Where in the World?

The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams. – Oprah Winfrey

The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure. – Joseph Campbell

Quartz Veins in Ft. Wetherill State Park

I had decided today would be a day of hiking, geocaching and adventure. I left mid morning and headed to Conanicut Island where Jamestown, RI is located. There were many areas in the south central part of the island I hadn’t explored.

Fort Wetherill State Park was my first destination. I explored the many trails in this park. I found some strange geological formations in the form of very long quartz veins running through the rock on the coast. I discovered that this entire area was once part of Africa over 500 million years ago. The fort has history all the way back to the American Revolution. The views across Narragansett Bay were stunning.

After a short break for a snack and water, I drove north a few miles and discovered an historical cemetery. I then proceeded south again to Fort Getty State Park. I discovered huge coastal estuaries harboring many species of birds and animals. I walked the rocky coasts exploring the nooks and crannies.

Finally, I drove around almost aimlessly and found new beaches, new bird sanctuaries, harbors and more interesting history.

The point is that adventure is a close as you want it to be. I experienced all of this in a day and it was only 20 miles from my house. You don’t have to fly or drive long distances. All you have to do is get out of the house and ask yourself, “What’s around the next turn?”

Change your routine. Go have some fun.

Michael

Looking Out from Mt. Holyoke

I was up in Northamptom, MA today doing some geocaching, hiking and photography. It was a nice overcast day which meant that the colors were evenly lighted and the trails were cool.

Most of the morning was spent on Mt. Holyoke which is in Skinner State Park near Hadley, MA. The mountain itself is a little over 900 feet high but rises very quickly, so the trails to the summit are quite steep.

What a great day to be walking through the deciduous forests of New England. Color was everywhere. Squirrels were busily getting ready for the winter. Hawks circled looking for prey. The sound of leaves falling was everywhere.

Fall continues to be my favorite season. I typically start up in New Hampshire to see the color and then get to enjoy it for several weeks as it slowly moves down south as the cool air becomes the norm.

Please view my other photos for the day (4 photos).

Hope your day was nice!

Michael

A Piece of Sabaday Falls

I wandered this morning along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest.

It was an absolutely beautiful day; partly cloudy with patches of sun that lit the surrounding mountains. I was in the mood for waterfalls and went to my favorite place called Sabaday Falls.

This is a stunning waterfall that cascades down a basalt fissure sandwiched between two huge granite slabs. The falls are estimated to be about 10,000 years old and formed during the last Ice Age melt.

Sabaday Falls is never disappointing. I have photographed here for quite some time. I suspect that I will continue to come here.

Years ago a very close friend told me that angels can frequently be found around waterfalls. I tend to believe this as the healing power of this place is quite amazing. By healing power, I mean the sense of well-being and tranquility that fills your body, emotions, mind and spirit. I suspect that there is one really powerful angel residing here.

Have a great day!

Michael

P.S. Here are some links to my best of New Hampshire 2008 photos:

New Hampshire October 5th, 2008 (3 photos)

New Hampshire October 6th, 2008 (7 photos)

Albany Covered Bridge

I decided to go up to New Hampshire and see some fall color. It’s become an annual trip. I really love the entire White Mountain region and the Kancamagus Highway.

The region is rich in flora, fauna, dramatic scenery and idyllic settings. Hiking trails are abundant as are the waterfalls.

I relish the color, geology and history of the White Mountain National Forest. It seems that every year I discover something new or something I hadn’t experienced before.

But, really I come back every year because of the deep feeling of contentment I get from wandering among the trails, roads and streams. This is probably my favorite area on the east coast. Yosemite would be my favorite on the west coast. Vastly different but both are enormously powerful in the effect they have on my very soul.

Birch Trees

My favorite place to stay is at the Red Sleigh Inn Bed & Breakfast in Lincoln, New Hampshire. Loretta and Bill own and operate this quaint New England B&B.

I come back every time because their customer service is outstanding. The breakfasts they serve in the mornings will last for hours if you can finish it.

The Red Sleigh Inn is popular throughout the year and is very close to several ski resorts. I highly recommend it.

