One Crazy Adventure

VIDEO #364

Song - "You're So Cool" by Hans Zimmer (Thanks Markley for the music tip!)

One last day trek to share with you fine people before this old man retires. This adventure brings us to an island on the Columbia River near my house and, for some time now, I've had thoughts of exploring. I woke up today and thought today was the day. A moderate paddle across followed by a pleasant stroll through a dryish marshland... then the fun comes. Muddy dead ends, needle sharp blackberry forests, rain and unseen, but imagined, oversized Beasts lurking in the brush... just a couple of the obstacles I can remember. But in life we're faced with obstacles, and if we do not face these obstacles and overcome them, we will never see what's waiting on the other side, whether it's good or bad. In this case, the thorns cleared, the rain turned to partially blue skies, Beasts turned into cute little deer and muddy dead ends became sandy beaches. So, with that I give you the second to last video from a year of obstacles overcome to enjoy the end of this fine day with you, whoever you might be. Thank you for watching!

Watch Video in High Definition

Expedition #4: Retrospective

VIDEO #360

Song - "Blindsided" by Bon Iver

Some of my favorite moments from the year were very simple. Spontaneous hikes in and around Oregon, smiling with my sweetheart, great music and the comfort of a new home. So, in retrospect, I'd like to throw this out there...... breakdancing, teleporting, pocket dogs, holiday nut sacks and redneck birds might appear to be 'what it's all about'... but it's not. It's about the Hokey Pokey.

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Snowshoeing

VIDEO #249

Song - "I Can See Clearly Now" by Jimmy Cliff

While most people in Oregon were watching the Civil War college football game between the Ducks and Beavers, we headed out for a little fresh air, threw on some snowshoes and went for an afternoon hike around Mt. Hood. However, it didn't take too long before we joined the masses at the closest bar for beers and football. Best of both worlds.

The Legend of Rainbow Toro

VIDEO #234
You might remember the video I sent to Groupon.com for their monthly contest, heard the great news it was announced the winner and may even have seen the video of a pinata getting delivered to my house. To wrap up the story, I'll show you, not just what was inside the pinata, but what legend the pinata carries. I would recommend the experience in HD, volume high, late at night, alone... lights off, doors unlocked.

Thanks again to Groupon.com, you are all fantastic people. To those who want to check out their site, CLICK HERE.
Watch Contest Video Winner
Watch Rainbow Toro Being Delivered
Watch The Legend of Rainbow Toro in HIGH DEFINITION

500 Miles

VIDEO #220

Song - "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers

I wanted to try a different edit with the recent footage from the big walk so here you go. We might not want to admit it but we all know everyone loves this song, and how couldn't you with this video? It's just good old, clean fun. Ba-Da-Dut-Da!

Travel By Foot

VIDEO #219

Song - "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica (performed by Rockabye Baby)

Here is the prequel to the sunset video (#217) from the other day. Oregon is not an ugly place to be, I'll just throw that out there. It's amazing that, in one day, you are able to step foot on an 11,000 ft. snow-capped mountain, stop off at a couple roadside waterfalls, dip in a natural hot spring, catch a trout or maybe a steelhead at your favorite river, drop on over to a vineyard for a little wine tasting and end up at the Pacific Ocean to make sure the sun is still setting to the west. A full schedule, sure, but possible.

Travel Oregon in HIGH DEF

Expedition #3: Pacific Ocean

VIDEO #209

Song - "The Way" by Bonnie "Prince" Billy

Yet another expedition, this time the path led to the great Pacific ocean.

Watch in HIGH DEF

Expedition #2: River

VIDEO # 194

Song - "Flume" by Bon Iver

I headed back out to the Columbia River where I recently took the canoe to walk around the low flowing river. With 2 days of rain, the water level reached somewhere around 50 yards closer to shore from 2 weeks ago but the depth was inches allowing me to walk way out. Very cool time of the year to check it out.

Walk on water in HIGH DEF (full color version)

Expedition #1: Waterfall

VIDEO #193

Song - "Woods" by Bon Iver

The Columbia River Gorge is home to many spectacular waterfalls and a rainy day usually means less people heading out to them. Sure, you'll get a bit wet, but that's where the fun happens. Plus.... it's a natural and free way to get a quick shower! No wonder my cell phone doesn't work anymore...

Get Soaked in HIGH DEF

Camping at the Lake

VIDEO #121

Song - "Turn This Boat Around" by Matt and Kim

Here is the last video from the lake trip in the Clatsop Forest. Had a great time and hope to be back very soon. For those who'd like to come out and float the lake, let me know. I'll show you where this little gem is!

Take the Hike in High Def

Jimmy's Gone Missin'

VIDEO #119

Creepy Sounds from the Clatsop Forest

This video is dedicated to my good friend Jim who wouldn't be caught dead trekking around a dark, scary forest in the middle of the night in search of the beast that's making loud, howling noises. No, Jim tends to only enjoy the "out of doors" on a man made structure called a deck or maybe a patio. I'm sure if Jim were to be in the same area where 10 tall trees were in eyesight, he would be "camping." Jimmy, this one's for you!

WATCH in Scary High Def

The Human Motorcycle

VIDEO #113

Song - "Moody Motorcycle" by Human Highway

I went for a hike from the house and found a lot of interesting features yesterday including Batman's lair, Herbie the Love Bug's long lost brother and the ancient ruins of motor cross. Seriously, about a hundred obstacles for the motorcycle enthusiast live deep in the midst of a sherwood-like forest. The only problem is that it seems the site has been through an apocalypse and the surviving humans are not capable of riding motor bikes. I don't know, it was really strange.

Walk Hard

VIDEO #002

Song - "Footsteps" by JJ Grey and Mofro

Collection of various POV shots, ok... lets see, where was I? First clip crossing the log is around Bagby Hot Springs, Oregon. The second log cross is in Forest Park, Portland. The rocks and sand with my favorite old sandals (which were huge) took place by Lake Superior, Minnesota. Snowshoes took place around Mt. Hood and snowboarding was on Hood. Might get some of you dizzy!