Always Have Yosemite
On those stressful days when everything seems to fall apart, I find some peace in the thought that Yosemite will always be there, strong, peaceful, and calm.
The Largest Trees in the World
I will never get over the Sequoias. The Sequoia National Forest is one of the most magical places on the planet. We took two last minute trips before we moved to Tennessee to bring our parents to this awesome place.
Moving to Chattanooga, Tennessee
Lanewood Studio happily announces our move from Los Angeles, California to Chattanooga, Tennessee in December. We will become operational January 2016 and look forward to the many opportunities to work with some of the freshest companies in the United States.
Chattanooga's innovative energy continues to move America forward and we are so excited to take part in the buzz.
A few reasons we love Chattanooga:
- The upcoming availability of 10GB fiber optics wifi has led to a massive surge of new business.
- It was rated 2015's "Best City Ever" by Outside Magazine.
- We look forward to opportunity of working with the amazing companies opening their doors in the Scenic City.
- Chattanooga is 2 hours from Nashville & Atlanta.
- River, outdoors, aquarium, microbreweries, and it's the South.
Emily's Film Corner Part 2
“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”
The End of the Trail
Day 96 – Emily’s Entry – July 17 – 5:17am – Watchtower- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Currently, we are sitting by the Grand Canyon Watchtower watching the sun rise over the canyon.
We witnessed a spectacular sunset with pink and golden clouds against a brilliant, blue sky last night. There was a double rainbow in the sky as well. Sitting on the cliffside last night felt like the epic beginning of the end of this trip. Last night, Corey shot the Milky Way over the tree line. I will miss seeing the stars at night.
Day 96 – Emily’s Entry – July 17 – 5:44pm – Forked Pine Campground, - Coconino National Forest, Arizona
What a lovely day it is. Our campsite overlooks a small lake on a meadow of tall grass and wildflowers. We can see the San Francisco Mountain peaks in the distance. Families are fishing and kayaking the lake. Three black labs of a neighbor camp family chase tennis balls in the field. I had no idea Arizona was such an American paradise.
An American Pipit (a bird) just ran through my legs!
It’s strange to think today is Friday, and we end our journey in Burbank, CA on Tuesday! For over 3 months, our lives have focused around the question, “Where next?” I do look forward to a full kitchen, bathrooms with sinks, and reliable internet, yet I’ll miss my pristine views, wildlife pets, and promise of everyday adventure. The journey’s been long and near its end. I have made many a friend. We’ve traveled far and around the bend. And yet, it’s only the start.
Day 99 – Corey’s Entry – July 21 – 3:15pm – Joshua Tree National Park, California
“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” – Robert Burns
The last few days have been touch and go. After Antelope Canyon, we headed to Sedona, Arizona. The only thing I heard about Sedona was how it housed an energy vortex called Cathedral Rock. We stopped in a local restaurant for lunch and to work. Across from us, we met a shaman and a medicine woman who practice Reiki and energy transfers. Places like Cassadaga, Florida, Asheville, North Carolina, and Sedona host a kind of energy that artists are drawn to. You can almost feel the energy and it shows in the towns with all the artwork and gorgeous scenery. Rain and thunderstorms struck once again last night, so we missed the sunset and couldn’t go outside. So unfortunately, I have nothing but memories. We will travel back there someday.
Our next stop was going to be the Kofa National Forest, but we rethought that stop for a couple reasons. The tread on our back tires was completely worn, not even a penny can rest in them. And another monsoon was brewing, so we decided to continue to Joshua Tree.
We met with some fellow travelers at lunch then shared some drinks and swapped stories with our good friend Joey. I’m sure glad we did too. Had we not stopped to see him, we would’ve been caught in a flash flood trying to get into California. See, on our way after Tempe, AZ we hit some major traffic. A flash flood had wiped out a section of the i-10 and flooded the area four feet high. So if we blew through and didn’t stop we would’ve been in that or trapped at Cottonwood Campground, which was also flooded. Strange how the world works like that and thank God we got a room that night in a hotel. There really is always a reason.
So now I’m sitting on a rock in Joshua Tree thanking God we weren’t in that mess. It’s Day 99. I know it’s not over until tomorrow, but my thoughts are swimming. I don’t want to stop. I want to keep traveling like this. I know I complain about bugs and wanting to be in a clean bed, but overall I love living like this. New places all the time, outdoors, enjoying nature, and making friends with strangers I’ll never see again. Something is very poetic about that last part.
