Gatlog

Gatlog has moved!

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:10:00 +0000

I've moved this blog to it's new location: www.davidhgatley.com/gatlog - or click here.

-David

Disc Golf San Diego

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:42:00 +0000

September 26th 2009:

Combined with my brother Mike's skillz, and a little photoshop action from myself, I bring you some of the shots from this past weekend at the Sun Valley Open Disc Golf Tournament:

Hole 10 placard.

Mike putting on the 15th hole (click on the image to enlarge it)

A tried and tested quiver.

Here's a composite shot of Mike putting on the 1st hole. CLICK TO ENLARGE. If you look close, you'll notice he just missed the put by a couple inches and the disc banked off the rim...hahahaha sucker.

The Road to Arizona

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:33:00 +0000

From the South Rim of the Grand Canyon...some 12 hours from San Diego.

We decided to take Zoë with us on our 2000 mile road trip to Northern AZ...a fantastic idea...until we hit Sedona and realized the gorgeous iron rich sand that turn the desert a brilliant red combine with water to make clay. Wet sticky clay that gets all over everything, especially a dog...

Even at high noon the Grand Canyon is majestic.

Who says you can't find a nice view in a 110 degree desert? The dog, enjoying the dog days of summer on the Glamis Overlook...

Yosemite Yearnings

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:43:00 +0000

The Merced River in Winter in the Valley Floor.

-David

Death Valley - Phototrip

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Death Valley National Park.

My Father, Jim and I hopped in the car and headed towards the mecca of photography in California, Death Valley.

Jim had just recently purchased a new Nikon D80, I had my D70 and the Dave Gatley had practically every professional camera Nikon makes, along with more gadgets and gizmos than circuit city; which to his credit are fantastically sweet.

We spontaneously decided a trip of epic photojournalistic proportions was long overdue, promptly jumped in the car and headed north east.

Desert Glass turned purple by decades of unrelenting sun, left behind by miners.

For those of you who haven't been, or have only driven through... Death Valley is quite an interesting place, aside from the photography. In the early 1900's it was a magnet for mining boom towns, which seemed to appear overnight in the middle of no where. Thousands of people would prode and poke the mountain sides hoping to strike it rich, however they ultimately found nothing but a godforsaken landscape and shattered dreams. Sucks for them, but it's pretty freaking sweet for us.

In their haste, they left behind them mountains of trash, debris, tools, women, children and apparently some mules. Which when mixed with 120+ degree weather, 300+ days of sunlight, and not much human life to speak of, makes for sweet photo fodder.

Some sort of buckety/kettley/boxey bin of rust and awesomness.

I found this admist a mass graveyard of tin cans, broken glass, rusted nails and other misc. ghost town remnants.

Death Valley Sand Dunes in the early morning sunlight.

When we weren't rumaging through ghost towns dump yards, we found ourselves scampering across the windswept sand dunes in the middle of the valley. Patted down from a rare but brief overnight soaking, the dunes were slightly frozen in their normally fluid state. Winds pick up across the valley with unbelievable strength and constantly reshape the surfaces of these dunes.

Devil's Cornfield - Death Valley
I guess those bushes look like corn....if you're blind, and I guess what with them being in death valley and all they are a little ominous, but "Devil's Cornfield"? Really? More like "Sandy McBushes Bushfield" if you ask me, but I'm no nameyologist.

Wild Burros - Rhyolite, Nevada
We chased down these poor asses like our dinner depended on it. Armed with telephotoish lenses and a yearning for some action shots, we geared up and chased the heard:

Dave and Jim plotting their attack.

While Dave and Jim attacked from above, I flanked the dumb-asses and almost caught them off gaurd, that was of course until my dad came storming up the mountain side in his black, tank like tahoe. Thanks Dad. =)

Jim at Ubehebe Crate - Death Valley, CA

Dave Gatley working his magic at Ubehebe Crater.

Black, volcanic rock around the base of Ubehebe Crater.

A little over-photoshopped image of some old mining ruins near Badwater Basin in the valley. The winds were blowing about 40+ mph while I shot this. Strong enough to send Jim chasing after his hat a good 100 yards.

