Dewey Gold Country - Murphys

Lucky enough to tag along to the Annual Dewey Gold Country Trip, Nathalie and I quickly fell in love with Murphys. The town had it all--an outstanding watering hole (The Murphys Hotel), a Main Street full of classic cars and plenty of Chuck Dewey martinis.

After enduring months of Brett Dewey talking up his magic fishing hole, it was almost a guarantee that the trout weren't going to be biting any fly that was tossed their direction. Good thing the beer was cold and the river was still picturesque.

Next year's trip is already on the calendar...

Natasha & Kevin Anderson's Wedding Day

Natasha & Kevin, the new happiest couple in town, got married in Squaw Valley, CA. Kevin's dad, Scott, delivered the perfect ceremony and everyone there did their best to celebrate the joining of two great people. Here are a few images from their big day.

I have more wedding images on my website, Brooks Allen Photography. Check 'em out.

Evolution of Revolution

High on the Bolivian Altiplano, we crossed the Salar Uyani and the Sur La Paz desert into Northern Argentina. The 260 square kilometer salt flat provided for 360 degree views of a horizon full of nothing but whiteness.

This image, The Evolution of Revolution, was one of our favorites. Turns out it was one of Co-Motion Cycles' as well.

From left to right: Don Thomas Drzewiecki of Colorado, David Young of Texas, Craig Bleakney of Washington, Romain Turnier of Paris & Brooks Allen of California.

The Omlids

Portland, OR - Travis and Haley tied the night at the Crystal Ballroom. It was an honor to stand up alongside two very dear friends as they exchanged their vows.

I wish them a lifetime of love, laughter and happiness...

The Albatross

Nursing a medium to ragging hangover, an impromptu afternoon round of golf produced something real nice. Two shots, a 314-yard drive and a 201-yard 4-iron, on the 515-yard 16th hole at the Larchmont Golf Course in Missoula, MT granted me my first ever albatross. The rest of the round was less spectacular and I shot a six on the par 3 17th hole, returning to my normal self just like that...

1 Year - We made it!

June 23, 2008 marked our one-year wedding anniversary. I can't believe it. It felt like yesterday that Nathalie walked down the aisle to me. We celebrated our first milestone over a long weekend in Tomales Bay at a house built over the water.

The weather was perfect and Ottis Redding's "Sittin' on the dock of the bay" filled the air for most of the weekend. That and we ate our weight in bbq'd oysters.

Memorial Day Weekend - Bike Trip

With a long weekend in the mix and no real plans to get out of town, we threw together a quick overnight bike trip out to a lonely ranch in the hills East of Milpitas. Having only been there via automobile, I knew the terrain was going to be tough, but I underestimated how difficult it would be on a touring bike with 40 pounds of gear. I also quickly found out that I pack about the same amount of gear for an overnight trip as I would for a week or two in the saddle. Havana Club rum, check...iPod with external speakers, check... You can't sacrifice all of life's comforts.

In less than 20 miles, the road quickly takes you away from civilization. It evolves from not very well maintained tarmac into a horrible combination of loose gravel and rutted out dirt. At times, your mind wonders how exactly a road was even cut over such terrain. Nontheless, after climbing over 5500 feet and after cursing the steep grades, we found ourselves at a pristine camp sight under an old oak tree surrounded by a gang of gobbling wild turkies.

For a few more images of the trip, click here.