Adventure

THE LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON

By Chris Urban

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Chris Urban ©

Travel in the 21stcentury doesn’t often feel much like exploring anymore. Just when you think you’ve had a real Indiana Jones type of experience hiking a wadi in central Oman, you run headfirst right into a Starbucks. A few years ago, my wife and I were living in and had explored much of India. We had just been to Everest Base Camp, had seen a lot of other parts of Asia, and were looking for new adventures. It was around that time that we heard of Bhutan, “the Land of the Thunder Dragon.” Everything about it called to us as travelers and explorers.

Continue reading “THE LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON”

Clintonville Outfitters

If you’re in Columbus and looking for a great place to gear up for your next adventure, look no further than Clintonville Outfitters. Specializing in kayaks and backpacking wares, Jon has in depth knowledge of everything he sells and even an indoors climbing wall right there in the shop!

Continue reading “Clintonville Outfitters”

THE PATH TO THE SUMMIT, AN EVEREST ADVENTURE

By Chris Urban

For years, going to Mount Everest was at the top of my bucket list. I grew up reading my brother’s National Geographic magazines and watching the Discovery Channel, dreaming about exploring the Himalayas, going face to face against mother nature. Since I didn’t have a spare $100,000 and a death wish, I knew I was going to have to settle for Everest Base Camp rather than the summit. While it’s not the top of The Mountain, going to Everest Base Camp is still no small feat, and required months of preparation. Continue reading “THE PATH TO THE SUMMIT, AN EVEREST ADVENTURE”

THE WILDS or A JEEP AMONG LAND ROVERS

It may look like deepest Africa with fields stretching over rolling hills and wide open plains that resemble the Serengeti, but it is, in fact, The Wilds of Ohio. The Wilds is a nature preserve filled with African wildlife. Every so often, this wildlife refuge was home to an off-road event exclusive to those who owned a Land Rover. We brought a Jeep.

Continue reading “THE WILDS or A JEEP AMONG LAND ROVERS”

JEEP JAMBOREE AT BADLANDS OFFROAD PARK 2018 UPDATE: DAY 2

Day 2 at the Indy Jeep Jamboree! I love driving my Jeep, and I had a fantastic time day 1 at the Jamboree. But this being my first Jamboree it was difficult jumping in and out of my own rig all day while trying to capture photos of the event and really get a feel for the Jamboree. So here on day 2, I rode along with one of my fellow Jeepers (Thanks Eric!) so I could focus on capturing the event. Today we visited The Badlands rock quarry and ventured further into the woods through creek beds and rock gardens… Continue reading “JEEP JAMBOREE AT BADLANDS OFFROAD PARK 2018 UPDATE: DAY 2”

JEEP JAMBOREE AT BADLANDS OFFROAD PARK 2018 UPDATE: DAY 1

It’s been a great first day and I’m about to collapse into a coma for the next 6 hours, so forgive me for being brief! Continue reading “JEEP JAMBOREE AT BADLANDS OFFROAD PARK 2018 UPDATE: DAY 1”

JEEP JAMBOREE AT BADLANDS OFFROAD PARK

Field Photographer is at the Jeep Jamboree in Indy! This is the 9th Badlands Jeep Jamboree, and I’ll be here all weekend with Yeti 1. Continue reading “JEEP JAMBOREE AT BADLANDS OFFROAD PARK”

ZEISS PLANAR ZM 50mm ƒ/2

Highway heading into a storm on the Navajo Reservation, Northern Arizona, Leica M-P 240, Zeiss 50mm f/2 Planar ZM – Photo © Andrew Tonn

When I bought a digital Leica I wanted a new lens to go with it. There was no question that this lens would be 50mm. I use other focal lengths (and have nothing against buying used optics) but, in this case, I wanted a new lens for the new camera. When I bought a Leica M6ttl in 2001, I briefly used an antique 50mm f/2 Summar, but was soon able to acquire well-used 50mm f/2 Summicron from the 1970s. I bought the Summar for $150 from an acquaintance and the second hand Summicron for $500 at the now sadly deceased F-Stop Camera in Akron, Ohio. That lens has served me well but, when I decided to buy the digital M-P 240, the Summicron was in for repairs. Anyway, I wanted a new lens for my new Leica and the M6 would be lonely and jealous if I confiscated its friend Summicron. I like to maintain harmony in my stable of cameras after all. Continue reading “ZEISS PLANAR ZM 50mm ƒ/2”

5 DAYS IN KATHMANDU

Leica M Monochrome, 15mm f/4.5 Voigtlander Super Heliar, Temple steps, Durbar Square (Photo by Andrew Tonn ©

There were times when our two years in Mumbai seemed an eternity. I knew the time would pass quickly, however, that every day, strange as it was, would crossfade into the next and that sooner, rather than later, we would be headed back to the airport, boarding a flight out, and that everything undone would most likely stay undone.

Continue reading “5 DAYS IN KATHMANDU”

I KNOW A GOOD TAILOR IN BOMBAY…

The phone rings and the front desk says, “Hitesh the tailor is here.”

“Yes, please send him up.”
A few minutes later I open the door. Hitesh Chhabria is standing in the foyer with two bags and a black and red garment cover bearing the logo of his shop, the Immediate Boutique. We shake hands and I invite him in. He takes off his shoes and we talk for a moment about our days and life in Mumbai. Continue reading “I KNOW A GOOD TAILOR IN BOMBAY…”