Shackleton's Hut

Last week I headed out to Cape Royds here on Ross Island.   This is the location of the Shackleton hut.  It was built here in 1908 for his Nimrod expedition.  On this expedition he and his group came within 100 miles of the south pole, but turned back knowing he may not make it back alive if they made the pole.

Emperor Penguins

Out on the sea ice the other day we ran into these guys.  I don't really have much to say except this was an amazing experience.  

La Paz, Bolivia

I am currently in La Paz, Bolivia and have spent the week preparing for a trek into the mountains of the Cordillera Real.   La Paz is a huge city in a valley at 11,000ft elevation.  The photos below give an idea of the scale of the city.

Some photos of the people in La Paz.

Not a local

Today we went to El Alto to see some Cholita wrestling.  Words can not really describe this.  Only a video clip does it justice.  The most entertainment $10 can buy.

I will post more photos as soon as I return from our trek.  There may also be some additional Cholita videos...

Snowy Owls

After hearing all the reports of Snowy Owls wintering much further south that usual, I decided it was time to go find some.  Working on some good advice from a friend who saw some last weekend, I drove to see what I could find.  The weather was less than perfect with strong winds and heavy rain, but it made for good photos.

Tofino, BC

We just got back from a trip to Tofino,  British Columbia, where we spent the week between Christmas and New Years day.  Most of the time was spent relaxing, and for me that means at least some time shooting photos.

The first few days were exceptionally rainy an windy.  The sheet of paper taped to the door of the lodge upon our arrival read

"Vancouver Island's Pacific Rim National Park are warning visitors about massive waves, gale force winds and hazardous surf conditions this holiday season."

Prefect for me who does not really enjoy the warm and sunny beaches of the world.  The forecast turned out to be fairly accurate...

Chesterman Beach in a driving rain storm.

With the amount of time I spend in the mountains, I get the chance to see a lot of very interesting cloud formations.  My early morning walk to watch the sunrise from the beach produced one of the more interesting cloud photos I have ever shot.

What would a trip be without some bird photos.

Not a good photo, but apparently eagles enjoy seagull snacks.

Fox Sparrow

Yet another bad photo of an oyster catcher.  I will get a good photo one day.

Driftwood on the beach.

What would a family trip be without some family photos.

The last night of the trip I shot a couple black and whites.