Summer is on the way out, so this seems as fitting a time as any to dump these grass and ground textures on the internets.  Don't be too critical of the quality of these shots though!  Some were taken as long as 9 years ago with an ancient HP point-and-shoot.  (others are DSLR-quality)

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Many of these images are available as seamless textures here - Free Seamless Textures

Good thing I decided to take a photo of my "literature" shelf and not my sci-fi shelf.  Camus, Steinbeck, Dante and Kafka look so much more impressive than Philip Jose Farmer and Larry Niven.  

View and download a higher resolution copy here - Books, Reading the Classics

Set aside by U.S. Congress in 1993, Buffalo Peaks Wilderness is a wilderness area in central Colorado.  The area is named for the 13,000 foot-high volcanic mountains, East Buffalo Peak and West Buffalo Peak.  The area lacks soaring heights and jagged mountain landscapes and is perhaps not as photogenic as other wilderness areas in Colorado, but Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area more than makes up for it in solitude and rolling alpine beauty. 

Indeed, solitude may be the main draw of Buffalo Peaks.  The area is far from major population centers, so chances are, you will be able to enjoy the wide-open meadows, beaver ponds, small creeks and pine forests in quiet isolation.  (we only saw a couple other hikers during two days in Buffalo Meadows, for example)

Hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing and fishing are the main activities.  Bikes and other forms of mechanical transport are not allowed in wilderness areas.

What to Do There

If your interest is in hiking, there are several trails to choose from that will take you up to the high altitude meadows of Buffalo Peaks Wilderness.  The Rich Creek Trailhead on FR 425 (CR 5) allows access to Rich Creek Trail and Tumble Creek Trail.  Rich Creek Trail is the most direct route and heads west from the trailhead along Rich Creek.  Several miles of hiking will see you to the meadows and the complex series of beaver ponds.  

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Take a trip up the Oregon coast and prepare yourself for some fantastic vistas.  From Brookings to Coos Bay, to Reedsport and beyond, this coastal landscape is a playground for photographers, hikers, bikers, campers and ocean-lovers.  For more information on State parks and places of note, check this previous Southern Oregon travel blog.

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The Rio Camu begins high in the mountains in the north-central Dominican Republic and can be a refreshing getaway from the humid summer heat.  And yes, the water is cold, very cold.  

View and download a higher resolution copy here - River Camu, Dominican Republic

Under the Dome is a 1,100 page tome about a small Maine town (there are no extraterrestrial vampire clowns or little bald doctors) and a situation where the powers-that-be make all the wrong moves.  

Plot Introduction

The small Maine town of Chester’s Mill has its share of problems, but these are nothing compared to the day a transparent and seemingly-impenetrable barrier appears and separates the town from the outside world.  Cars crash and pile up at the invisible wall.  A private plane explodes.  A woman’s hand is severed instantly as the “Dome” comes down.  Grisly chaos (as only King can describe) ensues all across the city limits of Chester’s Mill.  

The origin and purpose of the Dome is a complete mystery to town residents, to local politicians and even to the US Military.  But Dale Barbara, an ex-Army captain that was trapped inside the city, is forced out of retirement and commissioned by the Federal government to put the town in order and discover the source of the Dome.  Dale faces opposition from Big Jim Rennie, a local politician and used car-salesman (what a wonderful combo).  Power-hungry Big Jim has his own plans for the future of the now-isolated city, and he does not waste any time putting Chester’s Mill under his iron fist.  

In the meantime, attempts by the military to breach the Dome fail.  Cut off from the outside world, with no end to the crisis in sight, events come to a head in the Maine town.  Dale and his friends must face off against Big Jim and his puppets in the local police department.  

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Ahhh sunset, the most relaxing time of the day.  Just kick back and enjoy the view.  Not for photographers! When the sun starts heading for the horizon you better be ready for the most hectic twenty minutes of the day.  But hopefully you scoped out some scenic spots beforehand, and all you have to do is set up your camera and capture the moment.  

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Ran across a lone mountain goat near the summit of West Buffalo Peak in Colorado last weekend.  He was munching down a lunchtime snack of high altitude grasses and completely ignored us. 

View and download a higher resolution copy here - Mountain Goat on West Buffalo Peak

Thinking of heading up the southern Oregon coast?  You shouldn’t have a problem finding things to do or finding a place to camp. You’ll come across tremendous scenery around every bend in the road and a campground literally every couple miles.  There are ample opportunities for hiking and biking, exploring the many coves or just relaxing on a sheltered beach.  Here are some state and county parks especially worth visiting on a trip up Highway 101.  

Humbug Mountain State Park

Humbug Mountain State Park provides a cozy leeward valley, several miles of beach, access to Brush Creek and the Humbug Mountain hiking trail.  The Oregon Coast Trail also passes through the park.  Hiking, biking, beachcombing and wildlife viewing are all popular in the area.  The campground has nearly 100 spots and full amenities.  

Battle Rock Wayside Park

Continuing north on Highway 101, you will see Battle Rock Wayside Park to your left just before you enter Port Orford.  The park is so named for the 1851 battle between the first white settlers and the native tribes.  Check out Battle Rock just off the highway, where the settlers held out during the fighting, and then head down across the beach to see the many other rock formations rising directly out of the sand and surf.  

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The other day I was out riding on a local side street here in Colorado.  I looked down for just one second to check my gears.  And the next second I was staring at the grill of a Jeep Cherokee coming at me from the left.  He was crossing from the oncoming left-turn lanes, but I clearly had the right-of-way.  He either did not see me or chose to ignore me as a silly cyclist (as many motorists do).  Fortunately, the guy decided to see me at the last second and I was able to swerve around him to the right. 

Funny thing is, I had seen the Jeep before and knew he was there in the turn lane.  But it was that second of inattention that almost led to disaster. 

Situational awareness is one of the key elements in staying safe on your bike.  Let your attention stray for just a second and an obstacle can come out of nowhere to wipe you out.  This is especially true when you are riding on roads and streets.  Staying aware of your surroundings can help you avoid, among other things, the dreaded attack of the left turn.