Here’s a little timelines cleanse of some big trees in the fog. These were from an LG smartphone in August of 2017. It was a magical little trip through the trees. Happy Friday - I hope you find some joy this weekend!
I remember one of my favorite point and shoot cameras of all time - my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3. The camera was 6 megapixels and 3x optical zoom. This point and shoot was lovely, until it glitched one time. BUT, before that, it felt like it was the best damn thing. It had a special long exposure mode called Starry Sky - up to a minute - and I would go around taking night photos for shit and giggles. I love setting the camera down and seeing what it can do when it brings in all the light.
I actually shared a little about this once here: GVSU Overexposed
Nowadays, I have an iPhone 14 Pro Max with night mode and a Google Pixel 7a with Google’s famous night mode. I love taking night photos or long exposure photos. I have a DSLR I need to learn how to use - would love to start taking pictures of the night sky.
Looking back to find photos for this post, I’m thinking about life before good camera phones. I have so many weird selfies and mirror selfies as well as just hundreds of useless photos. Nothing has changed, except I probably have thousands of useless photos now. It’s fun to sit here and look back life before camera phones. I would take my little Panasonic Lumix everywhere with me - I think I eventually just kept it in the center console of my car.
I love that I have a super camera with machine learning/AI in my pocket now. I can take photos to remember everything. I’m a huge fan of sharing life with everyone, an early adopter of social media before it was monetized. I love sharing what it looks like for me, real life, lightly adjusted if necessary to look as real to my eye.
Here are some photos from my Panasonic point and shoot over the years. Go do what makes you happy and take pictures of everything.
Look at the line where the snow is falling!!
Visiting Portland, OR in November 2021 was a whirly-swirly dream. NO, there wasn’t snow in Portland, but there was snow up towards Mt. Hood. I had met up with my dear friend on the first day of my adventure and they decided to go along on the second and third days with me and suggested Trillium Lake. I was driving up, up, up the mountain toward the lake and had to stop at the rest area where the snow started to take it all in. It was SNOWING the big magical flakes! From there up, it was MORE snow and beautiful foggy/snowy views of the trees. Eventually, we got to the lake. It was a mix of snow and clouds, so no view of Mt. Hood but who cares? The trees were heavy with wet snow, and it felt magical walking through the woods with my friend. We were in our own world of laughing, snapping photos, and being free.
The conclusions drawn from this adventure are that snow is magical and with the right person, life is whimsical. Find the friends, lovers, whomever who bring out the magic and whimsy in you.
On Tuesdays, I’m going to probably overshare a little more about me. Some of this may be common knowledge, but to those who are new, hello and welcome to the shit show. Also, gratuitous photos of myself at the end because I can. This is quickly devolving into just Tuesday Thoughts and I’m not mad at that.
I can be an out and proud gay man without attending certain gay events. Full stop.
Concerts in bars, small venues, or outside venues are my favorite kind of concerts to attend. I’ll go to a stadium show, but smaller venues are way better in my opinion.
Beyonce is talented, but I don’t gravitate towards her music like I do other big voices like Kelly Clarkson or Kylie Minogue.
I must live close to water. New Mexico was kind of rough, but there was a man made lake I guess.
The older I get, the less I like grapes unless they’re wine. I always buy them with good intentions, but ya know…
I’m more likely to save for and invest in something of higher quality (such as a certain laptop or article of clothing or boots) instead of replacing them more frequently.
Vegas is only fun for about 3 days
Standard bathtubs are shit. Give me a shower stall any day of the week. (a shower stall and giant tub would be ideal, but I ain’t rich)
**This was not a lake, but it was pretty cool
If you want to go forward, you have to keep going. Forward is relative, but movement is not. Sometimes, the path is straightforward and other times it’s meandering. I’d say I’m meandering, but constantly moving forward. You can go down the road, with a destination in mind, and something comes up and makes you curve or turn away for a detour.
Detours don’t have to derail. This is advice I’m telling myself, more than anything. So often, I fall victim to my own bullshit when life throws me a curve. It’s easy to do - for me - and it’s a habit I’m working to break. For example, I stopped to going to the gym when I had covid and now I’m here a couple weeks since and I haven’t gone back. I fell out of routine and I’m struggling to get back into one. We’ve got this, right?
When the road winds, trail curves, or life just gets weird, keep going. You’ve got this. Take a detour, find the scenery, and keep on pushing.
Embrace the detours.
Some days I miss the life I had (briefly) in New Mexico back in 2021. I lived near the best of friends, worked with the coolest people, and went to the National Forest all the time. I’ve been missing the familiar lately, so here’s to the good people and the good times in the Lincoln National Forest.
