http://adventurecaptured.com/nathanael-at-play daily 0.75 2015-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442615554808-A3BXBZ59CQKOPSBJJMPV/1236468_10103211577300209_229808605_n.jpg Nathanael at Play - Waterlining Balance... something I'll be trying to perfect for a lifetime: slacklining & beyond. Give me 20 minutes of your time, and I'll teach you how to do this. -Photo: Dan Holz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442615554808-A3BXBZ59CQKOPSBJJMPV/1236468_10103211577300209_229808605_n.jpg Nathanael at Play - Waterlining Balance... something I'll be trying to perfect for a lifetime: slacklining & beyond. Give me 20 minutes of your time, and I'll teach you how to do this. -Photo: Dan Holz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442615556371-N8K9X41IP8DG24GEI9T1/Nathanael+Paragliding.jpg Nathanael at Play - Just Landing I love the freedom of flying. Paragliding requires me to be in a state of "flow" that is often hard to achieve otherwise. Photo: Jared Lyman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442615624895-G3CARQUQDFB2HSBHLV7S/Sahale+Peak-11.jpg Nathanael at Play - Rappelling off Sahale Mountain Being in the outdoors is a happy & restorative place for me. Climbing mountains allows me to ask the question "Do I have what it takes to get to the top of this?" Photo: Vik Sahney https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442615827357-4D1BZYPFQ7UQMYIEYNSF/Tuck+and+Robin+Lakes-18.jpg Nathanael at Play - My adventure buddy & partner Rachel is the positive, helpful, energetic person who keeps me very happy. I'm lucky to be with someone who is probably more excited about outdoor adventure than I. She's patient when I'm slow, and encouraging when I'm bummed. She's a keeper! Photo: Dan Pickworth http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs daily 0.75 2019-05-17 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/2016/8/23/flying-rampart-ridge-the-story-that-started-when-i-landed monthly 0.5 2016-08-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1472009106658-X79KJD043VX4FRDKBSVE/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Flying Rampart Ridge - The story that started when I landed My initial thought was to get high so that I could go explore a bit, so I worked with Jake to find a thermal and did just that! However, I saw Brent in the distance in his red & yellow wing already exploring the ridge below and it made me to want to get over there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1472009078480-QMS0VSO0P6RWPJZ63O35/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Flying Rampart Ridge - The story that started when I landed I made it over to the ridge and started gazing at the alpine lakes. However, farther in the distance was my real objective: I wanted to fly over Mt. Alta https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1472008935828-AV4J92RMGT2EYKUXY96Z/Flying+Rampart+Ridge+%282+of+14%29.jpg Adventure Blog - Flying Rampart Ridge - The story that started when I landed 8 years ago, I had hiked up Mt. Alta with my buddy Wolt, and now 8 years later, I wanted to FLY over it! It was further into the mountains than I was comfortable with, but I thought I had enough altitude to get there and back to the landing zone.... At least I HOPED I had enough :-) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1472008903509-EBP0U6742MOQ8X7847LM/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Flying Rampart Ridge - The story that started when I landed I DID finally make it over Mt. Alta, and while this feat may have seemed small & inconsequential to the the more seasoned pilots, I was stoked! The other pilots were already started on their XC routes miles away but I was happy with this... for now :-) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1472008986525-D91P35FUYRJC5BE452X4/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Flying Rampart Ridge - The story that started when I landed So my next hope was to gain some more elevation so that I could get on glide and get back to where I hoped to land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1472012548504-7SIZP3BLHKFVFDUSUD11/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Flying Rampart Ridge - The story that started when I landed Toes: I know I'm excited & enjoying life when I extend my feet in front of me... This is my happy place... Keep Reading below on to hear the REAL crazy story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1472011454115-R2LSCE9QCGI1F3UQ9Z74/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Flying Rampart Ridge - The story that started when I landed After inspecting the photo, I thought "Well, S#%T!" I realized that the phone was a goner. It was no where near launch, a dirt road, or even a trail. I wanted to get up that crazy road, but I knew my car was not burly enough to get up there... So, I left it and drove the 1.5hrs back to Seattle extremely bummed and feeling stupid for not attaching it to myself better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1472011477768-231OIZDJ3YECZGVDOHPB/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Flying Rampart Ridge - The story that started when I landed What I did not know, is that he had been looking at the location of my lost phone via the find my phone app that I had left logged on to his phone. After studying the map, he approximated the location on google maps, dropped a pin, exported the location to a GPX file, and then imported the GPX file into his GPS unit. We were IN BUSINESS! We drove the 1.5hrs back to the launch and started our search. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1472011517792-E1OV4LYKEVB76ZQA505L/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Flying Rampart Ridge - The story that started when I landed We had to bushwhack through some varied terrain for just short of a mile and ~800ft of elevation gain. Branches in our faces everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1472011579771-366320S2N5Z4XCKEVYD1/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Flying Rampart Ridge - The story that started when I landed A quick stop to pick some delicious alpine blueberries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1472011655621-77GKLIXD0MRVUOL4VF47/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Flying Rampart Ridge - The story that started when I landed The terrain became steeper and steeper until the GPS unit BEEPED. "You have arrived at NM iPhone"... now we just had to scour the area and hope for the best. I was thinking that we only had a 30% chance of finding this thing, and even less of a chance of it actually being in working order... I mean, I DID drop it from 150-300ft over gnarly terrain as I was flying overhead... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1472011954716-FRLYG20O3PQR27VRJ6HA/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Flying Rampart Ridge - The story that started when I landed And sure enough, within 20ft of Jake's dropped pin, we almost stepped on it! It still had battery life and NOT EVEN A SCRATCH ON IT! It works perfectly! Go figure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1472011984126-3EDRF9PWD9UYZ1AK2K41/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Flying Rampart Ridge - The story that started when I landed Not only did we have a phone, we picked a full bottle of alpine blueberries to take home to our partners... WHAT A DAY! I'm a very fortunate guy. Special thanks to Jake Pratt for being an all-around nice guy! http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/2016/8/16/mt-shuksan-a-long-day-in-the-alpine monthly 0.5 2016-08-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1471354146215-GXO35WO8RTZZHTDLB17S/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Mt. Shuksan - A long day in the alpine It was a hot & muggy morning, and I hate being hot & sweaty. It's in these moments that you remember the words all moms say "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." But thankfully, we eventually came out on top of a ridge where we caught a nice cool breeze https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1471353877119-OCBFRUW1KVG4WQBXJZA1/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Mt. Shuksan - A long day in the alpine After passing over the first gap, we took a minute to grab some breakfast as the sun started to peak over the mountains in the distance. We didn't stay here long due to the bugs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1471354281663-JZ48N2A40C2OY2UMC2FI/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Mt. Shuksan - A long day in the alpine We continued up the trail & enjoying the view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1471354307887-AWWWHKNGLCU0YHKK9OS4/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Mt. Shuksan - A long day in the alpine I told Jon to pause while snuck in a pic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1471354331633-28WC15HK6BQW1MZUVTQD/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Mt. Shuksan - A long day in the alpine As it became lighter we saw more & more snow. Note how far ahead the girls are. It was at this point when my mood became better. It's amazing how a little alpine beauty will get me excited and act as a natural mood enhancer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1471354353798-T4Y5MU3R2Z62EVLAZYAX/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Mt. Shuksan - A long day in the alpine At the base of the lower Curtis glacier we roped up. As you can see, most people who were smart camped at high camp (behind us). There were only a couple people who planned to the mountain in a day.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1471354377234-4EM41S2V509OBI9XDXNX/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Mt. Shuksan - A long day in the alpine A view of our summit! From far away, that summit pyramid looked STEEP and very far away.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1471354439512-LNUEWNZKVWRMRW4RRO6O/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Mt. Shuksan - A long day in the alpine Snow conditions were great. All of the summer heat had compacted all the snow and there were very few crevasses. If we did encounter any obstacles in the snow, we could easily walk around them. There was the occasional small crevasse crack, but the route was pretty clear and we just walked around them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1471354879669-6BLH6BPKHEXEB1WTD8YM/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Mt. Shuksan - A long day in the alpine From the lower Curtis, over the Sulphide was a long, slow, and gentle grade up to the summit pyramid. It was easy walking and the views kept us motivated.