Shady Pass [Wenatchee photography]

Did you Eastern Washingtonians know there is a "pass" between the upper Entiat Valley and Twenty-Five-Mile Creek in Chelan that goes up and over those incredible mountains? Called Shady Pass, it is "rustic" to say the least (dirt, bumpy and narrow.) It felt like we were on top of the world. We intended to drive to the top, park, then hike to the summit of Crow Hill which sits almost 7,000 vertical feet directly above Lake Chelan. We were thwarted, however, by snow. In late July. Snow. July. We hiked around a bit, as much as we could (which included one gnarly hill that, at 6,800 feet, had us gasping like mad and our hearts pounding through our chests. Yes, I said gnarly. I grew up in the 80s.) Some of the views below. That water below is Lake Chelan. If you know how big Lake Chelan is, you can tell from this photo how high we were.

Seattle [travel, photography, family]

I was in Seattle for the last few days to attend a few things. My oldest daughter is interested in the "Specialty Desserts and Breads" AAS degree at the Seattle Culinary Academy, so we toured the campus and program. I can tell you this, there are some amazing looking pastries and cakes coming out of that school. Since one of my loves is food photography (and especially baked goods) it's no stretch to say I am as excited about her interest as she is. And as a lover of baked goods, LOL, well, that's just a bonus!

I also spent a full day at the Washington Convention Center absorbing, like a sponge, everything I could from the fertile minds of Joe McNally and David Hobby, both photography masters and wizards of light ("small lights", AKA flashes or strobes.) Seattle was stereotypically rainy and windy (that's not unusual for March) but it still seemed like a nice, long few days of fun and good food and good movies. We love the movies and always take in a couple wherever we are (and usually one each weekend at home.) The best one we saw was The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. Really enjoyed it. Matt looked as handsome as ever. He seems like such a likable, down-to-earth guy in real life. One of the reasons I respect him. I like very few celebrities, they all seem so worshipped for no good reason. But he seems to keep it real with the correct focus on what's important. Anyway, if you're looking for a flick to catch, that's a good one.

Viva Las Vegas [Wenatchee photography]

I've been to Las Vegas quite a few times. I was even  married there almost 14 years ago. My love affair with Vegas began when I was a kid. My parents used to take us along with them and let my little brother and I hang out at Circus Circus in the Midway. Of course, times "were different then", and there was no way we would leave our kids alone now. Our daughters are much older than we were (19, 17 and 12) but we still kept them in our sight and made the trip much more family-style than the typical Vegas vacation. Which meant shows (Cirque du Soleil and the Tournament of Kings), exhibits (the Titanic, Bodies, the Shark Reef, Spongebob Squarepants 4-D) and swimming (Lazy Rivers are an awesome invention, although it was a bit cool for too much of this) and touring around during the day more than the night. It was different, but still super fun and I can't wait to go back! My oldest daughter made us promise long ago that we take her to Las Vegas for her 21st birthday, so looks like we'll be back in a year. See you then, Las Vegas!

Leavenworth Oktoberfest photography

Spent a full, off-and-on rainy, day in Leavenworth capturing Oktoberfest. The moisture did very little to dampen the spirits though! There were German and Bavarian lasses in all their St. Pauli girl glamour, giant steins of liquid gold and brown elixir, polka music done with the enthusiasm of any rock concert, a playground area for the kids, craft vendors, authentic food and drink, keg tapping, dancing, people watching and a parade to kick it all off. It runs both Friday and Saturday on the first three weekends in October so you have plenty of options for finding time to visit (and even still time left for this year!) I captured the event with Stephanie Fry Photography for ADG Media's LeavenworthOktoberfest.com, but next year, I may just have to find some time to visit as a reveler.

Summer is for traveling [Wenatchee photography + design]

Just retuned from a quick little trip to Couer d'Alene, ID where we also visited Silverwood amusement park for the day. Had a great time, rode the After Shock rollercoaster, from which I barely survived. I am a roller coaster enthusiast. Never met one I didn't love and ride again. But this one...wow. You know when they have to delay your loading to clean 1) blood, then 2) bile, off the ride that it's a doozy. Suffice it to say that was my first, and last, ride on the After Shock. It was a quick trip, but we did get to drive a bit down Lake Coeur d'Alene right at sunset. So beautiful, I want to visit again and just sit by the water for a long time.