Touring with the National Forest Service

I was excited to find that the National Forest Service hosts donation based, guided snowshoe walks at most of the major passes in WA.  When you sign up, there is a suggested donation amount, but it's pay what you can to participate.  What a great way to get out and explore.

I went on a photography focused tour in the Commonwealth Basin area at Snoqualmie Pass.  Along the way, the ranger gave us specific assignments to explore lighting, composition, aperture, shutter speed, and the various presets on our cameras.  He took us off the beaten path so we could capture the mountains, waterfalls, and interesting forest flora in the area.  In addition to learning a lot about photographic techniques, we also got a short course in avalanche awareness and local wildlife.

These tours are highly recommended for anyone who wants to get out and explore.

Look ... It's a Rock

Nearly 1,600 miles and an impromptu weekend in Vegas later, my trip across the Southwest was a success.  It was a great experience in traveling independently, but I did miss having someone to share it with at times.

I was reminded the rules of travel still apply:

1. It will always take longer than you think to get there.
2. Your stuff will explode to fill all available space no matter the size or dimension.
3. If you play it by ear, you will end up having some great experiences.
4. There is too much of a good thing 

It was funny going through the nearly 2,000 pictures I took explaining where I was and what the picture was about.  This one was of a rock, that one was of a red rock, this other one is of a slightly different color red rock, but look at the way the light plays off the red rocks around it.  

I took a couple photos that I'm proud of and entered them into the Share the Experience photo contest:

• A bunny at Arches
• Bryce Canyon covered in a late snow
• My hiking companion at National Bridges
• Beautiful light play at Arches

If I get around to it I may submit a few more, but feel free to give these a vote if you enjoy them.