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1471354916326-IAC5O3Z4K6QLDDEMFY68/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Mt. Shuksan - A long day in the alpine Once we reached the base of the summit pyramid, we dropped some of our heavier equipment at a stash and started the scramble up https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1471354735547-YIGKZNP37PSTFY22OYQR/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Mt. Shuksan - A long day in the alpine While it was steep, no real rope or gear was needed on the way up. Scramble, scramble, scramble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1471354994113-P8VUGB602HFKT9QB3IWM/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Mt. Shuksan - A long day in the alpine After passing a slower rope team, we summited! Special thanks to Rachel who had been up here before and was showing us the way.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1471355038255-FVFIKZRIMY36E5F2WZVA/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Mt. Shuksan - A long day in the alpine Jon had recently just bought a new, thin twin rope which made rappelling down the steep pyramid much easier.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1471355072117-H47UHG1MD1LAV6JA822U/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Mt. Shuksan - A long day in the alpine This was Kim's first lead rappel down. As you can see there was some steep snow that much easier to rappel down than down-climbed http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/2016/5/1/ruth-mountain monthly 0.5 2016-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462136552526-4AS9TR2T3M6AGG9W63R8/Ruth+Mtn+Smaller+Size+%281+of+32%29.jpg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain We started at 7am (should have started earlier) and the approach was easy enough. There were quite a few landslides & areas of left-over avalanche debris that we found our way through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462136597302-9744B9M0RGW9YJLZ7830/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain First sight of Ruth Mtn in the distance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462136621015-XMSGDSMKWRTJBVEYU32W/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain once we arrived at the Hannegan Camp, the real upward progression began https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462136647789-5GE1V0VL957Y32NABNDC/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain Leaving Hannegan camp behind us and headed toward Hannegan pass. The snow was hard enough that snowshoes were not necessary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462136692006-6QEOZJ11NYE43YLTGJV1/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain There was quite a bit of very steep snow... Can you spot my buddy Jake kicking steps for us above? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462136724531-RDQJ3MDT2CRLUKD3THRM/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain Rachel's dad as we headed up towards the arm of Point 9530. You can see where we started our hike from in the valley in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462136755487-KCVF326ZO5ATPX3KW0F0/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain Since the snow was pretty steep and quite hard in places, we put our crampons on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462138027696-OF7GGKYTL0T3U6FQH8TA/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain This is the place where I should NOT have stopped and taken a picture. When we saw the remnants of a small wet avalanche, we all became a little nervous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462139825944-1B4O5GMH6S6JL5XNYMBM/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain I was following Jake up as we approached the east arm of Point 9530 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462138142395-R91WD1FS8LYCHQ3IB1QQ/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain After going around point 9530 (the hill on the left), we were all not liking the feel of the snow. It was becoming deeper, much softer & sometimes it would slough down the side of the mountain as we took steps. It was at this point we thought it would be best to head back (without a summit) before the snow became anymore unstable. It was a bummer not to reach the top, but the mountain would always be there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462138086313-37H0IHN7ATE6FT2A7I6Q/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain Things aren't always what they appear to be. This picture MIGHT look like someone who is triumphantly raising his ice ax as as he is reacting to the pristine beauty of the North Cascades. However, if you look a little harder, you realize that he is actually chasing his wife while yelling "Dammit Kim, SLOW DOWN! I need to catch up!" I believe the raised ice-axe was more of a threat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462138110727-6U180Q06IBXP0C7DBEEJ/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain Ruth Mountain, we'll be back for you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462137075909-JGHYG9PIIIVMPVCNJFV6/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain Jake had no interest in hiking back down, so he decided it would be a good idea to fly & ski instead... He launched from the top of Point 9530. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462137108893-YFS4CR32RJ56QII4M64O/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain Jake in his happy place... He ended up landing on the shoulder there, and then continuing over the side of the mountain to meet us WAAAAY below. Easily saved him over an hour of hiking in nasty snow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462136965048-U8EUW72Q8TLEIGIHFSG6/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain Coming back down https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462137014625-F556898IUECNJC8Y6KFI/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain Having fun heel-plunging as we came down the steep slope https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1462137144136-8HFRPK7MWLF317JNNMW5/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Ruth Mountain As we were looking around this place, I was telling Rachel Rachel how I often fall into the trap of thinking that we need to go to distant & exotic places (like Nepal) to find rugged mountainous beauty, but then I arrive at a place like this and realize how much beauty is right in our back-yard. I'm very grateful for adventurous friends to share life with! Photo: Jon Warren   http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/2016/2/18/flying-washington-pass-1 monthly 0.5 2016-02-19 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/2015/10/30/india-how-to-find-a-tiger-in-the-jungle monthly 0.5 2015-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446238273343-4UVNPTTQOT7HUSJJUBKD/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle We had 5 days, and a total of 10 scheduled jeep safaris planned. Many other people don't stay that long, but many people also don't see tigers. We wanted to make sure we had a good chance of seeing them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237293342-MVO709UF7DUGB42J6DAM/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle There were several types deer in this park, but these were the most prolific by far. These are called Chital. They were seemingly EVERYWHERE! The tigers eat pretty much everything, but they will eat alot of these lil guys too. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chital https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237244859-8GPO6LQH6STNTTIE8DNP/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle We were hearing the alarm call of a barasingha deer and stopped the jeep to see if we could spot it as well.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237311615-TJOBSKOLLAQ0M3APQKD1/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle So, whenever we drove, we were looking for easy signs of tigers. Here's a picture of one of their pug marks. It was always exciting to see one of these on TOP of tire tracks because it meant that the tiger had been in this area recently! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237336080-31WE9UYV5FEIDPEQPOHG/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle Banyan trees. These things were huge and were scattered througout the jungle.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237677740-YPOUDJFK1O6H5WXYN9VB/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle No blog post would be complete without at least some mention of poop. We were found tiger POOP! It was HUGE! Notice all the hair! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237376915-27FBEIENMRPSBET1LST0/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle There were peacocks all over the place. The tail feathers were very short on most of them. Apparently they drop the longer tail feathers in the rainy season and start re-growing them in the drier season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237393513-3TUU8L3CGEVBX2XJM8SH/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle We also found some bigger sambar deer in the area as well. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambar_deer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237405877-GAYNJFL9LJN4627QX2ET/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle A langur monkey family caught in the process of grooming eachother. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_langur https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237512939-YXCDXS2JVB32NPRP79Z2/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle We spent DAYS in these jeeps... The rules of the park did not allow us to step out of the jeep except in designated places... We became experts at holding our bladders, although, sometimes it was difficult with all the bouncing of the jeep.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237559880-EJD6M7S0QOIACVRI9CAM/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle We saw this guy doing some work in the park. I don't think there are any wild elephants in the park, but they do use them to get into the dense bush.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446317625094-DZATBJKVKZOMGYTNQM6T/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle Rachel's dad took a picture of rachel and I as we were looking in the jungle. Thanks for the pic! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237607019-8KOSVQWAE0GQQMBD4XR6/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle Scenery... Sunsets and sunrises were the best part of the day out here. Always warm & beautiful.