Coyote Butte & the Vermillion Cliffs

The infamous Horseshoe Bend near Page, Az.  Thanks to whoever the adventurous kayaker was giving me the nice campfire light to illuminate the canyon from within.  

This is by far one of the most surreal and serene landscapes I've ever encountered.  Called the Wave for obvious reasons, its hidden in the Coyote Butte wilderness area, a decent 7 mile hike through a hot desert.  The best part about it, the BLM is super tight on permits, so only 10 groups are allowed a day, so you get this fantastic alien landscape almost entirely to yourself, I started hiking at sunrise and returned just after sundown, and only encountered 3 people all day.  If you're ever in northern Az, put this place on your short list!

10,000' Up to 200' Below - White Mountains to Death Valley

 At 10,000 feet up in the White mountains, high above the tree line, these ancient bristlecone pines have been documented to live up 5,000+ years, making them the world's oldest living organism.   

 After running around through the Inyo forest for awhile, I headed down into the Eureka Valley, 

to visit the tallest sand dunes in the US, looming 700 ft over the dry lake they inhabit.

 The Racetrack Playa in Death Valley, unfortunately, the strange phenomena that occurs here with the sailing stones is nearly at an end due to assholes stealing souvenirs.

 

A long road home....

Xingping, China Part 2

Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

My room with a view, overlooking Cat Ba Bay, Vietnam's infamous UNESCO site.  

Wish you could see the full res of this pic, its like a Where's Waldo of Vietnamese fisherman, there's dozens of people scattered about these boats at their daily grind.  Even though this image is all about the details to me, still kind of cool as a long shot.