An impromptu and unguided venture up the paramo of Villa De Leyva's hillsides. October 11, 2016 You don't make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved. (Ansel Adams) It began with a disappointed walk out the door. I grabbed my hat and Coco was hot on my heels. I had been packed and ready for a final yagé ceremony and the whole thing fell t

Getting into the Villa de Leyva, Colombian Rhythm. October 02, 2016 Putumayo bead store for mesmerizing handicrafts, Donatellas or Museo de Chocolate for sweet, tasty treats, the quiet Thursday markets.. Resting after the second yagé ceremony, this time a night one. Back in VDL, I made a simple but yummy lunner of spaghetti and veggies. My stay here has been great and the room is so very accommodating. I face the ridge, but is only a short five minute walk to the steep, brush

Accounting a very special and vivid ceremony in Quindio, Colombia. August 23, 2016 Returning to the Quindio region of Colombia, we were reminded at how beautiful the area was upon second viewing. The mountains running alongside each of the colorful towns and the vibrant green slopes (which seems to be a recurring theme) is simply enchanting every time we stand before an open aired window. We had tracked down a friend we made in our first passage through the area and learned h

After nine straight months of travel, mandog taps into the mysticisms of Atuntaqui, Imbabura and Cotacachi to sense his place in this turned-back-in-time region. July 26, 2016 Atop the hills of Pacama, Ecuador beneath the exploded remnants of Imbabura, I looked out at the village descending down along the slopes. Cotacachi, the adjacent looming volcano seemed to grab all of the clouds from the sky and color them with the sun's setting hues. Recorded are the words to what I wa

After seven months of travel through four countries, finally a chance to slow down and spend time with the new pup as the trip had crossed its halfway point. May 05, 2016 To look deep into the eyes of a 10 week old pup, that sees you with an equal and uncompromising reflection I am on a journey. And as I have seen many people state, it's always about the ride, not where you are going. So, I have forgotten, given up, released myself on trying to define what the destination is.

With months of arduous traveling behind my back, I found myself at the edge of the South American continent gazing outward. January 16, 2016 after many steps through the hot sands, life and beautiful vistas awaited me on the other side The desert I am in encapsulates the feelings of Love I have. It is barren, minimal and certainly still exists, but it hides. It is dormant, awaiting the call to awaken. I feel I have regressed to the state of a child to comply with the ego's de

Describing a little less-than-inviting town near the popular Santa Marta, Colombia. January 08, 2016 Many of the women and girls wear gold, patented leather chancletas, as if a relic of those past civilizations still existed on their feet. Since the rough arrival to Colombia, it has been a series of highs and lows. I travel far and on a moments notice. Some cities have their appeal, while others simply do not. I've also slowed down unexpectedly at a few of these 'un-liked ' j

Capturing the journey from the urban capital of Panama to the remote swaths of paradise of San Blas and ending in the harrowing tale of the longest border crossing. December 19, 2015 Geysers of salt spray were erupting 40-60' into the air. It was a cool sight. When we came around the point the Colombian lady started yelling with her fist in the air, 'Colombia! Colombia!' And so after coming from the highlands of Santa Fe to the Panamanian capital (and back to Santa Fe again a

Retelling the stay with Santa Fe's most infamous gringo. December 12, 2015 A tall, white man with a military crew cut holding an opened MGD by the tip, wearing nothing but white, long and loose boxer shorts strolled up to the gate. A fresh new scene.. The bus up to Santa Fe was long and packed. I was pushed in as the bus was already rolling backwards departing from the terminal. No place for my pack other than in front of my face. It was winding and uncomfortable with various

A written out, time-tested, categorized guide to traveling along with only a pack. December 05, 2015 One has to search, recognize and enjoy those little moments of peace as they can be quite hard to find. < Getting Around > Bus travel is friendly and very affordable. In most South American countries, expect to pay about $1 per hour for long distance bus rates. Prepare oneself for the haul before entering the seating area, as most luggage will be stowed below in the bodega. I

Spending a US holiday amongst gracious, kind-hearted people ushered the heart into a new understanding of what community means. November 27, 2015 This is their life. I am just visiting, unsure to whether or not it could be my next home, but learning and absorbing so much about the culture as I go. Helping hands.. To start the third day at Lomo Mai, I thought it would be in the Thanksgiving spirit to volunteer my morning helping the workers pick coffee. They and the roosters w

Returning to the industrial town of Cartago for much needed travel supplies. November 23, 2015 The winds were cold and whipped themselves through this highland city and I deemed it time to flee the imposter of a nice dream. Brace yourself.. From Castillo I direct bussed it back to San Jose to retrieve the broken computer. I sat around thinking/looking for a place to stay there and then it came to me! I could stay with Alexandria again! I laughably knew what I was getting myse

Stopping short in Fortuna, a chance to get to Arenal a day ahead was missed, but it would not stop me from getting to my destination. November 17, 2015 He used the upstairs part of the hostel as a hangout for him and his friends to smoke pot and watch movies. A Night in Fortuna.. From San José, I bussed it two and a half hours to Fortuna. its the hub for action, city-wise in the Vulcán Arenal region. I intended to go on to El Castillo, but weather and time did not permit it t

Many attempts at avoiding the capital resulted in failure, and to my expected dismay, it was as terrible as anticipated. November 17, 2015 I stood on the corner as a man totally encapsulated in a tattered and torn assemblage of what only could be described as bags of sewage crossed my path. Brace yourself.. Stepping off the bus I landed into a chaos of smells, debris, cacophony of noises, beggars, peddlers, people shouting from all directions. I stood on the corner as a man t

Immediately getting into a bind for finances in Costa Rica, camping looked like a good way to slow down and recover lost expenses. November 01, 2015 Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I'm going to take tomorrow. (Imogen Cunningham) Three and a half hours of bus rides, spread out across three different connecting busses I was out, around and back through to the coastal highlands towards Flamingo Bay. I passed Filadelfia. Flamingo was an Isla/Isthmus that seemed is

Getting a first look at Costa Rica and the processes of backpack travel. October 28, 2015 My senses, my allure to the fascination of going further, turning a corner and pressing ahead would be the gravity that keeps me connected to the path. Flying in to Liberia Airport, Costa Rica, a sudden awareness of the endless lush, green canopies brought in the realization that I'd certainly flown to some place remote. The varied and changing landscapes, with specks of civilizations ma