This simple scramble up Northgate Peak East has never failed to put things into perspective as I gaze out over the red and white Navajo Sandstone that is Zion National Park.
Read MoreGreat Basin - A camping experience Day 2
I am thrilled with the prospects of exploring an underground cavern such as this. I then look down at the cement walkway beneath my feet, the hidden cables and lights, and I realize this would be a totally different experience if one were actually exploring this realm for the first time
Read MoreGreat Basin - A camping experience Day 1
It's not a long drive, nor is it a particularly hard drive. For the most part it is empty and beautiful.
Read MoreUnnamed peak 6783 - Frisco SW - UT quad
I continue to skirt the sub peak having now encircled half the mountain cutting across lava flows and finally reaching the correct saddle.
Read MoreBell Canyon & Little Wild Horse Canyon loop
As we emerge from the tight confines we hike back to the trailhead. There is almost a reverence as we finish this amazing journey. Having completed the entire loop the parking lot is almost empty of cars as those who stopped to "take a look" have moved on to other sources of enjoyment.
Read MoreUnnamed peak 6180 - Temple Mountain - UT quad
It is a paradox that Uranium was mined on Temple Mountain near Goblin Valley and used in the Manhattan Project. As I set my sights on the summit I recognize the hard climbing is over, but the route finding has just begun.
Read MoreRock Spring Bench and Little Mollie's Nipple
The sand dune is untouched as I tentatively step onto the dune. My biggest concern is the thought of having to retrace my steps on this steep hillside.
Read MoreBen Lomond - New Zealand
We break through the forest trees onto the grassy hillside to get our first real look at Ben Lomond. It is a stunning peak, as tiny wisps of clouds cross in front of it. Ben Lomond has over 600 meters of Prominence and is ranked number 36 on peakbaggers.com list of New Zealand Peaks with 600 meters of Prominence.
Read MoreGemstone Beach - New Zealand
Gemstone beach is a beautiful beach. A small stream enters the ocean and becomes the source of rocks swept into the sea during rainy periods. The wave action, along with the sand, shapes the stones into beautiful oval and round shapes polished smooth by the sea.
Read Morevia Ferrata - New Zealand
The waterfall is located on private land several miles north of Wanaka and it takes about 20 minutes to arrive. It is still a drizzle, but the clouds have moved high enough to get a view of the waterfall route in its entirety. It is stunning.
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