Knowing When to Call It
Sometimes when editing a project, whether it’s a video or a photo, one has to make a hard decision, tens of hours in, to push away from the computer and call a project DONE.
This being my first summer in Maine, I really wanted to photograph fireflies. A single frame image is impressive in its own right, but if one can learn how to stack the images to really show all the tracks of the fireflies in one evening, it can turn a great image into a show-stopper. With how much night photography I do, I’ve always wanted to learn how to stack images, as there are several applications for this in night photography in particular, but it’s felt so daunting to me that I haven’t, until now, learned how. What’s more, I haven’t yet developed a comfort level with Photoshop to even have a basic understanding of how to use it (so there’s your answer if you’ve ever wondered if any of my photos were Photoshopped!).
Acadia’s Best-Kept Secret
Mountain Goat and I are spending the summer in Maine, which, being from California, gives us so many new places to explore. One of several places we wanted to visit was Acadia National Park, with its seashore, lakes and mountains.
One of my goals during the stay was capturing the Milky Way somewhere beautiful. With little familiarity with the park, I asked in a Milky Way FaceBook group for places to photograph it. One of the places suggested was the Schoodic Peninsula. After some cursory research and seeing how spectacular it is, it became the primary place I wanted to shoot.
The weather forecast was all over the place, so I knew I’d need to take the opportunity to photograph it any clear night I could.
Just a Little Light Show in New Hampshire
While working on some other projects, I received multiple alerts on my Space Weather Live app about the KP index, which can suggest that the Northern Lights, aka Aurora Borealis, may be visible. I was already tired from a busy day, but the Aurora on a clear night close to a full moon isn’t common. I let Mountain Goat know I’d be going out to see it.
The KP Index was projected to be 5, which is good, not excellent, but it is only suggestive, not indicative, and even when the various measurements show only moderate or even poor conditions, the aurora may be visible, and vice versa. No matter the forecasts, nothing is ever promised, and it can be a futile effort going to a remote location only to find dark skies with no lights.
As a bonus, the Perseids meteor shower is ramping up with a peak coming up August 12-13, so I hoped I might be able to capture one or two.
Surviving Hiking and Camping In Bear Country
Many of the places we like to recreate have bears present. Protecting both yourself and the bears takes some proactive steps. This is going to cover day hiking, car camping and backpacking, so some tips will be more relevant to one or the other.
Of note, polar bear country requires additional precautions that are above and beyond those listed here. I would recommend utilizing a resource more familiar with those environments.
First Maine Aurora
I always watch the aurora forecasts closely, but it didn't appear there would be anything to get excited about in the next few days. Plus, the moon is close to full. So imagine my surprise when I was winding down for bed last night and got an aurora alert. I immediately got up, threw my gear together and flew out the door.
Lightning in Maine
Being in a new location (western Maine), I'm still learning places to take photos when the weather is acting up. Something as unpredictable as lightning is an added challenge, as it can come from many directions, and, of course, one never knows exactly where or when it will strike.
Thunder and Lightning- What To Do If A Storm Hits While You’re Hiking
If you enjoy hiking or backpacking, or even just camping in a tent, you may have concerns about what to do if lightning strikes while you’re outdoors without a safe place to go inside.
Snakes While Camping or Hiking- How To Prevent Problems and How to Handle a Snake Bite
Disclaimer: this blog is NOT a substitute for medical advice or medical care. Please seek medical care immediately in the event of a snake bite, and consult a healthcare provider’s recommendations for bite care.
Most snakes are not a threat, but it can be hard to distinguish between ones that are and ones that aren’t, especially if you’re panicked.
In North America there are several species of venomous snakes. I understand many people have a paralyzing fear of snakes, so I will not show photos here, but this link will provide some identification.
How to Start Backpacking in 5 Simple Steps
If this sounds familiar, it’s because this is from my YouTube video on this topic, but I wanted to share it in blog form for those who prefer that. I will link to videos, including the one with this script, so you can find more information to help you.
If you have wanted to go for your first backpacking trip, but have been overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, this guide will help keep it simple and get you out on the trail.
