A Visit to Palm Springs

This spring we were lucky enough to spend some time with family in Palm Springs, CA. This is a truly beautiful place, but with 80 foot rock faces a mere hour and half away, we couldn't resist getting out of town for a day.

We made the trek into the mountains and headed to Joshua Tree National Park. The reason for naming this park is no mystery as Joshua Trees blanket the entire landscape. Our guide, Erik from Vertical Adventures was the best guide we could have asked for. The 3 of had a great time scaling granite and enjoying the peacefulness of an amazing afternoon.

The following day in Palm Springs, we took a horseback ride through the desert. Our guide, Miguel was a true cowboy and was great showing us the ropes in the Agua Caliente Indian Canyons.

Thanks to our wonderful family for helping make this trip possible. We had a fabulous time.

Thailand Part 8: One Night In Bangkok

Unfortunately the good times finally had to end. It was time to leave the beautiful island of Koh Samui and head back to Bangkok for one more night of craziness...

One more hotel. One more terrifying cab ride. One more trip to Khao San Road. One more heaping plate of pad thai. One more white knuckle Tuk Tuk ride. One more stop in Patpong. One more night of no sleep. 

One more night in Bangkok.

Thailand Part 7: Beach Life on Koh Samui

Koh Samui was our next stop on our island hopping adventure. The best part of it is we had nothing planned. For the next 3 days we did nothing but enjoy life and relax on the beach. Unlike our previous resort, this one had our room a few steps away from the water. Each day the tide would come in and go out which changed our view drastically, each having their own benefits.

One afternoon we decided to take a break from the beach and headed into the jungle for an elephant trek. What an amazing experience that was, in particular when the guide dismounted and we were on our own on this enormous beast crashing through the jungle.

This was definitely a well planned way to spend the remainder of our trip.

The Great Get-Together

As much as I enjoy winter in Minnesota, I thought I would mix things up with some pictures I've been sitting on from this summer. There is no better way to put a stamp on summer like the Minnesota State Fair. All of the tastes, smells, sounds and people, it's no wonder why so many flock to this great event year after year. Although this is the first time I've shared pictures, this certainly isn't my first time shooting here. I seem to always find something else to focus my attention on. Always something new to discover. Maybe that's what keeps us coming back?

Thailand Part 6: Koh Tao Adventure

We didn't waste any time getting started with fun on this day. After another amazing breakfast overlooking the ocean, we met up with our guides from Goodtime Adventures to do some more climbing. This time we met them at our resort and after a small hike through the jungle, we made our way to the shore where enormous granite rocks lined the water. This area was known as Echoes of a Longtail due to the loud passing of the longtail boats. These climbs were definitely the highest we've done at 100 feet.

The afternoon was spent soaking in the rays at our fabulous beach. A great way to relax after a morning workout. The way this beach is laid out with the small bay surrounded by rocks made was something we could not get enough of and we cherished every moment we spent there.

After sunset we made our way into town for a nice (albeit, breezy) dinner on the beach. When we were done we experienced some of the nightlife in Koh Tao complete with ladyboys and fire spinning on the beach. Another fantastic day on the island of Koh Tao.