Photography, Walk The Line

Yesterday I went out and did some serious hiking for a few hours.  I decided to try something a little different with my photography.  I used my shoes as a subject for a few of my pictures.  Now situating the shoes while trying not to leave any footprints in the snow was quite a challenge.  Especially considering the snow on the ground and the temperature, but the outcome was satisfactory, so it was worth the half hour of freezing feet!  I really like the way one of them turned out, and after a little editing I believe it's time to share it!

The hiking took place at Zimmerman Park, which I have posted about before.  It is in West Billings up on the rims and is accessible from Zimmerman Trail.  I'm also going to include a video that I found quite entertaining! Enjoy:)

The Beartooth Mountains are off in the distance.

Travel, Badlands National Park

The summer before last me and my friend went on an amazing roadtrip spanning two weeks and nearly every state west of Michigan. We saw the Grand Canyon, the Seattle Space Needle, Yellowstone National Park, the Redwoods, etc.  One of my favorite things from the trip was Badlands National Park near Wall, South Dakota.  We visited on a very hot day in August, it was definitely hotter than 80 out.  We drove my little 2002 Volkswagen Golf TDI through the park and stopped for picture and hiking opportunities whenever something grabbed our interest.  The park is a vast collection of clay and rock formations that never seem to repeat.

Of course being inquisitive and adventurous we weren't okay with just staying on the beaten path where all the other tourists were.  We walked out onto some pretty intense peaks, and we surely would've fallen to a very unpleasant death.  But it was worth because we both survived and have great memories and pictures of the park.

One fun fact about the park is the current reintroduction of the black-footed ferret, which is the most endangered land mammal in the United States and North America.  They are really adorable creatures and I urge anyone interested to research what can be done to assist their survival.  Most of them were killed due to prairie dog extermination on prairies and farmland.

Below you'll find some pictures from our trip to Badlands National Park, hopefully it puts this park on your list of things to see.  It certainly is in the middle of no where, but I do recommend stopping at Wall Drug in addition to the Badlands.  Enjoy:)

Me testing fate in Badlands National Park

My friend Jake testing fate on a rock formation in Badlands National Park

Me at Badlands National Park  - August 2010

Rock formations in Badlands National Park - August 2010

View of Badlands National Park in August 2010

Badlands National Park - August 2010

Travel, Bryce Canyon National Park

One of many National Parks in the beautiful state of Utah, Bryce Canyon has always held a certain affinity in my eyes as one of the most underrated National Parks in the United States.  It has many treasures and a plethora of photography opportunities.

It is located just west of Tropic, Utah and is pretty much in between Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park.  According to Kevin on a Google Maps review, "Bryce canyon is a smaller park but is beautiful nonetheless. There are magnificent rock formations and pastel colors throughout the park. The north part of camp is available by reservation 2 days in advance only, but the south part of the camp is first come first serve. We highly recommend the navajo loop trail in combination with others if you'd want a longer hike or the fairyland loop trail. Sunset view is a must. If you are debating whether or not to come to bryce canyon on your road trip do it because we like this park even better than the grand canyon and others."

So as you can see it has hiking opportunities, rock formations, beautiful colors, camping spaces and a lot of exploration opportunities.  I typically enjoy forested parks much better, but this one grabs me because of the sheer beauty within.  Planet Earth is so beautiful, we should all treat it with a bit more care.

I've included a picture and video below, but I cannot wait to visit Bryce Canyon National Park soon!  Enjoy:) 

Bryce Canyon National Park in December 2011

 

Photography, Fiddler Creek Road, Montana

This weekend I went went on a little adventure down near the Rosebud area on Fiddler Creek Road in South/Central Montana in the Beartooth Mountains.  I took a few pictures and think they're worth sharing.  Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!  Enjoy:)

Horse spotted with the Beartooths in the background near Fiddler Creek Road

Beartooths in the mirror

I love the set-up of this picture.  Some deer spotted up West Rosebud Road

Beartooth Mountains down the road

View of the Beartooths from hill

Travel, Wood Buffalo National Park

One place I really want to visit is the Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada.  I am not a Canadian, born and raised in Michigan, but it has always had a certain allure.  It seems like its a bit more wild and free than some of the National Parks here in the United States.

The Wood Buffalo National Park is larger than many European Nations, it is home to three distinctly different ecosystems, and of course Wood Buffalo.  I have included a video that has inspired me to really make an effort to visit this wondrous place.  I hope it inspires you to do the same, or at least get out there and find something beautiful.  Enjoy:)

Pine Lake, Wood Buffalo National Park in the Northwest Territories of Canada

Travel, Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula

I am going to start a series once a week about lesser-known travel areas and tourist spots for you to adventure and explore.  These locations will be full of hiking trails, photography opportunities and wildlife.  The first place I am going to elaborate on is the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. 

