Uncategorized – Page 2 – The Long West Coast Summer Trip.

Olympic National Park

Vast, Green, Cloudy ,Different and superbly majestic. OK enough of the superlatives. This park is one of the larger national parks. Weird thing though is that you can’t drive through it . There is a road circling the park , every so many miles you can take a right if you’re going clockwise and enter a special area of the park. Dead end roads ending mostly in parking lots and the start of many trails. This is a hikers paradise , bring a tent and every day will be another spectacular hiking day with different landscapes , wildlife and ecosystems. From temperate rainforests, trees rich with moss and lychens, to beaches with Huge rock stacks , Arches and great tide pools . Lots of low hanging clouds , rain over 12 feet a year and , as is the story , many teenage vampires around the town of Forks. Alpine , snowy peaks in the center of the park to lush meadows perfect to pitch a tent and lay down to enjoy the starry nights. Or the clouds mostly.

Definitly a park to spend 2-3 days at least.

The next pictures are taken in HOH forest , an amazing place, rainforest,elk and owls, just a place you can spend the day and be “ONE WITH NATURE !” If thats your thing😂

Last impressions of Canada.

What a beautiful place, if the weather was better it would move up to the top of the “where would I want to live” list. As a lot of places , vancouver area seduces you in the summer if you like good weather. For others the winter is the seduction. Each his own of course. Nice day trip to the home of the 2012 olympics, Whisler BC, picture perfect olympic village, expensive amd great skiing . Lots of other stuff to do in the 3 remaning seasons. Enjoy the pictures !

Majestic peaks rise,
Nature’s wonders to behold,
BC’s beauty calls.

Food and Crabs, and more Crabs

What a great place Vancouver is, good markets with fresh veggies, fish and meat. Chinese food to die for and amazing neighbors at the Campground. Justin and Sasha with their two young kids, live on the Canadian desert and escaped the heat for a week in Vancouver . Now for me Canada and desert is like Miami and snow , doesn’t go together . But voila , here we are sharing some amazing Dungeness Crabs , freshly caught that day from the bay . Great swimming water and even better for fishing and crabbing . Thanks guys , really hope to see you sometime in Florida!!

damage done !

Next is swimming, shopping and cooking . We’ll be back next year for a longer stay !!

No way, more Crabs???

Come get me !!

Here im training hard to finally beat my friend Pim in open water swimming , while he has it easy in the balmy Mediterrenean sea , I’m training between snow capped mountains and sub zero temperatures . Modern day Speedo! Take that BUDDY 🤣

Finally some spiritual healing

A day on the bay.

whenever the oppertunity comes along , I’ll be on a boat to see whales and whatever other marine animals are around. Why ? It holds a special kind of magic for me, maybe its the vastness of the ocean and the unknown whats under the surface. I used to dive a lot and am very aware what’s down there , at any time an enormous whale , dolhin ,marlin and whatever else is swimming around us can peak out from below and take a look at us. I look back and imagine swimming down there again. diving might have been the most impressive thing I’ve ever done. Showing the world below to students and friends never disappointed . Taking Mam diving was ,according to her ,the highlite of her life , and she’s seen and done a lot . Good memories!

Waiving at the Ferry!

And of coourse there are a few more animals around, sealions , always impressive , these get up to 2000 pounds. Seals with their dog like features and the majestic Bald eagle.

Whispers of the Deep

Secrets lie beneath the waves,
Where the ocean’s mystery paves
A path for creatures to roam free,
In the depths of eternity.

Whispers of the deep, untold,
Mysteries waiting to unfold,
Where whales sing and dolphins play,
In the ocean’s vast, endless sway.

The secrets of the deep blue sea,
Hold a magic that will forever be,
A mystery, a wonder, untamed,
In the ocean, where secrets are named.

Vancouver , Canada

Vancouver, Canada is truly a special place that seamlessly blends urban sophistication with breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver offers a unique lifestyle that is both invigorating and tranquil. The city boasts a diverse cultural scene, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving culinary scene, all set against the backdrop of stunning scenic landscapes. From the lively atmosphere of Granville Island to the serene beauty of Stanley Park, Vancouver’s charm is undeniable. Whether it’s exploring the outdoors, experiencing world-class dining, or immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of arts and culture, Vancouver never fails to captivate its visitors and residents alike.

Much more tomorrow , market, Suspension Bridge park and whale watch!

Mesmerizing Bison Encounters: A Hidden Gem Near Missoula, Montana

and you thought your done with the Bison , Ha , Close to Missoula, the beacon of blue progression in Montana, is the indian Bison range. More on this later. After a visit to a surprisingly beautiful visitor center , paying a small fee, the drive through the range started . A relatively small area with soft golden grass covered hills welcomes you to your drive. I was told about 2 hours for the loop , took me 4-5 hours as every corner brought another breathtaking scene. And yes , lots of Bison , in every size and pose . so what does one do , hang out and enjoy the scenery. storms passed, light changed and Bison posed. What a beautiful place, very few visitors compared to state and fedral parks . I might have passed 2 cars in 4 hours . Nice!