Truth is, I love being a traveler. Okay, settle down once in a while, but this trip has been incredible. I’ve learned a lot and grown up a bit. I think when I retire, I want to be a ranger, volunteer if they’ll take me.
Day 99 – Emily’s Entry – July 20 – 3:15pm – Jumbo Rocks Campground – Joshua Tree National Park, California
This feels like a mythical day. Day 99/100. It’s similar to the day the world will end or your 50th birthday. You always knew it might come sooner or later, but definitely not yet. Well, here we are. I’ve learned better what I can handle like I’m remarkably calm when I might be struck by lightning. I’ve learned not everything is what is seems to be. Sometimes something that initially seems terrible can easily be a blessing in disguise. I’ve also learned my limits. 100+ flies at my campsite is my limit. Side note: I’ve never seen so many flies in my life and I’m completely over them. I understand you, Winnebago Man. I really do.
Corey and I feel we’ve gotten used to this lifestyle. It took us about 2 weeks to get used to it. It’s important to stay positive. Even though of all the creatures we’ve encountered, people are by far the most complicated, confusing creatures on the planet. The city’s not all bad though. L.A. has good food and good friends. Corey and I are also very excited to get back to our other work. We plan on selling prints, canvases, and other products soon in addition to shooting work. We also will soon begin plans for another epic road trip to Alaska 2016.
I feel so blessed to have gone on this journey. I went with the love of my life and saw so many other people I love and met new friends. I want to say thank you to everyone who sheltered, fed, followed, met, and rooted for us on this trip. You are loved and appreciated more than you will ever know.
In the Red Rock Wilderness
Day 93 – Emily’s Entry – July 14 – 6:15pm – Coyote Buttes South, Arizona
We made it! We’re among incredible wave-like rock formations. We hiked 4 miles up 1000 feet of elevation on a deep sand road to get here. I had to stop a number of times and Corey carried my bag a bit. It hasn’t helped on this trip that I grew up at a 10ft elevation level in Florida, but I’m so excited to be here. There are no trails or people, and I love that. We can run, climb, and play as we wish here. Truly trees, mountains, and nature are the ultimate playground.
Day 93 – Corey’s Entry – July 14 – 10:14pm – Lone Rock on Lake Powell, Utah
What a rush these past few days have been. Our car is caked in mud and sand is everywhere.
Coyote Buttes South is a beautiful, geological formation of sandstone. The formation looks like waves of rock slowly melting.
As we drove on the road to get here, we passed a sign that read, “Impassable When Wet”. The weather forecast read, “1% chance of rain” for the area. When we drove down the dirt road halfway, it 100% rained. I drove a bit faster to get to our campsite before we got stranded. Our Subaru Crosstrek XV did amazing on the muddy roads. We didn’t get stuck once. I think I scared Emily a few times as I splashed and fishtailed to the campsite. I had a blast.
At the site, we didn’t think it was possible to make it to the canyon because of the heavy rain and thunder coming down. When the rain stopped, we drove up to a fork in the road. One way led back out to the highway where we would move to our next location. The other way led to the canyon over treacherous, muddy roads for 4x4’s only. We followed our hearts down the treacherous, muddy road. We figured, high risk = high reward.
We got to the access point, but still had a rough 3-mile hike up about 1000-foot altitude. Boy, it was worth it. When we finally arrived, we climbed, ran, and jumped all over the place. We were in the wilderness. No trails, signs, or crowds of tourists. Just nature and us.
On our way back, we hiked through a herd of cattle. Some ranchers on horseback were corralling them together. It’s a strange feeling when every cow stares at you. The cowboys waved back at us as we climbed into our trusty Subaru and rode off into the sunset. We decided to head onto Page, AZ without a place to stay. Thankfully, I was on the phone with a full campground when they suggested a place called Lone Rock outside of Page. Just as he said the words, a small, brown sign for “Lone Rock” appeared in our headlights. We sharply turned into the campground and pitched our tent on Lake Powell Beach. With a staple meal of Ramen and sausage, we are off to bed with tired legs and happy thoughts.
Day 94 – Emily’s Entry – July 15 – 2:04pm – Slacker’s Grill – Page, Arizona
We both just ate a bacon burger at this local spot in Page, AZ. We just got off a photo tour with Antelope Canyon photo Tours. The tour company and Antelope Canyon is owned by the Navajo Nation, which sits in the middle of the U.S. completely free and ungoverned by the U.S. government, taxes, and laws. It’s the one nation you don’t have to have a passport to visit.