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237720827-YAWGLROT572QUD7PZIOL/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle Another clue that Tigers are in the area. They will stand up on their hind legs and mark trees with their claws as a way of marking territory. It is amazing to see how DEEP they can get their claws into wood. We saw some claw marks that were 12 and 15 feet high... these guys are BIG! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237762828-89YX2YS8FSOO0R45MCLM/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle We also saw Gaur. They are the largest form of the Bovine family. These are all females, but apparently the males are ENORMOUS! Apparently they can grow up to 7'3" at the top of their shoulders... https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaur https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237786428-3YPVKQRD4MCX4TLG30DL/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle Driving around and waiting for the morning fog to dissappear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237858225-SE09U1213DD1KUW2Z7N3/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle Sometimes the monkeys were quite naughty... This guy was trying to steal our breakfast, and we had to chase him off several times. He got angry, and then hopped on the top of this jeep in the process of attempting to attack the smallest person in the area. Sometimes they bite. As you can see, that kid was a little scared... 5 minutes later, that same monkey sat on the edge of a jeep hood and pooped to show his un-happiness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446238446450-8OK2TPTZ0JEGZMO2Z5GK/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle We also found some sloth bear tracks. Notice the very long claw marks https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sloth_bear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237970455-34SUMQ1H5QB82NUOL1NI/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle When these guys were not being naughty, they were actually quite cute!  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237984045-WG244ZU1D0ALEFNGKWS8/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle More Chital... take a look at those antlers! They grow them, and shed them every year.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446317580459-080YMQ1C4RDVKMG2R992/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle A fun picture... Rachel's dad was giving me some ideas for different types of photos.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446238131186-3PH2V513XDSUOKJ5Z46C/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle Another sunrise...  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446238183237-N69SN1BX6ZKPG2N5XJ1O/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle Our driver for the week. He had keen eyes for spotting tiger pug marks, and many different animals.  His weekly salary as a jeep driver was 4,000 rupees per month (~$65). Many of the people who live here rely heavily on the tips tourists provide them for their services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446238321970-R6H3AVUI0CQX1INLYDMO/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle Keeping their eyes & ears attentive for ANY signal of a tiger. .. this park had both jungle and open areas as well. Very pretty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446317572422-NZLJ3TTSVBKO7YYNV96Q/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle We also happend came upon the blood from a recent kill. Our guide said that a leopard had just killed a monkey in this spot. Later that day, we did spot a leopard, but only for a second or two. They are quite shy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237807622-X2561J0OZAH3JE9ZHW3F/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle On our last day & last safari, we finally drove up on a tiger... can you spot him? I almost couldn't! These guys are well hidden! As soon as we stopped, he started hissing at us and whipping his tail around... Those are signs that he is about to charge. As soon as our guide saw this, he started whisper-yelling at the driver to BACK AWAY!!!! ... not gonna lie, when I heard the tone in our guide's voice, I started to get a little scared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237643527-6N6HMERDNGHBLTX4B825/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle After we backed away, the tiger emerged from the greenery, and we saw that he was BIG! Apparently this tiger had recently found his way into the park and was not used to jeeps... He wasn't very happy with us and started following us... Most of the tigers in the park had already been identified, but since this was only the second time that this tiger had been spotted, he hadn't been given a name yet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237418337-DVPULORR4NWLP5QNER4L/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle Our guide said that this tiger was bigger than the largest known tiger in the park, and estimated that this guy was about 300kg (~480 pounds)... HUGE! ... He was probably the one making the 15' claw marks on the tree... We were very lucky to see this guy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446237283187-2BX6D9AHHALZ8MJISZS3/image.jpg Adventure Blog - India - How to find a tiger in the jungle Headed back after a happy safari...   http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/2015/10/23/nepal-relaxation-monkeys-and-temples monthly 0.5 2015-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445615038392-LSNU39ZA0PFW9IZPN848/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Relaxation, Monkeys, and Temples Heading up to the Bhuddist Peace Pagoda outside of Pokhara. From the city, you can spy a very large pagoda at the top of a hill across the lake. We saw it and hiked up to it. Before entering any monestery or temple in Nepal, it was required to take off our shoes.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445615155173-SI2FZLQDPLO5OKOLHSUK/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Relaxation, Monkeys, and Temples So we had two options: 1.) Trek around the lake to get to the peace pagoda, or 2.) row across the lake.... Easy decsion. I would do that again in a heartbeat.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445615282931-7B59EVT12PTB4E9E4PAA/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Relaxation, Monkeys, and Temples Walking along the lakeside in Pokhara. We thought it was pretty crazy that it became pretty normal to constatly have cows, buffalo, yak, or goats constantly sharing the same roads as everyone else. We had to avoid a few "landmines" but we eventually became quite comfortable with it.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445615397156-MN4X1D9TZRHB4MR44YPS/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Relaxation, Monkeys, and Temples On our bus ride back to Kathmandu, we found these lovely little treats being sold at a produce stand... While I consider myself pretty adventurous with my food decisions, I left this one alone :-)  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445615516375-B4JCBOKYFNWYQGFBZCT2/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Relaxation, Monkeys, and Temples The hindu holy city of Pashupatinath. Do you see the platform on the stairs? That is where families will burn their dead relatives over a large pile of wood.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445615691916-45BDQSDW8RSBQ8OMT7LK/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Relaxation, Monkeys, and Temples While it seemed much different to me, everyone else seemed quite comfortable with the dead. I actually walked right past this body, not even noticing that he was there until rachel pointed it out.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445615837907-JJ1NFC6V81L9FG6FU0BI/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Relaxation, Monkeys, and Temples Someone from the family is tasked with keeping the body burning until it is gone.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445616237250-YPT6RYAFJHDMQYZXYDWS/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Relaxation, Monkeys, and Temples Walking through this city was very cool. It felt like exploring ancient ruins.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445616397911-2TLYVU99BCLQVRLHLSQY/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Relaxation, Monkeys, and Temples However, there were monkeys everywhere.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445693156849-1YV3FJ353VOYFVLPLYN6/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Relaxation, Monkeys, and Temples This is the top-down view of the city. As a visitor, we were allowed everywhere except in the golden temple. That was reserved for hindus only.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445616783143-EL9DV5MYKKZGB5MJ5ZU8/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Relaxation, Monkeys, and Temples This was a sassy mommy monkey. When someone got close to her, she would hiss at them aggressively and then run away. I like that everything in this picture is out of focus with the exception of her face.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445617008297-LRUYWZ2E3O3T9NYOSSQT/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Relaxation, Monkeys, and Temples Families preparing for ceremonies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445693253595-K7OA86MRQEDOQJGSMOUL/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Relaxation, Monkeys, and Temples We also had a little time to visit the bhuddist Monkey Temple.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445693300042-M017FY5HZ9CWU3SEJEHP/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Relaxation, Monkeys, and Temples Happy to be exploring, sad to leave Nepal, but excited to meet Rachel's parents, aunt & uncle in India for a tiger safari http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/2015/10/18/nepal-the-highest-part-of-the-journey monthly 0.5 2015-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446220683107-WY548X2FKJQMUSX1KOS4/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - The highest part of the journey We started hiking in the dark at 5am, below the clouds and eventually trekked above them. It was nice to get visibility of the mountains as we walked higher. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446220718579-1FP0MVO7GTCY760WPQB4/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - The highest part of the journey Rachel was C.O.L.D.! It was quite dry and crisp in the morning. Rachel always seemed strong, but it seemed that I was going at a snails pace due to the altitude. Each step felt like lifting a dead log.