Display at Los Angeles International Airport

Coyote in Yosemite National Park.

This is an image I took of a coyote hunting in the meadows of Yosemite Valley during a snow storm.  It caught its prey within seconds of this capture.  I have plenty images of that as well!

The image is part of a display being considered in Los Angeles International Airport in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs.  Its intent is the promotion of Yosemite National Park, and is part of a program meant to educate, entertain and inspire travelers.  The aim is to enhance and humanize the overall travel experience for millions of people every year.

This image was taken on the very last day of my visit, as I was leaving the park to drive home.  Funny that such an afterthought would prove to be some of my most successful images from the trip!

You can see more images from this trip in my Yosemite Gallery.

Western Byways, Wyoming Edition

Western Byways, Wyoming Edition.

Wyoming became one of my favorite states to visit long ago, after just a few trips. It offers Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, as well as my favorite - the Wind River Range.  Of course it offers much more, demanding further exlploration.

But, it goes beyond destinations. You can't escape the history and culture while visiting. Wyoming is cowboy country as I like to call it. It's not a tourism angle, it's a way of life. And it's a refreshing experience both for "city slickers" looking to escape as well as history buffs interested in Native American culture and/or settlers of the west. 

Did I also mention how much it has to offer for the outdoor enthusiast?  Mountain climbing, backpacking, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, fishing, hunting - the list goes on.

So when I was approached by Western Byways about photos for both the front and back cover of their Wyoming edition, I was intrigued. When I discovered both images they were interested in were from the Wind River Range, well, they had my attention!

If you are thinking of enjoying the experience of Wyoming, and I highly encourage you to do so, make sure to pick up a copy of this magazine. I have visited numerous times - more than I can count. And I will be back. I will always be back.

If you need some eye candy to understand what I am talking about, feel free to visit my Wyoming galleries at www.mountainscenes.com.

As always, thanks for reading!

2013 Mountains of Washington Wall Calendar

Flowers on Mazama Ridge below Mount Rainier

I'm proud to announce that my image of flowers on Mazama Ridge below Mount Rainier will be included in the 2013 Mountains of Washington wall calendar published and distributed by Smith-Western.  It's the second time this image has appeared in their calendar line.

This image was taken during a particularly strong flower year, the likes I have not seen equaled over the past several years.  Despite appearing to be taken during mid-day, this was actually taken within an hour or so of sunrise to capitalize on the softer light.

These calendars are typically readily available in many of your favorite stores.  In past years I have seen them at Fred Meyer, Rite-Aid, Bartells, Made In Washington, The Space Needle, etc.  Keep your eyes open!

I will also be selling them on my web site and at my upcoming shows.  Details to follow soon!

WTA Hike-A-Thon Winner Prize

Matt Loesch and Don Geyer on Iron Peak summit.

Congratulations to the winning 2011 Washington Trails Association Hike-a-Thon photo winners!  Yes, this was an event that took place last summer, but the prize was only claimed this past weekend.  And the prize was?  Well...me so to speak!

Winning contestants got to spend time with me on the trail, while I offered photography tips and suggestions.

Well, that was the plan anyway!

The reality is that one winner is currently hiking the entire PCT, another was running a marathon in San Diego, and a third had a family member fall ill at the last moment.

This left Matt.  Matt wasn't very interested in photographing flowers along Ingalls Creek as had originally been planned - he wanted to go high for views. So we called an audible and headed up the Teanaway, targeting Iron Peak.

It was a fun adventure.  Matt summited his first peak outside of Mt. Pilchuck, and signed his first summit register!  He also experienced his first time of extensive snow travel (and there was a lot of snow).

This was a fun event, and one that I have been looking forward to ever since signing on last September.  Thanks for a fun day and great company, Matt!