395north

Exploring Highway 395 and the Wild West. Using Photography to inspire and encourage others to travel.

07/15/2026

There’s something magical about spotting a snow plant growing from the forest floor.

One of the Sierra’s most unexpected and unforgettable sights. The Sarcodes sanguinea, commonly known as the snow plant, is a parasitic wildflower in the heath family (Ericaceae) that lacks chlorophyll.

Despite its name, it doesn’t grow from snow. It spends most of its life hidden underground, emerging for just a short time each year as this brilliant crimson bloom. With no chlorophyll of its own, it survives through a fascinating partnership with fungi connected to the roots of nearby trees.

07/07/2026

Geology is amazing.

Following the banks of the San Joaquin River is reason enough to make this hike. Along the way, the towering basalt columns of Devils Postpile are a reminder of the incredible geology that shaped the Sierra Nevada. Continuing on to Rainbow Falls, the river plunges into a volcanic canyon-one of those hikes that combines geology, moving water, and unforgettable scenery.
This is one of the most popular hikes in Mammoth, so make sure to research the shuttles and maybe pick a weekday so you aren’t caught up in the crowds.

06/19/2026

. Road trips aren’t just about the destination. Some of the best experiences happen as you are passing thru. Wild horses on the horizon, sunlit mesas, curious lizards, desert storms, and epic landscapes deserve more than a glance out the window. The miles go by quickly, but the memories come from slowing down long enough to appreciate where you are.

2025 Ford Ranger® Raptor® model with optional equipment, aftermarket accessories, and extra-cost color option shown.
Always consult the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.

06/18/2026

Did this wild horse want to play?
Somewhere between Colorado and New Mexico, I pulled over to feed Nikko and walk around a bit. We barely started a round of fetch when a dozen horses appeared, galloping our way from all directions, probably Insearch of a feed. So we loaded up and slowly pulled away. To our surprise a few of them ran alongside the truck, seeming to play and maybe communicate with Nikko. It was an amazing sight to behold and one more reason to slow down & randomly roam.

Did they think she was a long lost cousin? Or maybe just a provider of snacks? We will never know.

06/11/2026

Driving back to California, we spotted the word GEYSER on Google Maps, immediately changing course down a winding dirt road. At the end we found a massive slab of beautiful orange travertine with a shallow pool, flowing stream, and even a small waterfall pouring into the Green river. It’s a beautiful natural wonder and place to explore.

Apparently THE geyser is carbon dioxide driven with cold water, not relying on heat or geothermal activity. We were there for about an hour but unfortunately didn’t get to see the geyser erupt. Maybe next time.

06/09/2026

Postcard from somewhere near Pagosa springs….. We crossed deserts and miles of open road to reach southern Colorado, where we caught up with Seth, a fishing-obsessed friend on a trout finding mission.

This was my second fly fishing trip—and it completely spoiled me. Every spot in this valley seemed to be teeming with hungry beautiful trout. Maybe the timing was perfect? Maybe the guru picked the perfect flies? Even Nikko caught the fishing bug, as she eagerly watched every pool and ripple with a keen eye, getting excited each time a fish was on the line.

The fishing was amazing, but the scenery was also unforgettable, as we immersed ourselves in towering mountain views, hiked meandering creeks, and crossed beautiful valleys that seemed endless. Thank you Colorado.

PS: Tenkara rods are amazing.

04/17/2026

Astro folks…. What is that? Upper left corner.
This Milky Way time lapse was taken on a beautiful summer night near the Ancient Bristlecone Pine forest. Look close and you will see a white streak then a pop resulting in an orange ring of debris. Is this part of the meteor exploding as it enters the atmosphere? Is it the ignition of a gas? I’m super curious.
Also check out the crazy comet-jet-Superman thing going across the horizon.

PS. It’s crazy how much stuff is going across the sky

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Maricopa, CA
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