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446220769624-YJ51K4EPDO9KSAONE7O6/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - The highest part of the journey The horses didn't seem to mind the alitutde or the cold. They were happy campers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445265455200-HBDPFFPJDBW9EV0FUF62/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - The highest part of the journey "The damned out-house"  - Let's just say, there was a point that I had to use this outhouse... well, twice if I'm honest... It was disgusting. There was no door, and human waste was piled high... not a highlight of my trek. However, it was memorable... I made sure to note the altitude... I remember walking out (both times) and seeing local porters smirking at me, and laughing knowingly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445265547049-CKR91J6ULMQ32EDV1LLX/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - The highest part of the journey Our shadows... Not gonna lie... I did not want to pull out my camera at all up here. I was huffing and puffing. It was difficult to breath at times, but I'm glad rachel told me to "Keep taking picutures!"  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445184296532-PNTUWKL1OMO71C2ETUCJ/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - The highest part of the journey Our friend Christophe and the horse we all secretly resented... There was a person here who watched the trekkers, waiting for them to give up and ask for a ride.... none of us gave in.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445265819099-Y9D3HCYLYQSG7QOKK74V/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - The highest part of the journey AT THE TOP! Almost 18,000ft. I had two devices that gave 2 different readings, but they were within 100ft of eachother.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445265639411-6LIGACARGPNPA0NM2YDA/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - The highest part of the journey A word to the wise: Jumping for a picture at altitude, after trekking for 4.5hrs is NOT EASY... As soon as we finished this jumping pic, my quads IMMEDIATELY let me know that this was a BAD idea :-)  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446220846384-E2X0SPMY1X5WRF830FIM/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - The highest part of the journey Due to a growing altitude headache, we descended quickly. We descended over 5,500ft quite quickly... I was glad for it. I was starting to feel quite "woozy"  up at altitude. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1445185413225-LOZDRV2BL3OE6VJA7KQC/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - The highest part of the journey Looking into an area called "Mustang." It is quite arid, and dry, with little vegetation, and is known for caves that are found within many of these mountains. Older generations previously buried their dead in these caves as well.   http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/2015/10/15/nepal-a-village-with-no-name monthly 0.5 2015-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1444958837135-WETOP02B0EG2D9PEEEK6/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - A village with no name After leaving Shrekharka we happened upon what we thought was an abandoned village. Instead it is a town for yak/cow herders. Many of these buildings and edifices are where anmimals hole-up in bad weather.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1444958947783-7LK6UF2KPSINXLRTROBO/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - A village with no name At the very top of the town, I found a dead yak/cow. Here in nepal, there is some type of hybrid between a yak and a cow. This guy smelled terrible!  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1444959077627-34FFU8VNSK10FOPFDX8U/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - A village with no name This was one of my favorite parts of the trek https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1444959160351-PSFKYPF2QZNJWKLO6QYY/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - A village with no name So, it's autumn in Nepal as well https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1444959244822-0L8MF365AWE68E3Y7XUG/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - A village with no name My friend Jean-Daniel resting at a bridge as we were waiting for the rest of our crew to arrive.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1444959377733-EIW51QPLBDY4ESOD7QGA/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - A village with no name Our fearless guide, Aakash.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1444959405508-Y705XKMZR91UO0AF0VKP/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - A village with no name Rachel getting packed up to start trekking again after a spot of tea.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1444959458825-Q1BJCPCZ0H158N1B1NC2/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - A village with no name A happy couple... we LOOOOVE this place!!!! Thanks for the pic Aakash! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1444959489216-C6JEC7OT6BK6QW14IKG1/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - A village with no name So, there aren't many options of things to eat up here, especially fresh veggies and fruits. So when we find apples, we eat ALL OF THEM! Nepal produces some pretty tasty apples. We were always excited when we found good fruit.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1444959540593-TU1P1C58PWU1OC6U0PIM/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - A village with no name There are lots of horses to cart people and goods around. We found more of them as we got higher. Some people opted to have horses carry their things.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1444959567847-BDCIK5VNDAWH588AD5DQ/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - A village with no name On our way up to Yakharka, there was a couple who turned their home into a rest-stop/cafe along the route. Tea, coffee, fruit, snacks. The view was awesome. They used binoculars to see how many potential buyers were coming along the trail. I want to live in a location that has a view like this. Right?!? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1444959607985-AWDGYACLBJEJFJZ68HJG/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - A village with no name Over the doorways of many establishments, there are skulls of blue sheep. They are the natural prey of snow leopards and are protected. Luckily, we saw many of them, but they are all mostly found at 10,000ft and up. Not many people hunt them, and the ones that do are fined.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446221071499-TRXXL9JE40MFVSYFAJ2W/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - A village with no name Sigh....   NEVER want to leave! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446221131472-7QKEVNIRYH2Z4O9MGE6S/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - A village with no name So many colors, and different types of terrain. http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/2015/10/13/nepal-chased-off-the-trail-by-yak-2 monthly 0.5 2016-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1480105900639-Y0NWMMTA3HXIWQVB34M3/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Chased off the trail by yak Lots of loose rock, but the pelasant views kept us going :-)  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1480106013432-X2W8XLINAD0SODUXE52U/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Chased off the trail by yak At times, it was quite steep.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1480106226729-MN2A0OWAWZRWX4PCRO0T/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Chased off the trail by yak There was one point where we had to climb up the scree slope so that a herd of yak could come through. It's amazing to see how adept these animals are in the steep terrain. It was good that we went up-hill because they are known to push people down the slope.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1480106969258-ZQENJDMWWBBF0V8ISQGK/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Chased off the trail by yak The man herding them was constantly yelling, and throwing rocks at them to direct their path.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1480107049414-DBEZVJT436HVBNR74K6F/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Chased off the trail by yak Don't slip!  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1480107207236-6HHCL38ZCBGHEVHYEPA0/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Chased off the trail by yak After a very difficult 2.5hr hike from Tilicho Lake basecamp, we finally arrived.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1480107946877-Y2EB3F3TVFWJ6E6O62O2/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Chased off the trail by yak Rachel and I both agreed, that while the lake was cool, we enjoyed hiking through this terrain more than anything. We really felt like we were in the himalaya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1444915287141-9H0CMWLMU79JLMW2H7ST/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Chased off the trail by yak So, it turns out that going down is just as pretty as going up.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1444917196509-T4L2Y7AB83ZJZM4EA3PA/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Chased off the trail by yak LOVE the stars. The view from basecamp of Tilicho Lake, was beautiful. After playing around with some photos, many other trekkers came out, and some asked to use the small tripod I brought along. It was a little extra weight, but totally worth it!  http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/2015/10/12/nepal-rachel-the-nepali-hair-dresser monthly 0.5 2015-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446219968410-NQKJRQQO8UXNKN74Z2LS/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Rachel, the Nepali hair-dresser Sometimes, you just have to get out of the way. This is our friend Jean-Daniel marvelling at how big this guy's load is.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446220049317-84JUHMM9ABJ7LY1GD9W9/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Rachel, the Nepali hair-dresser Our friends also brought reading glasses to give away to the older population. This woman served us tea, and afterwards received a pair of glasses. She was noticing the difference when looking at map we had.