The Porcupine Mountains or the "Porkies" are located towards the western border of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  Inside of Ontanagon and Gogebic counties there is a wondrous and mostly untouched paradise of hardwood forests.  There is an abundance of maples, birch and hemlock trees that create a stunning portfolio of green in the summer months, and a kaleidoscopic scenery of color in the autumn months.

Wildlife:  The aptly named Porkies are home to a variety of animal species, one of which is the, yep you guessed it, porcupine.  In my experience I have seen two porcupines in the wild, both of which were in Montana.  One thing that surprised me when I was reading up on porcupines is that they often are found in trees, now in my mind I had a preconceived notion that porcupines never got off of the ground.  In fact, they are very sophisticated climbers, and have been spotted near the canopies of many of the trees found here in the Porkies.

In addition to the ambitious porcupine, the Porkies are home to animals such as moose, which can be found near swampy areas and near rivers.  Moose are excellent swimmers and have a hunkering for aquatic plants.  They also take little dips in order to keep flies off of them.

This leads me to another point, the Porkies may have an extreme amount of black flies depending on when you visit.  Bug spray is advised.

There are several other animals that can be found in the Porkies.  The following are all found in this area: deer, fox, wolves, coyote, lynx, bobcat, black bear, beaver, and others.

Pictures: Although my words may entice you to visit, it would be nonsensical not to include some beautiful photography of the Porkies.  I love the contrast in the following two pictures that shows the differences from summer to fall. Enjoy:)

Lake of the Clouds in the Summer

Lake of the Clouds in the Fall

A beautiful shot of the Big Carp River

Travel, Australia

For as long as I can remember I have always dreamed of going to Australia.  This dream may become a reality in the near future for me, so I've been thinking of what the trip would involve.  Obviously my camera and photography equipment would make the trip along to Australia.  The trip would include a variety of activities.

First on my list of things to do in Australia is to fly into Perth, which is on the west coast of Australia.  Once in Perth I would get a feel for the city, and rent a 4x4 truck in order to get wherever I wanted to go.  I would probably go on a few photography runs trying to find the most beautiful scenes near the city.

Perth, Austrlia at night

Next, I would embark on a journey of epic proportions.  With my rental 4x4 I would drive to the very middle of the continent and have a look at Ayers Rock, also known as Uluru.  This is a large structure with significant meaning to the aborigines in the area.  Many tourists rudely climb on it, and in doing so disrespect the beliefs and feelings of the aborigines.

Ayers Rock or Uluru in the Northern Territory, Australia

Finally the last major thing I would plan on is seeing a wombat.  I have a strange obsession with these marsupials.  They just strike a chord within me that I cannot quite explain.

Wombat in South/Central Australia

Obviously the trip would have a lot more to it, I would plan on being there for at least 3 weeks.  The majority of my activities would be unplanned and spontaneous, I find in journeys that is where the most exciting and memorable things occur.  I have included a video showcasing some of Australia's beauty and wonder.  Enjoy:)

Photography, A Walk in the Woods

A Walk in the Woods by Marc Steensma - Taken at Spring Grove Park, Jamestown, MI on January 2nd, 2012

Geocaching, Without a GPS

Sometimes people may want a little more exploration when they embark on a geocaching adventure.  For theses folks the best advice I can give is go out there in the great outdoors without a GPS device.  Use topographical maps, or satellite maps in order to orient the map with the ground. Basically so you keep the map pointing north, and use the types of trees to identify which part of the map you are currently on.  This eliminates the need for a GPS, and creates a more visceral experience where you can focus on natures beautiful features, rather than your GPS screen.

Here is a video that elaborates on this idea.  Enjoy :)

Animals, Lynx

Not much to say today.  Thought I'd share a picture I took a few months ago.  Enjoy :)

Lynx - Carbon County, MT - November 2011

Oh and for those of you who are curious the difference between a lynx (pictured) and a bobcat are as follows:

-While a lynx and a bobcat are very similar in appearance, lynx are a little bigger, have a hairy face, and a plain coat of grey compared to the mottled fur of a bobcat.
-Lynx will hunt rabbits nearly exclusively but bobcats vary their diets with creatures large and small.
-Bobcats are more aggressive than lynx.

Read more: Difference Between Lynx and Bobcat | Difference Between | Lynx vs Bobcat 

Exploring, Zimmerman Park

Yesterday I went on a little adventure and explored Zimmerman Park.  For those of you familiar with the Billings, Montana area, Zimmerman Park is a mountain biking trail/hiking park up on the rim.  The rim is basically a long set of cliffs that are connected north and east of the downtown area.  The Logan Airport is right up on the rims, and there are only a couple roads that take you to the top.  Zimmerman Trail is one of them, which takes you up a very steep grade and once at the top you can turn left and you'll immediately see Zimmerman Park.  The only complaints I have about my experience there yesterday was the temperature.  It was 30 degrees out, but my Weather Channel App said it felt like 14.  I had my camera with me, so I've included a couple pictures below.  Enjoy :)

