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Welcome!

Photos in the galleries are loaded at reduced size and resolution from the original, to allow faster loading. Most originals are 3264 x 2448 and average 3MB each. In case anyone's wondering, no, I do not make any money from photos that are purchased from this site. Contact me directly if you want an original.

An easy way to view the photos is to click on the title of the gallery you wish to view, then click on 'Slideshow' in the upper right part of that page. Or you can simply view the photos in each gallery individually.

The galleries are in chronological order with the newest galleries toward the bottom of the page, with the exception of the last three galleries, which have no dates.

Comments are welcome: billarras@hotmail.com

Enjoy!

Galleries

Cuba! January 2002 : The pictures tell the story... We sailed from Key West to Marina Hemmingway, then cruised the country in a mini-van. Did some hang gliding and ballooning, visited Valle de Vinales and endless other interesting places. The trip was outrageous, the Cubans are the most loving people. Many of the photos in this gallery were taken by my friend Wayne, partner on the trip.

Cuba! January 2002

The pictures tell the story... We sailed from Key West to Marina Hemm ...

Updated: Dec 27, 2007 1:58pm PST

America's Challenge, October 2004 : We launched from Albuquerque, NM and flew 218 miles to the panhandle of Oklahoma before we had to land because of a wall of thunderstorms. It was an outrageously beautiful flight, from the sunrise just south of Taos, NM, to drifting over the mountains bespeckled with Autumn color, even to the threatening clouds we skirted around at almost 18,000' and hoped wouldn't develop further and engulf us. The kids who arrived after a gentle landing in Oklahoma topped off a beautiful flight.

America's Challenge, October 2004

We launched from Albuquerque, NM and flew 218 miles to the panhandle o ...

Updated: Sep 02, 2007 7:24pm PST

California Coast, November 2004 : We spent a few wonderful weeks based in the Carmel area, enjoying bike rides down the coast to Big Sur and up into the hills, and generally poking around, doing what your supposed to do on the coast. The California coast is magical!

California Coast, November 2004

We spent a few wonderful weeks based in the Carmel area, enjoying bike ...

Updated: Sep 12, 2008 2:33am PST

Costa Rica, November 2004 : A spur-of-the-moment trip that began with a flight from San Jose, CA to San Jose, Costa Rica. For 12 days we wandered around the Central and Pacific coastal areas, enjoying hot springs, beaches & swimming, rough roads and river crossings in the rental car. The last night was spent in the lap of luxury at the super luxurious Hotel Villa Caletas. The next night, due to a very late arrival at LAX and no connection to San Jose until the next morning, was spent sleeping on the hard airport terminal benches!

Costa Rica, November 2004

A spur-of-the-moment trip that began with a flight from San Jose, CA t ...

Updated: Mar 25, 2006 4:21pm PST

Yosemite, December 2004 : We spent three beautiful days and two wonderful nights in Yosemite during the generally busy park's quiet time, in mid December. Our lodging was in the best suite in the Ahwahnee Lodge, with a view of Yosemite Falls from the bed and bathtub! The Ahwahnee was decked out with Christmas decor and fires burning in all the fireplaces. Perfectly festive. We pinched ourselves regularly to make sure the experience was real. Dinner in the dining room was great. The second day we hiked in the snow up to Idaho and Nevada Falls. Afterward we enjoyed a casual dinner in the comfort of our own room: wine, nibbles and a main course of spicy sausages roasted on a stick over the open fire! Bet that was a first in the Ahwahnee... This place pegs the scale on romantic get-aways combined with scenic wonders.

Yosemite, December 2004

We spent three beautiful days and two wonderful nights in Yosemite dur ...

Updated: Mar 24, 2006 2:58pm PST

Hawks & Hot Springs, Bridgeport, California, December 2004 : The hawks made me work for these first photos. Taken outside of Bridgeport, a favorite spot. It's nice to have easy access to such beautiful natural wonders. The temperature was about 20 degrees F. while in the hot springs. Yes, that's ice on the rocks in the river, which we dipped into to cool off.

Hawks & Hot Springs, Bridgeport, California, December 2004

The hawks made me work for these first photos. Taken outside of Bridg ...

Updated: Mar 25, 2006 5:00pm PST

X-C Ski, December 2004 :

X-C Ski, December 2004

Updated: Mar 25, 2006 10:32pm PST

Cruisin' 'Round Crater Lake, January 2005 : We did the 30 mile trip in one day. The full moon made for the most beautiful shimmering sparkles as we completed the ski after sunset. Magic!

Cruisin' 'Round Crater Lake, January 2005

We did the 30 mile trip in one day. The full moon made for the most b ...

Updated: Sep 03, 2007 12:12pm PST

Oregon Cascades flight with Scott, January 2005 :

Oregon Cascades flight with Scott, January 2005

Updated: Mar 25, 2006 5:31pm PST

Likin' the Lichens, March 2005 : While out for an afternoon of hang gliding, there was time to check out the lichens on the cliffs above launch at Pine Mountain prior to flying. This was a classic Spring day in Central Oregon's High Desert.

Likin' the Lichens, March 2005

While out for an afternoon of hang gliding, there was time to check ou ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2008 2:06pm PST

Death Valley & Owens Valley trip, March 2005 : This was the epic year in modern history for the flower bloom in Death Valley because of all the Winter moisture. Fantastic! One of the added treats of the trip was seeing the full moon rise over the Nevada desert as we x-c skied at 10,000' in the White Mountains. The nfollowing morning we were delighted as it slide behind Mt. Whitney and the sun lit up the Owens Valley and the snow-clad Sierras.

Death Valley & Owens Valley trip, March 2005

This was the epic year in modern history for the flower bloom in Death ...