When around the Missoula area or on the way to Glacier , this is a wonderful stop on your trip . So here are some more cows and Bisonfor your enjoyment !

The Bison Range Restoration in Montana has a rich history intertwined with the preservation of American wildlife. Initially established in 1908, the range was envisioned as a sanctuary for the American bison, safeguarding the species from extinction. Over the years, concerted conservation efforts and the establishment of the National Bison Range in 1908 provided crucial support for the restoration and protection of the bison population in Montana. Through dedicated initiatives, the range has played a pivotal role in reviving and maintaining the iconic presence of these majestic creatures, contributing to the continuous legacy of wildlife conservation in the region.

Last day of spectacular Yellowstone Landscapes !

Can’t wait to go back to my favorite park next year. what an amazing and wild place . Saw a bear , coyote, elk, deer, o yeah Bison and so much more . This park has to go on everyone’s bucketlist, just to get an understanding what our planet is about under the surface. How amazing nature can be and how to have a healthy respect for the forces that control our planet ans thus our excistence . Yellowstone!

Yellowstone National Park holds a special place in my heart, a sanctuary where I have been blessed to witness the wonders of nature firsthand. From encountering bears and elk to marveling at the mysterious forces shaping the land, each visit has been a unique and humbling experience. As I eagerly anticipate my return, I find solace in the memories of its awe-inspiring landscapes and the diverse wildlife that calls it home. Goodbye Yellowstone, until we meet again, I will cherish every moment spent in your remarkable embrace.

Bison and More Bison, are they ever photogenic!

You might know the feeling when you can’t stop eating just one chip, just one hand of popcorn, just one episode of your favorite show. I have the same with Bison , can’t just eat one !🤣

They are great to photograph , easy to shoot if you got your light right and they are great posers. So bear with me and enjoy another 129 shots of the Bison!

Ode to the Bison

Oh, majestic creature of the open plain,
Your presence commands respect and awe,
A symbol of strength and resilience,
In harmony with the land you roam.

Your noble gaze and untamed spirit,
Speak volumes to those who pause to listen,
As you tread the earth with ancient wisdom,
A testament to the enduring power of nature.

Against the backdrop of endless skies,
You stand as a living monument,
To the untamed beauty of the wilderness,
A timeless symbol of freedom and grace.

May your legacy endure through the ages,
As a reminder of the spirit unbroken,
And the unyielding force of the wild,
Forever a testament to the Bison’s might.

Daytrip to the Tetons

Due to some unforeseen issues we had to cancel 5 days in Teton National park. But, as we are in Yellowstone for 8 days, scheduling a daytrip to these majestic mountains was a must do . Leaving early again , sunrise around the south exit of Yellowstone and dramaticly lit mountain tops in the far distance. A beautiful two hour drive rewarded us with spectacular vistas of the Tetons. We purchased a fantastic app on our phones which guided us thru the park with interesting titbits(no pun intended😆)about the mountains, its origins and history. Worth the money as this app also guides you through many other parks in the nation.

The Grand Teton National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical significance. The park’s iconic mountain range, with its rugged peaks and pristine lakes, showcases the breathtaking grandeur of the American West. With a history that dates back thousands of years, this awe-inspiring landscape has been shaped by geological forces and the ancient traditions of indigenous peoples. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of human and natural history while marveling at the splendor of the Grand Teton.

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Elk and Geysers.

Just read in todays paper that bisquit Geyser exploded, I was there shooting beautiful dramatic pictures of the main geyser erupting a few days ago. Time was about 6:30 am . What a site . Glad nobody was hurt , Yellowstone is a wild and unpredictable place , both animals and the ground can erupt at any time. Today was another early moring , 3 miles into the park I found an Elk family taking their morning bath. Mam, Dad and the kids were froliking in the shallow water of the Madison river . Before long a group of us were busy taking pictures and videos of the ritual. Fun way to start the day . No day in yellowstone is the same , smoke rising from large and small holes everywhere, hot springs with colorful bacteria plates and bubbling mudbaths. At any time a wolf , Grizzly , black bear, Bison or chipmunk can cross your path . Next visit here might be winter. Got to buy me some real clothes !!

Yellowstone National Park is home to one of the largest elk populations in the United States. The park’s diverse landscape provides a prime habitat for these majestic animals, allowing them to thrive in the wild. The elk, also known as wapiti, can often be spotted roaming the lush valleys and grazing in the meadows, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. With their impressive antlers and graceful movements, the elk contribute to the richness of wildlife experiences in Yellowstone.

Detail of Prismatic Hot spring.