When I go home for the summer I nearly always spilt the dive in half by taking a detour to Moab, Utah. This year was no different and as always I found a couple new places that are absolutely amazing. I spent three days camping and exploring the area with the ultimate goal of shooting the milky way behind Delicate Arch.

Well all I can say is that goal was annihilated by the uncharacteristic weather gifted to me those three night. Not only did I make the hike before sunset and waited 6 hours only to see a heavy blanket clouds, but I nearly got lost that night. After such a failure and like 4 hours of sleep I decided to find a campsite. I had read about a site that was up an off road trail right on the highest point of Porcupine Rim Trial promising a view of the Colorado River and shrouded the La Sal mountains.

That morning after a cup of coffee I not only found this BLM campsite but I was the only one there during my whole stay. It was comfortable, offered some of the best views in Moab, and best of all it was free. Most likely the best campsite in Moab.

After three years in Idaho and many before that traveling with my family I finally made it up to Stanley, ID. I spent three days and two night with my friend Anabel roughing it out in this majestic place. We were lucky enough to grab a stop at Lake View Campground right next to Stanley Lake. I think we got pretty lucky cause not only were our neighbors great (let us barrow their kayaks), but a spot never opened up in our site the whole time we were their.

The first day we visited Red Fish Lake and after a toasty nap we found a road that takes you up and over the hills adjacent to the Sawtooth that offered probably some of the best views in the valley. As the sun went down we saw Mars pop out and the milky way go vertical over the mountains as meteors streaked the sky.

After a late start (wanted to sleep more when it was still cool) we decided that a hike to one of the many lake in the area. After very little planning we settled on the beginner rated hike to Sawtooth lake. It turned out it was much hotter and longer then we both wanted but the cool lake at the top made it well worth it. After getting down and grabbing cold drinks and ice for the cooler we retreated to the side of the lake and recuperated. We went to bed early to catch the sun rise from the mountain overlooked we found previously and quickly packed up camp to end the trip in a hot springs. Definitely a trip to remember.