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.

Thailand Part 5: The Best Day

Often times people ask what the best part of your trip was. For me, it was this day. Unfortunately I don't have photos of every part of it, but there is enough to paint a clear enough picture.

We woke up and enjoyed breakfast at our resort where we sat at a bar overlooking the ocean. The breakfast at Lebua (see Part 1) was amazing, but the view here was something I'd never experienced before. From there we were off to meet our new friends at Goodtime Adventures.

We made our way to one of the highest points of Koh Tao for an afternoon of scaling granite rock at an area known as Mek's Mountain. We were able to escape the morning heat at most areas, but some were in the sun and almost unbearable. While we were up there we trekked up to the top of Fraggle Rock for a gorgeous panoramic view of Koh Tao.

Around noon we escaped the blistering heat of the mountainside for our first scuba diving adventure of the trip. Unfortunately I don't have waterproof housing for my camera and this part of the trip is left to memory. However, this was an amazing way to spend the afternoon. In between dives (we did 2 this day), we stopped off at a rocky shore for some cliff jumping. The perfect way to spend a surface interval!

When we finished our second dive we returned to the Goodtime Adventures shop where the guys enjoyed some cold ones while the girls had their first Thai Massages on the beach(sans fish).

Rock climbing, 2 scuba dives, cliff jumping, and soaking it all in on the beach made for the best day.

Thailand Part 4: Island Bound

After spending over 18 hours in the air to get to Bangkok, we woke up at 3:30am to head back to the airport for yet another flight. Luckily this flight was much more manageable. We flew to Koh Samui off the east coast of Thailand. Upon arrival, we hurried to make it to a waiting bus that would take us to a high-speed catamaran to the island of Koh Tao. The island is covered with enormous granite boulders (which we would soon get to know better). This is where we would call home for the next few days.

Cactus at the Fine Line

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing Phish bass player, Mike Gordon (aka, "Cactus") at the Fine Line Music Cafe when his band made a stop in Minneapolis. Once again I was given the usual first 3 songs to do my shooting, which is typical for concert photography. This doesn't give you a whole lot of time to explore or set up the perfect shot. The challenge of taking pictures with the ever-changing lights which are near-impossible to predict is something I look forward to at each show I shoot.

I also did a write-up of the show. You can read the full review at Glidemagazine.com.

Thailand Part 3: Khao San Road to Sky Bar

Leaving the river, we decided to see if we could cram 5 people into a Tuk Tuk. The Tuk Tuk's similar size as a golf cart, but we were successful! We held on tight as we zipped through the Bangkok streets to Khoa San Road. This is a long strip filled with street-side shops and food vendors. You definitely need to keep your head up for traffic. We took in the chaos and indulged in pad thai noodles with scrambled egg, shrimp and chicken. It cost about $1.50 for a plate that fed 4 of us. We made it back to our hotel and enjoyed a late afternoon soak in the pool with some cold beverages.

On top of our hotel was the Sky Bar, one of the world's highest open-air bars. We had to wait for the rain to pass but finally they let the masses that were gathered to go out to enjoy the views. When we finished taking our pictures and having a few drinks we made our way back to the streets of Bangkok. What better way to end a long day in Bangkok than a fish massage, where hundreds of fish would attach themselves to your feet and suck off all of your dead skin.