Climbing Hidden Valley Campground in Joshua Tree National Park

February 8, 2019Daniel 4 Comments

Hey all, I just got back from a pair of trips: a climbing trip to Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California; and a long-weekend of ice climbing in Ouray, Colorado.

Words are forthcoming about both ventures, but for now, I just wanted to share some photos my climbing partner Jose took while we were in J-Tree.

I brought all the climbing toys, and Jose brought his photography toys. Let me tell you — it pays to adventure with a professional photographer! It makes a biiiiig difference to have someone who knows what they’re doing along! (and someone who has all the expensive lenses, hehe).

Check out some of his best shots of Hidden Valley Campground, below.

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Home is Where Your Climbing Partners Are

December 17, 2018December 17, 2018Daniel 2 Comments

Took a winter romp up the route Ruper (5.8+ YDS, 5b+ French) this weekend. Ruper’s one of the classic climbs in Eldorado Canyon State Park (Eldo). Ruper’s six pitches of beautiful, vertical Colorado rock climbing — just twenty minutes from downtown Boulder.

We had 58 degrees (14.5 C), with cloud cover and moderate wind — in the middle of December!! Winter in Colorado is awesome. We climbed in base layers for the first few pitches, but threw our puffies on for the climbing higher-up.

Not many words here — mostly pictures.

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Is the USA Worth Being Proud of this Fourth of July?

July 4, 2018Daniel 14 Comments

With so much to be ashamed of in the news lately, I think it’s important to remember: we have lots of be proud of here, too.

The USA’s nature is second to none; it is well-taken care of, respected, preserved, and enjoyed.

It’s important to recognize the pitfalls of history, and accept that this land doesn’t belong to us. (Especially important with the recent happenings on our southern border). Nonetheless, I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to have communed with this land, learned from it, and grown up in it.

Thanks, America.

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2017 in Photos

January 4, 2018March 22, 2018Daniel 6 Comments

Seventeen of my favorite pictures from 2017 — a year that took me to four continents, six states, and eight countries.

For my 16 favorite photos from last year, check out 2016 in Photos.

Prefer words? 2017 in Places Continue reading →

The Cats of Chefchaoen

October 4, 2017Daniel 6 Comments

Chefchaoen, Morocco, has become a famous place on Instagram thanks to its overwhelming blue hue. While Chefchaoen (or just Chaoen, as it’s sometimes called) is famous for the blue walls, the city also has another unique characteristic.