Updated: Mar 25, 2006 5:41pm PST

Canada-Seattle trip, March-April 2005 :

Canada-Seattle trip, March-April 2005

Updated: Mar 25, 2006 9:48pm PST

Grand Canyon raft trip, May-June 2005 : A friend called one day, offering the golden opportunity to join a private group to raft the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Yes! We spent 18 wonderful days on the river, with plenty of hiking to complement the rafting. We all had a special time. There's nothing like The Grand!

Grand Canyon raft trip, May-June 2005

A friend called one day, offering the golden opportunity to join a pri ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2007 1:35pm PST

A Beautiful Home, Bend, Oregon 2005 :

A Beautiful Home, Bend, Oregon 2005

Updated: Mar 24, 2006 2:25pm PST

Mt. Blanc & Chamonix, September 2005 : In September of 2005, David, Drew, Janet and I went to Chamonix, France, a favorite place of mine. After settling in, we spent 5 fantastic days climbing with two local guides, culminating in a successful climb of 15,781’ Mt. Blanc. Each morning began with coffee and pastries in our favorite patisserie before taking the tram up to the Aiguille du Midi, at a breath-taking 12,605’. From there we trained, practicing techniques and climbing together in the fantasy-land of the French Alps. Late afternoons were spent relaxing in village cafes. The evening of our climb was spent at the Cosmique Refuge, where we were treated to a surreal sunset and then sunrise before taking the tram back to town the next day after the final climbing. We had a very special time!

Mt. Blanc & Chamonix, September 2005

In September of 2005, David, Drew, Janet and I went to Chamonix, Franc ...

Updated: Aug 24, 2008 6:18pm PST

America's Challenge, October 2005 : In October, 2005, Janet and I flew 1495 miles/2407km from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Ontario, Canada. The flight was 46 hours nonstop. Imagine spending 46 hours in a 3' x 4' basket with another person, it's pretty interesting! The flight was wonderful, with beautiful sunsets, stars and sunrises, a sea of clouds below for the entire second day. Strong sun was perfect for tanning! We had a good landing out in the Canadian bush and were 'rescued' by the Ontario Provincial Police. Four volunteer firemen extracted the balloon from the trees the next day, with zero damage. The distance we flew really sank in as we spent the two days after the flight driving back to where we started. Wow, that was a long way. By making the longest flight from Albuquerque during the evnt in 2005, we won the America's Challenge!

America's Challenge, October 2005

In October, 2005, Janet and I flew 1495 miles/2407km from Albuquerque ...

Updated: Oct 24, 2005 2:12pm PST

Focus on Frost, November 2005 :

Focus on Frost, November 2005

Updated: Mar 25, 2006 10:12pm PST

Fly, Bike & Hot Springs mission, from Bend to Blue River, Oregon, November 2005 :

Fly, Bike & Hot Springs mission, from Bend to Blue River, Oregon, November 2005

Updated: Mar 25, 2006 5:45pm PST

Habitat, 2005-2006 :

Habitat, 2005-2006

Updated: Mar 25, 2006 8:26pm PST

Cool Cornice, February 2006 : On Feb. 11, 2006 as I skied into Green Lakes (near Mt. Bachelor, Bend, Oregon) a cornice on the bare ridge above caught my eye. In spite of the obvious safety concern, I climbed the steep slope and inspected the cornice, first from the outside and then from the inside, spending about 2 hours inside in passageways that ranged from about 9' high to places I had to crawl through on my belly. It was so incredible that I returned the following day in better lighting conditions to take more photos. When the photos were shown to a friend on the local Search & Rescue team, his comment was that had there been a problem, it would have been a body recovery, not a search & rescue...

Cool Cornice, February 2006

On Feb. 11, 2006 as I skied into Green Lakes (near Mt. Bachelor, Bend, ...

Updated: Mar 24, 2006 1:40pm PST

Oregon Coast, March 2006 : No hang gliding on this trip. Instead there was the very special event of snow on the Oregon coast, a rare event. Walking on the snow-covered Cape Kiwanda sand dunes, whale-watching and bald eagles on Cape Lookout were other highlights.

Oregon Coast, March 2006

No hang gliding on this trip. Instead there was the very special even ...

Updated: Mar 24, 2006 1:52pm PST

Santa Barbara trip, April-May 2006 : The excuse for the trip was to get paragliding instruction in Santa Barbara, in preparation for flying in the Alps in September. Travel began in Bend, Oregon, went south on 395 to the Sushi Pier in Reno for take-out dinner, on to Bridgeport hot springs for an evening soak. Morning at Hot Creek near Mammoth, then Wild Willie's hot spring (photos) a bit further south. Continued down through the Owens Valley, a tour of the Galen Rowell gallery in Bishop, over to Death Valley and a walk on the dunes at Stovepipe Wells in the morning before cruising to Las Vegas. The detour continued south to Yuma the next day, then a walk across the border into San Luis, Mexico, to visit with the people making a cool water processor. Once back from Mexico the wheels were turned toward the left coast, then north along the edge of the Pacific from San Diego to Santa Barbara. David flew in from Boulder and we stayed for a week+ with his sister, the driveway-painting artist with beautiful gardens. Got some great paraglider instruction from Rob, Kevin & Marty. When it was time to head back to Oregon, the route continued for a while along the coast, past San Simeon and the Hearst Castle, Big Sur, a stop at Nepenthe, inland at Carmel to the always fantastic Yosemite, over the Sierras at Lake Tahoe, then to Surprise Valley's wonderful hot Springs in the NE corner of California before returning to Bend. Another excellent trip.

Santa Barbara trip, April-May 2006

The excuse for the trip was to get paragliding instruction in Santa Ba ...

Updated: May 29, 2006 12:25am PST

Middle Sister camp & climb, July 2006 :

Middle Sister camp & climb, July 2006

Updated: Sep 07, 2007 7:05am PST

Green Lakes hike with Gary, August 2006 :

Green Lakes hike with Gary, August 2006

Updated: Jan 07, 2007 5:59pm PST

Barging in Bourgogne, September 2006 : Cruising the French canals with Peter & Judy, David & Roberta. Very nice!!!