The curved, red, and violet rock creates an aspect of mystery and curiosity of history. Light spills through dust in the air to create almost a waterfall effect in the narrow canyon.
A City Covered in Gold
Day 90 – Emily’s Entry - July 11 – 6:49pm – Rim Trail – Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
This is my happy place. I sit here with a cider in my hand, in a crazy creek chair, looking at a beautiful view. Hoodoos (natural rock spires caused by erosion) emerge from the mountain range creating an eerie scene. The landscape boasts neon orange and cream colors. The scene reminds me of orange creamsicles I ate as a kid.
One pull-off in the park called Bryce Point has an entire canyon full of Hoodoos. It all resembles an ancient city of myth. Maybe this was a city early American explorers described as “a city covered in gold.”
Day 92 – Corey’s Entry – July 13 – 6:04pm – Zion National Park, Utah
Zion, America’s greatest oasis. The massive canyons display all shades of reds and oranges. Trees grow in the canyons with vibrant, green leaves. This is a true paradise.
However, I would advise against going during the summer. The stunning views and peaceful scenery are interrupted constantly by the non-stop hordes of tourists. Children yell, babies cry, boys draw on ancient cliff sides, massive families fight, and loud bros take the still moment out of this timeless place. A woman changed her newborn’s diaper on the path next to the pristine riverbed. I can only hope she carried the diaper out of the area to a trash can.
Zion is a beautiful place full of natural and human history, but most of the people treat it like a local swimming hole. I’m glad more and more people are going outdoors though. It’s just sad to see people abuse nature.
Goblin Valley & the Beast
Day 88 – Emily’s Entry –July 9 – 7:45am – Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
What a strange place this is. The mud-clay structure field initially described as the “Mushroom Field” by the cowboys who discovered it reminds me of drip-castles my sister India and I made as kids on the beach and by lakeshores.
It’s easy to imagine native people believing these structures to be ancient gods. It seems like the grumpy faces stare slumping from the mud out at the world.
To me, the entire goblin field looks like a giant playground. We climbed and hid between the blobby mud statues.
I shot a series of photos I have entitled, “Where’s Corey?” In this series, the viewer has to find my handsome husband among the goblins.
Corey’s such a trooper. He kept waking throughout the night to see when the overhead clouds left. He left at 3:48am to shoot the goblin valley with the stars.
Day 88 – Corey’s Entry – July 9 – 9:38am - Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
Goblin Valley is the closest resemblance to a martian planet in America. Hiking among the natural rock formations puts the environment in perspective.
Last night, I went on a solo adventure. The sky finally cleared around 3:40am, and I desperately wanted to shoot more astrophotography. I rolled out of the tent still fully dressed. Ignoring the howling coyotes, I got in the car and drove without headlights, so I didn’t wake my fellow campers. The moon was bright enough to cast shadows, so I got to the Goblin Valley just fine.
I hiked into the valley and set up my shots. I was so excited that at one point, I forgot where the car was parked. With the eerie moon, I began to see faces and goblins!
To help myself get back to the car, I used long exposure to see the area better. I arrived safe and sound back at Home and climbed into my sleeping bag.
Day 88 – Emily’s Entry – July 9 – 4:46pm – Cathedral Valley Campground – Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
I’m hoping for interesting light at sunset and clear skies tonight. Corey and I have discovered an awesome routine setting up and breaking down camp. I knew we’d finally get our system down around the last 12 days of the trip.
Driving through Capital Reef, we saw ancient Petraglyphs from a thousand years ago made by the Hopi Native American tribe. We attempted to interpret what the meanings. In the petraglyphs, we saw men, big horn sheep, dogs, deer, and sunrises.
There are many historic towns built in Utah by settling Latter-Day Saint (Mormon) pioneers who sought refuge from persecution in the late 1800’s. The towns and Mormon wards have taken me back to time I was also a Mormon. #itsalongstory
Our campsite is on a peak overlooking much of the Capital Reef National Park. Red monoliths rise from the ground. It feels as if thousands of tons of ancient palaces emerge from the ground, but as we drive though, time is frozen and we can see the earth fall away from their mighty walls.
Day 89 – Corey’s Entry – July 10 – 8:17am - Cathedral Valley Campground – Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Cathedral Valley Campground is located 7000 feet in elevation on the edge of the Capitol Reef. This remote campsite required a fun, muddy drive. Along the route, we saw beautiful views of the valley below.
