Ocean in View!

Sometimes the best adventures are close to home. This weekend, I’m headed to beautiful Long Beach Peninsula in Southwest Washington state (my home state), where American explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time at Station Camp. “In November of 1805, the U.S. Corps of Volunteers for Northwest Discovery, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, reached the mouth … Continue reading Ocean in View!

World Water Day: Remembering the art and spirit of Rachel Carson

It’s a dark, moody day here in Oregon. The rain, though, as gloomy as it feels on the second full day of spring, is a good thing. Drought stalks us. Climate change is upon us. Forecasters are already predicting another terrible fire season across the American West this summer. As if the world doesn’t already feel anxious enough….. At a recent National Geographic LIVE! event … Continue reading World Water Day: Remembering the art and spirit of Rachel Carson

“Find the stories that unite us” — Award-winning photojournalist Ami Vitale presenting in Portland, Oregon USA January 22

“Empathy is the key to great stories” –Ami Vitale I had the great honor of meeting American photojournalist and National Geographic contributor Ami Vitale in Siena, Italy in October at the Siena International Photography Awards Ceremony and Festival. Ami won the Storytelling category in Siena and the prestigious title of “Best Author 2017.” She gave her powerful and inspiring National Geographic LIVE presentation at the University … Continue reading “Find the stories that unite us” — Award-winning photojournalist Ami Vitale presenting in Portland, Oregon USA January 22

Volcano Stomp: Ringing in the New Year Pacific Northwest Style

I didn’t stay up late to watch television so I could see the famous ball drop in New York City’s Times Square. I didn’t get drunk on champagne or stay out all night dancing. I didn’t even stay up late playing Scrabble. Nope, I went to bed around 9 p.m. so I’d be ready to head for the hills & hit the slopes this morning. … Continue reading Volcano Stomp: Ringing in the New Year Pacific Northwest Style

“So I quit that job…” Rick Fogel’s artistic legacy

When I saw musician Rick Fogel busking on the main street in La Conner, Washington, USA, I put some money in his collection jar, snapped his photo and asked him for his business card. I immediately knew I’d be writing more about him one day. I think you’ll find his story as cool & inspiring as I did.   Watch for Rick playing dulcimer and fiddle … Continue reading “So I quit that job…” Rick Fogel’s artistic legacy

Wanderlust

I’m almost too busy to blog currently, but there are adventures on the horizon. Today’s post will have to be brief yet hopefully inspirational. I snapped these infrared shot while traveling for my contract communications work through Parkdale, Oregon at the base of our beautiful sleeping volcano, Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. I had two minutes of extra time with Mt. Hood came into … Continue reading Wanderlust

Too Close to Home: Flames Licking at our Heels

The air is so thick with smoke in Portland, Oregon USA from wildfires burning all around us this summer, that I can feel it in my eyes and throat. A light dusting of ash is visible on lawn furniture and cars. A couple of days ago, one of our most beautiful gems, the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, erupted into a human-caused inferno. The blaze … Continue reading Too Close to Home: Flames Licking at our Heels

Capture of the Day: Marcus Puschmann

Marcus Puschmann is a German photographer and blogger who publishes one of my favorite photography blogs, “Streets of Nuremberg.” He loves travel and enjoys sharing images and information about locations, settings & gear, which I appreciate so much. In a “small world” twist, I realized awhile back that Marcus was traveling to my home of the Pacific Northwest USA for work. He’s a mergers & … Continue reading Capture of the Day: Marcus Puschmann