To say that it has been a busy summer would be one large understatement. Construction at the high school where I teach allowed for a two week early release, so Tamy and I did whatever we could to take advantage of the extra time. With 10 contiguous weeks away from work, I managed to spend 17 days driving west with the goal of reaching the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. We packed a lot of photo gear, two golden doodles, and some food into the Jeep and dragged the RPod through Theodore Roosevelt NP, Glacier NP, Banff NP, Kootenay NP, and Olympic NP. Other than a nasty heat spell in North Dakota, we managed to spend most of our time photographing landscapes and wildlife as we made our way to the Pacific Coast. Shortly after our return home, we restocked the trailer and pointed the Jeep north where we spent 5 days along Minnesota's North Shore. A respite from the 5000 plus miles of driving, this was a more leisurely way to pursue a bit of landscape photography. With our tiny trailer parked on the edge of Lake Superior, we had countless opportunities to photograph the varied moods of this Great Lake. Following a brief recovery period, we hit the road again, but this time in "The Cooper." Like squeezing sardines into its tin, we drove East to New York where I visited family and photographed elk in foggy landscapes across Northwest Pennsylvania. Not one to embrace long stretches of nothingness, I managed to find some inexpensive airfare to Iceland, so Tamy and I decided to explored the Northwest in a Happy Camper Van that served as our base of operations.

Storm over the Grand Marais Lighthouse, Grand Marais MN
Nikon D810 / Nikon 70-200mm f/4VR / Gitzo Mountaineer Tripod w/ Induro BHL3 Ball Head

To say we've had some fun would be like claiming that ice cream is cold. It's been a great summer and the fall promises to be as exciting photographically and educationally as every autumn seems to be. This teacher and photographer is definitely refreshed. I have great plans for my students and my small business... stay tuned, and happy shooting!