December Quest - San Rafael Swell, Utah

So, one week ago I returned from another Quest. We spent 10 days in the San Rafael Swell, a designated piece of BLM land in central Utah. It is by far the largest, most beautiful and diverse area that is NOT a National Park I have ever visited. It was worth all of the two-days drive to get there.

Sunrise along the San Rafael River with Navajo Sandstone formations all around - Dec 6, 2006, San Rafael Swell, central Utah

A tight squeeze in Little Wild Horse Canyon, the second half of a nine mile slot canyon hike - Dec 7, 2006, San Rafael Swell, central Utah

Hidden Arch - about a hours hike down Eagle Canyon from Swaseys Cabin - Dec 9, 2006, San Rafael Swell, central Utah

One of the more decorated pieces of sandstone in the area, the Rochester Art Panel is full of petroglyphs - Dec 14, 2006, San Rafael Swell, central Utah

Winter has Arrived in Sandpoint!

We're overwhelmed with Normal Rockwell settings here in Sandpoint
This cute front yard is across the street from my house
Looking ESE toward the Cabinet Mtns from the base of Schweitzer Mtn Rd

On a Serious Note...

So, here's a look at my perfectly running, completely reliable, extremely safe Volvo after running into a moose at 55 mph - please don't try this on your own. I am thankful to be ok... very thankful!!!

Fall Colors in Sandpoint

Fall Colors on Oak Street - Oct 28, 2006, Sandpoint, ID Leaf mosaic backlit by the sun - Oct 28, 2006, Sandpoint, ID

The First Post... Finally

Hi everyone! I have revisited my reason for setting up a blog last fall, and it turns out I wanted to use it as a way to stay in touch with you. So, since that was and is my reason, I decided to actually post something, finally.

It has been a little over one year since I moved out to Sandpoint, ID and I am enjoying it very much. My work at the Monarch School has been energizing (note that many of the newly posted pictures are from outings I have taken with school groups), and I have every intention of settling down here for a while. Enjoy the pictures, and email me often at evanjgray@gmail.com. I hope you're all well.

Sayulita Trip - 2006

The view looking West from our patio - Playa de las Muertas is just left of the rock outcrop
My home for 10 days - Casa Los Arcos - on the point in Sayulita - Oct 5, 2006, Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico
The pool, where I spent 4-8 hours each day
Moonrise over Sayulita, as seen from my patio chair and bed

September Quest 2006 - Stein Valley Provincial Park, BC

En Route to the Stein Valley, hauling kids, gear, and a trailer - Sept 8, 2006, somewhere in southern BC Crossing the Stein River with the whole group on day 2 - Sept 10, 2006
Thick growth in the undisturbed Stein Valley - Sept 10, 2006

Looking up the Stein River valley - Sept 10, 2006
Remnants of the trappers, miners, and traders that once called the Stein Valley home - Sept 10, 2006

Heading back to camp after resupply (notice the orange tents around the lake) - Sept 15, 2006
A view of our sentry during SOLO - Sept 17, 2006

Sunrise over Blowdown Pass - Sept 17, 2006
This is a beautiful place... and there's nothing more to say - Sept 17, 2006