Spirit of BC

It hardly seems possible that a week ago I was sitting in the mud of the edge of a stream watching bears chasing pink salmon. We were so lucky this year with the bear activity and the weather.


Four different Kermode Black Bear (aka Spirit Bears) walked the creek in front of us... chasing fish, taking naps and hiding from the rain storms. In another area we found a mother Grizzly and her cub. She was unconcerned by our approach and continued going about her business of catching fish and playing with baby. Our flight out from Hartley Bay took us over the amazing landscapes of Prince Rupert Island.

Need Coffee? Go to Whole Foods!

In 2003 I was working as a Veterinary Technician at Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital near City College. On non-surgical days, my friends/co-workers and I would often race down to grab a bite to eat, and far more importantly a good cup of coffee from Caffe D'Melanio. The days I loved the most were roasting days. The entire block smells of fresh roasted coffee... a siren's call for me. Melanio Duarte always had a smile and a story to go along with the meal. As I transitioned into photography, Melanio let me cover his walls with my images.

In 2007 I was lucky to have the opportunity to visit Argentina and photograph near Melanio's home town. Images from that trip still grace the walls of Caffe D'Melanio and now one of my images of Iguazu Falls is gracing Melanio's coffee.

On his 10 year anniversary, Melanio has just started to distribute his yummy coffee through Whole Foods Market!! I couldn't be more happy for him. It is currently available in the Franklin store in San Francisco and the Walnut Creek store with plans to expand into the Potrero Hill store and beyond. So if you can't visit Melanio in the restaurant on Ocean Avenue, you can still pick up some really delicious coffee from Whole Foods! Just save a cup of Roastmaster's Blend for me!

Caffe D'Melanio
1314 Ocean Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94122
Phone: 415-333-3665

Whole Foods Market Franklin Store
1765 California St
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone 415.674.0500

Whole Foods Market Walnut Creek
1333 Newell Ave
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone 925.274.9700

Where have I been all this time??!!

Well, it seems that I have been absent of late and with good reason! Really! While some National Parks are now boasting internet access I am pleased to report that there is NO INTERNET in the High Sierras! I spent an amazing 9 days hiking the back country with friends. You can read all about the High Sierra Camps in Yosemite on the California Nature Blog.

Almost immediately upon my return, I washed some clothing, packed up the heavy duty camping gear and headed out the door to Alaska! Where the float planes and high winds were numerous and prevalent and the internet access was sparse. I was lucky enough to have won two lotteries this year. The first for access to the High Sierra camps and the second for access to an amazing area called the McNeil River Game Sanctuary. Let me tell you... my friend Enrique and I can pitch tents! 50 MPH winds and the tent we nicknamed "The Marriott", due to it's HUGE size, stood the test.

The bears were nothing short of spectacular! I'll leave you all with this little video clip of the falls to wet your appetite! Did I mention I now have a video camera? Life is good my friends!!

Show Time!

I've been quiet for a while now as I've been preparing for a show at A Woman's Eye Gallery. Well, this weekend is it! I've cut my mats (and my hands), framed my prints, dusted and buffed the glass and am ready to hang. The opening reception is Saturday from Noon to 5pm so if you are around, stop in and say 'Hi!'

A Woman's Eye Gallery is located at
678 Portola Drive, San Francisco, California,
across from Tower Market in Miraloma Park.
Free Parking at the adjacent Ebenezer Lutheran church. It's the big purple one... you can't miss it.