Brian Smith's Photos

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Welcome to a world of limitless possibilities, where the journey is as exhilarating as the destination, and where every moment is an opportunity to make your mark on the canvas of existence. The only limit is the extent of your imagination.

Road Trip 2025 Pt 1 – LA to Sequoia National Park

A road trip up the California coast, starting in Los Angeles and working north to the gateway of Sequoia National Park over five easy days. First stop was Marina Del Rey, with a look at the sea lions, then on into Santa Monica, a detour inland to Ojai, and on to Santa Barbara for the…
Muir Beach – Pub Lunch and Pirates Cove

A pub lunch and a walk out to Pirates Cove — starting at the Pelican Inn, an English-style pub tucked into the trees above Muir Beach, then along the coastal trail to Pirates Cove and back down to the beach itself. The Pelican Inn Lunch first — the Pelican Inn does a convincing job of…
Daily Walk

An ordinary day on the usual San Rafael route — the birds and flowers that turn up on most walks along here, plus one that doesn’t: an Osprey overhead carrying a fish, while we were up on a hill about 500 feet above sea level. You don’t see that every day. Then, up on the…
Point Reyes Revisited, Again

Back to Point Reyes for a full day out — starting at Abbotts Lagoon, then out to the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock, taking in the views, the birds, and a good haul of Elephant Seals. Abbotts Lagoon The morning started with a Columbian Black-tailed Deer grazing alongside a Great Egret, then a Great Blue Heron…
Petaluma, Bodega Bay and Fort Ross

A day up the coast — a stop in Petaluma, sea lions at Bodega Bay, and an afternoon at Fort Ross, the old Russian-American Company outpost on the Sonoma Coast. Petaluma A quick stop downtown on the way north — the Mission, and some street artwork. Bodega Bay A stop on the way up the…
Favourite Birds of the First Half of 2025

A look back through the first six months of 2025 — favourite bird photos from local patches around San Rafael and Las Gallinas, plus a few farther afield at Corte Madera Creek, Abbotts Lagoon, Angel Island, and Pinnacles National Park. January The year started with grebes and shorebirds around the San Rafael waterfront. February More…