Barging in Bourgogne, September 2006

Cruising the French canals with Peter & Judy, David & Roberta. Very n ...

Updated: Sep 03, 2007 12:04pm PST

America's Challenge, October 2006 : We flew about 1000 miles from Albuquerque in 31 hours, passing directly over Dallas-Ft. Worth airport. Our landing was near Lafayette, Louisiana in the wee hours of the morning after an exciting landing approach in the dark, with 20mph winds at 300' above ground. We were confronted with the decision of whether or not to continue flying out over the Gulf of Mexico, which was my preference, with a possible landing in Florida or some point in or around the Cairbbean, or to land in the dark before running out of land. Janet was adamant about not flying over water, so down we came. Luckily there were no powerlines nearby and we happened to pick a dry field, surrounded on three sides by flooded fields and heavy brush on the fourth side. Met some very friendly locals who helped us pack and invited us to join them later for a dinner of crawfish etouffe, an invitation we happily accepted! All's well that ends well.

America's Challenge, October 2006

We flew about 1000 miles from Albuquerque in 31 hours, passing directl ...

Updated: Sep 03, 2007 1:17pm PST

Fire & Ice, November 2006 : Eastern Oregon's undeveloped Juntura hot springs pool has water averaging 110°F, fully 120° higher than the air temperature during this 2-day visit! The cold temps made for beautiful frost and ice around the pool and along the edge of the Malheur River. After leaving the hot springs, the unpaved road going west from Juntura through the hills to Crane was deserted on this day.

Fire & Ice, November 2006

Eastern Oregon's undeveloped Juntura hot springs pool has water averag ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2008 3:12pm PST

Cruisin' the Crooked River, December 2006 : Flying friend Rick took me for a fantasy flight from to to the nearby Crooked River, where we had a rendezvous with two Super Cubs. Together we cruised the river at a low altitude. Great fun!

Cruisin' the Crooked River, December 2006

Flying friend Rick took me for a fantasy flight from to to the nearby ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 8:29pm PST

The Badlands, January 2007 : The Badlands are in Central Oregon, just east of Bend. It's a great place to walk around and marvel at the twisted junipers and lava.

The Badlands, January 2007

The Badlands are in Central Oregon, just east of Bend. It's a great p ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 9:09pm PST

Spring 2007 roadtrip : March-April. The trip started with a drive from Oregon down to Wild Willie's hot spring near Mammoth, followed by some excellent paragliding in the Owens Valley. Over to Death Valley for the sunrise on the sand dunes at Stovepipe Wells, then on to the Grand Canyon and a hike to the river. The Spring blossoms on the trees at Indian Springs, half way down, were a surprise. Next was Monument Valley, then up through the mountains and across Colorado to Boulder for a visit before going to Beaver Creek for a fantastic time skiing with friends there and at Vail. There was one more major stop on the way back to Bend, to see friends in Kimberly, Oregon. A good trip!

Spring 2007 roadtrip

March-April. The trip started with a drive from Oregon down to Wild W ...

Updated: Dec 24, 2007 6:58am PST

Lovely Lenticulars, April 2007 : Most of the photos were taken from Dee`Wright Observatory on the McKenzie Pass.

Lovely Lenticulars, April 2007

Most of the photos were taken from Dee`Wright Observatory on the McKen ...

Updated: Jun 20, 2007 11:39am PST

'Exquisite Entrails', Pine Mountain, June 2007 : One of the people viewing this spectacle commented about "the beautiful entrails". It seemed so funny that I just about bust a gut laughing. But after a while, entrails seemed to be an appropriate description. Besides that, the gallery name "Exquisite Entrails" sounds better than "Comely Contrails"!

'Exquisite Entrails', Pine Mountain, June 2007

One of the people viewing this spectacle commented about "the beautifu ...

Updated: Jun 18, 2007 1:55am PST

Crater Lake, June 2007 :

Crater Lake, June 2007

Updated: Dec 30, 2007 10:37pm PST

Sawtooth trip with Gary and Jim, August 2007 : Six weeks after the surgery to install new hardare to repair a broken ankle, my cast came off. Four days later, Gary, Jim and I headed to Idaho for a wonderful week of backpacking in the Sawtooths. They made it possible for me to join them by carrying some of my equipment and food, so I had a lighter pack than normal. They even carried some beer for me!

Sawtooth trip with Gary and Jim, August 2007

Six weeks after the surgery to install new hardare to repair a broken ...

Updated: Sep 02, 2007 5:33pm PST

Autumn tour: Wyoming-Colorado-New Mexico, Sept.-Nov. 2007 :

Autumn tour: Wyoming-Colorado-New Mexico, Sept.-Nov. 2007

Updated: Dec 26, 2007 6:31pm PST

Guanajuato, Mexico November 2007 :

Guanajuato, Mexico November 2007

Updated: Dec 30, 2007 5:35pm PST

Caye Caulker, Belize, Nov. - Dec. 2007 :

Caye Caulker, Belize, Nov. - Dec. 2007

Updated: Dec 26, 2007 6:13pm PST

Santa Fe, NPS building, December 2007 :

Santa Fe, NPS building, December 2007

Updated: Dec 20, 2007 10:58am PST

Grand Canyon, December 2007 : In mid December it was c-c-c-o-l-d on the rim of the canyon, under 10 degrees F! El Tovar was all dressed up with wreaths, lights, a Christmas tree and live piano music. The clear sky made for good viewing of the Geminid meteor shower. An afternoon hike to the bottom of the canyon was easy, not slippery at all because the snow stayed so cold that it didn't make ice. A nice warm bed at Phantom Ranch was my home for the evening, giving a good rest before walking back up the following morning in beautiful light.