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446219527662-J8C64XYQIXX84H7AFEQU/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Rachel, the Nepali hair-dresser Can you see the little town of Geyru on the left-hand side of the picture? This was Rachel and My favorite village. It was a long steep hike above Pisang.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446219656446-Q1H0EEM8VKY9ZATCM8F5/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Rachel, the Nepali hair-dresser Before we entered Chame, this little gal walked up to Jean-Daniel and started a conversation in english. "Hello! What is your name? How old are you?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446220142013-TFODXWDVS84TO3E9DJQP/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Rachel, the Nepali hair-dresser Doing a little harvesting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446219721369-C547YYAHN38IDPXS9YTJ/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Rachel, the Nepali hair-dresser Leaving Manang we trekked through some very prettys scenery.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446220263106-GM82KCY2PO9SZ393T6RR/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Rachel, the Nepali hair-dresser And of course, Nepal would not be complete without a game of high-altitude frisbee. Rachel brought one along and we found a few places to throw the disc around. Not many Nepali have ever seen a frisbee and were quite interested to join-in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446219852185-YTW1VU7N4N5HUVGVGDZ6/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Rachel, the Nepali hair-dresser Our friend's porter heard that Rachel regularly cuts my hair, and so he asked her to cut his. We found some surgical scissors and started clipping.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446219905050-48798OYG6JDA9GN7GAVS/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Rachel, the Nepali hair-dresser When it was all said-and-done, Dili was quite happy with his haircut. Everyone was impressed with Rachel's skills.  http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/2015/10/11/nepal-first-views-of-big-mountains-1 monthly 0.5 2016-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1480108365855-D5RCOSDR8QSVZR202VE4/Nepal+Pics-6.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - First views of big mountains Hanging out on one of the many hanging bridges. We are coming to realize that trekking is just as much about creating new friends & enjoying trekking culture as it is about seeing amazing views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1480108620320-GSY72BQ8FF4CGMEKUGYA/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Nepal - First views of big mountains As you enter and leave each of the towns, there are many stone walls with bhuddist prayer wheels or rocks that have been carved. Love to see the handi work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1480108821279-5FK6L3DRWD8GNFL6MC97/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Nepal - First views of big mountains I was leaving a small village (Dharupani?) and took a picuture of rachel. This little guy wanted in on the picture action.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1480114533861-601G8LE2T0PU65L96LYD/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Nepal - First views of big mountains Getting a bit higher we got to see this HUGE slab of rock come out of seemingly nowhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1480114457241-O30UIZWKHTREKEXAQ7N1/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Nepal - First views of big mountains Sometimes it's more fun to use the old bridges... you can always take the new ones! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1480114633768-PCSV1U4AW12H6BCKWK3O/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Nepal - First views of big mountains In upper Pisang where we got to see the first views of the BIG mountains. I think this is Annapurna II in the background. http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/2015/10/4/nepal-day-2-following-the-river monthly 0.5 2015-11-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443959622837-4PA9B7JU6N5EP5X9LHPY/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Day 2 - Following the river Who would have thought that we would be hiking in sand in Nepal? I certainly did not expect that.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443959732647-46TKG4606IUO1EHOZ146/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Day 2 - Following the river One of my favorite times of the day is when we REST! Talk about some amazing resting spots. Beautiful views EVERYWHERE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443959838243-TTUB22960JZ1718Y6PMW/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Day 2 - Following the river Can you see our friend Jean-Daniel? He is on the actual trail, but there has been a road that has been built a portion of the way inland. Can you see the road that was built into that stone mound on the other side of the river? Only jeeps can get up there. We try to avoid using the road when we can.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443959965431-Z44FRC96FYSFNUDQHHG4/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Day 2 - Following the river A pretty lady hiking along the river https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443960028847-SWGS32BWHFCRGTKZL2XH/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Day 2 - Following the river Marijuana!!! This stuff is growing everywhere! Don't worry, we didn't try any of it :-)  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443960308869-MDMQPYRQ7QAV6F1NRHMR/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Day 2 - Following the river This is Rachel's favorite photo of the day.... Can you guess why???? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443960497123-58Z2NFTQWQ57CK06YN19/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Day 2 - Following the river hiking UP https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443961266115-7WGIXUYG1ZR2FKD2W6CB/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Day 2 - Following the river Rachel is the Pano-Queen. She really has an eye for panoramic photos! She took this as we were crossing the river.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443962047582-O4XA54F7LV9IR72AKS72/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Day 2 - Following the river Approaching the place where we stayed the night: Dharapani https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443962236980-IALL4GWX93CCEV8I9QCC/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Day 2 - Following the river The further inland we go, the more prayer flags we see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443962725833-6F7JNTQB733IG1AKLW4T/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Day 2 - Following the river Some of the views are fantastic... We are VERY fortunate to be here. http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/2015/10/2/day-1-of-trekking-hot-as-h-e-double-hockey-sticks-1 monthly 0.5 2016-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1480115089967-Q3DSPC6TL8VBMPHLMHLY/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Day 1 of Trekking: Hot as H-E-Double hockey sticks It was so hot, that we looked for any type of shade we could find. Make sure to note the river in the bottom of the valley there. We cross that river later in the day. http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/2015/10/2/hot-bus-rides-and-the-first-guesthouse monthly 0.5 2015-11-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443789910121-9DZLAEAREECXBCTVDHFV/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Hot bus rides, and the first guesthouse So Rachel got a kick out of the title that the ticket guy gave me "Mr. Tourist." We ended up getting a 7hr bus ride from Kathmandu to Besisahar for $4.50 each. Not a bad deal!  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443788557271-FBQNECGUQ59C1VWQM0RK/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Hot bus rides, and the first guesthouse This is us just escaping a big traffic jam in the city of Dumre. 8 busses wanted to through the intersection at the same time.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443789504540-3DIEWML7DEPOGF2HB86D/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Hot bus rides, and the first guesthouse However, this was a fancy bus. The bus organizer put a nepali film on for us. However, there was only 1 speaker on the bus, and he had to keep fiddling with the audio wire because the audio would go in and out.  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443789159145-Z4KLXY9YANA135STT84D/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Hot bus rides, and the first guesthouse We passed so many villages, towns, rice fields, Cattle, Goats, and buffalo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443830014712-M04XB0KUQWGF4OQ0LO90/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Hot bus rides, and the first guesthouse After we arrived in Besisahar, we hopped onto a much smaller, local bus that took us to Ngodi. We made fast friends with two french men, Jean-Daniel  (pictured here) and Christophe (he took the photo). We were smashed like sardines into this tiny bus. There was a random computer CPU unit at my knees, and I had to carry 2 bags on my lap. It was HOT and sweaty. More than once, the bus tipped precariously to the side as we were going by a cliff, and we all had to lean away from the cliff to keep the bus balanced.... A cultural exprience to say the least https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443788789532-VGT7KJM1GIREV7W1QYQQ/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Hot bus rides, and the first guesthouse Our local mini bus. They kept the front door open to try and funnel fresh air into the HOT bus. It only worked slightly.