Day trip to Beacon, NY

Last week I wanted to get out of the city and explore a little. So I headed north on the train to Beacon, NY. Beacon is a small town about 60 miles up the Hudson River and is known for it's art scene. It's home to Dia Beacon, a monstrous and beautiful modern art museum that used to be a Nabisco box printing factory. So I rented a Canon 16-35mm lens to check out and caught the Metro North train from Grand Central. 

My favorite: a Richard Serra

After the museum I wondered the town. People were friendly and although it was chilly, it was nice and sunny out. Cute cafés, vintage clothing shops and funky art galleries line Main street. 

As the sun lowered in the sky I caught the train back to the city. I didn't quite get my fill of nature and fresh air, but Beacon did quench the thirst for art and exploration.

This is my favorite shot from the day. Oh and the 16-35mm is a great lens, but since I mostly shot at 24 I think it's too wide for me.

Key West

I just got back from a trip to Key West with mom. Neither of us had been before and were excited to see the infamous Keys. It was tropical, warm and beautiful. The quaint architecture with the white painted homes and black shutters made it feel unique. Renting a beach cruiser and leisurely exploring the beaches was a highlight. As was the wreck diving. With 100 feet of clear visibility, 85 degree water and 524 ft of ship to explore, The Vandenberg was one of the best dives I've done.

Key West is an odd place. Huge cruise ships dock every couple days and loom over the little island. Tourists crowd Bourbon St's cousin Duval St and stumble out of it's many bars. Generally an older crowd sports their hawaiian shirts and fruity cocktails. But beyond the tourists there is a local tribe of folks who feel like they live in paradise every day. The type that say if a hurricane takes them out, it's the way they were supposed to go. And the easygoing type that lovingly co-exist with the feral chickens and roosters that roam the streets.

Key West was not my usual destination, and I think one visit was enough, but I'm glad I swam in her warm water, soaked up her sun and experienced her quirks.

Hemmingway House and his 6 toed cats:

 Key lime pie

Colorado

Just got back from a week in Colorado. I'd never been to the state before and was really excited to check it out. Before and after shooting a lovely wedding west of Denver I had lots of time to explore. My first stop was Idaho Springs, a quaint old mining town. I was told not to miss Beau Jo's Pizza where you put honey on the crust(yum!).

The aspens were starting to turn and when they faded from yellow to orange and blew in the wind they really looked to be on fire! I drove my rental car over mountain passes and up bumpy dirt roads in search of more quaking aspen views.

 Allie & Alden's wedding was at a beautiful ranch at 9,000 feet. The day went perfectly and I've never seen so many people on the dance floor!

Afterwards I headed to Boulder, taking the scenic route through the Rocky Mountain National Park. I definitely felt the altitude here at 12, 000 feet!

Boulder is just as outdoorsy and beautiful as everyone says and I got to enjoy one day of climbing at the Flatirons.

All in all a great trip to the rocky state. Time to start editing those 2000 weddings shots now...

Oregon Coast

Last month we took a little vancation down the Oregon coast. We lucked out with sunny gorgeous weather and fell in love with the beauty of the coastline. Traveling in style and comfort made it even more fun. Here are my favorite pics:

 The Van

 Cannon Beach

 Haystack

 Morning view from campsite

 Van on 101

 Pacific Beach surf

 Bistro in Florence

 Crab cakes and vino