Our attempted climb up Mount Saint Helens is a hike I will never forget. I knew it was going to be a wet hike but from the moment we arrived at the trailhead the rain just spilled out of the clouds. The sky was dark and the forest was glistening with rain. I could hear the heavy raindrops land on my jacket, a familiar and pleasant sound to anyone from the Pacific Northwest. We hiked through the dismal weather but the scenery was gorgeous. The fog rolled in and made the whole scene incredibly picturesque. Unfortunately, due to lack of visibility we had to end our hike prematurely. Alas, I can’t wait to one day go back and finally conquer this mountain. [Taken with a Canon 5D Mark II]
Winner Creek Trail
Alaska took my breath away. The forest was alive with the most stunning greens I have ever seen. Everywhere I turned there was a photograph that was in need of making. We originally didn’t even have this hike on our list of things to do, but an employee at the local REI recommended it to us and we just couldn’t pass it up. It was an absolutely gorgeous hike. It seemed to have the power to rejuvenate my soul, it’s funny how nature is capable of that. We weren’t able to finish the entire hike due to time constraints but I can’t wait to go back and revisit this beautiful place one day in the future. [Taken with a Canon 5D Mark II]
Playa del Carabeo
Playa del Carabeo is one of the most beautiful beaches. Our trip through Spain was so fast paced that we didn’t make a lot of room for relaxation. That all changed when we walked onto this beach, well, at least for a few hours. The sea was a beautiful sparkling blue and the sun felt warm and inviting on my skin. Getting to touch the Mediterranean Sea for the first time was also a pretty cool experience. There were an abundant amount of shells and rocks that had drifted onto the sand and we collected a few of our favorites. Keaton and I laid on the beach day amongst all the sunbathers dreaming of the day we would be able to come back for a whole week. I can only hope one day we can make that dream a reality. [Shot on Portra 400 taken with a Mamiya 645]
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area
This place was just plain beautiful. Red Cliffs National Conservation Area sits just a few miles outside of St. George and despite it being a three day weekend we saw only a handful of other people on the trail. It’s dog friendly and has beautiful scenery. We weren’t able to take the full hike in. (#hikingwithbabiesishard). Alas, we were able to hike enough to have a really enjoyable time. If you are ever in or around St. George I highly recommend this hike. [Taken with a Canon 5D Mark II]
Park Güell
If I learned anything from my trip to Spain it is that Gaudí was a genius. He is the brilliant mind behind quite a few of the architectural monuments around Barcelona. In this location Gaudí was originally approached to design a private housing development. However, due to numerous reasons (mostly financial), the project failed. Although only a few planned structures were built, it is still an amazing place. After a few years of being privately owned Park Güell officially became a park in 1926. It is now a must see site in Barcelona. Park Güell felt like a reflection of Barcelona, with all of its colors and eclectic nature of the architecture. I felt like it captured the spirit of Barcelona - at least for the short period of time I was there. Gaudí had a whimsical vision, it is apparent in almost all of his work but especially so in Park Güell. If you ever get a chance to see the park in person, don't miss it. [Shot on Portra 400 taken with a Mamiya 645]
Portland Rose Garden
During World War I people were concerned about the roses in Europe and if they would survive the destruction that the war was causing. Several different kinds of hybrid roses were sent to Portland and thus the Portland Rose Garden began! The garden is the oldest public rose test garden in the United States. I have a bit of personal attachment to roses. My middle name is Rose and roses have always been my favorite flower. When I was 8 or 9 I made my first visit to the Rose Garden. I thought it was absolutely wonderful. We went on a hot and sunny Sunday afternoon and I got to dip my feet in the fountain and spend the day smelling roses. It was my bliss. To this day I still love it, it has a wonderful view of the city and it is always fun to walking through all the different varieties of roses. [Shot on Portra 400 taken with a Mamiya 645]
Ross Creek Cedars
Ross Creek Cedars is located just outside of Libby, Montana. In 1960 this part of Kootenai National Forest was set aside to preserve this section of trees. This place was lovely and not overcrowded at all. It felt like an escape into the woods. There is a great nature walk that is a little less than a mile and easily accessible for all fitness levels. If you ever find yourself in Libby be sure to stop there for a visit. [Taken with a Canon 5D Mark II]
Sand Hollow State Park
I have been to southern Utah many times over the past few years. It is one of my favorite places and I never tire of seeing all that it has to offer. This last trip was no different. We decided to explore a place we had never been to, Sand Hollow State Park, which sits just about 15 miles outside of St. George. It provides a stunning landscape with the combination of red sand and bright blue water. The state park is home to a reservoir as well as 15,000 acres of sand dunes. It made for a fun day trip and I can't wait to go back and explore more. [Shot on Portra 400 taken with a Mamiya 645]
The Alhambra
The Alhambra in Arabic means Red Castle. The Alhambra due to its strategic location near Granada served as home to a palace and a fortress. The boiled down history is that many of the structures were originally built by the Moors who eventually lost control of the area and the site fell into the hands of the Catholic Monarchs. The architecture is so unique! It's not often you get to see Muslim and Christian architecture built upon each other. The gardens were glorious but my favorite part was the beautiful old tile. It was amazing to see how the colors have survived over the years. If you are ever in Southern Spain be sure to take a tour. This place is massive and full of so much interesting history. [Shot on Portra 400 taken with a Mamiya 645]
The Mission
It is no secret that San Francisco is my soul city. Every time I visit I feel rejuvenated and inspired. Recently, I wanted to spend more time exploring the Mission District. I had heard rumors that it was home to delicious tacos and colorful street art. The Mission was warm and friendly. I arrived on a late afternoon just as the light started to cool off ever so slightly. I walked the streets on my own just discovering and taking in the vibe of the neighborhood. The Mission made me feel so invigorated, I do hope I’ll be able to go back and visit again soon. [Shot on Portra 400 taken with a Hasselblad 500C]
Benalmadena Pueblo
Benalmadena Pueblo is exactly what I imagined a small little southern Spanish town would look like. We sort of stumbled upon it by accident while we were looking for another location to explore. However, hunger set in pretty intensely while driving through the town and so we stopped for lunch. It was so picturesque. The view of the ocean was absolutely stunning. The thing that really stole my heart was walking the side streets of this little village. The details everywhere – laundry hanging outside someone’s window, the intricate details of the tile work, even the ever so subtle street art. It was a great little place to sit back and just enjoy. [Shot on Portra 400 taken with a Mamiya 645]
Neon Museum
I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t love the modern day Las Vegas strip. I feel like there is something so romantic about Old Las Vegas, the lights, the glamour, and the signage. Luckily for me, there is a place that keeps all that nostalgia in a Museum. Although not very large, the “boneyard” is stacked with history. I was too cheap to pay for the guided tour but a nice employee so kindly took the time to explain some of the history behind the signs to me. The great thing about the Neon Museum was how much they really valued their local history. [Shot on Portra 160 taken with a Holga]