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1443789006233-V4M35DDXZR2406XDQZF8/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - Hot bus rides, and the first guesthouse Rachel and my digs at the first guest house in Ngodi. It had electricity but no Wifi. It was much fancier than we were expecting. We stayed there for $1.50 USD. We were woken up at about 1am to the sound of torrential rain pelting the top of our tin roof. SO LOUD! It was the first time it had rained in this area in 3 weeks. http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/g0s1jx4qgv8jlejakpg77ii8nawikw monthly 0.5 2015-11-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1446587630643-YMEJQYXX54T311DALR9J/image.jpg Adventure Blog - Nepal - 32 hrs of Travel - Arrived in Kathmandu Entering Thamel (Tourist neighborhood of Kathmandu). Shops with knock-off outdoor gear, fabrics, prayer beads, incense, cafes, and shop owners ready to haggle with you. It's actually quite nice to walk around. http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/2015/9/20/adventure-blog monthly 0.5 2015-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442776344164-Q6YIMFXLDBHM8CCYN8T3/image-asset.jpeg Adventure Blog - Welcome to my adventure blog Photo: Jared Lyman http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/tag/Cascade+Mountains monthly 0.5 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/tag/snoqualmie+pass monthly 0.5 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/tag/Climbing monthly 0.5 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/tag/Mountaineering monthly 0.5 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/tag/Hiking monthly 0.5 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/tag/Ruth+Mountain monthly 0.5 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/tag/Mountains monthly 0.5 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/tag/Parapente monthly 0.5 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/tag/Flying monthly 0.5 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/tag/North+Cascades monthly 0.5 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/tag/Hannegan+Pass monthly 0.5 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/tag/Paragliding monthly 0.5 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/tag/Rampart+Ridge monthly 0.5 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/tag/Speedfly monthly 0.5 http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blogs/tag/Pacific+Northwest monthly 0.5 http://adventurecaptured.com/panoramic daily 0.75 2015-08-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1439360425578-DZIRK6AL0VJWK1XRXKAI/Chamonix.JPG Panorama - Flying over chamonix text https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1439948619770-2MRWPTDK4BBG6ZXSI9C1/Chamonix-2.jpg Panorama - Flying over Chamonix Can you spot me flying? Photo Cred: Rachel Warren https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1439948619770-2MRWPTDK4BBG6ZXSI9C1/Chamonix-2.jpg Panorama - Flying over Chamonix Can you spot me flying? Photo Cred: Rachel Warren https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1439359428689-RV9TPZAWJN1I37E0I2V1/Maude+Pano+Full+size.jpg Panorama - Mount Maude http://adventurecaptured.com/home daily 1.0 2016-01-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1453780046257-9E7R2Q6YYJ9ECEXPRH2I/Nepal+Pics-29.jpg AdventureCaptured.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442434514386-PGWVW7O6CY9PVBAG6PAJ/image-asset.jpeg AdventureCaptured.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442435026165-MI2NUYCFJPLBTJ30LFFE/image-asset.jpeg AdventureCaptured.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442435057852-93PVURX5YUESJMQLXIGA/image-asset.jpeg AdventureCaptured.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442613236479-J9N5REEZHOZ0IFB88Z33/Chamonix-2.jpg AdventureCaptured.com - Chamonix https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442613661943-BQJM03X90UHYQW1OG7BM/12708127403_c968feb5ce_o.jpg AdventureCaptured.com - Hidden Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442613242881-O9ACPA99ZCSMQ88B9CZE/Maude+Pano+Full+size.jpg AdventureCaptured.com - Mt. Maude http://adventurecaptured.com/everything-else daily 0.75 2015-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584763149-MLMVHWVPQ9TGAB395BMX/8010060471_9eb2df96cd_k.jpg Everything Else - Blueberry Hands Hands after a successful day of Bluberry picking at Pinnacle Lake in the Cascade Mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447540397963-Q0RXLS8AEZCHYGA1DGRZ/Photo+Oct+04%2C+6+28+37+AM.jpg Everything Else - Buddhist prayer stones As you enter and leave Nepali villages, there are often walls of stones that have been hand-carved painted offering up prayers. It was beautiful to see all the creativity and handiwork of the locals https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584763081-M9GCKZL0TZO9LMS3WP5W/8010061049_8da1b52fdc_k.jpg Everything Else - The coolest sound An Ice formation in the Big Four Ice caves.... It was crazy to see water pouring out of the ceiling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447537801891-92XUVKXSIEP6MAY5EPWU/Photo+Oct+09%2C+10+29+11+AM.jpg Everything Else - Nepali pack horse These horses were used to carry everything up to the higher elevations. They always had little grass seeds stuck in their mane. I never saw a properly groomed on our entire trek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584765688-FAQ2CDF7S2XC0KK4EP7W/8010071839_b7042875b4_k.jpg Everything Else - I didn't catch this one :-( This Yellow Eye Rockfish was caught in VERY deep waters (200+ft) and when they are brought up to the surface, the pressure change make their bodies look much different. Their stomach comes out of their mouth like a balloon, and their eyes bulge. - Homer, AK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584766054-AF24T3DU6J6AJVHRBVQ0/8010075890_201f46303b_k.jpg Everything Else - And then it moved An ethereal tree found on a hike up to Pinnacle lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447538001167-AA5P0NNS79HWVUVRJYIV/Photo+Oct+20%2C+8+46+04+AM.jpg Everything Else - Get away from my kid! While exploring kathmandu, we walked through a hindu holy city and the monkeys were everywhere. I like this picture because everything is out of focus except for the face of the mother. She was not happy about all these humans in her space https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584766909-5DDRA5R6JEATJBUW8XZS/8010076452_888b98aca4_k.jpg Everything Else - The Pier Caught a pic of my buddy exploring a pier on a California road trip we took https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584768233-CBCM4BFMFGR7ZRADOV7U/8010077936_d0f04b8546_k.jpg Everything Else - Fishing for monsters Sockeye teeth! - Russian River, AK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447537874398-IYIN7O5ERX0H3J31TCS9/Photo+Oct+09%2C+10+47+37+AM.jpg Everything Else - Dead blue sheep While it is illegal to hunt blue sheep in Nepal, locals will often display skulls over their door posts. Blue sheep are the natural prey of the snow leopards... We saw many blue sheep, but no snow leopards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584769890-MJ9TF5AVRJZ3CS9HCC8C/8010078742_1052749bcc_k.jpg Everything Else - A slimy Buggger Dolly Varden Trout - Russian River, AK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584771002-O786R0NXBXEA82D518CD/12707957685_baf5b7348f_k.jpg Everything Else - Tikal Ruins - Guatemala I got a chance to check out some of the Temple Ruins in Tikal when visiting Guatemala with my friend and Brother... Good times!! http://adventurecaptured.com/about-me-and-contact daily 0.75 2016-01-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442613977589-6FG0ZCPNVBCTP2RQW2KJ/336009_10101920478856839_199818567_o.jpg About & Contact http://adventurecaptured.com/night-photos daily 0.75 2015-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584357897-P66SYOZGYZKBDXD40L9X/9118286449_320222a217_k.jpg Night Photos - Silent Night on the Olympic Coast A night shoot at Shi Shi Beach near the Point of Arches on the Olympic Coast... one of my first night photos... I went there with 2 of my best buddies. Cigars, scotch, photos, brown drinking water, and adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584356176-T7M7L77M4JNPG6G3YN9H/8670305474_68cddca210_k.jpg Night Photos - Engaged by Candlelight One of my first low-light shoots. Candles only for light... And she said "Yes!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584360050-3GAWNEB9W19OX1CIY0YR/8929801892_2591af37ca_k.jpg Night Photos - Fire Flys I always enjoy playing in low-light settings... I think someone tossed something onto the fire as I was shooting a longer exposure and these strings of light were the result https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442585438314-45RB4N8O88MVVBZRCMEM/Winchester+Peak-15.jpg Night Photos - Milky Way over Winchester Lookout I was lucky enough to run into a new photographer acquaintance who showed me a new way of capturing star shots. It was a new moon, and the only light inside the lookout was similar to a candle's light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584362904-VLX7N1AR0VYRFI1GCHC2/12707901545_4de38937a3_k.jpg Night Photos - Fun with FIRE!!! My buddy and I went on a dude trip to Rialto beach just north of "Hole in the wall" for a cold & wet November overnighter... We found a piece of old rope that washed up on the beach and lit it on fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584368240-HJRAU19YDDA1ILJKZEPD/12731056653_8d498ea38c_k.jpg Night Photos - Mt. Baker - Illuminated tent This was the first time I shot an illuminated tent...I thought the contrast of the mountain-scape, and the city lights was a neat idea to capture... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447542633801-RVNKK3E8MGIBXSBAAB84/Nepal+Night+photo.jpg Night Photos - Himalaya night sky One of my favorite things about trekking in Nepal was stepping out into the cold night air and simply looking up... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584360210-9J42NWSPSOP3NRKEHWA0/9142091163_2a31f299cd_k.jpg Night Photos - Sparkler Grafitti - Funny Story As i was trying to take a long exposure at Shi Shi beach, my buddy thought it'd be funny to take a sparkler and ruin my photo... It actually turned out to be quite cool AND he tripped and fell at the end, which is why you see the light beam go down near the shore (smile) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584364026-6BSDWPO8TEJT7QPI41CZ/12708131093_5c94e37e2c_k.jpg Night Photos - Moonlit Mt. baker I took the opportunity to snap a couple photos prior to heading up the mountain at about 2am... It was surprising to see so much light! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584366086-YW6YTQ6FIPJJTPQHAZAC/12708087443_f3af317b2b_k.jpg Night Photos - Fire trails My buddy and I went on a dude trip to Rialto beach just north of "Hole in the wall" for a cold & wet November overnighter... