Photography
SO I take pictures, I take a lot of them. Some are good and some really suck.
You know, I really don't care what people think! I do it because it makes me happy and what makes me even happier is if one of my photos inspires them to fly to Norway to go for a hike.
I do this for me! Sometimes you have to tell your critics to F off! People buy my stuff so that makes me happy and lets me know that I am moving in the right direction.
Pick one and buy a small copy, I guarantee you will buy more and go bigger.
Skiing
Skiing, the ultimate stress reliever, offers a perfect combination of invigorating exercise and pure enjoyment. My own skiing journey began in the ice-covered slopes of Seven Springs, a renowned four-season resort nestled in western PA. It was there, at the age of 11, that I first discovered the thrill of gliding down mountainsides. Coincidentally, Seven Springs boasts one of the top-rated après bars, as recognized by Ski Magazine. Competing in many mogul competitions I may not have won style points, but always winning in speed. It was during this time that I had the incredible opportunity to assist and teach athletes from the youth Special Olympics. Witnessing their smiles as they conquered the course remains one of my most cherished memories from my teenage years.
My introduction to the wonders of skiing out west occurred at the age of 23 when my brother-in-law introduced me to Alta, Utah—an experience that forever altered my perspective. The legendary Utah powder, unlike any other in the northern hemisphere, captivated me completely. As I embarked on my skiing adventures, I have had the privilege of exploring 99 resorts worldwide, spanning from Japan and Austria to France, Switzerland, and numerous destinations along the west coast. Yet, no other powder could match the ethereal quality of Utah's champagne powder. While some resorts, such as Telluride in Colorado, Jackson Hole, and Grand Targhee rank among the closest contenders, Utah's powder remains unmatched in my opinion.
For me, being on the mountain—whether gliding through waist-deep powder or navigating slush during the spring thaw—transports me to my happy place. The sheer joy, exhilaration, and tranquility I experience while skiing is unparalleled. It serves as an escape from everyday stress and creates a sense of harmony with nature. The majestic mountains become a sanctuary where I am fully immersed in the beauty of my surroundings and in tune with my own inner peace.
In summary, skiing is not just a physical activity, but a transformative experience that brings genuine happiness and relief. From my humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to the awe-inspiring slopes of Utah and beyond, each skiing adventure has solidified my passion and reinforced the remarkable power of this sport to uplift the spirit and nourish the soul.
It’s never too late to learn or just to go visit Utah or Wyoming or Montana or BC etc etc. and just take in the cold mountain air. I guarantee you will feel more alive and become hooked to the environment surrounding you.
Scuba Diving
My journey into the world of scuba diving was not typical. Initially plagued by extreme claustrophobia and the fear of mouth breathing, I believed that scuba diving was an unattainable and daunting pursuit. However, the course of events that unfolded in 2021 proved me wrong, as I was persuaded to embark on a pool class that would forever change my perspective.
As I submerged beneath the water's surface for the first time, something miraculous happened. The sound of my own breath resonating in my ears transported me into a state of tranquility and serenity, like a form of meditation. In that moment, all traces of anxiety were washed away, and a newfound passion was ignited within me.
Indeed, I became captivated by the allure of scuba diving. From the crystal-clear waters of the pool, my journey led me to the breathtaking depths of Key West, where I undertook the open water test. And from that point on, there was no turning back.
Within the span of a mere 12 months, I achieved not only my advanced open water certification but also earned specializations in nitrox and wreck diving. With 42 awe-inspiring dives now etched into my memory, I have had the privilege of exploring some of the ocean's most renowned treasures.
Imagine the SS Thistlegorm, a relic from World War II, still housing remarkable artifacts such as jeeps and motorcycles in its cargo holds. Or consider the Vandenberg in Key West, a colossal wreck stretching over 520 ft. in length. This sunken behemoth, sitting at depths ranging from 105 to 145 ft., has come to be recognized as the largest and most accessible artificial reef worldwide.
However, it is not merely the exploration of these magnificent wrecks that has made this journey truly remarkable. It is the revelatory experience of stepping into an entirely different world beneath the waves. The opportunity to swim alongside graceful sharks, such as the awe-inspiring 12 ft hammerhead captured in a photograph, and to encounter an array of fascinating marine creatures, fills me with a sense of wonder and appreciation.
Therefore, I implore each and every one of you to consider embarking on an introductory scuba diving experience during your next vacation. Who knows, you may just stumble upon your next invigorating and safe hobby, one that will continue to enrich your life for years to come.
Urban Landscape Outdoor Design
To supplement my obssesion of taking pictures I design and supply materials for urban landscapes. This I am pretty damn good. If you need need any assistance on your next project please let me know