Views of the sky, camping with my dog, and everything in between. 2021 was a great year. I miss my old Outback and I miss my friends real bad but that’s what new Outbacks and visits are for!
Back in October 2018, I visited Mt. Rainier (Tahoma) for the first time. I met a friend though a Twitter chat and he agreed to show me the mountain. I met up with him, we drove out towards the park and saw the mountain at sunset. From there, we camped nearby so we could get into the park early the next day to watch the sunrise over the peak but not before visiting the park at dark. I’ll never forget the magical sights from this trip. Enjoy some photos - and if you’re going, try to see it in different lights!
My first, up-close view that wasn’t from the freeway (at sunset, nonetheless)
The view of the summit at night, glowing in the moonlight
Just before the sun rose
First light on the summit
THE GLOW of the sunrise is hitting the sky
Full daylight - the mountain reflecting
And a bonus, of me in the sunset glow
Sunrise chasing.
On Tuesdays, I’m going to probably overshare a little more about me. Some of this may be common knowledge, but to those who are new, hello and welcome to the shit show. Also, gratuitous photos of myself at the end because I can.
I never care if people visit my website - I just care if they are moved by something I write. I write for myself and if it reaches someone, I’m happy. I just like to write, even if it’s not written well.
I love when a group of work friends all bring a little something different to the chat. A good variety of crazy is a healthy balance. Shoutout to my girlies from Vine O&G. #poopselfie
I’ll almost always take a cool, cloudy, rainy day of a sunny and hot one. The relentless sun of Texas (ten years) ruined me and I just can’t summer anymore. I need shade, clouds, or a cool body of water anymore.
My default is to watch old, familiar shows that I’ve probably watched many times over watching new shows. Current obsession: Home Improvement (I’ve powered through 4 seasons in a week)
Lake Superior is the best Great Lake - it’s literally in the name. BUT, it is also the coolest and freshest. Just sayin.
Breakfast food is the best food and is good all day. French toast? Pancakes or waffles? Bacon? Sausage? YES. Just yes. All day.
Moose are cooler than elk. No further comments.
If I have to pick a sport to watch, I’ll pick hockey. If there is no hockey, I don’t mind having baseball on in the background. I don’t love sports, but I could go to either of those live games.
Pineapple is okay on my pizza. The yellow delight is good with ham or bacon.
I feel like I’m out of control. When I say this, I mean I’m just eating whatever I want and not really exercising. I feel like my chores get pushed to the “next available” day and my list of things to do grows longer. I’m trying to take control. I’m going to make some food to help me feel good about what I’m eating and I’m going to walk on the trail nearby during my lunch. I’m going to get back to my gym routine, gradually. COVID really knocked the wind out of me, but I’m trying to stretch these lungs back out.
Additional good things - I have a few doctor appointments this week and some fun weekend plans ahead. Weekend plans ahead means I need to gradually get my shit done this week. I’ve got a plan, with realistic goals, and I am going to push through!
I’m starting this Monday with a clean kitchen, fresh laundry, and some ambition. Good luck to all of you out there. Remember, make your goals achievable for your efforts. If your best means not doing anything, that’s okay some days. Keep finding little bits of joy and make the most of the day.
Don’t let a little fog ruin the whole view - rise above it
Walking the dog is enough some days
Here’s a look back at a quick little hike to a nice waterfall with one of my favorite people. We did the short hike, over some small hills, and found ourselves at this gorgeous waterfall. There was no one around, so the nature was all ours! We took our shoes off, rolled up our pants, and felt the cold rush of spring mountain water on our feet and legs. The comfort and relief I get from rushing, cold water over my feet is hard to describe. The whole hike was magic, and I’m often looking back to this day and how a simple spring hike with a dear friend made me so happy.
Murhut Falls - Olympic National Forest
Murhut Falls - a closer look
Myself and my dear friend posing for the memory - wet and happy
Over the weekend, I hiked for the first time in ages. A real hike. A hike with elevation. A hike with thin air. It was my first hike post recent COVID and it was hard to breathe. I was struggling. BUT, I did it. I was with a group of friends who struggled a little too, but we were struggling together.
I felt pretty good after, accomplished and ready to keep going. By Sunday afternoon, I wasn’t even that sore. The struggle for me really was catching my breath and pushing forward. I’m hoping with continued activity, and a little chat with my doc next wee, I’ll be breathing normally again soon.
If you don’t think you can, try. If you don’t want to, just try. If you go and do the thing, but don’t succeed, you tried. Did I hike as well as I would have liked, no. Did I move quickly? Also, no. Did I do the damn thing, despite being worried about breathing? Yes. Did I take measures to accommodate my issues? You bet your ass I did. This goes back to last week - adjust and go forward with a new plan.
