Settings: ISO 80, f/4.0, 1/320 s

This shot is from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in Minnesota/Canada.  I don't remember the exact lake it was taken on but it was on the back end of our 8 day trip.  I love the diagonal limb and the lily that is opening up.  The Boundary Waters are unsurpassed in their remoteness and prestine waters.  I can't wait to get back there. Best months are mid June to early September.  

http://www.recreation.gov/permits/map_of_Boundary_Waters_Canoe_Area_Wilderness/r/wildernessAreaMap.do?page=map&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72600&topTabIndex=Permits

View Larger Map 

This pano was taking of Mt. Whitney.  The hike was incredible although crowded and icy when we did it.  My group did it all in one day, not recommendable, doable, just not that fun.  We started at 3am and got back to camp at 7pm.  I can't wait to summit again via the JMT!

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/location/ca/hik_whit.htm

View Larger Map

Settings: ISO 100, f/8.0, 1/400s

This photo was taken at the beginning of the Fish Canyon Falls hike.  Nothing like wildflowers in February!  The shot is looking back into the valley.  I like the contrast between the flowers and the city, empitomizes LA.  The hike is very tough, but worth it! 

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/publishers/avalon/los-angeles-takeahike-3.html

View Larger Map

Settings: ISO 800, f/5.6, 1/125s

This anemone was found in Pelican Bay on Santa Cruz Island.  We took a morning ferry out from Oxnard and took a hike with a guide on the Nature Conservancy Land from Prisoner's Harbor to Pelican Bay.  I highly recommend the trip!  Not too difficult a hike and incredible scenery . 

http://www.islandpackers.com/santacruz.html

View Larger Map

Settings: ISO 400, f/13, 1/10s

This is Cooper Canyon Falls. The trail is pretty nice although it is steep at one point to drop you down to the creek.  You have to do a little off roading to get down to the bottom of the falls where this picture is taken, but worth it.  This was taken in January and there was a little snow and ice around.  I really like how the longer shutter made it look like the falls were actually frozen solid.  I can't wait to go back when it warms up and jump in!   

http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/CooperCanyonFalls_4472.asp

View Larger Map

Settings: ISO 100, f/22, 1/25s

This is Escondido Falls in the Santa Monica Mountains.  I went the day after it rained in hopes the water fall would be gushing.  While it was not by any means overflowing, there was still a good amount of water.  The hike to the falls isn't bad.  You park in a lot off PCH, hike through some gorgeous houses and then drop in for an easy stroll up a canyon to the bottom falls.  It is well worth scrambling off to the right above the first small falls to come to this one.  There is some poison oak, but you should be ok it you watch out.  I really love the colors in the photo, the green and yellows contrast great with the blue sky.    

http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/EscondidoFalls_4472.asp

View Larger Map

Settings: ISO 100, f/22, 4.0s, ND Filter

Another shot from Sturtevant Falls.  Enjoy. 

http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/SantaAnita_4472.asp

View Larger Map

Settings: ISO 100, f/6.3, 1/500s

I am no bird expert, which is why I have no idea what type of bird this is, but I do know that it is photogenic.  This was taken at Linda Mar beach in Pacifica.  There are some tide pools on the north side and the surf is beginner friendly.  Great place to talk a walk, lots of dogs as well.    

View Larger Map

Settings: ISO 100, f/16, 1/50s

This photo was taken from near Glacier Point on our hike to Half Dome in October.  It was pretty awesome to see Half Dome with the fall colors.  

http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/halfdome2_0000.asp

View Larger Map 

Settings: ISO 400, f/8, 1/80s

Sitting in my room right now with the window wide open to keep me awake it reminded me of the hike to Switzer Falls I took earlier in the fall.  It was a cool autumn day in LA (about 73 degrees).  The hike down to Switzer Falls is pretty easy although you have to cross the creek a number of times which gets old.  Once you get down to the fork in the trail you have a choice to make.  Go to the left to see Switzer Falls, or go to the right to go to the super secret pool (not really secret).  I usually do both as both aren't that far.  I especially recommend going to the pool as you can jump off the side into it or slide down the rocks, both are equally fun.  Enjoy the trip!

Settings: ISO 100, f/8.0, 1/100s

http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/Switzer_4472.asp

View Larger Map

Settings: ISO 400, f/13, 1/320s

So its Wednesday of finals week and your two friends from downstairs just finished their finals, what do you do?  Naturally you go grab your surfboard and camera and head to Malibu at 4:00.  Fortunately there was an incredible sunset as the waves weren't very good.  Just goes to show you, spontaneity results in great memories (and pictures) .

No hike for this one, just park along PCH and climb down the cliffs.  

View Larger Map

Settings: ISO 100, f/8.0, 1/80s

So I got up early this morning to study and do some other work.  I really feel like this photo is a classic early morning shot with the light still filling in the valley.  This photo was taken only a few hours after the photo I posted yesterday!  I currently feel just about as hazy as El Cap does.  Enjoy your day!