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584356135-68NXHM2WIGV17Q854GDY/8010071981_5024854dc8_k.jpg Night Photos - 4th of July - Gasworks Park Fireworks and Seattle Skyline - 4th of July 2012 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584361627-VBCV0FSV0OJ34520RQZM/12708050923_a5c39805ce_k.jpg Night Photos - Looking West - Welcome Pass A beautiful winter camping trips in the north cascades. Jan 2014 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584367098-0JO2E4E3A48Q4Q2H8IHY/12708338994_810ca72e7c_k.jpg Night Photos - Christmas lights - Night Photo - Welcome Pass A beautiful winter camping trips in the north cascades 01/2014. We had battery powered Christmas lights to drape the tent with... Just playin' around :-) http://adventurecaptured.com/paragliding-videos daily 0.75 2015-09-19 http://adventurecaptured.com/macro daily 0.75 2015-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442616499015-B3KIPSM55SKQQ7SU0U9X/8010061473_6422d22bc4_o.jpg Macro - Ice - Up Close Another Ice Formation in the Big Four Ice caves https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447540530535-XGV0QZK0KQ087UM342DB/Photo+Oct+02%2C+7+39+54+PM.jpg Macro - Le papillon There were all sorts of new moths and butterflies in Nepal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442616490566-CVGWBTBUQEWV9IUW9UHI/8010069197_190222f545_o.jpg Macro - Water Droplets Flora with water https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442616516360-1UK89ZKQNU92LRANP0IO/8101683325_0f3bc041e7_o.jpg Macro - A lucky rainy hike find Water Droplets - Yellow Aster Butte http://adventurecaptured.com/outdoor-adventures daily 0.75 2015-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584272685-7GQRSJTFE83VGV24U9S1/7618791150_a9856e9116_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Olympic View A climb to the top of Buckhorn Mountain with views of Mt. Constance and the other Olympic Moutnains in the background (June 2012).... We expected cloudy and wet conditions... It is a good thing we still chose to go! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442627316319-FTCV1A89JC62DK2CLRAP/Mt.+Daniel+Summit-6.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Headed up Mt. Daniel We hiked over the scree field below the east summit of Mt. Daniel on our way to the true summit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442627444602-0GL7T90GT0JH1SIXD1O8/Winchester+Peak-24.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Headed back down Winchester Peak My best friend, John-Mark came out to visit Rachel and I, so we took him on a little adventure in the North Cascades. From the lookout at the top, you could peer into Canada. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447535509263-PQBZWP563H8C4FYN0FQX/Photo+Oct+11%2C+1+42+44+PM.jpg Outdoor Adventure - The windiest place in Nepal As we trekked from Kagbeni to Jomsom, we hiked along a riverbed that is know for both extremely high winds and fossils in the river rocks you trekked on. We didn't find any fossils, but we did find the wind! It was probably close to 25-30mph here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584271509-QMPA2P7W23JDQCZ604C2/8010061813_91ae5321af_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - The best morning view EVER! Peering out of my tent from my campsite at Camp Muir... I didn't make it to the top that time, but I came away with a great pic! WORTH IT! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584276080-PHD6KKMLVQEGRXDFTGPR/8010067309_ab8c8102dd_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Above the clouds Approaching the summit of Mt. St. Helens in the summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447535515594-875SU4EQSAX9C0JHSLGB/Photo+Oct+09%2C+10+38+46+AM.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Annapurna II & III On our way up to Thorung Phedi, we looked back at the trail we just trekked and saw these enormous mountains looming over us... So beautiful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584304478-LVJPH4P825LMB93CWI31/15261975723_dc66dfa2ea_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Paragliding at Fort Ebey A new acquaintance, Jared, was flying his small speed wing in 20+mph winds along the ridge at the park. Most people couldn't even kite their wing, but this guy was able to get some airtime after a little determination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584277539-XKGUO5X2LCJDTUOT3EO6/8010067617_d8f2c504ea_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Looking at my goal Gothic Peak. I loved seeing how the ground seemed to curve and undulate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584278316-AGPCPVTMZ1B8W9DEKA2Q/8010067958_1febb55b9f_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Ice Caves - A dumb idea The Big Four Ice Caves ... We weren't supposed to go inside because these things fall & kill people... I love the shot, but I probably should not have gone in there https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442627444723-L8FLU37CXNCP4HSW946F/Winchester+Peak-25.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Winchester peak in the fall The fall colors came early in 2015. All of the flora around our feet seemed to light up with color. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584280615-XFS902B8JX0CMDV1REED/8010070828_3f2d62432b_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Slippery Landing A glacier landing on Ruth Glacier of Denali... This is a mountain on my bucket list. One day I will climb it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1449111482216-L5OTHH16BYHQDU5TDXN1/Cliffside-2.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Landing after the sunset I had just landed after my own flight, and had enough time to hop into my car and watch this tandem pair land next to the Columbia River Gorge. It doesn't look cold, but this was a very chilly November flight at the Cliffside site. You can see Mt. Hood in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584273404-4L4DYH1EZ1TFTT10B329/8010061856_9b9e84400f_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Alaskan Sunset - A good story Alaskan Sunset - Ninilchik, AK https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584281108-PC7CD24PCJSMG1ZNCKJ2/8010071394_ec9b63a05a_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Approaching Denali Flying over some of the smaller peaks on Denali. It was neat to be flying over such immense glaicers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584283228-T0OYTV60JONTTTKKXU77/8010074028_d3968e3d20_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Expert Craftsmanship - Snow Cave Gabe, Jenica, and I built a 3 person snow cave near stevens pass. I remember feeling quite accomplished. We even had ventilation for the roof, and drainage along the edges of the floor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584282411-NGLEQTFCKZGH0B05Q3F6/8010080474_4d5baeb396_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - What'cha lookin' for? My best friend, John-Mark looking out into the morning dunes of death valley. I remember that this was the first time I had experienced truly dry heat. No humidity here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584285004-OZF6XA9MA96BAYDAH0PD/8041346684_070b1cd3a4_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Sahale Arm in the Fall This is a picture of the Sahale Arm in the North Cascade mountains. I took this after attempting to summit the mountain, but ended up turning around at the last moment due to my lack of confidence in climbing the last portion... A good call. I remember thinking "I'll be back to climb you!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447535368486-5GHWLJZTK1HQVSQR9UUL/Photo+Oct+07%2C+8+03+27+AM.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Nepal or Mars? On our way up to Tilicho lake, we had to trek through a steep scree field that was constantly eroding away. This area is know for crazy rock-fall that is quite dangerous. You had to stay alert at all times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442627363984-STAJB0JHQ3IYOG23JA93/Tuck+and+Robin+Lakes-11.jpg Outdoor Adventure - The clear, blue upper Tuck lake This was an end-of-summer backpacking trip that took a surprising turn when we woke up to 4 inches of snow everywhere. I loved how still, blue, and clear the water looked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584289490-W0X9Q278U5L6RCYLR1FL/8128989076_c9e555a3b2_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Slacklining in the Fall Jason as he almost gets to a kneeling position - Everything but his head and torso is moving... cool https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584289855-UMQINWY664BACOLWNH8U/12707869535_adf701d106_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Looking down over Welcome Pass A beautiful winter camping trips in the north cascades. I remember thinking, "I need to bring my paragliding wing back here!" Mt. Baker in the Background - Jan 2014 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584291978-VT4EV8YQU3OD2MBRITI3/12707879255_8d8b97dfd4_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Above Sahale Arm I took this after rappelling off of the peak of Sahale. It was a good feeling. I remembered not being able to summit this mountain on my first attempt, and felt very accomplished this time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584291129-17KLB9S8PYT2MTHCV274/12707894065_003789dc91_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Approaching the Quien Sabe Glacier Headed up Sahale Peak in the North Cascades with the Mountaineers - 2013 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584293390-U943NIG3BTD1NREH6B1V/12707915535_a273149973_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - On the edge of the Mt. Baker Crater Just after summiting Mt. Baker, we descended down to see the crater which smelled strongly of sulphur!!! The Crater was just to the left of these climbers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584293759-A040KFK9I5RAJSES69PH/12707919105_235dc81ac8_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Setting up my tent on Mt. Baker A pic of a new single-wall tent that I was excited about. Very light, spacious, but it got damp from condensation on the inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442627475737-OC4WSI1R4N8PHXDOSQTZ/Winchester+Peak-26.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Walking down towards twin lakes After spending a night at the top of Winchester peak, we headed back down. I was excited to try and catch some trout with my fly rod https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584295936-TJQXSZR906XCXDBKNJVP/12707924085_8ed1965902_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Taking a rest on Mt. Baker Sometimes you just need to relax. I had to save my energy before the summit push the next morning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584296463-5XFBN37QO593GYFXOV9T/12707935995_4fda3b15ac_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Fresh Tracks - Goat Mt - North Cascades https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584297469-2SVN7R27TBI73GICUPHJ/12707944765_249c6ae6eb_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Hanging out at Hidden Lake Lookout My friend Brynn and I headed up to Hidden lake lookout. It was awesome to see the clouds roll in under our feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584298899-SNX15QLSI3D5AVW9O8PH/12708061863_1d7909fcd8_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Approaching the Summit of Sahale Peak This was a trip with the Mountaineers... We were following the final ridge after we had ascended the Quien Sabe Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584299245-VJESLIXL1XVVLXJ7M6JO/12708108893_96e0d1a4be_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Headed back down Goat Mountain with Mt. baker in the background We went on a little hike in the North Cascades to celebrate my buddy Joel's birthday https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447535405104-H6MVH1BRSW8QA3VE6IE8/Photo+Oct+08%2C+11+53+11+AM.