Secrets is my most favorite beach in the world. It's a location that I find myself photographing often. So often that I began to joke that I should make a book from all the photos that I've taken at Secrets. I even came up with a name-- Secrets Revealed. But it's not really a secret location so I wouldn't be revealing anything hidden or unknown so I came up with another title-- Secrets Shared.  And instead of a book I'll start with a calendar.

But not just any ol random collection of 12 favorites taken at Secrets Beach. No, sir. I wantedI 12 images from each month so each photograph would represent  the month in which they were taken as well as the month being displayed. So the calendar page for January must have a photo that was taken in January. February's photograph must have been taken in February and so on. Another criteria for Secrets Shared was that-- taken together-- the photos must show different aspects of this awesome beach-- rocks, lava shelf, beach, morning light, evening light, waves and lighthouse. And lastly, I wanted to include images that were not as well known as some of my other, more recognizable photographs from Secrets. So you will not find standouts like Stillness and Motion, Cotton Candy Waves, Rhythm of the Wave, and Sunset this Way. For those images turn to the gallery Oceans of Light. Instead you'll find some deep cuts. Images old and new that, I hope, you'll find both interesting and pleasing. For me, each image embodies the beauty and free-flowing energy of this awesome place. 

1.20.17-- Land of Milk and Honey

Land of Milk and Honey

January 29, 2017

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2.1.15-- Green Rocks in the Soft Winter Light Green Rocks in the Soft Winter Light

February 1, 2015

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3.15.16-- Whoosh! Wooosh!

March 15,2016

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4.17.19-- Aloha Friday Aloha Friday

April 17, 2019

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Secrets Blue Secrets Blue

May 12, 2019

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6.11.17-- Wild Summer Wild Summer

June 11, 2017

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8.6.19-- Morning Reflections Reflections at Sunrise

August 6, 2019

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9.6.15-- Visiting an Old Friend Visiting an Old Friend (pt. 2)

September 6, 2015

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10.30.13-- Layers of Light and Waves Like SnowA long exposure at Secrets Beach sees the beacon flash and the silhouette of the Kilauea lighthouse under a pink dawn sky. Layers of Light and Waves Like Snow

October 30, 2013

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11.28.12-- Full Moon Set Full Moon Set

November 28, 2012

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12.5.18-- Winter Roll (Let it Roll)

Winter Roll (Let it Roll)

December 5, 2018

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To view these photos as a slideshow please click here.

Aloha, 

Lee

TransformationBear Glacier Lagoon, Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

The most surreal experience I've had as a photographer to date was kayaking around the glacial icebergs of Bear Glacier Lagoon in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska.

I booked a water taxi with Louis at Alaskan Coastal Safari and he set up a kayak and dry suit rental with Ron from Backcountry Safaris. The water taxi was scheduled with the high tide and after about a 45 minute ride across Resurrection Bay I was dropped off on an empty beach. I set a GPS waypoint and then proceeded to hike to Ron's basecamp and kayak cache. After about a mile or so I saw the kayaks and met Ron and his black lab at their basecamp on the hill. Ron is a very kind and knowledgeable man and he hooked me up with a red kayak and other essential gear. I then made camp on an island in the lagoon and stared in wonder at the world around me.

The view from camp was often obscured by heavy clouds full of rain, but in the moments between the near constant coastal showers I was blessed with a surreal scene of great Alaskan beauty.

When the rain stopped, the lagoon glassed out and perfectly reflected the glacial ice that had broken off of Bear Glacier-- 4 miles away. The icebergs cracked and popped as I glided by in the kayak. It was as if the ice was alive. Other sounds that I heard were the distant waves, the birds, my paddle, and the thunder of the icebergs breaking. That was a scary sound. Thunder through the silence. A portent of the dangers to come.

I didn't see another person-- other than Ron-- for the three days I was out there. The solitude was profound. I had a lot of time to think about what we are doing to the earth. I could see the effects of climate change right in front of my eyes. Often what I photographed in the morning was either gone or completely transformed by the afternoon. And after a week of near 90 degree weather and smokey skies that covered most of the entire state, climate change became very real to me.  It was an incredible experience, and it impressed upon me the need to fight global warming. To physically feel the difference of being near to a glacier and it's cooling qualities was startling. The water that poured off my paddle froze my hands. The temperature difference on the lagoon and at camp was striking. The experience added a physical understanding to the intellectual. The need to lower the earth's temperature, to combat climate change became mind-glowingly obvious.

