Blog

Galapagos

2012-02-04T00:55:51+00:00

I just returned from the Galapagos Islands with ROAM Adventures - an unforgettable experience in one of the premier nature viewing destinations on the planet. Words can’t describe the feeling of snorkeling with 14’ sharks, watching Orcas chomp on sea turtles, or dodging Red-footed Boobies nesting on the trail. Stay tuned for a slideshow- the pics are coming in faster than they can go out these days… In the meantime, these shots give us an idea of the nature of the nature-viewing on these fabled islands.

Hummingbird frenzy

2012-02-04T00:17:16+00:00

We have a hummingbird feeder here in Nelson that hangs all summer with the hope that a Rufous or Calliope -the only two possible species- might show up. It was a joy to be in Ecuador recently to make up for the dearth in diversity in wintry Canada. In only five minutes, the feeders at Tandayapa Bird Lodge produced 13 species in a display that can only be described as a frenzy. When it comes to biodiversity, the tropics have it all and I can’t think of a better visual experience to back up this claim. There are 132 species in my cement-block-like Ecuador bird guide alone. Here is a Violet-tailed Sylph.

Ardent snowfall

2012-01-19T16:11:00+00:00

I saw it posted on a recent avi bulletin that “ardent snowfall” and “preposterously dry” conditions were prevalent. I love techy terms so I just had to go check it out for myself (a figure of speech because, well, because I am always at the hill…). Anyway, unless you’ve been living in a cave- and I’ve seen it happen at Whitewater- you know the conditions are deep out there. Check the vid below and enjoy a few runs into Five Mile from yesterday morning (compliments to Orry Grant for the POV)...

Selkirk powder

2012-01-16T07:26:44+00:00

A few thousand skiers are lucky enough to live in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, with a myriad of huts, small-time ski hills and mechanized operations scattered in the snowy hills. I was fortunate enough to spend the last week at Mount Carlyle Lodge where the powder was deep and dry, just the way we like it around here. A backcountry lodge is the best way to get the goods by walking out your back door and sinking up to your waist. Alpine Larch yet again dominates the scene here and makes for some epic tree skiing. Thanks to Patagonia for putting the trip together and to Caroline Gleich for being such a great athlete to work with.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-26T01:16:56+00:00

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you have a great holiday season, Steve

Yuki Puky!

2011-12-16T13:15:02+00:00

It’s a good thing we kept our snorkel on our way home from Thailand, because we’re neck deep in Yuki over here on this ten day Japan layover. Yuki means snow and there’s a lot of it. Niseko, on the north island of Hokkaido, is delivering storm after storm and we’re sampling the early-season goods with nearly 300cm of snow falling so far this week, and counting. Thanks to our old and new friends here in Niseko for helping us make this one of the best family vacations ever. Pinch me! - -

Bhutan

2011-12-16T12:33:53+00:00

What can I say- Bhutan. I’m still not grounded from this trip- might never be- and haven’t had a chance to review most of my images from a ten day dream to the Land of the Thunder Dragon, with ROAM Adventures. I’ll make sure I put together a slideshow as soon as possible. Stand by! - -

Thailand revisited

2011-12-16T12:20:12+00:00

Coincidental to a few other forays, the family and I set based in Thailand for November, repeating a (child-free) sojourn that we did in ‘09. For good reason- this Asian hotspot has a lot to offer the traveler, food lover or rock climber. We did a lot of moving around, eating and climbing- based, where else but at Railay beach near Krabi. We also sampled Koh Samui and returned to Chiang Mai in the north for some more climbing and yes, eating. Casey loved it, despite eating what we thought was a poisonous plant at one point, necessitating a rushed boat trip to the hospital. But he had us back at the crag within an hour after the false alarm. It’s a different reality for the traveling photographer with an 8 month old but in terms of adventure it doesn’t really get any better. Thanks to Tai, Kelly, Tuula, Brian, Ashley, Andrew, Lisa, Zola, and of course Amy for making Casey’s trip such a good one. Here is yet another sunset at Railay beach. Not pictured are the Beer Changs and Pad Thais.

Icefall Lodge

2011-12-16T08:52:38+00:00

Here is a multimedia edit of a trip to the magical Icefall Lodge last season. If you end up with a week of free time just book your trip. Owner and guide Larry Dolecki will make sure you ski or climb until your heart’s delight, or until it gives out. I can say last February’s visit was the best eight days of skiing of my life. Thanks to Dean Wagner for some of the sick ski footage.

The Lion Cub

2011-11-02T14:48:33+00:00

Casey makes his debut in a gripping documentary about life in the wild. Halloween will never be the same again.