Journaling Your Expedition Details

I carry a journal along when I backpack or camp and I would suggest that you do so, as well. I do not fool myself into thinking that I will ever compose essays in the manner of Edward Abbey, no matter how witty or profound my thoughts seem while hiking throughout the day. For me, the primary reason behind my journaling is to record the day’s events. This helps me in recounting tales of a specific trip, matching my photographs to my maps, and keeping accurate records of exactly which peak, pass, lake, or stream that I encountered. But when face to face with a blank page where does one begin?

I cannot claim that ‘my’ format is really even mine. I give all credit to Ed Garvey, who thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1970, and wrote about his hike in Appalachian Hiker: Adventure of a Lifetime. Garvey kept notes in a 4x6 inch bound notebook but I find his real genius was in devising a format which captures the critical elements of each day's hike. Garvey actually had his format printed up on sheets separate from his journaling book; I am not so formal as that but use Garvey’s foundation as the base for what I record. Here is Garvey’s format that I have adopted... Continue reading...

XplorMor Community Got Wet for Project H2O!

Our global XplorMor Community got wet with Project H2O!

   

Project H2O took place on the June Solstice, June 21, 2014.  2100 people from 73 countries joined the event!  The assignment was to capture water in its three forms (liquid, solid, gas) in as many settings and situations as possible as seen through each participant's perspective, and to promote getting out there and sharing a global experience through photography.

Participants used wonderful creativity to capture water from rippling rivers to glaciers to all-shapes of clouds.  There were even posts with words of wisdom about water.

The project showed us how intertwined water is in our lives and in the life of our planet.  The assignment succeeded in getting participants out there in order to share their vision and a moment of their day through photography, while creating awareness as to the intertwined existence of water, our planet and us.

Thank you for your support!

Continue to Explore. Photograph. Get Out There. Share... and look for the next Project on the September Equinox!

   

View photo galleries of Project H2O: Liquid, Solid, Gas, and the Project H2O album on Facebook.

Project H2O Aims to Focus the XplorMor Community on Water in all its Forms

Project H2O seeks to create awareness as to the intertwined existence of water, our planet and us. During these times of population explosion, technology advancement, increased building and global climate change, it is imperative we work together to ensure our future is bright and wet with cool, clear, flowing water. XplorMor Team wishes for Project H2O's assignment of observing and photographing water in all its forms and sharing with a worldwide community to raise interest and consciousness for water's integral role in our world.

Join event on Facebook, and post your photographs June 21, 2014! Everyone is welcome.

Rare Sighting of Water at Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California, USA

Project H2O will take place on the June Solstice. The assignment is to capture water in its three forms (liquid, solid, gas) in as many settings and situations as possible as seen through each participant's perspective, and to promote getting out there and sharing a global experience through photography.

Water offers many exciting photography possibilities.  It appears in numerous forms from bodies of water, like oceans and lakes, to clouds, mist and steam, to snowflakes, frost and ice-cubes, to glaciers, tear drops and sweat to holy water.  A photo for Project H2O could show someone pouring a glass of water or rain drops on a window or snow covering mountains... get as creative as you wish!

Read more about Project H2O and JOIN the XplorMor Community Facebook Event!

Big Sur and Pine Ridge Trail

When I lived on the Monterey Peninsula the Pine Ridge Trail into the Ventana Wilderness was one of my favorite hikes to quickly get to a remote area. A downside is that trail access is easy, Big Sur is popular, and California trails are notoriously crowded. That means that on weekends, when the weather is good, there will be others on the trail with you. If you have the gear and are willing to brave winter weather the trail could be yours alone.



One recent December I had a weekend without plans and decided to head to Big Sur for a solo hike and camp in Ventana Wilderness. As it turned out, a cold front was predicted to move through on Friday night, with rain, wind, and a drop in temperature. My philosophy with weather is summed up by explorer Ranulph Fiennes who reportedly said, "There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing." Admittedly, winter in Big Sur is not severe, but I did pack my winter sleeping bag and an extra fleece layer.



I arrived at Big Sur Station in mid-afternoon, packed up, and started to hike in. There were about a dozen younger folks hiking out with dogs, guitars, and ukuleles – I guessed that I had missed a good party. My goal was Barlow Flats which was seven miles in but... Continue reading...