2.7 degrees Fahrenheit is the current goal. To lower the temperature of the earth 2.7 degrees. If we consider the earth to be a living organism then just think how much a difference 2.7 degrees would make. Think of us. As humans, when we have a high temperature lowering it 2.7 degrees can mean the difference between severe illness and recovery. So too for the earth. Just work to lower the temperature 2.7 degrees and glacial melt will slow. Future generations will have an opportunity to live on a healthy planet full of nourishment and beauty.

To see more images from Bear Glacier Lagoon, please view the online gallery Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska. 

If you have any questions about this awesome adventure-- outfitters, logistics, gear, etc...-- please contact me via the comments section below. Mahalo!

A quick note on the camera set up that I used while kayaking-- Because it rained almost constantly while I was on the lagoon I used my Canon 1 DX Mark II, exclusively. While I packed my Canon 5 DSR I never used it for fear of water damage. Likewise, the 16-35 wide angle lens was difficult to use because of rain and spray constantly getting onto the lens. For this reason I used a 70-200 with it's long lens hood for the majority of this three-day, kayaking adventure. 

Thanks for reading.

Aloha,

Lee

Click here to see more of Bear Glacier Lagoon and Kenai Fjords National Park

The Teton Crest Trail has been called the best backpacking adventure in North America. I first heard about it several years ago when researching Teton NP hikes in a Falcon guide book. The description of the trek was so glowing that I decided-- then and there-- that I was going to do the hike. I just didn't know when.

When I began planning my long trip of 2018 I knew that I had to find the time to hike the Teton Crest Trail. The only problem was, I couldn't get a permit for any dates earlier than late September. This would be pushing the weather a bit, but I decided to get the permits for the earliest dates that I could. I would just wait and see what the weather would bring. I promised myself that if there was no snow, then I would go. 

I arrived in the Tetons towards the end of August. Although the Grand received first snow on August 28th, warm, dry days and cold nights continued all the way until the end of September. Luckily, I had great weather for the hike. All 37 miles and 6 days were enjoyed without rain ,and just a little snow at Holly Lake on the afternoon and night of Day 5.

The Teton Crest Trail is one of the few backpacks that I would absolutely do again. Day 3-- Death Canyon Shelf to Cascade Canyon South Fork-- was one of the best days of hiking I have ever done. It's definitely top three all-time. Right up there with Laguna 69 in Peru and the Kalalau Trail on Kauai. All three treks are highly recommended. 

Below are a few photos from the spectacular Teton Crest Trail in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.

String LakeA tranquil String Lake reflects the tree filled granite mountains of Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.
String Lake, GTNP, Wyoming

I left my truck at the Leigh Lake/String Lake Trailhead and Picnic Area. I then walked to the main road where I dropped pack and hitched a ride. I waited for about 45 minutes before a kind, local woman and her cute, little dog stopped to pick me up. I threw my pack in the back of her Subaru and hopped in the front seat with a smile on my face. We talked story about Kauai and the Kalalau Trail and she gave me advice on the Teton Crest. She said, "If it feels wrong it is". She continued, "The energy up there in the mountains is so good. Trust yourself and the guidance she (nature? the Grand?) gives."

Teton Crest Trail Day 1-- Hiking towards Marion Lake

I took the tram from the Jackson Hole ski resort to the top of Rendezvous Mountain, and began the hike around 1pm. That's late for me, but with the logistics of "park and hitch", there was very little I could do to start earlier. The tram was killer and it saved a ton of time (and about 3,000 feet of climbing!). It's was expensive ($40), but totally worth it. The first day of hiking wasn't that memorable, other than it was good to finally get started. 

Teton Crest Trail Day 2-- Sunrise from immediately behind my campsite just above Marion Lake. 

A good omen for things to come-- bright sun and clear skies. Day two was a great day of hiking. The trail was completely above tree line with expansive views all along the Death Shelf.

Marion Lake Day 2-- Looking back at Marion Lake. The three campsites at Marion Lake are somewhat hidden inbetween the grove of evergreens on the left. A great spot to cook and eat is in the middle of the first group of trees. Your kitchen and dining area are right next to the lake!