How I Planned Our First Cross Country Trip & Our Itinerary
We purchased our RV, a 2025 Brinkley Z3515, in December 2024 from a dealership in Southern California. We moved into it officially on Christmas Eve, setting it up on Mountain Goat’s parents’ property in Mendocino County. We’d hoped to hit the road shortly thereafter, but were delayed due to medical treatments that needed to be done in Sonoma County.
How To Get AMAZING Northern Lights/Aurora Borealis Photos
The next few nights are looking promising for more incredible Aurora Borealis action, as far south as Northern California and even Alabama, according to at least one source. So here is an overview to help you get the most out of your shots, whether you’re using a camera or your phone, including choosing where to go and what gear to use. Remember that your camera, even on your phone, will detect light you can’t see with the naked eye, so getting photos is even more exciting.
Mystery Beam
I have been trying to figure out what that beam of light was that suddenly appeared in the sky on 5/16/25, but there still isn't a definitive answer that I have been able to find.
I received the aurora alert and raced out to capture the Lights, which I was fortunate enough to do, but the mystery beam of light has quickly stolen the show…
Grand Teton, Part TWO
Having researched a tiny possible window to photograph the Milky Way at Grand Teton National Park the night before, I woke to the alarm I’d set for 4AM, stumbled my way to depress the button on my electric kettle, then scooped fresh ground coffee into my French press and donned my warm base and top layers while I waited for the water to boil. Once the kettle turned off, I poured the hot water over the ground beans, breathing life into my brain with the aroma of fresh coffee promising much-anticipated alertness…
Grand Teton, Part ONE
I sit listening to the furious wind and rain pounding the sides of my office in our fifth wheel as I look out the window to see the sandstone peaks of Badlands National Park. Unsure exactly where this post will go, but I will title it once it has taken its direction.
Mountain Goat and I are finally on our first real trip with our new fifth wheel, which we moved into on Christmas Eve 2024…
Rarer than a rainbow
This morning I decided to go to the town of Mendocino with hopes of photographing the sunrise. The skies have been different levels of cloudy lately, and some make for more interesting sunrises and sunsets than others, so I figured I might try my luck. My brain woke up 20 minutes before my alarm went off, so I played on my phone for a few minutes before I got up and put on some warm clothing. I made my coffee, cut up an apple and grabbed a small bag of shelled pistachios to get me through the morning. While I remotely warmed up the truck, I quickly did the few dishes in the sink, gathered my camera bag along with my coat, hat, and boots, and climbed into the truck, setting my playlist on my phone to let Mary Chapin Carpenter welcome the day with me…
I hate mushrooms, but they make pretty photographs
Mountain Goat and I are spending some time at her parents’ place in Mendocino County, and for New Year’s Day, after being sworn to secrecy for the location, we were invited to go mushrooming with a friend of hers. Mind you, neither of us enjoys eating mushrooms (for any reason), but we don’t need much coaxing to get outside and get dirty.
The Green flash
Today was our first good rain in the North Bay Area. The clouds this afternoon were beautiful, and it made me hopeful for a beautiful sunset. I swear I am jinxed when it comes to sunsets- if I go out to photograph it, it's a solid meh, and if I miss it, I see everyone's phone pics of the insane sunset.
Mountain Goat and I are in the midst of some big (good) changes, and it's been draining to say the least. I told her that I was going to head out to try to get the sunset this afternoon, and she understood my need for a break and to connect with nature. I quickly packed up my gear, running further behind than I'd have liked (my modus operandi), and headed out to the coast. I knew I'd have to hit the first spot I could reach due to the timeline. The closer I got to the coast, the clearer the skies became, which is opposite how it typically goes.
Nature’s Surprises
Any visit to Northern California’s coast, day or night, is sure to provide unpredictable weather. One can check forecasts all day long, but they change on a dime. They may say the winds are calm, humidity is low and skies are clear, and on arrival, it’s socked in with fog and the wind is howling. The joke is that you take shorts and a parka. Each trip is a gamble. But sometimes gambling pays off.
