Summer '09: The Last Frontier (A day in Alaska)

I have a sticker on my laptop that says 'Alaska is my happy place'. When other travel plans didn't work out, Dad and I jumped on a flight and went up to Sitka for a day. We walked around the island, spotted a giant sea lion, saw rivers full of salmon, visited the raptor center, and enjoyed not knowing what we'd see around the next bend


Totem Poles have been preserved or re-carved by Alaska Natives and displayed in Totem Pole park, which also is a popular hangout for Bald Eagles and Ravens


I found neat patterns in driftwood from ancient spruce and cedar trees



The salmon runs support everything- putting nutrients back into the ecosystem




Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) took full advantage of the salmon run





Gulls enjoyed eating the spawned-out salmon also. Having eaten his share, this gull needs a nap





A gorgeous Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) at the Sitka Raptor Center


A neat little boat in the harbor

Summer '09: The Evergreen State

After a few days home from Colorado, I flew out to Washington to spend time with family and friends and explore the area. I found some pretty neat things: (click on any photo to view it larger)



Sunset from the beach at Papa and Nana's cabin


The serenity of the Hoh Rainforest is awe-inspiring


A female Spruce grouse (Falcipennis canadensis) poses for the camera


I enjoyed watching the surf at Ruby Beach before enjoying a bowl of clam chowder at a local restaurant.

Summer '09: The Centennial State

This past summer has been my 12th summer attending the Adventure Unlimited Ranches in Buena Vista, Colorado. I had the opportunity to grow both as a young man and as a photographer. Enjoy some of my favorites from Colorado:


Adventure Unlimited Ranches


View while climbing LaPlata


What a monster Mule Deer!


Another summer with bear cubs!


Lance Armstrong rode in the Leadville 100, a 100-mile mountain bike race through the mountains- he won easily.


Old Man of the Mountain