Grand Canyon, December 2007

In mid December it was c-c-c-o-l-d on the rim of the canyon, under 10 ...

Updated: Dec 20, 2007 10:32am PST

Owens Valley, December 2007 : One of my all-time favorite places, on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

Owens Valley, December 2007

One of my all-time favorite places, on the eastern side of the Sierra ...

Updated: Dec 23, 2007 5:10pm PST

New Years Day 2008, X-C ski to Green Lakes : Early on January 1st, I went out for my traditional New Year's Day cross-country ski tour from Mt. Bachelor to Green Lakes. No friends were available to make the trip this year. Too bad, because it was a beautiful calm day, perfect conditions. The trip took from sunrise until after sunset because of the more than one foot of new snow to break trail through, which slowed me down and tuckered me out! Never saw another person after leaving Mt. Bachelor until after returning, enjoyed the beauty and solitude alone, except for the angels. It was a rare double sighting, two angels!

New Years Day 2008, X-C ski to Green Lakes

Early on January 1st, I went out for my traditional New Year's Day cro ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 12:38am PST

Chateau d'Oex, Switzerland, January 2008 : We had a beautiful week of ballooning in the Swiss Alps, flying every day and sometimes all day.

Chateau d'Oex, Switzerland, January 2008

We had a beautiful week of ballooning in the Swiss Alps, flying every ...

Updated: Mar 08, 2008 2:36pm PST

Beautiful Broken Top, February 16-17, 2008 : The weather was perfect, so I went into the Three Sisters Wilderness for a night of solo snowcamping. Dropped the pack in Broken Top bowl, then continued with just a daypack to Green Lakes, returning to the camp spot after sunset. The big moon made it easy to see while setting up camp and starting a fire. Slept under the stars, no tent. After breakfast and packing up, I skied to the notch on the northeast shoulder of Broken Top, at about 8,000'. The snow surface was hard and fast, making for a quick cruise back to the Mt. Bachelor parking lot. A beautiful trip!

Beautiful Broken Top, February 16-17, 2008

The weather was perfect, so I went into the Three Sisters Wilderness f ...

Updated: Feb 17, 2008 9:52pm PST

England, March - April 2008 : Three fine weeks were spent enjoying the Springtime flowers, bare trees and coast during the wildly unstable weather that comes at this time of year in England.

England, March - April 2008

Three fine weeks were spent enjoying the Springtime flowers, bare tree ...

Updated: Apr 14, 2008 3:47pm PST

BRAZIL! April - May, 2008 : After returning to the US from England, I spent some fine Spring days with friends in NYC and in Connecticut with my mom, then flew to Brazil. The first phase of the good times in Brazil was a balloon event down south in Torres, followed by some special days on boats in the area of Angra dos Reis, courtesy of Bruno & Sophie, with their French family & friends. A visit to Brazil is not complete without spending time in Rio, which this time included a walk up Corcovado and into the clouds to visit Christ, followed by a free concert of some of Brazil‘s top singers on beach in front of the Copacabana Palace Hotel. There was also a very important side trip to visit with my host families of 36 years ago in Juiz de Fora, a couple hours north of Rio. For many reasons, every day I'm reminded of how fortunate I am. Being in Brazil seems to really bring that to the forefront. I'm thankful that Brazil continues to play such a big part in my life since that first visit so long ago.

BRAZIL! April - May, 2008

After returning to the US from England, I spent some fine Spring days ...

Updated: May 05, 2008 6:23am PST

One Day In May, 2008 : ((((((((((b-o-i-i-i-n-n-n-g-g-g-!-!-!))))))))) Spring has sprung in Connecticut. May 10th was spent slowly cruising some of the backroads of the northwest corner of the state, checking out the blooming flowers & trees, the singing birds & buzzing bees, etc. A nice day!

One Day In May, 2008

((((((((((b-o-i-i-i-n-n-n-g-g-g-!-!-!))))))))) Spring has sprung in C ...

Updated: May 13, 2008 12:24pm PST

A Walk in Town & Woods, May 2008 : Springtime in and around Bend, Oregon.

A Walk in Town & Woods, May 2008

Springtime in and around Bend, Oregon.

Updated: May 25, 2008 10:29pm PST

Utah Rocks! May-June, 2008 : In late May, six of us left from Bend, Oregon and flew east in four small planes. We made our way through interesting weather to Wells, Nevada to refuel before continuing on to our initial destination of Mineral Canyon, Utah, plopping down on a tiny dirt strip on the side of the Green River. Based there for three nights, we made daily flights to various remote airstrips, exploring the canyons by air and by ground, using the mountain bikes we brought in the planes. Camp was moved to Up The Creek Campground in Moab for a couple of nights so we could ride the nearby Purcupine Rim and Slickrock trails. On our day to start homeward, the weather changed from classic Summer conditions to pre-frontal, with strong gusty winds and areas of ominous clouds. The route west around the worst weather took us right over Zion National Park. We were happy to take refuge in Hawthorne, Nevada for a night before continuing on to Bend in better weather the next day. We cruised along the shore of beautiful Pyramid Lake, made stops near Gerlach and Fly Geyser, at Bog hot springs (a hot river!) near Denio, at the Alvord Desert and at Burns on the way back to Bend. It was an absolutely perfect trip, very dreamlike, especially the mountains, clouds, canyons, many landings and in general, Rick's awesome flying. It was nonstop fantasy! Here are links to two fun videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3txbPaoVG8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZY-teffi7s

Utah Rocks! May-June, 2008

In late May, six of us left from Bend, Oregon and flew east in four sm ...

Updated: Jun 10, 2008 11:58pm PST

Colors & Shapes, June 6, 2008 : I love watching clouds!!!

Colors & Shapes, June 6, 2008

I love watching clouds!!!

