Why Do I Hike?

We'll just jump right past the fact that I've neglected this blog for almost nine months and, instead, jump in to my latest musings.

Today's question: "Why do I hike?"

Excellent question...here are my list of answers (in no particular order...except the last one is the most important):

1. I can't afford a gym membership.
2. I hate running.
3. I hate biking.
4. I love exploring.
5. I love reading maps.  An artifact from my Girl Scout days.

6. I went to Berkeley...ergo, I'm a hippie...ergo, I'm a tree hugger.    

7. Although not always accurate, I love the feeling of being somewhere that most people haven't been.

8. I love adding up the mileage and the sense of accomplishment when I reach a new max.

9. I love the silhouettes and contrasts of the trees with the light.

10. I love being away from the noise pollution of the city.

11. Because I have to live up to my nickname "Sasquatch".

12. I love, love, love the views. 

13. And probably above all else, I hike because of the joy that this guy experiences when we do...

Trouble is Finding the Time

Finding time to experiment with my Fisheye camera is the tricky part.  I love the bizarre affects.  I love how I can never be sure how the photo will turn out.  For some people, not having the instant feedback of a digital camera can be frustrating, but I feel like a little kid at Christmas when I go to the store to pick up my prints.  Below are some of my first attempts at playing with the multiple exposure setting on my Fisheye camera.  Improvements to come!

Double Exposure Attempt #1: Two Oak Trees

Double Exposure Attempt #2: Oak Tree and Neighborhood 

And no roll of film would be complete without a picture of Lincoln.

Experimenting with the Fish's Eye

Memorial Stadium at UC Berkeley.

Redwood Grove at UC Berkeley.

Campanile at UC Berkeley.

Mr. Goat at Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm.

Sunny Sunflower.