sunrise over lake
October lake sunrises
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Typical pattern: get up before sunrise; find a good spot to walk around to capture sunrise; and if there’s a lake near-by, … perfection The colors are what the lake and sun provided … I just changed some of the … Read More

sunrise over lake
October morning golden hour
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While in rural midwest visiting family, early morning golden hour walks, fog, sunrise and occasional animal friends often caught the camera; the results often surprising … there are ~10 photos in the slider below – take a peak! (more…)

colored trees along the lake shore
Not far from the shore
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Walking around the lakes sometimes requires walking around or through farms and other types of properties. Sometimes a boat ride at sunset is perfect. Our earth in autumn can also be the world’s greatest impressionist painter … if you look … Read More

October super moon’s golden hours
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A setting super moon in October unseasonable clear and sunny around a midwestern pristine lake … getting out before sunrise is worth every effort made. Cold weather and a warm lake Sunrise over the lake Sunrise on the farm and … Read More

Fall returns to Spencer Butte
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I had a permit and plan to hike Mt Jefferson Wilderness yesterday, but the are was closed due to the Bingham Fire and a refund returned for permit. Tuesday’s Ridgeline hike showed all the smoke in Cascade foothills, and a … Read More

Sunny, hot October on Ridgeline Trail
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A couple of days to hike later in October than normal with hot and sunny weather … the decision on where to hike and in what order had to comprehend all the wildfires still burning in both the Willamette and … Read More

Late summer flowers hanging on
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While taking care of my short-legged granddaughter for a few weeks, trips to the mountains have to wait. Sometimes a squirrel-hunting very small dog is my top priority and everything spins around her (just what grandpas are supposed to do … Read More

Hiking Gear 2024 Summary, 2025 Plan
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Looking back over gear failures and gear ‘save my arse’ memories … time to update gear kits. The same exercise completed 2 years ago, and again last year. The 3 kit gear set is based on conditions and trail type remains … Read More

Durstan X-Mid Pro 1
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Initially in 2024, I was going to continue using my old REI Flash 1 person backpacking tent. However, in planning 2024 adventures I had initially leaned into more backpacking and decided a new tent was needed for those plans (wild … Read More

Gossamer Gear’s Fast Kumo 36 Fastpack
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This will not be a biased review. I love my Fast Kumo Fastpack and wear it exclusively on day hikes unless weather conditions are poor (wet / snowy). I would buy again, and recommend the pack highly. All images and … Read More