Updated: Jun 07, 2008 10:17pm PST

Lotsa Lupines, June 2008 : All photos were taken one fresh morning in June, in Bend, Oregon.

Lotsa Lupines, June 2008

All photos were taken one fresh morning in June, in Bend, Oregon.

Updated: Jun 12, 2008 11:03pm PST

South Sister solstice climb, June 21, 2008 : Climbing South Sister is one of my favorite things to do, having walked to the top many dozens of times over the past 30 years. It's a beautiful and friendly mountain, easily accessible. The trailhead is just 25 miles from Bend, Oregon. The 10,363' top of the mountain is 5,000' above the starting point, so, although it's a relatively easy hike for anyone in decent shape, it's still 5,000' of vertical. Before sunrise on June 21st I drove alone to the trailhead on Century Drive, which had just been plowed clear of snow and opened two days before. The weather was questionable, so I decided to play it by ear and climb as far as was appropriate. It turned out that I was able to make it to the top, even though turning back was considered a few times. Except for the bare red ridge portion of the hike on the top 1/4 of the mountain, the entire walk was on snow. Despite numerous storm lines and active cells in the area, luck was in my favor as no rain hit the mountain until I was driving back to town after the hike. Although the forecast had been for relatively light winds at altitude, the wind at the top of the mountain was 40-50mph. With the wind at my back near the summit, I had to crawl on my hands & knees the last few yards to keep from getting blown over the top!!! The wild clouds and weather enhanced the experience. Other highlights were the moss, sun cups (does it show that I like them by how many photos of them are included in the series?!) and the rushing stream near the bottom, which had just come out from under the snow and was happy to pose for photographs.

South Sister solstice climb, June 21, 2008

Climbing South Sister is one of my favorite things to do, having walke ...

Updated: Jun 23, 2008 4:04pm PST

Severe Clear: South Sister again, June 27, 2008 : What a difference six days can make. Today's climb began in the light of a half moon, in order to catch the sunrise from the flat above Moraine Lake. In contrast to last week, today there wasn't a cloud in the sky and winds were light. Once again almost all of the hike was on snow, but the snowpack had lost an average of about 18" of depth since last week to the warmer temperatures of late. The sun cups, an uneven dimpling of the snow, increased in depth, with some of them more than 3' deep! It made for interesting walking where the sun-cupping was most pronounced. One can only step on the ridges defining the matrix of cups, which are soft & squishy in warmer temperatures and make the going slow. The visibility was very good, allowing a view of Mt. Rainier 200 miles to the north and Mt. Shasta 175 miles to the south. Flowers were already popping out where there was snow just last week. Summer is arriving quickly in the mountains!

Severe Clear: South Sister again, June 27, 2008

What a difference six days can make. Today's climb began in the light ...

Updated: Jun 27, 2008 9:59pm PST

South Sister again, July 5-6, 2008 : Gary, Uncle Mike, Jack, Carl and I hiked in on Saturday afternoon to Foster Camp, on the flank of South Sister. The camp is renowned for its abundant beer stash... thanks, Gary! The clouds later in the afternoon and evening kept us guessing about the weather, but it was nice to have them for the lightshow they put on at sunset. In the middle of the night it cleared off completely to leave a sky full of sparkling stars. The cool temps at night froze the snow solid, making for interesting walking. Gary and I climbed to the summit as the others went down and off to other adventures. South Sister is always a treat.

South Sister again, July 5-6, 2008

Gary, Uncle Mike, Jack, Carl and I hiked in on Saturday afternoon to F ...

Updated: Jul 10, 2008 12:34pm PST

Middle Sister camp & climb, July 19-20, 2008 : Gary and I hiked in to a favorite camping spot, "a room with a view", spent the night and climbed Middle Sister the next day. There's still LOTS of snow in the high country.

Middle Sister camp & climb, July 19-20, 2008

Gary and I hiked in to a favorite camping spot, "a room with a view", ...

Updated: Jul 21, 2008 11:26am PST

Perseid Meteor Shower on South Sister, August 11-12, 2008 : The top of 10,350' South Sister seemed like it would be the best place to watch the Perseid meteor shower. So, on the afternoon of August 11th, I made my 11th(!) climb of South Sister this season, but this time carrying a full pack. Although I climb the mountain many times evach year, it had been more than 30 years since I slept on top of South Sister, so this was a real treat. When I arrived on top, the sun was just about ready to set. It was clear & cold, with only a light wind, perfect conditions. I had the mountaintop to myself, but felt connected to the Universe as I snuggled into the sleeping bag for the night. There's no better way to enjoy a meteor shower than from a feather bed! The night was spent alternating between the dream-world and a surreal world of a star-filled sky with intermittent random fireworks of the meteors as they lit up on their quick dashes across the sky. The combination left me feeling absolutely blissful and content. Sunrise brought another dimension of beauty and warmth. The plentiful flowers at the peak of their bloom added to the pleasure of the return hike. BTW the two meteor photos are not mine, but borrowed from the web.

Perseid Meteor Shower on South Sister, August 11-12, 2008

The top of 10,350' South Sister seemed like it would be the best place ...

Updated: Aug 13, 2008 1:11pm PST

Idaho Backcountry Airstrips, August 2008 : Four planes with seven people flew from Bend, Oregon to a beautiful grass airstrip at Johnson Creek, Idaho, where we camped for four days. Using Johnson Creek as our base, we went out to a number of more remote backcountry airstrips. We made landings at Bernard, Upper Loon, Bryant Meadows, Warm Springs, Big Creek, Mile Hi, Wilson Bar, Warren and Thomas Creek. The landing at Mile Hi was a highlight; here's a good video that shows why: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=y6_HWbr0SLo Our adventures included hiking, biking, swimming and soaking in hot springs. On the return trip, we stopped in McCall for fuel. Keith, Rick and I decided to spend an extra night out, landing at Minam in NE Oregon's Wallowa Mountains. It was an added treat, which included a tour of Red's Horse Ranch. From there, Keith snuck home through the storms, but Rick and I decided to wait out the weather and spent a night in LaGrande before returning to Bend. It was another excellent trip with Rick! There are 31 short videos on YouTube of various segments of the trip. They can be accessed through http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwC06qJ--4Y

Idaho Backcountry Airstrips, August 2008

Four planes with seven people flew from Bend, Oregon to a beautiful gr ...