View Larger Map

Settings: ISO 1600, f/3.5, 30.0s

The first night of our Yosemite trip in October we made it through the park entrance and to the famous Tunnel View lookout at about 12:30am.  I had no idea what I was doing but had to try to capture the valley.  Turned out pretty well!  It is grainy because the ISO was so high, but I now have a wired remote to hold the shutter open as long as I want.  I can't wait to get back here and try again!

View Larger Map

ISO 100, f/7.1, 1/40s

It feels like a "springy" day here is LA which is why I posted this photo.  I can't give you a trail head to this one as it was taken at my home in the Bay Area.  Kudos to dad for growing photogenic roses.  

Settings: ISO 200, f/22, 1/15s

Fish Canyons Falls is one of those hidden jewels in LA.  As I wrote in an earlier post, it is a very demanding hike, but worth it.  The trail ends abruptly when you get to this 3 tiered water fall.  I looked for a place to climb around but it is nearly vertical.  The bottom pool seems like a great one to jump into, it was just a little too cold when I was there.  Happy Weekend!     

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/publishers/avalon/los-angeles-takeahike-3.html

View Larger Map

Settings: ISO 100, f/22, 2.0s ND Filter

I admit it , I missed a day!  But for good reason I suppose.  Today I went hiking to Sturtevant Falls.  It was a great trail, not too crowded in the early morning.  I had set out for a 9 mile trek, but only made it about 4.  Needless to say, I had way too much fun hopping about the creek and taking pictures.   It rained yesterday which gave me extra motivation as the creek was flowing well.  I was working with a new ND filter which limits all frequencies of light making it so I can hold the shutter open longer.  It took some getting used to, but the results were great. 

    
 The picture of the sign blew me away.  I was walking down the trail and there it was, my life's motto.  I am so glad I decided to get up early and go for a hike.  After talking with a friend last night, I realize how little time I have until I graduate and that I need to experience as much as I can while I am still down in LA.  Time to see as much as I can, cheers!    

http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/SantaAnita_4472.asp

View Larger Map

Settings: ISO 100, f/3.2, 1/100s

I don't know why I put this picture up today.  It could be because I just wrote an 8 page research paper in a night and this is what I am going to feel like when the caffeine wears off and I have only 3 hours of sleep under my belt.  It could be because I have had a cold for3 days now and and tired of green mucus clogging my head.  Let's be honest though, people who know me know I am an optimist and am rarely upset.  I choose this photo because it brings back such fond memories of my days spent romping around the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and Canada.  This pit is so much more than just a place to do you business; it a place where you can truly let it all out (sorry for being ‘punny’ and graphic).  Right now it is pouring rain in LA.  I have been sequestered for 9 hours at my computer and I am ready to get outside.  I did not post this photo because of its dynamic lighting or the perfect diagonal object in the background drawing your gaze across the picture.  No, I chose this photo  because I am ready to get outside, I am ready again to run free, I am ready to let it all out!...First though I need to proof my essay...  

* No map for this post, just go outside where ever you may be and be one with the toilet!

Settings: ISO 100, f/4.0, 1/800s

Pt. Reyes is one of my favorite places in Northern CA for its incredible coast line.  The hike out to the cliffs was great and traversed a number of terrains.  The views coming down to the cliffs from the mountains were spectacular and only get better as you switch back down.  The hike back to the parking lot was just as nice since it brought us along a clear flowing creek with moss and a full canopy all around.  It can easily get crowded though so be prepared.  For our hike (my aunt and I), we started at the Bear Valley visitors center, went up to Mt. Wittenberg, hopped onto the Sky Trail which brought us down to Arch rock and then we took the easy Bear Valley Trail back.

http://www.bahiker.com/northbayhikes/prbv.html

View Larger Map  

Settings: ISO 400, f/11, 1/320s

This shot is of Hamilton Lake in Sequoia National Park.  To get here start at Crescent Meadow and camp at Bearpaw Meadow, it is 4 miles from there.  It is an absolutely incredible hike along the High Sierra Trail with some of the best vistas I have ever seen (those photos are to come).  The lake was chilly but perfect to cool off in before continuing up the pass.  The water was some of the clearest I have ever seen not to mention the colors.  GO HERE. 

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_park/ca/hik_sk2.htm

View Larger Map

 

Settings: ISO 100, f/20, 1/15s

This shot was taken at Nevada Falls in Yosemite last October.   I really like the colors in the rock.  This picture was taken while hiking Half-Dome on its last open weekend of the year.  The trip was ridiculous in general sleeping in the car one night on the valley floor, sleeping at 17 degrees the next night at Little Yosemite Valley, and then we drove through the entire night back to LA the 3rd night.  It was still an incredible trip.  I highly reccomend backingpacking Half Dome as you can spend more time and beat the crowds in the morning.    

http://www.thecaliforniahikingpage.com/yosemite/halfdome/halfdome.html

View Larger Map