Rainie Falls (near Wolf Creek and Grants Pass, Oregon)

We went on a four-mile hike last week along the Rogue River. The trail is a bit harder than the four miles indicate as you are frequently walking on rocks instead of a smooth dirt path. In addition, it is rarely flat. You are usually going up or down even though the net elevation gain is minor. However, it still isn’t difficult for most people, and the view along the way and at the end (pictured above) is worth it.

If you are coming from north of Wolf Creek on I-5, take exit 76 (about 49 miles south of Roseburg). Turn left just past Wolf Creek Tavern. Follow the road for about 15 miles to Graves Creek Bridge. The trail head is on the other side of the bridge. Park on the river side, not the cliff side.

From south of Grants Pass on I-5, take exit 61. Drive to Galice Road. Turn left onto Merlin Road. Continue onto Merlin-Galice Road until it turns back into Galice Road. Park on the right before the bridge, and cross the street for the trail head.

Posted on July 6th, 2014 under Oregon. Tags: directions, ellie, hiking, Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR G lens, Nikon D600, ryan, waterfalls. Comments Off on Hike to Rainie Falls

Ryan & Ellie crossing the Shō River (庄川 or Shō-gawa)

You would think that the river running alongside Shirakawago would be called the Shirakawa (白川). However, it isn’t. Instead it is called the Sho River, and if the place wasn’t amazing enough without a river running through it… well, let’s just say a more beautiful place couldn’t be created in fantasies.

Posted on June 12th, 2013 under Japan. Tags: ellie, ryan, shirakawago. Comments Off on Sho River

Ellie (all 6′ 1″ of her) showing that the California Tunnel Tree opening is over 9 feet high

There were once three tunnel trees in Mariposa Grove. One was natural and still exists (the Clothespin Tree). The Fallen Tunnel Tree (AKA The Wawona Tunnel Tree) is the most famous and was the first carved by humans, but it fell in 1969. The California Tunnel Tree (AKA Pioneer Cabin) was carved by humans in 1895 and still stands today*. Getting there involves a short hike from the parking area. You can no longer drive through it like you could a hundred years ago.

When we arrived at 9:30 a.m. there were only about a dozen cars in the Mariposa Grove parking lot and the grove was peaceful. By the time we left at about 11 there were tons of tourists in the grove and a line of cars waiting for parking spaces.

Posted on April 12th, 2013 under Other. Tags: california, ellie, mariposa grove, Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 AF-S NIKKOR G ED N, Nikon D600, yosemite national park. Comments Off on California Tunnel Tree, Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park

“Maman” by Louise Bourgeois next to the Mori Tower in Tokyo’s Roppongi

I believe there are eight Maman sculptures in the world. Tokyo has this one.

Posted on February 23rd, 2013 under Japan. Tags: ellie, mori tower, roppongi, Tokyo. Comments Off on Louise Bourgeois’ giant spider sculpture in Roppongi

I’m in Eugene, Oregon today so today’s photo comes from a prior trip to Eugene. This is the arena on the campus of the University of Oregon used for basketball, volleyball, etc.

If you’ve had trouble accessing the blog during the past 48 hours I apologize. Godaddy was having problems which I hope have been resolved so that the site is no longer slow.

Posted on January 12th, 2013 under Oregon. Tags: buildings, ellie, eugene, nikon d7000, Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 Lens for Nikon. Comments Off on Matthew Knight Arena