Pure Synchronicity

Ben and I went up to Loon Lake for three days, the last week in July. A hot week (mid 90s) with lots of bees, gnats, flies and general bugs. Otherwise, it was beautiful. Swimming was great. (more…)

This was the second campout this year after Biggs passed away about three weeks ago.  So, its difficult being in these mountain settings that we all hiked around, napped and swam in together. (more…)

Mr. Biggs

This was our first trip to Loon lake this year and it was extremely sad.  We lost our littlest member of our family, little Mr. Biggs, on 6/23/16, just the day before our trip.  It was good however in that we got to process our grief through reflection on his wonderful life, and all the good times we all  had. (more…)

My first 2016 campout at Jackson Meadows was put off for a couple of weeks because of snow on the road coming in.  But its all clear now.  This time, it was just Ben and I  because Biggs had to stay home recovering from his left knee surgery about four weeks ago.  The lake was at 100% full, up to the tree line.  The highest I have ever seen it.  The base of some trees, mainly aspen, were actually in the water.  I took my DJI Phantom drone this time and had four really fun flights.  I was able to even fly through the Pass Creek canyon capturing some of the waterfalls.  I even was able to launch from my campsite at #30.  Even with the wind, which you can see in the portion of the video that shows my site, the drone handled amazingly.  Fishing was not good, similar to past years at this time.  I did catch one nice sized one that I released, lucky guy.  The lake, the stream, the wildflowers were all just stunning.  Everything was so green and the water so incredibly blue.  Next trip up is Loon Lake then back to Jackson in early July. This video can be seen in HD at either 1440p or 1080p. Check your settings.

Aerial shot taken from above with the drone

Aerial shot taken from above with the drone

Aerial shot taken from above with the drone

Aerial shot taken from above with the drone

Aerial shot taken from above with the drone

My fishing kayak just below my campsite

I flew the DJI Phantom 3 last week over Rollins Lake Dam.  I also tried working with Adobe Premiere Pro for the first time.

Last weekend we drove down to see Angela and Jamie in LA.  As expected we had a terrific time with two great hosts.  First day we went to Labrea Tar Pits and the LA County Museum of Art (right next door to the pits).  I wish I could have taken pictures of the art we saw, especially the Netsuke which was amazing, however no photos were allowed.  The next day we went to Joshua Tree National Park with a brief stop off at the Buddhist Temple.  It was a long drive (by Jamie) but well worth it.  The Temple was amazing and I hope to spend more time there on our next visit.  I’d like to sit in on one of the services.  And Joshua Tree was my first visit and definitely beat my expectations.  Amazing rock formations and a full forest of Joshua Tree Cactus.  At night on our way home, we had delicious vegetarian Chinese food and my first taste of Boba Tea, with tapioca balls at the bottom.  The next day I was craving for more.   Here are the photos.

At the art museum

Friday Jazz concert at the LA County Museum of Art

Kate departing the local liquor store where everyone in there was drunk!

on the road to Joshua Tree

Skull Rock

I’m standing in the shadow of this boulder.

In early May I went on my first RV trip of 2016. My friend Gary and his pup, Benetar, caravan-ed down 395 from Carson City to Lee Vining. We took cameras, drones, and plenty of beer and snacks. We stopped first nite at Lower Twin Lakes campground (more…)

Kate and I took a brief vacation and went to our favorite place in Ft. Bragg, the Beachcomber Motel.  You can see it in the video below at the end of the trestle bridge.  There is a walkway going from Glass Beach (more…)

April is time for wildflowers in Nevada County so Kate, Ben, Biggs and I went for the wildflower hike up near Bridgeport.  Do to the decent snowfall this year the Yuba River was running just great.  Poppies and Lupine were in abundance along with many other wildflowers.  Weather was 70s.  Gorgeous day all together.