Death Canyon Shelf Day 2-- On to the Death Canyon Shelf. Clear skies and clear views all day long.

Death Canyon Shelf

Day 2-- First glimpse of the Grand. And the trail leads all the way there. 

Moon and Teton Crest Trail

Day 2-- Near full moon on the Death Canyon Shelf.

I chose the very last campsite on the Death Canyon Shelf. It was just down a little hill and hidden away from the trail. It was super cozy; sheltered from the wind; and just opposite a running stream that provided fresh water for cooking and drinking. While the water looked fresh and clean, I boiled all water for cooking and used iodine tablets for my drinking water. I also left my bear can under a large table-like rock that was next to the stream, and about 50 yards from my tent.

Sunrise on the Teton Crest Trail Day 3-- Sunrise on the Death Canyon Shelf with the Teton Crest Trail leading into the Alaska Basin Wilderness Area.

This was an absolutely epic day of hiking. Perhaps the best day of hiking I have ever done. It began with this amazing sunrise and it just got better as one foot fell in front of the other. Highlights include the Alaska Basin, Sunset Lake, the incomparable Hurricane Pass, Schoolroom Glacier, and Cascade Canyon. It was fucking awesome. The hardest day of the trek, but absolutely the best!

The Alaska Basin Day 3-- The Alaska Basin. I'd like to spend more time here one day.

The Alaska Basin Day 3-- Somewhere in the Alaska Basin.

Sunset Lake Day 3-- Sunset Lake

After lunching/lounging at Sunset Lake, I rounded the corner and the long climb up Hurricane Pass began. Hurricane Pass takes you right up next to the Grand, the Middle and South Tetons​​​. If you look closely in the middle of the picture above you can see the tip of one of the Tetons. Not sure which one it is, but I bet it's the Grand. If you know for sure, let me know in the comments below. Thanks!

The Grand Day 3-- Approaching the Grand and nearing the top of Hurricane Pass.

Descending Hurricane PassThe awesome view along the descent of Hurricane Pass was the culmination of one of the greatest days of hiking I have ever experienced.
Teton Crest Trail, Grand Teton Naional Park, Wyoming Day 3-- The Tetons, the glacier pond and the trail.

Hurricane Pass Day 3-- Descending Hurricane Pass. Hurricane Pass is at 10,338 feet above sea level. It's windy, cold and simply stunning. 

Along with being the most beautiful section of trail, I found Day 3-- Hurricane Pass to South Fork Cascade Canyon-- to be the most difficult of the 6. I was absolutely exhausted when I stumbled into cap, low in the Canyon. If I had to do it over again, I would have chosen a campsite higher up the descent, making the hiking day about an hour shorter. This would have also given me better views of the mountains and sky as night approached. As it was, being lower in the canyon, I had really easy access to water; lots of trees providing some shelter; but no views other than high granite walls. Oh well. The good thing about the site that I chose was that hiking on Day 4 was going to be short and sweet. 

Teton Crest Trail

Day 4-- Waterfall at the Beginning of the Day

Day 4 was a pretty uneventful day of hiking. I started next to a waterfall and slowly made my way down the canyon and then up the North Fork. I met a few hikers and herd of deer along the way. The bushes lining the trail were beginning to turn and the clouds settled in.

Teton Crest Trail Day 4-- A Colorful Portion of Trail

Teton Crest Trail

Day 4-- Campsite North Fork Cascade Canyon. Just me and no one else for what seems like miles and miles.

Since it was such a short day of hiking I chose the last campsite in the North Fork. I had the area all to myself. That's one of the great things about this trek-- there are very few people through hiking (at least at the end of September) so once beyond the day-hike-accessible sections you hardly see anyone on the trail. And with the exception of Marion Lake and Holly Lake, you are not camping near to anyone. 

Day 4-- Low Light Shine through Canyon and onto the Grand.