We came to this campsite for the lack of light pollution and the elevation that would have offered unparallel views of the wonderful, starry night skies. We shot the valley, explored a bit, and made up a fun game called Rock Horse. It’s like horseshoes and bocce ball but with some odd rules and bonus goals mixed in. It got complicated.
I wandered to a forgotten camp chair that somehow had cell service. As I talked to my parents, the rain fell harder, and I crouched under my Field & Main Bank umbrella. When the lightning and hail started up, into the car we went. Déjà vu. I think we’ve been in this position before. It poured from the evening until the morning.
The lightning was pretty nerve wrecking inside our little tent. Around 5:00am, we awoke to another loud pack of coyotes running amok through the campground. The most terrifying thing all night was a beast noise all around us. It sounded like a beast stepping around then grunting boldly. Step, step, gruff. Over and over for hours. My imagination went wild. I thought it was a bear about to tear down our tent, and we’d have to deal with it or be food. Emily helped calm me down as we realized what sounded like steps was water dripping on a bag on the picnic table. The growls we decided were in fact big, dumb toads digging in the mud. The combination of drips and toads sounded like a beast.
Day 89 - Emily’s Entry – July 10 – 8:39am – Cathedral Valley Campground – Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Last night was one of the scariest nights of my life. First, it thunder stormed. We saw and felt the grand show of rain, hail, booming, vibrating thunder, and bright flashes of lightning overhead. I made sure my skin wasn’t touching anything metal in case our tent or anything nearby was struck by lightning as I pulled myself deeper in my North Face sleeping bag.
Around 5am, Corey woke my restless sleep to alert me of a sound outside. The heavy footsteps and territorial grunting brought my hazy mind to full attention. We had no mace. We had no knife. I figured my best plan to run from our tent to the car was to throw the water from my Nalgene bottle at this beast in hopes of stunning it for a moment as we ran for our lives.
After what felt like an hour of listening to the beast of Hades stalk our tent, we concluded the footsteps were water drops on a nearby metal picnic table and the grunts were probably toads deflating in the mud. Thanks, Nancy Drew.
The mind can be a terrifying place. Then again, we never really found any toads, and who knows? It could have been a monster.
Gypsy Wagon & the Double Arch
Day 86 – Emily’s Entry - July 7 – 8:15am – Avalanche Ranch Gypsy Wagon – Colorado
We’re staying in a “Gypsy Wagon.” This little girl’s dream wagon has walls of bright pink, yellow, green, and blue. Floral décor embellishes the petite room. The loft-style bed lies next to a small window with colored daisies in a flower bin.
This adorable place to stay has hot spring pools to swim in. The pools overlook several mountain peaks. Natural minerals in the water and the heat took us to another level. It was easy to imagine our worries evaporating with the steam out of the 104º water.
Day 86 – Corey’s Entry – July 7 – 9:15am – Avalanche Ranch – Gypsy Wagon, Colorado
Now we live in a Gypsy Wagon on Avalanche Ranch. The wagon is a little tight inside. It would only take 3 seconds to clean up but 2 seconds to get messy. The natural hot spring pools have pebble floors to massage your feet as you move around. We have beautiful views of mountains as we sit back. Kids play around the ranch and dogs chase each other.
We met our cabin neighbor Carolyn, who I’ll never forget. She asked us what we were having for dinner. “Ramen and a PB&J,” I said. ”Oh No,” she replied, “I’m going to get you some lasagna.” We politely declined, but she insisted and brought us two plates of delicious dinner and strawberry salad. We ate every bite. The generosity of strangers has really strengthened my faith in humanity. From gifts of advice to flashlights to dinner, I feel blessed on this journey. Avalanche Ranch is definitely a place to call Home.
Day 87 – Emily’s Entry – July 8 – 8:44am – Double Arch – Arches National Park, Utah
As we entered this place, Corey kept making fun of me because of how many times I repeated, “Wow!” I’ve never seen anything quite like this before. We’re staying in the Devil’s Garden Campground.
Enormous arches have formed in the red sandstone over time from wind and rains slowly washing creases in the rock into full-blown arches. I've read and heard time and time again that America is always changing. I believe it! Nothing can keep this country tame or one way for long.
It always amazes me how many different landscapes America has. I am so proud to live in such a gorgeous country. So many things contribute to the wildness of America from terrain to beast, but the true wildness and adventure that makes this country great lives in the hearts of the people.