Badwater - Death Valley
The recent rains left behind some water on the valley floor, I've never seen water here in all the time I've visited the park, a definite bonus.

-David

Borrego Mates

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 05:31:00 +0000

Spidey!
Thanks to Clayton, I was treated to a sweet Offroad Adventure through the canyons and badlands of Anza-Borrego State Park. The weather was perfect, the roads were treacherous and the photos were plenty =)... a crikey good time if I do say so myself.

Quartz-rock-plant thingy with a little photoshop love. Shot inside the slot canyons.

The badlands overlooking the park. The desert haze adds a cool 1970's kinda feel to this shot. Off the distance is Ocotillo Wells home to hundreds of thousands of ATV's and dune buggies and probably the reason for so much dust in the air.

Looking West at the begining of a sand dune formation.

Thanks Clay!

-David

Not Fun

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:05:00 +0000

"... at least they didn't get my surfboard."

-David

From The Archives

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 08:05:00 +0000

This is still my most cherished surfing shots...taken some 4 years ago. Swamis - San Diego

-David

Cabrillo National Monument

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:11:00 +0000

A couple lazy Sunday's ago, Jessica and I found ourselves as "tourists" in the city we call home. Cabrillo rests at the tip of Pt. Loma and had remained hidden to us for all this while. It's really a treasure that helps define the city, some of the best views of both downtown and the Pacific are to be had:

Looking at the 6 ft. bulb inside the lighthouse.

Although it might not look like it, those are about 6-8 foot perfect waves rolling through the Pt. (Click to enlarge) Off in the distance you can see the Coronado Islands home to some of the best tuna fishing on the west coast...mmmm....yellow fin tunnnnaaaaaa.

The Hotel Del Coronado in all it's opulence and glory. I typically shy away from B&W because I find the color so much more intriguing, but this shot seems kind of timeless in the way the light is hitting only the hotel and leaving the more modern developments covered in shade.

Somewhere in there, you can see Tom Ham's lighthouse...future home of awesomeness.

-David

Yearly Yosemite

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 07:23:00 +0000

Ahhhh San Diego

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 07:05:00 +0000

Drink it in:

iNano

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:45:00 +0000

iUrban

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 02:57:00 +0000

iGatley 3G

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:56:00 +0000

Alright so the photo quality isn't great....but I'm stoked none the less. Thanks Jessica!

New Orleans - French Quarter / Garden District

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:19:00 +0000

Some snapshots from around the city.

-David

New Orleans - Self Guided Swamp Tour

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Thu, 08 May 2008 23:05:00 +0000

New Orleans is incredible.

Jessica and I just got back from another incredible adventure. This time we found ourselves in the humid tropics of Southern Louisiana.

On our first day to the city, we left the city behind and headed to the infamous swamp. Devin, Darin and I returned to the same place that almost claimed our very lives a year earlier. We returned to much nicer weather, and oddly, many more man eating animals.

The path leading you in to the swamp.

Before long, that path takes you to a swamp river and a boardwalk 3 inches above the water level. In effect, putting you within biting distance of dinosaurs. This guy was happy hanging out on said trail until I almost kicked him in a stoke of blind stupidity.

The weather this go around couldn't have been in more contrast to last year if it tried. This same tree last year. Amidst 60 mph winds and vertical downpours.

Jessica had her national geographic game on, and spotted this 8 foot beast from across the river. If you look closely you can see him/her tucked away in the shadows. Alligators may not be as big as crocodiles, but I imagine this bastard wouldn't do too bad in a red-headed photographer eating competition.

She also tracked down this spotted owl with my camera and popped off a terrific shot. I guess any girl who can handle a Nikon D70 like her is worthy of keeping around ;)

This thing was nuts. It had talons the size of frizbees, and a beak that cut through the mightiest of oaks. This "cute little" owl of death had the potential to do some damage and it knew it. From its perch, immediately above the walking path, it would swoop down at innocent tourists like a dive bomb from hell, and then at the last second, hit the brakes and fly up to the next tree.

