Big Sur

My wife and I got to spend a few wonderful days perched on the edge of the continent at Treebones Resort in Big Sur, California. We were lucky enough to share the experience with our dear friends as well. The photo's say it all.

Cascade Spring Nature Preserve

It's been such a loooong HOT summer. Well really the summer seems to have flown by, but the intense heat has persisted. Despite being our 1st or 2nd hottest summer on record (depending on what data you look at and who you ask...) I still have the undying urge to get out into the woods.

My latest exploration was a work endeavor as part of the Atlanta Champion Tree Project with Trees Atlanta and Fernbank. Yesterday I spent most of the morning at Cascade Springs Nature Preserve. This is a true gem of a greenspace hidden in Southwest Atlanta. YOU SHOULD VISIT!! Here's why....

This is just about the best concentration of Bigleaf Magnolia I've seen in Atlanta


Peak bloom time for Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor)


False Solomon's Seal


bark webs


box turtle


White Oak fiesta!




Nice (underutilized) outdoor classroom


Another metro-Atlanta population of endangered Starvine:





Utoy Creek runs along the edge of the preserve:


doing my thing


final shots



Did I mention i found a couple new champs! Also the biggest dang Sourwood tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) I've ever seen. I'll be going back soon and you should too!

Dog friendly road trip

This is the brief account of a 5,000 mile journey I took with my wife and canine. We toured deserts and forest. We got back in touch with old friends and hung out with distant family. It was a blast, though at the moment we're thrilled to be home.

At our gas stops I am known to measure big trees such as this giant live oak in Louisiana. This one was around 23' CBH!


two more in front of the parish's welcome center- very appropriate


On the road...



Austin and neigbhoring environs



with my old roomie and dear friend Ruth



Lyndon Baines Johnson home site and WILDFLOWERS!

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a brief run


color select photo


more of TX and on the road...





not sure why I like this


high desert in New Mexico. we want to buy land here.


one of my favorite shots of the trip




the most beautiful woman in the world




that notch in the mountains is where the real 'Smokey the Bear' cub was rescued during a forest fire many years ago


yes, she got her own bed


and then playtime in an Albuquerque dog park


Arizona








well deserved rest


well deserved coffee


California is always gorgeous but especially after a good winter rain




Ophie found a mini-me


after a 10 miler on the Pacific Coast Hwy and up Solstice Canyon


at Zuma beach




Becca and Stephen's place in Pasadena. very nice.


their 22lb cat Murray


Becca is engaged!


even on vacation she crafts!



..and the marathon trip back






border patrol


desert dog


also one of my favorite shots of the trip


great fun. great times.