Day 87 – Corey’s Entry – July 8 – 9:13am – Double Arch – Arches National Park, Utah
Natural arches made by the earth over millions of years here create such a unique sight. I think this is the first time I’ve ever been stoked about geology (Sorry, Bart). I won’t bore you, but it has a lot to do with salt and ancient oceans.
I really wanted some shots of the Milky Way through an arch, however the clouds had a different idea. We set out on a night hike anyway. Have you ever been hiking in pitch-black night in a place you’ve never seen before? It’s surreal and a bit scary. I’m glad Emily was with me. A shot of liquid courage also helped. We hiked until we found an arch or neat structure to shoot. The sky was cloudy, but we managed to get some starry sky shots.
Colorful Colorado Peaks
Day 81 – Corey’s Entry – July 2 – 5:15pm – Garden of the Gods - Bunk House 7 – Colorado Springs, Colorado
The Garden of the Gods stands well maintained with spectacular views. Down in the valley, you see Pueblo homes beautifully blend into the red rocks. It rained again, but at least I had some good light early in the morning. Every Home should have some sort of garden. Whether it’s for the Gods, the birds, or for produce. Gardens instill a sense of comfort and community.
Day 81 – Emily’s Entry – July 2 – 5:45am – Garden of the Gods – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Difficulty waking turns easy when I see the golden sun currently peeking over the horizon clouds and illuminating the fiery-red rocks in this spectacular park.
The upcoming final three weeks of this journey in canyon, mountain, and valley should end us with a bang.
Day 84 – Emily’s Entry – July 5 – 11:11pm – Uncle Duane’s House – Buena Vista, Colorado
This house currently houses my Uncle Duane, Aunt Darlene, Mom, Dad, sister India, Corey, and me. The first day, we took Duane’s RV to Aspen and surrounding cities. It has been nice to relax on this little family vacation. There’s nobody quite like parents and siblings. Even as adults, my sister and I act like children wrestling, kidding, and clinging onto Mom. It’s comfortable not being the most responsible one in the room for a few days.
My uncle has wanted us to visit colorful Colorado for years, and now I see why. Towering 14,000-foot collegiate peaks test your resistance to crying from sheer beauty and altitude sickness.
The seven of us visited the ghost town of St. Elmo, Colorado, which served as a mining town in the late 1800’s for fortune seekers and prostitutes alike.
History aside, chipmunks crawl on you, and eat out of your hand here. It’s adorable.
Day 85 - Corey’s Entry – July 6 – 6:45am – Buena Vista, Colorado
What beautiful country Colorado has to offer. We stayed with Emily’s Uncle Duane and Aunt Darlene in Buena Vista. Everywhere you looked there was a mountain. This was like another family vacation, but this time with the Van Horns. We went on an RV trip to Aspen, Colorado. I’ve never been on the road in an RV before. It was relaxing and a bit uneasy at times. When we went around sharp turns on thin roads, you could reach your hand out and grab a tree. Mostly we chatted as we watched the beautiful Rocky-Mountain landscapes.
Aspen is a great, little city. It’s kind of kitschy in the best way. I loved seeing old skis attached to Homes and buildings dressed like old ski lodges decorated with antiques.
We had a wonderful time exploring Buena Vista and thoroughly appreciated the hospitality.
The last day, we all went white water rafting. I’ve white water rafted before, but not in 50º water when it’s 62º outside. I sat up front paddling with my father-in law Austin. At one point, we hit a rapid called Big Drop and Austin just about fell out. I grabbed his sleeve and pulled him back in. Noah’s Ark White Water rafting had amazing staff.
Duane and Darlene live in a subdivision of Buena Vista called Game Trail. There are no outdoor lights allowed to eliminate light pollution. They don’t have to mow their lawn because deer and elk come by and chew their grass down. It’s a great community where they live among wildlife without interfering. They have seen all sorts of animals living in a natural habitat right outside their door. One problem the neighborhood has is when animals are too active. One time, a black bear trolling the neighbor smelled a car of someone who had gone out that night for a pizza. The bear tracked the car and somehow managed to get into the car, but found no pizza and couldn’t get back out. The next morning, they found the bear stuck in the mangled remains of their car. Emily and I parked our car in Duane’s garage, since it‘s basically our kitchen and dining room. Good thing too, because, that night, a bear visited. The bear knocked over a bird and hummingbird feeder. There were claw and paw prints on the dining room windows. What an exciting place to live.