My two favorite trees up here are the red maple and the birch tree. This is the second year I have taken the birch trees on the right. They can be found at a popular vista viewing area along the Kancamagus Hwy. Sometimes it is hard for me to tell if this is a painting or a photograph. The bark does interesting things in the light.

They are just one of thousands of nature’s treasure nuggets that can be found all over this area. Every season has something to offer. You shouldn’t miss any of them.

I’ll continue tomorrow in my wandering exploration off the Kancamagus. Who knows what I might find around the next bend.

Have a great day!

Michael

Multnomah Falls

What a day! I traveled slowly along the Historic Columbia River Hwy stopping here and there, exploring the vistas from high up and viewing the many waterfalls dotting the cliffs.

It truly is a magical place. Geologically, this area is rich with a history of massive lava flows, repeated over millions of years. Evidence remains in the form of huge basalt cliffs, strange rocks, hills, valleys and unusual erosion patterns.

At Multnomah Falls you can see this geologic record. Multiple layers of basalt, one on top of another, rise up forming the cliffs that Multnomah Creek falls over turning into the 620 foot high Multnomah Falls.

I spent the entire day mostly photographing waterfalls and enjoying the splendor of this region. I had a basic plan, but I really tried to let things happen so that I could find and thus experience places I didn’t know existed before today.

I have really been trying to work on this aspect of living. Letting things happen. Keeping my eyes open. Relaxing into the flow of what my life is turning out to be. Not judging myself too harshly or not at all. Not planning too much. Being relaxed and happy in as many moments as possible in a day.

In other words, just viewing my life as a journey; no goals, no destination, no expectations other than to be happy.

Have a great day!

Michael

Sunset at Ecola State Park

I’m in Oregon this week on a photographic tour. I spent most of the day on the coast around the Cannon Beach and Seaside areas. I haven’t been here for over 10 years. It’s so nice to be back.

The Oregon coast is phenomenal. I can spend hours watching the huge waves roll one after another into the shore. I especially like to watch them from the cliffs that tower above the beaches.

I took the sunset photo at Ecola State Park near the Sea Lion Rocks. It’s funny because I was dreaming of a beautiful sunset all day. Most of the day was hazy and partly cloudy. I continued to see a great sunset in my imagination.

Low and behold about 2 hours before sunset, I started to see the clouds open up and then separate above the horizon in the distance. So, all I had to do was to show up at the place I had picked to photograph the beautiful colors.

I had traveled all the way across the country to photograph a sunset on the west coast, specifically in this exact place. The forecast is rain over the next two days, so I knew my “chance” for the sunset was today.

Tidbit: This sunset at Cannon Beach was even mentioned on the local news this evening. Cool!

Everything worked out perfect.

Michael

Sunrise Tufa Towers at Mono Lake

One hour before sunrise I arrived at the Mono Lake Tufa Tower State Reserve. It was just me, some birds I could not see yet and a shadowy alien landscape that stretched for miles. Frankly it was a little spooky out here for a few minutes until I got adjusted.

Mono Lake is estimated to be over 700,000 years, is 80 times more alkaline and 2 1/2 times more salty than the ocean. This means that you will easily float if you got in the water. In fact sea gulls have a difficult time because they become very buoyant and lose their balance.

Originally the tufa towers, composed of calcium carbonate, formed beneath the water with the interaction of fresh water springs bubbling up into the alkaline water.

As the sun rose it bathed the tufa towers with a warm light while a pair of ospreys woke up and began to fly around the area. I had always wanted to photograph here at sunrise. Dreams can come true.

At the Top of Lembert Dome

I met my daughter and her boyfriend for breakfast. We drove back up the Tioga Pass Road to Tuolumne Meadows. Our goal was to hike to the top of Lembert Dome with an elevation of 9400 ft (2865 m). The trail to the top is 2.8 miles (4.5 km) long with a 900 ft. (270 m) elevation climb. Very tough for me as the air was thin and I wasn’t in the best cardiovascular shape, but with my daughter’s encouragement I made it all the way.

The first 2/3 of the trail is through a wonderful pine forest. My daughter and I saw a deer casually looking for tender greens to snack on. We watched in silence for a few minutes before continuing on.

The views were stunning as you could see 360 degrees. Storm clouds were forming in the distance and the wind became quite strong. We decided to head back down.