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Trekking in Nepal We enjoyed the scenery as we hiked from Shrekharka to Yakharka. It was neat to be trekking in very dry & dusty conditions but also to see the snowy & glaciated tops of the himalaya popping out above us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584302215-2HJCFU7GQD7UTXWYKS05/12708357324_9d3a270e34_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Heading up the Quien Sabe Glacier Mountaineers trip - summer 2013 - Sahale peak... I remember thinking, "So THIS is what Mountaineering is about!" :-) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584301840-HVV09I49CJGWBC6Q57MW/12731087083_37cb9e8b4b_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Setting up Camp - Mt. Baker Looking west as we are preparing for an early sleep, so that we could wake up at 2am to start the final ascent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442627355607-HNBV2M8M177PL581J8NC/Mt.+Daniel+Summit-23.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Climbing up a rocky slope on Mt. Daniel These girls are indomitable! Sometimes it's hard to keep up with them. But I was lucky enough to catch this pic when I snuck in front of them for a bit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447535328262-F9S05W3OW8TI6Z9PPEVG/Photo+Oct+05%2C+8+18+02+AM.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Prayer Flags In our favorite nepali village (Geyru), there were many prayer flags used to bless the surrounding countryside... They are block printed with prayers and each of the colors represent the five elements (Blue = Sky, White = Wind, Red = Fire, Green = Water, Yellow= Earth)... They are always displayed in a specific order. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584304532-H0BRJ746UTB096WQNOEN/12731390564_43e6219081_k.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Final Approach to the Summit - Mt. Baker My favorite part of this photo? A pink rope... I can't tell you how TIRED I was when I took this photo... Muscles ACHING! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442627398447-RXB9UYSQY1AYECV9J697/Winchester+Peak-2.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Taking in the view at Winchester Peak Rachel took a breather before continuing up the trail to Winchester lookout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442627395407-DGCVN9IM3MJ157TIP6NR/Tuck+and+Robin+Lakes-13.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Lower Robin lake I popped my head out of the tent at 5:30am surprised to find our tent under 4 inches of snow. I had to pull my camera out and snap a pic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447535266837-J2TS5P84V13FZOTS8T4K/Photo+Oct+04%2C+12+58+52+PM.jpg Outdoor Adventure - Buddhist prayer wheels As we trekked higher in the himalaya, we trekked through a village called Upper Pisang on our way to a Buddhist monastery... I loved seeing the big mountains all around us http://adventurecaptured.com/panorama daily 0.75 2015-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442367173492-WY01UBAGO9GOXSEZD46I/12708127403_c968feb5ce_o.jpg Panorama - Camping above hidden Lake I remember being very excited to camp here above hidden lake. I wanted to camp in the lookout higher, but I'm glad I didn't. Most of those lookouts have mice in them https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442367285080-L8SGEA3OD3F6FG1N2CZ0/Chamonix-2.jpg Panorama - Flying over Chamonix NOTE: I didn't take this picture (Cred goes to Rachel Warren), but I am the little paraglider flying in it! It was my first international paragliding flight. I was nervous, but so glad to be looking down on glaciers and the welcoming town of Chamonix https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442367273663-HLOZ5MY1Q9HZA8WN5OFV/Maude+Pano+Full+size.jpg Panorama - Mt. Maude Looking down into Ice Lakes just below Mt. Maude http://adventurecaptured.com/adventure-blog daily 0.75 2016-02-19 http://adventurecaptured.com/mountain-climb-videos daily 0.75 2015-09-19 http://adventurecaptured.com/people daily 0.75 2015-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447531947069-G5PZG13PHYDMWW2N2ZYS/Photo+Oct+09%2C+9+57+50+AM.jpg People - Two French Goofballs in Nepal These two were the best travel companions... Longtime friends from Bordeaux, they left their wives and decided to go on an adventure. This picture encompasses their playfulness as I asked them to demonstrate a "True french kiss" ... In reality, they couldn't get any closer to each other than this, but it was funny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447531938807-8T0E1V8UO1HUDU85AA23/Photo+Oct+09%2C+9+58+04+AM.jpg People - Best Friends They met at work, and now, 12 years later, they are trekking in Nepal. They spent a good majority of time explaining to me how to properly pronounce French dirty words. I hope that I have similar friends to adventure with when I am their age. Thanks for the fun times Christophe and Jean-Daniel! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584666306-TEUKYVMGZ54M8JLX9SF1/15515523438_4dd60c9ff1_o.jpg People - Don't mess with Grace A picture of my little sister. Just having fun with my brother's new "nifty-fifty" lens.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584685465-OE8H2PYARVXCE7VZ51U8/15515742407_f996f5cb54_o.jpg People - A more authentic portrait of my sister After we had some fun with a crazy hair shot, we swapped over to a real portrait. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447532010779-5GRUQM7P2T3RIWDENQCD/Photo+Oct+14%2C+8+39+30+AM.jpg People - A cup of tea next to a waterfall Taking a break from trekking, we stopped at a local Nepali woman's garden and she offered us tea. It had an excellent view of a waterfall on the other side of the river valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447531990360-LRV8WI6LNDWGUAASUATN/Photo+Oct+14%2C+8+37+33+AM.jpg People - Hypnosis Our French friend Christophe, stopped me and started slowly moving his finger in front of my face repeating the words, "You are slooowly becoming FRENCH! ... You are slowly becoming FRENCH! ..." :-) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584634925-87XRS54QEZYWCXKTJY0N/8010057279_d24d06336b_o.jpg People - Crazy Couple Jeff & Bridget Being crazy on Lake Washington after a fun day of slacklining https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447542796724-JIPKPCLK0YU54AY2YJFK/Nepal+Night+photo-2.jpg People - Pondering eternity This photo was a little bit of an experiment for me. I wanted to get a photo of the night sky, the snowy ridges of the Annapurna range, AND my friend's face all in one picture. It took maybe 10 tries, but it ended up working out ok. Thank you for your patience! Christophe! 15 second exposure, with a 1/2 second flash of light on his face. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447532656973-0XJS2996W5A4Z5QVDQGI/Photo+Oct+06%2C+2+42+27+PM.jpg People - Rachel, the Nepali hairdresser Our friends had a Nepali porter who heard that Rachel normally cuts my hair. So he walked up to her and repeatedly asked Rachel to cut his hair until she agreed. All we could find was a small pair of surgical scissors. The green plastic around him was actually a bag that worked as his rain poncho during his treks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584620863-1SDRKA17Y3PWS7VW8MDZ/8041351110_2a462c420b_o.jpg People - Lovin' life on the mountain Here is Brynn, who was ready to just climb up to the top! It was the first time she ever used crampons and an ice axe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584635137-9IIT042FKCE0FVFI500V/8929990200_3b0f3e3c93_o.jpg People - Funny Couple These guys were fun to shoot. I initially went over to take shots of their new house, but ended up taking a few of them as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1442584658475-TY6GT0THO75KJ7GT8M2Q/8929997760_154cce9fae_o.jpg People - The flirt I was taking a test shot with my pancake lens and it just so happened to turn out nicely! Thank you being a good model, Sarah! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447531970461-K32Z7E4WCIY8NB9U9XMJ/Photo+Oct+12%2C+1+06+25+PM.jpg People - Glasses for the old Our French friends Jean-Daniel and Christophe noted "Whenever you go to a developing country, everyone always brings items of support for the children, but nobody ever thinks about the old people." So they decided to purchase 35 pairs of reading glasses and distributed them to older people in the villages that we trekked through. This older Tibetan man loved his glasses, and came back to us 10 minutes after he left. He pointed to his knee, thinking that we were doctors and could fix it. :-) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447532095791-9ADB15PQ7YW22MZBTI2Y/Photo+Oct+14%2C+9+02+50+AM.jpg People - A very proud gardener After serving us tea & spiced cucumber in her beautiful garden, this woman wanted to have her picture taken in front of her prized flowers with her brand-new reading glasses on. It was funny, at the same time she was brewing tea for us, she was also distilling alcohol over another fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447531989942-8G5KNIEDFRJUZALBH5QV/Photo+Oct+12%2C+2+24+38+PM.jpg People - The prettiest gal in Nepal I'm lucky to have such a positive, cheerful, adventurous, empowered, and helpful girlfriend to explore with. Here she is, holding a lens of mine while I was shooting some portraits of people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/55c6753fe4b0960d6d1cd096/1447532825562-OR1G3LHW5O0U1XGL1K48/Photo+Oct+08%2C+1+41+57+PM.jpg People - Nickname = Prayerflags Our friend Jean-Daniel built a little bamboo structure above his backpack to help dry his sweaty clothes while he hiked. Oftentimes, they were quite colorful, and we jokingly called him "Prayer flags" as his dirty laundry reminded us of tibetan prayer flags waving in the wind.