Updated: Aug 23, 2008 7:40am PST

Boulder, October 2008 : Flew past Mt. Jefferson and then Mt. Hood on the way from Central Oregon to Colorado. I'm fortunate to have wonderful friends in Boulder and I love visiting them, especially in the Autumn. It's become a good tradition. The leaves were nice while there, as was the end of the season paragliding. There's a launch right above the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, which has a good geology museum. The Coors brewery is across the valley from launch, sending wafts of their brew aroma our way when the wind direction is best.

Boulder, October 2008

Flew past Mt. Jefferson and then Mt. Hood on the way from Central Oreg ...

Updated: Nov 06, 2008 7:44am PST

HARVEST GOLD, Connecticut color, October 2008 : Autumn color added to the pleasure of visiting dear old Mom.

HARVEST GOLD, Connecticut color, October 2008

Autumn color added to the pleasure of visiting dear old Mom.

Updated: Oct 28, 2008 8:16am PST

NYC, October 2008 : The capital of corruption? It's still a lot of fun and that's no bull! The photo of the dead bull is borrowed; I didn't do it!

NYC, October 2008

The capital of corruption? It's still a lot of fun and that's no bull ...

Updated: Nov 20, 2008 6:01am PST

England, October-November 2008 : A walk around Oxford, arriving by train at St. Pancras Station http://tinyurl.com/2jlahg, a bit of London including Harrods http://tinyurl.com/jmkmx. A Dovedale walk http://tinyurl.com/6g8ub4 including coins pounded into a tree trunk for good luck, a back road drive, visit to the Cambridge American Cemetery http://tinyurl.com/6ah8ke and Cambridge http://tinyurl.com/69hech. More country walks, slate gravestones and Autumn colors before going back to London for Armistice Day and an airship meeting at the Royal Aeronautical Society. Last photos are taken at the Rolls-Royce museum. While in England, I was fortunate to be able to attend a presentation by Colin & Rosemary Mudie, two of the four person team that attempted a trans Atlantic balloon flight in 1958. Later in the visit, I met with Tim Eiloart, also a member of that team. The fourth team member, Tim's father 'Bushy', has since died. An account of their adventure can be read in the book, "The Flight of the Small World". Additionally, I had the pleasure to meet Anthony Smith. In the early 1960s, he came up with the idea to fly across Africa in a balloon. The resulting adventure is recounted in his excellent book, "Throw Out Two Hands". A prolific writer, Anthony also suggests reading his personal favorite of the books he's written, "The Free Life".

England, October-November 2008

A walk around Oxford, arriving by train at St. Pancras Station http:/ ...

Updated: Nov 22, 2008 8:38am PST

France, November 2008 : There's nothing like a long weekend in France! We took the ferry from Dover to Dunkerque, then enjoyed visits with a few friends in the Loire Valley. On the return trip, we made a detour to Mont Saint-Michel http://tinyurl.com/22569u. WOW! Although we'd seen photos of it, we weren't prepared for how massive it is. It was baffling to imagine how many people it took over so many years to design and build the structures. A good book to read that's related to this is Ken Follett's "Pillars of the Earth" http://tinyurl.com/2fne9k. Immediately upon return to England, I flew back to the US and on the way was treated to aerial views of California's Owens Valley, the Sierras and Yosemite, San Francisco and a wavy smoky sunset over Mt. Shasta. It was a fitting end to wonderful travels.

France, November 2008

There's nothing like a long weekend in France! We took the ferry from ...

Updated: Nov 22, 2008 8:31am PST

Eagles in Oregon, November 25, 2008 :

Eagles in Oregon, November 25, 2008

Updated: Nov 25, 2008 6:10pm PST

Thanksgiving Day river ride with Rick, November 27, 2008 : A favorite ride along the Deschutes river, this day was spectacular. The river and environment it flows through is always nice, no matter what the season. An added bonus was the cloud show, changing quickly in the strong wind overhead while we enjoyed the calm down low. There's so much to be thankful for, endless treats.

Thanksgiving Day river ride with Rick, November 27, 2008

A favorite ride along the Deschutes river, this day was spectacular. ...

Updated: Nov 28, 2008 12:27am PST

Another day, another ride, November 28, 2008 :

Another day, another ride, November 28, 2008

Updated: Nov 28, 2008 9:47pm PST

McKenzie Pass ride, November 29, 2008 : Today’s bike ride was up McKenzie Pass, which is closed by a gate in Winter due to too much snow on a narrow winding road. So far it’s been a low snow year and the snow that fell awhile ago has been melting. About 2/3 of the ride was on bare pavement, but as can be seen in the photos, there was a bit of snow to slip, slide & push through on the way up. It was about 55-60 degrees F, so in spite of the snow I worked up a good sweat. Arrived at Dee Wright Observatory at the top of the pass just in time for sunset. The ride down in the darkening sky was a lot faster, with wild slipping & sliding, but no pushing! Luckily, no falls either.

McKenzie Pass ride, November 29, 2008

Today’s bike ride was up McKenzie Pass, which is closed by a gate in ...

Updated: Nov 30, 2008 11:22am PST

Sunday Sunset & Monday Moon, November 30 & December 1, 2008 : Rick and I did another bike ride on Sunday, this time until well after sunset, feeling our way along the old Brooks-Scanlon road in the dark. Venus and Jupiter were very bright, close to each other and to the moon as well. By Monday, the moon had passed beynd Venus and Jupiter, when the photo here was taken.