Sunrise on the Teton Crest TrailThe Teton Crest Trail has been called the best back packing adventure in North America. I first heard about it several years ago when researching Teton hikes in a Falcon guide book. The description of the trek was so complimentary that I decided then and there that I was going to do it. I just didn't know when. Then when this trip came I knew that I had to find the time to do it. Only problem was I couldn't get a permit for any time earlier than late September. I arrived in the Tetons at the end of August and warm dry days and cold nights continued all the way until my permit dates. I had great weather for the hike, too. All 37 miles and 6 days were enjoyed without rain and just a little snow. This is one of the few backpacks that I would absolutely do again. And by the way, Day 3 from Death Canyon Shelf to Cascade Canyon South Fork was one of the best days of hiking I have ever done. It's definitely top three all-time. Right up there with Laguna 69 in Peru and the Kalalau here on Kauai.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Sunrise on the Teton Crest Trail (16"x24") limited edition metal print is included in the Stay Healthy Stay Positive Sale. One print available at 50% off. Sale ends April 1, 2020. Day 5-- Sun Rise on Camp

Sunrise on the Teton Crest Trail

Day 5-- Sunrise lights up the Sky above the Grand and Paintbrush Divide

Day 5 takes you up to the highest point of the trek-- 10,720 feet-- at Paintbrush Divide. This is another epic day of alpine hiking. 

North Fork Cascade Canyon

Day 5-- A Look Back to Where I Was

Paintbrush Divide Day 5-- About a quarter of the way up Paintbrush Divide.

Solitude Lake Day 5-- Looking to Lake Solitude from Paintbrush Divide.

The large lake in the distance is Lake Solitude. The small glacier fed lake high on the left-- high on the mountain shelf-- is Mirror Lake. On my way up the Divide I met two women who were planning to hike up to Mirror Lake! How cool is that?!

Paintbrush Divide Day 5-- View from atop Paintbrush Divide

Paintbrush Divide is a long climb. It just keeps going and going and going. You round a switchback-- thinking that the climb is almost over-- only to see another trail-lined-wall leading further up the mountain. But once done, the views are killer. On the day I descended, I crossed a section of snow that was about 30-50 meters long. It wasn't difficult, but I can imagine if you were to hike this section early in the season or later into October an ice ax and crampons (and knowledge of how to use them) would be necessary.

Holly Lake Day 6-- Holly Lake

Coldest days of the trek were on the afternoon/evening of Day 5 and the morning of Day 6. It snowed in the afternoon on Day 5. The lake froze that night and I woke to snow-dusted boulders and icy water for that morning's cooking. After breakfast I broke down camp; loaded up the pack; and hiked out shivering. It was a cold morning so I was happy to get moving. The descent to Leigh Lake was not difficult, but I can imagine the day hike to Holly Lake and back would be a long one. Views along this portion of trail were not as scenic as the middle portion because you leave the alpine vistas and re-enter the treeline. This section of trail could be prime grizzly and black bear habitat. I didn't see any bears, but I definitely sang some songs through a few hidden areas of trail.

Teton Crest Trail

Day 6-- The Way Out

The hike out to Leigh Lake/ String Lake is a long descent that just ambles on. Lots of time to think about what I saw and the effort I made. As I neared Leigh Lake I met a few day hikers and chatted a little along the way. I felt like Kerouac, preaching the Gospel of Wow.

Stand Up Paddleboarding on Leigh Lake 2 Day 6-- Idyllic Leigh Lake 

Random Notes on The Teton Crest Trail

• This is one of the best hikes that I have ever done. Simply World Class. Highly recommended.
• I didn't encounter any bears during the hike, but I did hear something outside my tent on the night spent on the Death Shelf. That was the only time that I felt worried. But of course nothing happened. I was careful to always cook and eat away from my tent. I hid my bear can away from my tent and carried bear spray just in case. 
• I read that this trail is prettiest doing it the way I did-- Jackson Hole to Leigh Lake, but I am sure the opposite route would be amazing as well.
• I really want to camp a couple of nights in the Alaska Basin and explore this wild area more.
• Soundtrack for the trek-- JJ Grey and Mofro, The Killers, Hop Along, and any other rocking feel good music to go with the awesome views.
• The trail was in great condition. And for an alpine hike, the scree and boulder fields were pretty chill. Nothing like hiking in the Yukon!
• If you are thinking about doing this one-- Do it. You will not be disappointed.

If you any questions about this trek, thoughts or impressions or would like to share your experiences of the Teton Crest Trail, please feel free to leave a note in the comments section below. Mahalo!

Thanks for reading and Happy Trails.

Aloha,

Lee

​To see more from Grand Teton National Park, please click here.