back, this time being used as a hanging device.

Late afternoon sun, looking south.

A Stellar's Jay (closely related to the Blue Jay) hung out in and around the campsite for the duration of our stay.

Summer Camping in the Angeles National Forest: Part One

Mount Baden-Powell (9,406ft.)  to the southwest of the campsite. From what I've read, there is an 8 mile hike that climbs 2,800ft up the north face to the summit that is a "must-do" for any serious Southern Californian hiker.

Mid-afternoon sun coming down through the trees, warming the fallen pine needles below.

A surplus of wood, ready for that evening's fire.

Home for the night.

A late-afternoon stormed rolled through, bringing with it rain and lightning. This was the calm before the storm.

Summer Camping at Chatfield Lake, near Littleton, Colorado

GoPro getting up close and personal with the flame.

Home for the night. Chatfield Lake, Colorado.

The Jeep by the fire.

Making dinner. This is the same pot I've been using for my entire life--literally.

Sundown.

Climbing the First Flatiron, Boulder, Colorado

Looking south towards the Second Flatiron from the south side of the First Flatiron.

These rocks are part of the Morrison Formation, which extends south and includes Red Rocks Park, Roxborough State Park, and The Garden of the Gods outside of Colorado Springs.

Crossing a debris field under the First Flatiron.

GoPro self shot on the side of the First Flatiron.

Diving in Juniper Springs, Ocala National Forest, Florida.

My father, heading towards the hole from which the spring water comes up out of the ground.

My dad and brother, anchored outside of the spring.

My dad, shooting me shooting him.

Blue, Curious Eyes

Cedar, July 2013.

Cedar, July 2013

Looking Up

Florida, June 2013

States

I've been on the road for the majority of this year so far, and thought it appropriate to show a small glimpse of the diversity of color and scenery that this country has to offer before delving into the whole catalog of images I've shot.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Near Moab, Utah

Outside of Estes Park, Colorado

Offshore of Ormond Beach, Florida

Deer Creek Open Space

Took a few hours a week ago to climb up Plymouth Mountain to take some photographs and get into some quiet air. After putting in six miles I was fairly spent, but I managed thoroughly enjoy myself.

Under Plymouth Mountain's summit heading down from the peak.

Abundant greens and moisture in the forest on this particular morning.

From the top of Plymouth Mountain looking down to Chatfield Lake to the east. 

Spring Coloring.

Took a few hours to hike through the Highlands Ranch Backcountry area to snag a few photographs. Beautiful skies fueled the way.

Traded one for the other.

The mind has a funny way of making connections to familiar things while you're in a new place. The top photo is near where I am living now, and the bottom image is back in California in a place I loved going to.

Lookout Mountain, Golden, Colorado.

Near White Tank Campground, Joshua Tree National Park, California.

Seasonal.

Chautauqua Park, located on the western edge of Boulder, Colorado boasts what many consider the best views of the Flatirons. Here's two looks at the First Flatiron in two stages of its yearly progression from snow white to summer green, through fall reds and back to snow white. As of now, Chautauqua is a green meadow blossoming with wildflowers. Image soon to come.

Shot on February 11, 2012.

Shot on March 15, 2012.

Weather change

Hiding in the hills.

Most of the camping I've ever done has been at least a few hours away from home. I've never aimed my eyes close by when looking for a destination, but when the time came to have a quick, leave after work on friday, one night camp trip, I began searching close by our home in Corona and settled on going to Blue Jay Campground located in the Cleveland National Forest a few miles off of Ortega Highway on the  North Main Divide Road. I had heard of and read about Blue Jay before, but had talked to no one who had actually been there before (my dad took me once when I was 8 or so, but I don't recall the event). Despite the uncertainties going into the trip, Blue Jay ended up being a great choice. We found the quiet and relaxation I love about camping in remote areas close by home, which only makes me want to explore the Ortega Corridor further.

Prepping the camp gear a few hours before leaving Friday afternoon. 

After finding a site and setting up camp, we were treated to an exceptional sunset.

Our home for the previous night shortly after sunrise.

Because of its location on the edge of a valley, our site had a view and no neighbors: exactly what we like.

Somewhere on the San Juan Trail heading south out of the campground on our morning hike.

Trail head for Falcon Trail, which runs north out of the campground.

A view along Falcon Trail of the sprawling valleys and mountainsides.

The morning was ideal for strolling through the surrounding meadows dotted with Oak and Pine trees.

It's the little details that matter.

The three of us, along with a jug of water in hand.

A friendly reminder.