Sunday Sunset & Monday Moon, November 30 & December 1, 2008

Rick and I did another bike ride on Sunday, this time until well after ...

Updated: Dec 02, 2008 12:37am PST

Pilot Butte sunset, December 9, 2008 :

Pilot Butte sunset, December 9, 2008

Updated: Dec 10, 2008 12:08am PST

Sunset Ski to Broken Top, December 16, 2008 : In the afternoon I went cross-country skiing alone. Can’t imagine why no one else wanted to go, it was a balmy 15F at the high! Had to break trail much of the way because no one had been where I went. Made it to one of my favorite places for the sunset, right at the base of a volcano called Broken Top. The stars were popping out before I started back and eventually I had to use a headlamp, which made the sparkles intense. It was so cold that my breath kept freezing on my eyelashes and had to be melted off. Could have reached out and touched the stars.

Sunset Ski to Broken Top, December 16, 2008

In the afternoon I went cross-country skiing alone. Can’t imagine w ...

Updated: Dec 17, 2008 10:33pm PST

Beautiful Broken Top again, December 23, 2008 : The breaks between storms were a good excuse to ski up to the higher country to enjoy the clouds and changing light in my favorite place to see the sunset in Winter. Had to break trail again all the way up. Everyone must have been shopping or baking cookies, because they weren’t up here!

Beautiful Broken Top again, December 23, 2008

The breaks between storms were a good excuse to ski up to the higher c ...

Updated: Dec 24, 2008 1:56pm PST

Pre-Historic River Canyon, January 1st, 2009 : Wild and wooly weather brought a change of activity plans. Instead of skiing in a raging storm, we decided to head east for a walk in the Pre-Historic River Canyon. It's a great place to take refuge on a blustery Winter day. On the return walk, instead of staying in the canyon we went back along the top. The wind gusts were well above 50mph, making us hang on for balance sometimes as we leaned into the wind. Happy New Year!

Pre-Historic River Canyon, January 1st, 2009

Wild and wooly weather brought a change of activity plans. Instead of ...

Updated: Jan 06, 2009 11:04pm PST

Green Lakes x-c ski, January 3, 2009 : It's long been a personal tradition to ski into Green Lakes on New Year's Day. That was the plan again this year, but 65+ mph winds and freezing rain on the 1st & 2nd delayed our plans until the 3rd. As it turned out, that day was well worth waiting for, providing us with a beautiful combination of ski and sky conditions. A few inches of light new snow had fallen on top of the ice and crust from the previous days. In no particular hurry, Janet and I wandered slowly toward our destination, thoroughly enjoying the day. We followed our plan to see the sunset from Green Lakes, then ski out in the bright light of half a moon. The daylight snow sparkles were replaced by the even more psychedelic moonlight sparkles and stars for the ski back to the Mt. Bachelor parking lot. The temperature was less than 20 degrees F for the whole time. Only during the first quarter of the trip did we see other skiers or snowmobilers, then we had the mountains to ourselves, giggling all the while at our good fortune.

Green Lakes x-c ski, January 3, 2009

It's long been a personal tradition to ski into Green Lakes on New Yea ...

Updated: Jan 05, 2009 10:07pm PST

Mt. Bachelor ice storm, January 9, 2009 : Mt. Bachelor had a few days of freezing rain in early January. Although it was terrible for the ski area, it made beautiful ice art.

Mt. Bachelor ice storm, January 9, 2009

Mt. Bachelor had a few days of freezing rain in early January. Althou ...

Updated: Jan 11, 2009 5:42pm PST

McKenzie Pass bike & ski, January 10, 2009 : Lawrence, Bruce and I biked as far as we could go up McKenzie Pass, then put on our x-c skis. We arrived at Dee Wright Observatory at the top just in time for the sunset and full moon rise. The ski back down was fine; the biking was pretty slick but we survived. A good mission!

McKenzie Pass bike & ski, January 10, 2009

Lawrence, Bruce and I biked as far as we could go up McKenzie Pass, th ...

Updated: Jan 11, 2009 8:19am PST

Chateau d'Oex, Switzerland, January 2009 : From Bend to SF to London by air, then by vehicle, the Channel by ferry followed by a drive across France to the Swiss Alps for a long week of ballooning. As was the case last year, we were again blessed with a variety of excellent ballooning weather the entire week, flying every day except the opening day. Good friends, a beautiful place, lots of fun activities. The return flight from London was also interesting. Ours was one of the very few to make it out on that rare snowy day. Life is good!

Chateau d'Oex, Switzerland, January 2009

From Bend to SF to London by air, then by vehicle, the Channel by ferr ...

Updated: Feb 09, 2009 7:14am PST

A Beautiful Afternoon Ski with Rick, February 12, 2009 :

A Beautiful Afternoon Ski with Rick, February 12, 2009

Updated: Feb 12, 2009 1:51am PST

Crosscountry Skiing With Dave, February 15, 2009 :

