In the early 1800’s, Alabama established a psychiatric hospital in Tuscaloosa, but this facility did not open until 1861. Later it became known as Bryce Hospital and remained in operation until the early 2000’s.

On a fall trip to Colorado a few years ago, I stopped to paddle board to this amazing canyon. It was just under 4 miles from the launch to these canyon walls, but before I made it here, I wound through the narrow cliffs and watched the textures and colors of the geology change as I navigated deeper into this beautiful canyon.

Ten years ago, I photographed the abandoned Norwich State Hospital in Connecticut. At the time, the property was over one hundred years old. Five years after that first visit, this historic property, that once housed over 3,000 patients, was demolished.

This location was once the home of a large Steel Corporation and a town with a population of 4.000. The property contained dorms, an auditorium and a swimming pool, among other amenities. Also located on this property was what became one of the largest California iron mines. In 1983, this mine ceased operation and the mining town was abandoned.

Explored my first ice cave last February in Iceland. The experience was hard to put into words. 

This road led me to you
wide-eyed and waiting
for love to let you escape. 
 

Inside the former Rockland Psychiatric Hospital in New York. 

Established in 1927, this facility was constructed following the cottage style plan. By the hospital's peak, there were approximately 9,000 patients filling even the hospital halls. 

I still believe there is beauty in decay. It may not always be kind or fair, but there is something peculiarly peaceful about the earth reclaiming something natural or man-made. 

Flashback to a pit stop in Death Valley for sunrise on my way back to San Francisco after spending a week in Utah and Arizona. 

Death Valley always seems to call me back in. Every time there is a new experience with unique conditions.  

We spent many sunrises and sunsets at the base of these mountains. This beach had the darkest sand I have ever seen. The winds roared over the mountain tops down onto where we stood. The lines in the sand mesmerized as the waves crashed on the rocks. 

This is still one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen. 

Taken last February when I visited Oregon and went on a snow hike with my friend Brian Bonham. 

Looking forward to making another return visit to the Pacific Northwest in a few weeks. 

Tools remaining inside the Knight's Foundry in Sutter Creek, California. 

One of my favorite peaks within the Banff National Park in Alberta. 

Fast Fact: This peak was known as "Mount Eisenhower," from 1946-1979, in honor of Dwight D. Eisenhower.

I never imagined that I would brave the crowds to explore Antelope Canyon, but the option of adventuring into the canyon on my SUP was definitely something that interested me. 

It was pretty incredible winding through the canyon, landing on this beach and walking the canyon while being almost completely alone. 

Taken last September on my way to Colorado. 

Iceland has some of the most fantastic churches. They look even better under a night sky with the aurora dancing around. 

Inside a now demolished state hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Ward Rules posted inside a patient ward at the now demolished Bryce State Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. 

Overlooking the Vermillion Lakes in Banff, Canada. 

The 16th Street Station in Oakland opened in 1912. 

The building was designed by architect Jarvis Hunt and constructed for the Southern Pacific Railway. 

Tools found inside the Knight's Foundry in Sutter Creek, California.