Enjoy some photos from the hike that made me feel alive again. (Mount Rainier National Park - Skyline & Golden Gate Trails)
One of my favorite places to go take a break, take a guest, or just stop for a minute is the Mt. Walker Viewpoint in the Olympic National Forest. It was suggested by a friend a while ago, and I’ve gone there for years.
The road up to the viewpoints is a winding, dirt road that pushes through the forest. I recently visited early in the morning to catch the sunrise, and it was spectacular to come around the corners and see the sun rising. VIDEO HERE.
Most of the time you can see Mt. Rainier in the distance from the Southern Viewpoint and sometimes you can see Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams. From the Southern Viewpoint, you can see the Olympics and Mt. Baker.
Enjoy some photos from over the years.
2009 was the year of the third cross-country trip that changed the way I travel and see the world. You can read more about it HERE!
Looking back, my best bud Kevin and I hit Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park at the beginning of golden hour. Desert light, shadows, and that glorious red rock combined was a brilliant little drive through.
Always check park hours and operations at the website and pay the entrance fee!
View from the family cottage as the sun sets
I’m usually late. I know, it can feel disrespectful, but I mean no harm. I’m bad at time-management and most of the time I think there is more than enough minutes to get there.
I despise corn on the cob. SORRY NOT SORRY. Fresh corn, if it’s off the cob, is just fine.
I’ll never choose traditional chicken wings - give me adult chicken nuggets or nothing
Night drives will always hold a special place in my heart. They were therapy, they were a means to an end, and they got me through truly boring stretches of road much easier and seemingly faster.
I always knew, even despite wanting to be in the PNW so badly, that I’d end up back in the Great Lakes region eventually. Eventually is sooner than I could have imagined.
Olympic National Park will forever be my favorite and that belief has only been reinforced living an hour or so from many parts of it.
I don’t love deep water. I will swim in water over my head, but sometimes it freaks me out and I need a floatation device.
Chili should have beans and that’s final.
I will drink about 10x as much water if I have a container with a straw. It’s just science.
Great Lakes get ready, there will be a big boy in a speedo next summer gracing your beaches.
Timing is everything and it’s weird how things happen…
I was getting really down on myself for not “doing enough” or “going hard enough” in regards to activities, hiking, and socializing. The reality is, I’m going hard and rarely stopping. I make plans on top of plans, schedule visitors left and right, and always feel like I have to get something on the books to occupy my time.
Then, this past weekend, my body turned on me. I came down with a cold towards the end of the week, which turned out to be COVID. Fuck. My body, though fighting sniffles and a headache, was rejoicing because I couldn’t really go anywhere or do anything I had planned. I spent most days in bed, or on the couch, resting my body and hydrating like I lived in the desert again. I have been fortunate with mild symptoms and grocery delivery.
Walking around the block takes it out of me, but I gotta keep going because I have plans (shocking) to hike Skyline Trail this coming weekend at Mt. Rainier National Park. I will avoid the gym on Monday, and re-test to make sure I’m clear.
This whole weekend was a reset on many levels. I sat with my thoughts, probably thought too hard about some things, and decided I’m ultimately doing okay. I am going to work through the thoughts I had to sit with, and continue on with therapy. I’m going to work on balancing my busy weekends with time to get stuff done around the house or just relax. I’m going to work to feel content with things, even though there always feels like so much more to do out there. I’m going to continue my fitness work, once I’m well enough to be in the gym again. I will not take the ability to move, drive, and interact with people for granted.
I’m just going to take the reset, keep going, and keep loving life. Remember that resets are okay and sitting with your thoughts can be beneficial, and overwhelming. Take time for yourself, be careful out there, and remember to tell people how you feel. COVID is circling around, so be aware!
Mountain flowers to calm the brain
Back in May I had friend over in Montana and we went on adventure through places like the Kootenai National Forest and a little bit into Glacier National Park before it was all open. Enjoy some photos from the various forests along the way through Big Sky Country.
It’s a happy looking Outback (she’s happiest in the forest)
Lake Koocanusa
Maple leaves!
A little trail at Glacier National Park
The Swinging Suspension Bridge of the Kootenai River
Scarlet red and with an adventurous spirit - the Outback looks good against Lake Koocanusa
View from the trail - in Glacier National Park
September in Northern Minnesota can be completely magical. Back in 2020, I visited my buddy’s cabin and it was a relaxing weekend filled with good times, great weather, and tasty beers. I can’t wait to be closer to the cabin, so I can visit more frequently. (Read more about my love for Minnesota HERE!)
A Wisconsin staple in the Midwest beer world. PLUS, hammock time!
The sun was setting and pastels were popping.