Crosscountry Skiing With Dave, February 15, 2009

Updated: Feb 15, 2009 10:53pm PST

Spring Break 2009 : Travels began from Bend, Oregon on March 17th, with no set schedule or route. It unfolded as follows: First stop was Eagleville hot spring in Paradise Valley, California; continued southward to Gerlach, Nevada and Black Rock Desert, then on to Hawthorne; a side trip to the mining ghost town of Bodie, CA; Wild Willie's hot spring near Mammoth; the Mountainlight Gallery of Galen Rowell's photos in Bishop (http://www.mountainlight.com/); a long rough dirt road detour over to Saline Valley warm springs for a couple lazy days; sunrise on the dunes at Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley (flowers at peak); across the Hoover Dam; to Ringbolt hot spring down by the Colorado River, which required climbing a ladder in the spray of a warm waterfall; a drive through Zion National Park on the way to The Wave (photos of The Wave are in the next gallery, worth checking out); sunrise at the Grand Canyon and breakfast at El Tovar Lodge on the south rim. Then it was over to Monument Valley, Four Corners, Orvis hot spring in Ridgway, Colorado and through the mountains over to Boulder, home base with fine friends for a few weeks. We went back and forth between Boulder and the mountains for some super Spring skiing at Beaver Creek, Vail, Breckenridge and Eldora, with plentiful new snow. The Wintery mountain weather was followed by temperatures in the 70s back in Boulder, nice for rollerblading and paragliding. Enjoyed some art glass in a gallery, with pieces by Dale Chihuly and Ulla Darni. http://www.pismoglass.com/ http://www.chihuly.com/ http://www.ulladarni.com/ Another treat was the opportunity to see Arlo Guthrie in a nice small venue. Eventually it was time to leave Boulder and head homeward. First stop was a visit with lifelong friends in Grand Junction. From there, the route was to Moab, Utah via the Colorado River, Fisher Tower and the Castle Valley loop road up onto the flank of the La Sal Mountains. Sunset was beautiful upon entering Arches National Park, then sunrise at Landscape Arch. The final major stopping point of the trip was at Fifth Water Hot Spring (www.utahoutdooractivities.com/fifthwater.html), found after a few pleasant miles of walking along a snowmelt-filled stream in the Wasatch Range. The walk and the springs were so nice, I went back again the following morning. From there it was a fairly straight drive home, arriving in Bend on April 30th. It's good to be home after six wonderful weeks of wanderings.

Spring Break 2009

Travels began from Bend, Oregon on March 17th, with no set schedule or ...

Updated: May 02, 2009 8:32am PST

The Wave, March 27, 2009 : Only 20 people are allowed to visit The Wave each day, 10 by advance reservation and 10 walk-ins chosen by lottery the day before the visit. I won the lottery! The formation is on the Utah-Arizona border. More info is available at this site: http://www.zionnational-park.com/coyote-buttes-paria.htm There's not much else to say, except that the place is unbelievable! My special day there rates right up there as one of my best days ever.

The Wave, March 27, 2009

Only 20 people are allowed to visit The Wave each day, 10 by advance r ...

Updated: May 21, 2009 12:55pm PST

X-C Ski to Green Lakes, May 8, 2009 : This is probably the end of full-on Winter in the mountains here, but you never know in Central Oregon. The morning started off foggy and a chilly 17 degrees F, with a skiff of new snow. By the end of the ski, it was warm in the blazing sun and I was down to shirt sleeves. Only saw one other person in about 7 hours of skiing in the best of the best conditions. Everyone else must be sick of Winter weather! A beautiful day, topped off by the full moon.

X-C Ski to Green Lakes, May 8, 2009

This is probably the end of full-on Winter in the mountains here, but ...

Updated: May 09, 2009 11:05am PST

Day Trip, May 22, 2009 : Rick invited me to join him on a trip over the mountains. The primary purpose of the trip was a business meeting. So we left early in the morning from the airstrip he lives on, fueled up at Madras and then headed northwest over the Cascade Mountains to the Willamette Valley. We flew past Portland, to a small grass strip close to where the meeting took place. After the meeting and lunch, we lazed around ‘The Valley’ a bit and enjoyed the lush vegetation and all the flowers, especially the rhododendrons. In mid afternoon we took off and flew just past Portland to Pearson Field, right across the Columbia River from Portland Int’l Airport, then flew up the Columbia. Rick and I like to fly in close to things, so we had a birds’ eye view of some of the landmarks before we landed at a strip at Cascade Locks. We brought bicycles in the plane, so off we went for a bike ride along the Columbia River. We crossed the river into Washington by the Bridge of the Gods, which is named after an interesting geologic event. Instead of being concrete or asphalt, the road deck on the bridge is steel grating. Looking down while riding almost made it feel like we were riding along on nothing! More beautiful flowers everywhere, including some irises. After the ride it was time to head home, via the east side of Mt. Hood. It was a good day trip!

Day Trip, May 22, 2009

Rick invited me to join him on a trip over the mountains. The primary ...

Updated: May 24, 2009 12:22am PST

South Sister Climb/Ski, June 7th, 2009 : A was a fantastic day for my first climb of South Sister this year. Mt. Bachelor was in the clear at sunrise while driving to the trailhead, but clouds covered the rest of the mountains. It was about 2 hours into the climb when the clouds broke a bit and then I climbed above them to enjoy the fantasy sea of fluff below. The snow was firm enough to hike on the whole way, but it was great to ski down after enjoying perfect summit conditions, mild with no wind.

South Sister Climb/Ski, June 7th, 2009

A was a fantastic day for my first climb of South Sister this year. M ...

Updated: Jun 09, 2009 12:42pm PST

Lookout Mountain mushroom hunt, June 12, 2009 :

Lookout Mountain mushroom hunt, June 12, 2009

Updated: Jun 14, 2009 9:03pm PST

Lupines, Paintbrush & Beargrass, June 13, 2009 :

Lupines, Paintbrush & Beargrass, June 13, 2009

Updated: Jun 14, 2009 7:40pm PST

Crater Lake sunrise, June 14, 2009 :

Crater Lake sunrise, June 14, 2009

Updated: Jun 14, 2009 7:53pm PST

Deschutes River Ride, June 23, 2009 :

Deschutes River Ride, June 23, 2009

Updated: Jun 23, 2009 11:12pm PST

Airships :

Airships

Updated: Sep 02, 2007 6:29pm PST

old Hang Gliding shots :

old Hang Gliding shots

Updated: Jun 17, 2008 11:04pm PST

Paragliding :

Paragliding

Updated: Feb 08, 2009 5:54am PST

Just Janet :

Just Janet

Updated: May 24, 2009 8:49am PST