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.

Cataract Coastal Loop Trail

A loop through the Mt Tam Watershed this time — late April, right in the sweet spot for wildflowers, and this trail didn’t disappoint. An iris and a red larkspur within the first twenty minutes, then a good long stretch of open views working up through the hills. Broadleaf filaree, then cream cups tucked in…
Point Reyes

Started the day at the old shipwreck near Inverness — one of the most photographed spots on the whole peninsula, and it’s easy to see why once you’re standing in front of that broken-down hull. From there, a run of stops working further into the peninsula through the late morning — Point Reyes has that…
Three Days: Pinnacles and the Carrizo Plain

Three days out this trip — Pinnacles East on the way down, a full day on the Carrizo Plain, then back through Pinnacles West on the way home. Two very different landscapes barely two hours apart, and both worth the detour. Day One: Pinnacles, East Side Pinnacles only became California’s newest national park in 2013,…
Tilden Regional Park

Started up at the Grizzly Peak vista point, which on a clear day gives about as good a panorama of the Bay as you’ll find anywhere. From there onto Seaview and the Big Springs Loop Trail — a good stretch of ridge walking with the views opening and closing as the trail winds through. Finished…
Las Gallinas, Revisited

Back to Las Gallinas for another round, a few weeks on from last time — and this visit turned up some mammal action to go with the birds. A mute swan to start, then an otter working the water — always a treat when one of those turns up. A white-crowned sparrow, then two green…
Three Days Down Highway 1 to Half Moon Bay

Took a few days in and around Half Moon. Some stops along the way. Not that far from home but good to get away. Day One An early afternoon start further north along the coast, then a gap of a few hours before picking the camera back up in the early evening light. Then back…