I had a little trouble on the way down as I went too far down the side of the dome and then had to haul myself and camera equipment back up to the trail. Doh! 

Overall, I highly recommend this hike.

View my photos for this day.

Michael

Along the Cathedral Trees Trail

After a restful sleep in Arcata, we left early, enveloped in a dense fog blanketing the coast. Our first goal was to reach Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This park is part of the Redwood National Park system.

The day started with a view of a local herd of wild elk feeding in a meadow at the entrance to the park. What a great way to start our adventure! We continued on to the park office and the start of a hike or two.

Our breaths were taken away as it was our first time walking the Cathedral Trees Trail. Group after group of immensely large redwoods lined the trail and up the hill. As I mentioned in a prior post, the feeling of deep serenity while walking here is undeniable. I continue to find these long lived giants therapeutic on all levels.

After spending some time here, we decided to make the trek (by car) to the parking lot for Fern Canyon. The start of the trail is located on the beach in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The surrounding area is stunning with miles of very wide beach and high cliffs cascading down to the sand. Elk roam the tidal areas along with dozens of species of birds.

Walking Fern Canyon

Part of the Jurassic Park 2 movie was filmed in Fern Canyon. So, that should give you an idea of the other worldly feeling you get from this almost forgotten primal setting. We half expected some strange creature to confront us around each bend.

It was my second visit here, but my daughter’s first. We walked slowly along the creek examining the flora and fauna. Many species of ferns can be found here along with numerous creatures; birds, reptiles, insects and etc.

We made our way back to the beach and watched the ocean for a bit before deciding to head south and make a stop at Patrick’s Point State Park. It sits right on the Pacific Ocean high up on 300 foot tall rocky cliffs. The views are absolutely stunning. Camping is permitted and they have a new visitor center that recently opened.

Our final stop for the day was Trinidad. I love the harbor, the beach, the views and the laid back feeling of this small fishing village that is now home to several art galleries.

Check out the photos from this day. All of the places I’ve mentioned can be seen on the photo link.

Michael

Peace of Mind

Our day started in Sacramento. Very soon we had traversed west and hopped onto to Hwy. 101, the Redwood Highway. The majority of the redwood forest starts a little north of Garberville, CA and continues until Crescent City, CA.

It had been over 10 years since I had gone north on Hwy. 101. My daughter was experiencing it for the first time. We were excited to share this adventure.

I absolutely love the Coast Redwood trees; scientific name of Sequoia sempervirens. They can live upwards of 2,000 years, have root systems that are approximately 8 feet deep and are the tallest trees in the world. A lot of their moisture comes from the fog that regularly rolls in from the Pacific though the rainy season may produce up to 100 inches of rain.

Walking and hiking among these giants is more of a spiritual experience than physical. It’s like stepping back into time when ferns carpeted the ground and you couldn’t see the tops of the trees. The odors drifting through these redwood groves are primal, ancient and alive.

At the same time you feel small and insignificant; you also feel a deep connection to something that has been around for a very long time. It’s a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys nature.

Please see my additional photos from this day.

Michael

Erica stayed local this weekend. We decided to take a long walk on the famous Cliff Walk in Newport, RI. The total length is about 3 1/2 miles one way. We didn’t walk the entire length, but we did go about 2/3 of the way.

Yesterday was mostly rain, fog and wind. Today, the fog lifted by noon and the rest of the day was windy and partly cloudy; a simply stunning day.

It was a leisurely walk as I was doing some geocaching along the way. Erica turned out to have a knack with the geocaching game. She found a difficult one that I couldn’t find.

I enjoy looking at the mansions along the way. These places are huge and represent a different time and place. I really like the stonework on a lot of them.

Today was a great day for surfers. We watched them for quite some time. The waves were around 6 feet high and were rolling into the coast in groups of three.

I love watching the ocean waves. I find it mesmerizing and relaxing at the same time. So, it was a thoroughly enjoyable walk combined with the ocean, waves, blue sky, huge cumulus clouds, stone mansions and some great company.

I feel really rested from this weekend. It was fun to just do very little and like I mentioned yesterday, make time to play. We tend to get too tied up in the world around us and forget to take time for ourselves.

Michael