If I have a spirit animal, I've decided this was it. As it guided us out of the park I felt a connection with it. Perhaps it was it's shared hatred of tye die t-shirt wearing tourists, or perhaps it was the fact that it knows the secret amount of licks it takes to get the center of a lollipop, but either way...I liked it.

Moving on.

'
I'm not sure there exists an animal of the swamp that can't kill you. Or at least remove a limb. This snake may look like a garden snake... but judging by the catfish eating crabs, the harbinger of death owls, the man eating alligators, and the ROUS (yes rodents of unusual size)... I'd say this snake is a black mamba capable of killing a small village.

Even the most innocent of skinks seem ready to strike with lethal force. Ok, maybe not a skink. Maybe a skank would be deadlier, but who knows...this may be a skanky skink!

I'm not sure, but my money is on poisonous arrow frog.

This picture freaks me out, still. Watching this guy tromp through the river was badass. I felt like I was in Jurassic Park and the electric fence just broke down, and my ford explorer didn't work. And then this ... freaking alligator found me. Ok well whatever, you get the point. Alligators = cool...real cool.

Anyhow. No crazy shenanigans this time. No floods of biblical proportions, no epic car chases fording rivers, no death sprints back to the parking lot...just animals, everywhere.

More Nola Blogs to come =) For now enjoy "the money shot".

-David

love of my life

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:18:00 +0000

On the Horizon

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:13:00 +0000

Visiting the Visitors

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:40:00 +0000

It still amazes me where people view my blog from. I think it's even cooler that people from China are finding my blog about China despite that country monitoring and in many cases blocking the majority of outside websites.
Anyhow, I've decided i need to visit all the places that are visiting me. Especially that little guy all by himself down in Argentina!
=)
-David

Arizona - Baseball A's vs. Angels

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 22:45:00 +0000

Took in a great game today at the Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Mesa, AZ. The (deep breath) Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim and the Oakland A's (A's were running a split squad today and had the real fresh meat on the field).

We had some great seats for 10 bucks this go around. Spring training brings most of the farm raised talent to the field and and can be a real guessing game as to who is who, hence the program this gentleman had in hand.

The Angles brought out all their studs, above is Fransisco Rodriguez (K-Rod) and he's arm angles of impossibility. His elbow is literally behind his head....he's a mutant.

The A's catching someone in a pickle.

Classic baseball scene. Harden on the mound, 3-1 count, runner taking second...

Watching the A's second string outfielders take the field was like watching a bunch of circus clowns in a tripping contest...but with less skill.

Valdimir Guerrero. Grand Slam. Freak of Nature.

Stud.

Vlad the man.

The A's got shut out 6-0 with something like 3 hits. This was the only highlight...a cleanly fielded ground ball to short.

Great game. Not sure if Jessica and I will make any more this year, real life is calling us back. There is one more night game a couple hours before our flight...but if the aromas lofting from the BBQ in this backyard are any sign of things to come...I'm not leaving this sun drenched lounge chair if someone pays me.

Here's to the regular season opener on the 25th... 6 days 9 hrs and 50 minutes from now =)

-David

(Heard some rumors of the A's trading Harden to the Yankees today, saw the yankees scouts out in full force, and a guy from baseball prospectus didn't deny the rumors)

Arizona - Desert Flowers in Bloom

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 22:12:00 +0000

Took a hike in Phoenix yesterday. The desert bloom is in full effect and the foothills were blanketed with wild flowers like I've never seen:

On the Go John trail in Cave Creek Memorial Park.

Blankets of poppies and other wild flowers.

Poppies up close.

More on the baseball to come.

-David
See Jim and Joe's photos.

Arizona -Spring Training - A's vs. Royals

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:43:00 +0000

Major League Baseball Spring 08
Tempe, AZ.
Kansas City Royals vs. Oakland A's

Despite the Padres being split between Tucson and Beijing, Jim and I represented the club well.

The Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Tempe is one of the oldest parks in all of Phoenix. Despite its age, it is by far one of the most enjoyable venues. Simple food menus, good beer, and great seats for 10 bucks. The outfield is decorated with billboards marketing local establishments from bailbondsmen to steakhouses; truely capturing the essence of Single A baseball,cheap seats, cheesy fan contests and quality baseball. In stark contrast to the newer fields like Peoria who cater to the masses and sell out the sport like a cheap whore...OK well not exactly...but it's nice seeing baseball in a stadium that cares less about money and more about fans.

10 dollar seats.

100 dollar view.

Bannister, warming up for the Royals....who suck terribly...still.

Timing this shot was more blind luck than skill. Despite my camera gear, catching a 90 mph pitch and the swinging bat is practically impossible.

Great game. Enjoyed the company even more. Can't wait till tomorrows. I'll post pictures soon.

-David

Arizona - Cardinals and Baseball

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:43:00 +0000

Ahhhh Arizona. It's nice to be drenched in the desert sun, knocking back some ice cold brews, eating great food, hanging out with great people, and catching some early spring baseball.

I'll be posting some shots over the next few days of the various games we get to and hikes we go on. So Far we've taken in two games, yesterday we saw the Mariners take on the Brewers in Peoria, and today we got a glimpse of the Oakland A's and the Kansas City Royals over in Tempe.

For now, here's some shots of some Cardinals that showed up in Deborah's backyard early this morning.

This is a glimpse of some of the game we scored today. I busted out my 300mm lens for some much tighter shots, I'll post those up tomorrow, right now I'm being beckoned back into the spa and my beer is getting warm.

Joe's cooking us a nice filet and a couple whole chickens on the BBQ. Should be a rough night.
see Jim and Joes pictures here:

Joe's Blog

Jim's Blog

Check back tomorrow for more!

-David

Fantasy Baseball

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 22:04:00 +0000

OH DEAR GOD ITS ALMOST BASEBALL SEASON! waaahooooowheeeeee!

If you've noticed a slight depression coming through in my photos and or lack there of, chalk it up to a severe withdrawal syndrome from Major League Baseball. Ahhh...just the thought of it...the crisp summer air, the crack of the wooden bat, the various aromas of spilt beer, cracker jacks, pine tar, baseball glove leather and bbq flavored sunflower seeds....ahhhhh. Is your mouth watering yet? No....??? Whatever...go back to Russia...you soulless anti-american.

I may be going to Spring Training this year with some crazy kids...expect many photos to be posted if I make it.

For those of you who resonate with those long over due yearnings....hopefully you're as addicted to Fantasy Baseball as a crack head is to ....well... crack. =) I know I am. Just little over a month is left before draft day and a half year of number crunching, statistics whoring, and swearing! WHOO!

...yes... they fixed my work coffee maker.... why do you ask?

-David

GO PADRES!

Ohh and my keepers for this year are (Robinson Cano, Travis Hafner, Justin Morneau, Aaron Harang, Ben Sheets and Nick Swisher) mmmmmmmm

Snow...Seattle...Siscos...SOLID!

noreply@blogger.com (David H Gatley) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 09:05:00 +0000

Spent the past week up in Seattle/Olympia visiting Kate for her and Brian's wedding, and getting some time in with Julia as well.

Without getting too in depth with all the happenings, I'll give you a quick run down....Landed in Seattle, found Julia, ate at Dick's, Drove the better part of the puget sound trying to find a target store, saw my sister get hitched, drank some 30 year old scotch, made fun of my brother, made fun of everyone else with my brother, met a badass dog, hung out with my train obsessed nephew, got the flu, medicated myself into oblivion, hiked in the snow, went to seattle, ate a crazy french lunch at pikes market, said bye to Julia, flew home...got food poisoning...puked my guts out!

Good times!

Overlooking the Puget sound underneath Bald Eagles =)

Suka, Brian's dog. I'd go on about how much I like Suka, but then I'd wind up depressed and Jessica would have to convince me all over again that it would be cruel keeping a dog in a place as small as ours...bah.

Snow...in Seattle... pretty awesome.

Brian and Kate's front yard.