Grand Canyon - October 1999

Grand Canyon - October 1999


As the last calendar day of 2008 passed by I found myself with a desire to reminisce and dig through boxes of old pictures. The New Year always seems like a great time to take a peak back on previous years to see where one has been, what one has accomplished, and creates a hope for what is to come. I have been very fortunate and feel very blessed to have had many memorable years of travel, quality time with family, and many work opportunties that have provided once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. The friends and experiences made along the way offer a sense of completeness and fulfillment, and yet, I still have a long road ahead to create many new life experiences - and photos. On this latest particular photo dig I came across memories of a time and place I experienced in Arizona with good friends.


I served in the Air Force from Feb. '97 - Feb. '01 which anymore by a measure of time is literally a decade ago now. Crazy, where does time go?! During my commitment with the military stationed in Alaska - which in and of itself offers a truly unparalleled living experience - a good friend and co-worker of mine were sent to Arizona on TDY for continued technical training. Ironically, the best recollections of this trip were not so much the material we learned, but the good times we had while on our weekend roadtrips.


During our 45 day stay out west courtesy of the military we took advantage of opportunities to visit Mexico, Las Vegas, California, and the Grand Canyon. The photos from my visit to the Grand Canyon on the morning of 10/9/99 was my third trip ever. On previous visits with family we spectated from the rim and visitor's center, much like this latest visit. One memorable summer during my elementary school years my father had planned a vacation for my family to hike and camp down in the canyon valley. (Those pictures are stashed somewhere in a family album or in a box at my father's house.)


Our impromptu road trip to Las Vegas on a 3-day weekend included a stop at the Grand Canyon National Park and a drive by viewing of Hoover Dam. My Air Force buddies and I drove 5 hours from Sierra Vista on a Friday afternoon to arrive at the outside of the park in the late evening. We were fortunate to find a motel to get some rest. On previous family vacations I recall the Flagstaff area generally packed full of tourist limiting lodging options. After a short night's sleep, we gathered up at around 5:30am and headed towards the park entrance which was open sometime in the early hours before later heading out to Las Vegas.


Our morning at the park was brief. We wasted little time finding a place to park near the visitor's center and lodges. The views offered just inside the park are incredible. If you are ever in the vicinity of the Grand Canyon it is definitely a "must see" attraction. After all, it isn't one of the "Seven Wonders of the Natural World" for nothing. The Grand Canyon shares this accolade with other locations and natural phenomenon such as the Great Barrier Reef, Harbour of Rio de Janeiro, Mount Everest, Aurora Borealis, Paricutin Volcano, and Victoria Falls. Of this list, the only other I have experienced are the northern lights in Alaska. Elaborate planning is not required for an enjoyable visit. Simply stand in amazement of the natural wonder that the canyon offers. You will leave refreshed and in awe that is mother nature.

Afterwards, once the sun was up in the sky and the heat started to set in, we had breakfast at a restaurant within the park and started on our way to Sin City. The highway to Nevada from Arizona takes travelers across the Hoover Dam. To the best of my knowledge, if you are taking the shortest route from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas, all passenger vehicles must cross here. Although time was already pressing, the traffic delay at the dam was enough to allow us time to hop out of the car, take some quick snapshots, and chase the progress of our car in moving traffic.


I am excited for what 2009 has in store, what places I might visit, or what new experiences I will be introduced to. I hope you and your families get to enjoy life and truly "get out there." There is so much life to enjoy and to sit in a home and never experience was this country has to offer is truly a shame. Part of what got me started on this blog was to promote the local offerings in Florida. Of course, there is not much in the way of a plane ticket and a brief visit to another state to enjoy this country. Get out, experience new things, and in 10 years have the opportunity to look back on a life well lived.

All the best in 2009. - Eugenio

A Few Reasons to Visit Florida

A Few Reasons to Visit Florida

Roadside Views - 421N

Roadside Views - 421N

Here are two frames from a couple of things I saw along the way to Boone this weekend. I took these from a moving vehicle which was mostly for an impromptu opportunity to capture something...anything. I hope to eventually capture something more relevant to winter. Perhaps a weekend of snowboarding or maybe a lucky chance at catching some snow drifts here in the Triad will make for some good photography. All in good time.

Sun Sets on Tampa Bay

Sun Sets on Tampa Bay

...and rises for a new day to enjoy the Florida lifestyle.