The colors were starting to change - the green to yellow on these birch trees around the cabin
A little humor in the outhouse - we do use the outhouse sometimes (LOL)
Another angle - the sun setting on the lake, but a view from the boat
A lovely sour ale from one of my favorite breweries in Duluth, MN (a true delight on a mild late-September afternoon)
Some cool fungi on a log in the woods near the cabin
You may have to adjust your brightness, but it’s a night shot from the an iPhone 11 Pro Max. The stars over the lake and through the trees at the cabin are spectacular.
On Tuesdays, I’m going to probably overshare a little more about me. Some of this may be common knowledge, but to those who are new, hello and welcome to the shit show. Also, gratuitous photos of myself at the end because I can.
If I’m getting coffee, it’s more than likely going to be iced. The time of year and outdoor temperature rarely matter in this choice. I am impatient and do not like waiting for scalding hot coffee to cool down.
Halloween is fine, but I’m more of a “fall guy” than a “Halloween guy” but I love watching scary movies. Winter/Xmas is more my jam and I’ll Griswold the shit out of my house, too.
I’m a morning person - I like to get up early and get going on stuff for the day. I get more work done, more writing, and more household tasks done before noon.
Sunrises are superior for me. I’ll say yes to a sunset, don’t get me wrong, but I’ll be more excited about a sunrise.
Saying yes more than no doesn’t mean I’m a yes man - I’m still making informed decisions out here. I want to experience more things and meet more people, so saying yes opens those doors. Is it always a great choice? NO. Do I learn from the questionable choices? ALSO NO. (kidding, of course I do)
If it’s between a road trip and a flight, I’ll probably drive. Now, there are exceptions to the rule, but I find driving more convenient most of the time. Stopping along the way or taking a scenic route isn’t an option when flying, so I do enjoy car travel more.
Revisiting somewhere I love is my travel guilty pleasure. Many of my visits are brief, so I enjoy going back and taking more in a second, third, or fourth time. Along with this, if I can take someone to a magical place for the first time and I’ve already been there, I’m so in.
My job is not who I am. I am not one of those people who IS their job or their job IS them. It is simply something I do every weekday to make money and survive. I like it, I like my coworkers, I like the subject matter, and I am lucky.
If I’m the driver, I like to stop to take pictures in front of signs or I crane my neck to look at the sights. I love to see what’s going on and I’m always looking out the window on a road trip - safely, most of the time.
It’s been a hard couple of weeks for me. This past week was probably the worst in years. Anxiety, depression, and anger filled my brain. I slept more during the day than I have through all the nights. I avoided anything I could and ate my weight in feelings. I don’t know why, all of the sudden, I was sad about everything. I started thinking about my Gramma, about my life, where I am, etc. I was getting sad to leave this place but sad I wasn’t already further east. It’s a wild ride of bullshit, I tell ya. “Everything in time” and “what’s right will happen” and all that happy horseshit floated around from people or the internet. It’s all fine and dandy, until you’re not wanting to get out of bed and those sayings are just bullshit.
Fast forward to this past weekend. I started to feel better. I managed to get out, go to the Farmer’s Market, meet up with new friends, and enjoy the day in many ways. My biggest turning point, and the one thing that took the most effort and convincing, was just to go for a simple walk in the woods. I hadn’t been doing much between working at my desk, eating, sleeping, or the occasional short walk with Chewy. My back was hurting, my body was sore, and every time I tried to work out or go for a longer walk/hike, I said fuck it and didn’t do the things I needed to do until Sunday.
Sunday’s walk in the woods was uplifting and awakened me on many levels. I smelled the forest, touched the plants, let the sun stream over me, and started to feel a physical and mental shift in my being. It’s wild to think about how much a little mile and a half loop through some trees affected me, but here we are. The walk in the woods invigorated me, and my day only went up from there.
I was inspired by my friend who also had to do something they didn’t want to do. We both did the thing, achieved our mini-goals and all was well.
Here’s to a good week ahead and staying on this upward swing.
I’ve been in Olympia for eight months and didn’t realize I was just a short drive from a really cool bridge on a national forest road. The High Steel Bridge is located in the Olympic National Forest just outside of Shelton, WA. The bridge sits about 375 feet above the South Skokomish River and spans from one forested cliff to another. To find cool photos of the bridge that people probably took with a drone, google “high steel bridge” or something like that. Here’s the Wiki link, if you’re interested.
Enjoy some photos from the journey to and over the bridge! The video at the end is from the graffiti located on the bridge with a rather uplifting message.
No matter where I live, I’m going to find cool things to do and see and I encourage you to do the same.
Have fun out there and stay safe! - Mike
A video of the graffiti on the bridge with an uplifting message.
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