Walks in the winter sun...

This winter has been unseasonably warm and sunny for Washington State which is a good thing and a bad thing. It has definitely given everyone a chance to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of our areas. Here are some photos from some of our recent walks around Wenatchee and Kirkland on some of these beautiful "winter" days.

A recent trip to Concrete, WA

We recently visited some of our closest friends in Concrete, WA. Concrete is out in the mountain country for sure, and it is surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers. Bryan and I recently went exploring in the woods around Baker Lake near Concrete and here are some photos from a great day exploring with a good friend.

Fate/Friends/Ecuador?

Yesterday, Fate told Shelby and I to go to Ecuador this fall/winter and paddle. After a quick Tumwater run, we sipped on cold ones at one of the take outs for Tumwater. We were talking about possibly going to Ecuador to paddle with our friend Marco who works with Endless Adventure International and talking with another boater that stopped to chat. The fact that another boater stopped was rare but what was even more rare was that Shelby looked over and noticed three other paddlers finishing up. Now, in the summer no big deal as there are a bunch of paddlers around but on a Wednesday in February we were super surprised.

We welcomed Chris, Carl and Randy (sorry if I got the names wrong) with cold ones and shared a shuttle ride. As we were doing introductions, one of them asked if we knew Marco Colella and Pat "the Doctor" Lynch. These are two of the the Wenatchee Valley's most dedicated paddlers and they each help introduce Shelby and I to different runs in the area. It turns out that they know Marco from when he lived in Canada and from working together in Ecuador, and Pat "the Doctor" spent some time paddling with them in Ecuador last year. This would be a weird coincidence in itself but when we got to talking a bit more we come to find out that Chris actually owns Endless Adventure International which just happens to be the company that we were talking about going to Ecuador with in the fall/winter. Is that you Fate? Are you telling us something? We are listening and, yes, Ecuador does sound good....

It's wild how when you finally begin to find your path in life and let go of all of the extra caca, you begin to see, or, are given signs to follow. There are many factors that could have prevented us from meeting and sharing with our new friends from Canada but instead we were brought together on a Wednesday in February next to a cold river to share life's experiences with one another. Did I mention it was Shelby's Birthday too!!! What a cool day and Shelby did a Birthday Double Day (shredding Steven's Pass in the morning and shredding the Tumwater in the afternoon).

Endless Adventure International

http://www.endlessadventureinternational.com/

Shelby Scott running Exit Drop on the lower end, Tumwater Canyon, Wenatchee River

First Descents

I had first heard about First Descents some years ago while watching Valhalla (kayaking video). I had started kayaking a short time prior and was inspired by the passion that went into following a dream and creating something very special. First Descents is a kayaking/adventure recreation camp for young adults with cancer started by Brad Ludden, an individual and paddler with a passion to share. Please check out the website: http://www.firstdescents.org/

Inspired by a friend, this will be my first year volunteering as a photographer for First Descents. Thanks Tobin, Whitney and all the folks at First Descents!!!! Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking out of Husum, WA, http://www.wetplanetwhitewater.com/, has partnered with First Descents again this year to bring a couple camp sessions to the White Salmon in June. A big thanks goes out to Wet Planet!!!

I am extremely thankful and lucky to have this opportunity to share life and learn from some amazing people. Thank you!!!

Searching for what's at the end...because there is way more than just gold. (an old photo but all posts are better with a photo)

Villa Rotunda - St. John, USVI

Here are some photos and a slideshow of a real estate shoot that I did at Villa Rotunda on our recent trip to the Virgin Islands. This is an amazing property that looks out over Trunk and Cinnamon Bays with amazing views of Jost Van Dyke and the Brittish Virgin Islands. If any of you are interested in renting the villa or putting in an offer to buy it, contact Nikki Ahladis at Mystic Properties http://www.stjohnrentalvillas.com/index.html.

The last image is the slideshow and link to the gallery.

Haylee Amaya

Our niece, Haylee Amaya, is such an wonderful little girl!!! We cherish the time we get to spend with all of our nieces and nephew, and are so lucky to share in their lives. We love you!!! Here are just a few from one of Haylee's recent sleep overs at our house.

St. John 2010 - Part 3

Here are some more photos from our recent trip to St. John, USVI. There is a slideshow and link to the gallery at the bottom. We hope you enjoy!!!