Breakfast..My Favorite Meal

Breakfast..My Favorite Meal

This is a typical breakfast for me on my days off. It's probably the one meal I most look forward to and also exert the most effort into. On this Saturday morning I was waken up by a phone call. It was my brother reminding me of an 8AM gym commitment. So yes - we got up and got through a nice workout, but as soon as I got home I knew I would be hungry so I wasted little time. I got the espresso pot on the stove to get my Cafe Bustelo going while I hit the shower. Immediately after I was ready to play chef. The morning's menu consisted of a fresh spinach, mushroom, mozarella, and sausage omelette with a side of diced potatoes, red/green peppers, and onions. It's quite possibly my favorite meal. Sometimes I'll vary the selection to include fried eggs and a couple of bacon strips, but being gym focused and health conscious I try and keep it healthy. Follow up that meal with 2 pints of Simply Orange and you have yourself one happy day.

My Hometown City Skyline

My Hometown City Skyline

It's funny how nice it looks when you come back to visit.

My Sister's Wonderful Wedding

My Sister's Wonderful Wedding


This weekend I traveled down to Florida to attend and witness my sister marry her friend, her baby's father, and my newest brother - Dave. Attending weddings in previous years has typically meant that I was immersed in the day's events and documenting the moments for the newlywed's recollection in photographs. Although on this day I was in the ceremony alongside my brother and Dave's best friends, there were particular moments when I would have enjoyed creating a special photo for my sister and Dave. For me photography transcends any rules, barriers, or obligations. Being the enthusiast that I am, I decided to pocket my newest camera toy and pull it out for a snapshop on occasion. I was thankful that I did tote my portable camera around as I now have some great new photos to share with friends, family, and most importantly - Mabel and Dave.


The day was incredible. Florida couldn't have cooperated any better. The day was cool, but warm in the sun. A breeze helped collect any hint of perspiration and the late afternoon sunset produced incredible color.


Family gatherings a best enjoyed during a happy and eventful occasion. Our family has experienced gatherings of every kind it seems. Tough times make us stronger, happy times forge those relationships. Weddings can be stressful for anyone involved, but thankfully all went smoothly. I observed my parents give away their only daughter, my brother and his wife relive their wedding day with expectations of their first child in early spring, and my sister and Dave enjoy the genuine happiness weddings are intended to be. Me? I danced, drank, and even flirted around a bit. Hopefully my garter dance doesn't find it's way to YouTube. Hey - what else is a single guy to do at a wedding? All in good fun.


Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. David Boatenhammer. I love you guys...and my handsome nephew too. (They say he takes after his uncle.)

City Landmark

City Landmark


Every city has it's landmark. For certain, one of the first buildings to ever record in my memory from my first visit to Winston Salem was the dome top Wachovia Building easily visible off of the main business route. By spring of 2009 the city will get a new ballpark for the Winston Salem Warthogs. I look forward to many "Thirsty Thursdays" and incredible summer evenings of watching the sun fall over this place that is my home.

Early Fall 2008 (Part 3)

Early Fall 2008 (Part 3)


It was a cold day for October today, but I headed out anyways to see how the trees were developing in color here in Kernersville and Winston. The day was already getting late so I decided against the 45 minute ride out towards King. I am a bit confused as to when "full on peak fall" is supposed to hit this area, but either I am clueless or nature is confused by the weather patterns. Some trees are brilliant red, orange, or yellow, while others are still green. Even more strange is coming across a tree with zero leaves. I guess the change is progressive. My best hope of getting dense color is to probably find a forest trail where all of the trees are working in coordination. Before I know it, winter will be here. If the weather continues with temperatures dropping, we should see some snow this year. January 2008 brought us a little bit of snow - just enough to run out and grab a few snapshots. Time will soon bring temperatures cooler than fleece capable, so dig out your coats and OJ gloves.

October Moon

October Moon

It's been a while since I photograph a full moon. I took this one last week Tuesday when it was near the horizon. At some point I'll want a longer lens so you can see the dust on the surface. Enjoy.

Early Fall 2008 (Part 2)

Early Fall 2008 (Part 2)


I didn't quite make it too far from home on this trip. From what I've heard Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway are experiencing peak fall colors as of today. It's a real bummer too since I've never been there in the fall. I'm looking forward to the Triad's peak fall colors which are forecasted to show next week. I look foward to a lake hike in Greensboro or perhaps around the corner in Salem Lake where I might be able to capture some water reflected trees.


Today's short hike was at the base of Pilot Mountain. I've been there about a dozen times now since living in North Carolina, but I try and vary each visit as to not wear it out. I had never hiked any of the trails there before so that's where I started today. Very few of the trails offered any decent landscape views. Most of the hike was designed around taking the rock climber to and from rock ledges and walls inside the forest. The area still made for great photo subject matter. I took my time and just enjoyed being outside. The air was still cool despite weather reports of it heating into the upper 80s. I suppose being up high and in the forest where the sun doesn't reach helps things out a bit.



