North America

Capturing the Majesty of the Mountain: A 3-Day Journey Through Mount Rainier National Park

Are you dreaming of exploring Mount Rainier National Park? Is this your first adventure to the iconic peak? I certainly am. I’ve been pouring over maps, plotting out potential paths, and, let’s be real, replotting more times than I can count, all detailed over at my sister site, 50at60. Initially, I imagined a grand tour starting in the bustling streets of Seattle, winding through the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, dipping into the vibrant city of Portland for a brief urban interlude, then circling back through the enchanting forests of Washington. This grand loop, while ambitious, spanning several states and diverse ecosystems, seemed exhilarating. Yet, contemplating the sheer pace and breadth of such a trek leaves me more breathless than the thought of the hikes themselves! Could the true essence of each unique place truly be savored in such a whirlwind? The mere thought of orchestrating this complex dance of destinations is exhausting!

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Alaskan Odyssey: A 5-Day Journey Through the Last Frontier’s Majestic Landscapes

Are you considering a trip to Alaska? A first time visit? I know I am. Been doing a bit of research, itinerary planning, routing, and of course RErouting to be honest with you over on my sister site, 50at60. One of my original maps had me flying into Reno and then driving thru part of Nevada, thru Northern California, into Oregon for a travel conference, then into Washington before making a loop thru Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, before flying out of Salt Lake City, Utah. Yes eight states checked of for the year, but in a 3 week trip, what would I actually absorb in this chaotic and fast paced journey! I actually tired just TYPING this!

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Exploring the Artistic Splendor of the Olympic Peninsula: A Photographer’s Journey

Good morning, dear wanderers and creators! Today, I’m thrilled to embark with you on an extraordinary loop journey around Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, a voyage that promises not just a feast for the eyes but also an awakening of the soul. This itinerary is meticulously crafted for the artist within you—the photographer who seeks to capture moments of transcendental beauty and the painter inspired by nature’s grandeur. Including the charming Gig Harbor, this journey is more than a trip; it’s a pilgrimage for the artistic spirit.

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50 States in one year – A quest to see every state as I turn 60

I call it 50at60. In fact, that is the name of the site I decided to start, to share my research, planning, and documentation of this sort of what can only be described as a bucket list of sorts. As I have already been to most states (about 40 I think), some of these will be a revisit, but a visit none the less. And what exactly constitutes a “visit”? Well, to give it some sort of a bar to reach or metric, I have chosen a minimum of 36 hours spent in the state. I know, an easy achievement that I am sure I will surpass with most of these visits.

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A view from the room – Exploring Monument Valley

Nestled on the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley offers one of the most iconic landscapes of the American West. Its towering sandstone buttes, vast, open skies, and the play of light and shadow create a photographer’s paradise. In this blog post, I’ll take you through my journey exploring and photographing this magnificent valley, offering tips and insights to fellow photography enthusiasts who dream of capturing the essence of the American Southwest.

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A walk around the lake in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado

Colorado is an amazing place to visit! This was from my second visit to the Rocky Mountain National Park. An amazing place to visit ANY time of the year. Make sure and watch the weather report as it can change pretty rapidly. My trip through the park on this particular day had a range of about 40 degrees and ran the gammet from sun, to rain, to show. Gotta love nature though 🙂  And these lakes are a breeze to visit.

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A view from the Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver, Canada

From time to time, I like to wander back into the archives of the MDSimages blog I have been running for about 15 years to share some relevant stories from that blog here on this relatively new site of mine. As I was all over the map from posts of events I have lit over the years to photography tips and tricks to personal rambles on that blog, I’ll try to focus to just the travel stuff here 🙂

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Coastal Canvas: A 5-Day Photographic Journey Along Oregon’s Enchanting Shoreline

Embarking on a 5-day photographic journey down Oregon’s picturesque coastline from Astoria to the southern reaches offers a blend of stunning seascapes, quaint towns, and unique lodging experiences. Here’s a meticulously crafted itinerary that highlights the best of the coast, ensuring you capture its essence through your lens while savoring the local charm and cuisine.

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