View from Zimmerman Park looking at West Billings - January 8th, 2012

Zimmerman Park - Billings, MT - January 8th, 2012

Travel, Custer National Forest

Usually when I set off to go on an adventure I really don't have a set place in mind.  Occasionally, I'll enjoy visiting a place so much that I decide to visit it again.  Custer National Forest is one of those places, there is just so much to see and do there from the mountain trails, to the picnic areas, to the beautiful and clear rivers.  I have taken several pictures at this National Forest in South/Central Montana.  Enjoy :)

December 2011 - Me at Custer National Forest

September 2011 - Custer National Forest

September 2011 - Custer National Forest

Travel, Where to Explore 2012

Well the new year is upon us and the opportunities are endless.  We all start fresh with 365 days to do whatever we wish with them.  We can sit at home and explore a virtual world on the latest video game, we can write a novel, start a business, go to work 80% of the days, the options are infinite.  Being a college student, I am blessed with ample free time to explore, adventure and photograph whatever I want.  So, with today being the first day of 2012 I thought I would prepare a list of places I would like to visit this year, and hopefully this inspires you to consider them as viable options for your travel's.

1. Glacier National Park


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I have always wanted to visit Glacier.  Mainly to see Flathead Lake, and hike until my heart is content.  I have heard there is an abundance of Big Horn Sheep and Mountain Goats along with the sprinklings of Grizzly Bears and Wolves.  I've had the pleasure of being within a few dozen feet of a Grizzly Bear, and let me tell you, it is not for the faint of heart.

2. Joshua Tree National Park


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A couple summers ago a friend and I drove through California, but I had little knowledge of Joshua Tree National Park, so therefore we didn't stop and see it.  I regret that so much! The garden of desert flora, of beautiful rock formations and the rock climbing opportunities are brilliant!

3. Moab, Utah



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For three long years now I have attempted to visit Moab to see the beautiful national parks in the area.  Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park are near, just to name a couple.  The beautiful rock formations and red rocks are breathtaking, as I've seen in pictures.

I hope these ideas have inspired you to consider a hike in one of these locations, or somewhere similar.  I've added a video that shows the beauty of the areas surrounding Moab.  Happy New Year!! Enjoy :)

Geocaching, Travel Bugs

Geocaching is the high tech treasure hunting game that helps guide your adventures and explorations.  Travel bugs piggy-back off of this concept and add another element to the fun. 
According to the Geocaching website a travel bug is a trackable tag that you attach to an item. This allows you to track your item on Geocaching.com. The item becomes a hitchhiker that is carried from cache to cache (or person to person) in the real world and you can follow its progress online.  Some of you may think this is a strange idea, but the real fun is trying to help other participating parties get their travel bugs where they want them to go.  Let's say someone buys a travel bug, registers it online and then places it in a geocache.  Now if you find this and decide to take the travel bug, you are responsible to log the removal of the travel bug online.  Once on the site you can see where the travel bug has been, and where the owner wants it to go.  Owners have goals of their travel bug's meeting up with other travel bugs, or traveling to a place the owner can only dream of going.

Some of my best experiences with travel bugs include finding a travel bug that originates from Australia, my dream travel location.  It was a travel bug attached to a Koala bear, so I instantly thought of Australia when I saw it, and was happy to find it really was from Australia.  Another time me and a friend found one in Michigan, logged it and realized its goal was to go to the Netherlands.  Being Dutch myself I thought this was intriguing! So when I went down to visit him in Illinois I brought the travel bug with me and we placed it into a cache at a park near him.  Long story short about a year later it ended up in the Netherlands, and its goal was achieved. 

The only problem I see with the travel bug concept is when a geocacher picks one up, and fails to log it online, and never moves it along to the next cache.  Although this is somewhat rare, and it does happen from time to time.  So not only is completing the goal difficult, surviving the journey proves to be a challenge for many travel bugs.

One more thing! You can geocache right from your Android phone or Apple iPhone with the Geocaching app.

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year's night and sets achievable new years resolutions.  I've included a video that breaks down travel bugs a bit more.  Enjoy :)

Geocaching, an Exploration Initiator

Sometimes, it seems to me that people don't go out and explore the world around them because they simply don't know how.  And if they do know how, they don't know where to explore.  One of my favorite things to do creates an answer to this question.  I present to you, geocaching.  Some of you may have heard of it.  Geocaching is basically a treasure hunting game where you are given coordinates and your objective is to locate the "cache" at those coordinates.  In my experience the caches located in a wooded setting are the most challenging, yet the most exciting.
My explanation is a bit vague, so I have included this video that will help introduce the idea to you from the official geocaching website.
I hope this video sparks some interest, and inspires you to get out and enjoy nature and the outdoors.  Some of the geocaches require hiking equipment, boats or climbing gear, but for the most part you can go with just tennis shoes and bug spray!  Next time I will introduce the idea of travel bugs, which is a concept that resides within geocaching.  Enjoy :)