Overall I was fairly satisfied with some of my shots. Fall isn't quite here yet, but there was enough color hinting at the extremities of tree branches and treetops to suffice. The "knob" that is Mt. Pilot isn't quite fully dressed in fall colors yet either. I may not return again until the spring so I'm thankful to have gotten a few new shots with my newest camera and lens combo.


Enjoy the photos. Get outside. Relax. 'Til next time.

Early Fall 2008

Early Fall 2008

It's been a while since I've updated the blog, but as you can see we went from a summer of mountain biking to the appearance of an early fall. In another week or so the colors of this season will be at ground level. For this set of photos I hiked up the Cook's Wall trail at Hanging Rock Park to get a sneak preview of what's in store. I hope to head further north towards the Blue Ridge Parkway next week to find more vibrant colors. Of course, I may not need to travel much further than my own backyard to capture all of fall at its fullest. Enjoy.

US Nat'l Whitewater Rafting Center - MTB

US Nat'l Whitewater Rafting Center - MTB


On the rare ocassion that I have a Sunday at home I typically attempt to get out and enjoy the outdoors away from everything. This past weekend was no exception when my brother and I made a short 1.5 hour road trip south to the US National Whitewater Rafting Center complex for a little mountain biking. Web searches and trail reviews underestimate the near 12 miles of awesome single track trails that encircle the facilities. USNWRC has something to offer for every outdoor enthusiast from rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, rappeling, zip line rides, tower climbs, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing on the Catawba River, and eating on the decks and patios overlooking the rapids.


We really didn't know what to expect before making the drive. Just a few weeks ago we drove down to Asheboro to ride the trails in the Uwharrie National Forest and were somewhat underwhelmed with what was offered. I suppose the allure of a cold beer and some kick ass food after a long ride would put to shame any forest trail that has nothing but mosquitos and a trip through what appear to be abandoned ghost towns after 9PM. USNWRC had everything put together quite well so much so that if I was mistaken I would have thought we were in Orlando, Florida near all of the other Disney attractions and touristic theme parks. From the entryway landscaping to the gift shop inside, this place had something for anyone with a sense of adventure. After speaking with one of the girls from inside the shop I was sure I had met someone who had a better job than I. They get 2 hour lunch breaks to essentially get out and play. Whether it's grabbing a ride on a raft or hitting the trails on the mountain bike, a clean locker room with showers and a restaurant all within walking distance makes staying fit and having fun while working somewhat of a stress free work environment. If I was a college student living in the Charlotte area I would more than likely make this place the part time job of choice.


If you've never been mountain biking before, I would place a strong recommendation on going to USNWRC. All the equipment you would need is available onsite in their rental shop. They even offer mountain biking instruction for the absolute novice. I suppose if you're unsure of how to operate brakes and the gear shifter on a bike you might look into this, otherwise hit the trails hard and have fun.


We arrived sometime near mid-day due to some incorrect driving directions all thanks to the Garmin taking us west of downtown instead of east downtown Charlotte. Upon arrival we paid a nominal $5 parking fee and made quick work of exploring the activities offered. I was amazed at the variety offered and will look forward to returning in the spring of '09 for a 2-day stay to participate in some biking, kayaking, and maybe even a little rafting. The zip line was another appealing attraction that I would like to ride on a future visit.


We made good time through all of the trails offered including their single black diamond trails. There weren't too many obstacles unfamiliar with some of the trails in the Triad although the gradual terrain changes and lengthy downhills made for some adrenalin induced fun. We finished off our day with a couple of cold draft beers and some chicken rice bowls at the restaurant. The breeze and sounds of the rapids sure placed me somewhere in the wilderness except within a stones throw of the interstate and a short ride from home.

I look forward to returning to the US National Whitewater Rafting Center with my "nice" camera in tow to make some great photos. In particular, some action sequences of intense rafting, rock climbing, or mountain biking would do well for my little photography blog. For now, enjoy the few cell phone snapshots. I'll see you next time whenever or wherever life or this road with work takes me.

- Eugenio


For more info, visit: http://www.usnwc.org/

"Located on the banks of the Catawba River in Charlotte, N.C., the U.S. National Whitewater Center is the world's largest artificial whitewater river and an official U.S. Olympic Training Site. The USNWC is a locally owned and operated non-profit dedicated to promoting healthy, active, outdoor lifestyles. Opened in August 2006 at a cost of $38 million, the 307-acre public adventure-sport facility includes whitewater rafting and kayaking, mountain biking and hiking trails, a climbing center and a ropes course, along with a 2,400 square-foot conference center and 300-seat River's Edge Bar & Grill - all overlooking the home rapids of the U.S. National Slalom Canoe/Kayak Team.

Olympic-caliber athletes, weekend warriors and casual observers share this world-class sports and training center. Whether you want to play hard or relax on the river's edge, the USNWC offers a great place to take it outside."