Full Moon Fun

As I mentioned in my post you would have received on Friday January 10th at 11:00am EST, (Which, if you missed it, you’ll wanna go back and be sure to check it out as it contains a New Image Release!😉) I was out for my first hike of 2020 on Thursday. And the mysterious beauty of the rising Full Moon was so spectacular! I just have to share my short journal excerpt and a few pics with you…

January 9th -

“I was out for my first hike of the New Year today. And what a breath of fresh air it was! My first hike out in the mountains with gear since late October this past year, too long.

A minor snowfall, first of the year, this past Tuesday the 7th dusted our area in Central Pennsylvania with about an inch. Enough to whiten the countryside and mountain slopes with clinging beauty!

The air this evening was crisp, just below freezing and it felt invigorating heaving in and out of my lungs as I climbed up Spruce Gap! There wasn’t a soul about, except for myself, and the quiet stillness reminded me swiftly of the peaceful charm of Winter. The Full Wolf/Cold Moon was glowing in all her mysterious wonder as I descended the mountain, filled with the magic in the air.”

“Sweet Serenity”/Official New Image Release

Well, I was just out for my first hike of the New Year this past late afternoon/early evening, and I thought what better way to kick off my “Tales from the Trail” Blog in 2020 than with a new image release!

I have a confession to make - I’ve been holding this one, and a few others for that matter😉, for public spectacle until the new year. As I mentioned in my New Year’s Eve post, I currently have 6 new images I’ll be unveiling throughout this Winter. So, to kick it off, I am proud to present “Sweet Serenity”…

This little slice of Winter bliss dates back to March 2017. If you recall, Winter Storm Stella, a Nor’Easter that pummeled much of, well the Northeast. Some of you may know, while others may not - but since I embarked on the journey to whole heartedly chase my artistic dreams in July of 2016, I have also filled in the seasonal gaps by doing Landscape work. Not only does this allow me to continue to “play” outside, but I find the physicality of it, much like backpacking, to be extremely satisfying. Why do I mention this? Well, this Winter of 2017 was when I became involved in this “side work” by helping with snow removal with a local Landscaping company. I love being out in the storms and feeling a part of it all, pushing ones limits and reaping the rewards. However, it can be frustrating when I would love to just be “out there” hiking and enjoying but not wanting to give up the income.

Fortunately, working on a sub-contract basis, I can say yeah or nay certain times if I really want. On this occasion, as Stella was hitting our area in the wee hours of the night and continuing through the next day, I decided I was “unavailable” until noon to give myself a little time doing what I love in the midst of a Winter Storm, rather than simply enjoying the aftermath. This aloted me a few hours of peaceful bliss hiking, rather trudging, through about a foot of snow in an area known as Shingletown Gap in the Tussey Mountain region where I had lived.
I have always found this little neck of the woods, resplendent with Hemlock and Rhododendron tunnels surrounding a babbling brook, to be a Winter haven. I could try and write a million more words describing the scene, but I think you can perfectly see how sweetly serene is the calm and quiet of this snow falling down in the forest. And there is nothing else, there needs be nothing else in this moment of peace.

I would shortly after, go on to help my comrades for roughly 24 hours of snow removal and drifting/ice cleanup for the next 3 days. But all the while, I had this scene of “Sweet Serenity” drifting through my mind.

“Sweet Serenity” - Brandon Kline

A Look Back and Looking Forward…

Well folks, can you believe that 2019 is coming to a close?! And not only are we preparing to embark on a new year but a new decade as well!

As the Yuletide Holiday Season wanes, this is a time when often I find myself in a reflective, relaxed state. During these early days of Winter, I cherish the moments and memories that have passed as I build strength and excitement of what the New Year will bring!

At a brief glance, 2019 was packed with days of fulfillment, wild adventures, challenges and love. I honestly could not ask for much more within my means. And if I had to sum up this past decade in a statement, I can honestly say that throughout all the trials and tumbles, I have never stopped climbing the mountain of my dreams. And my vantage point now - despite having quite an ascent and many more obstacles to go I am sure - is a thing of remarkable beauty, filled with awe-inspiring optimism!

So, looking to the near future of 2020 - I have a couple stories to finish sharing with you which encompass my favorite memories of 2019. And as of right now, I have at least 6 official new image releases to share! As well as whatever untold stories this Winter has in store…

And just a reminder, if you haven’t taken advantage yet and there is a piece (or more!) you’ve had in mind, there is still a week left to treat yourself! - www.brandonklinewnp.com/for-the-holidays

Wishing you all a safe, successful, adventurous and wonderful Happy New Year!!! I look forward to seeing you down the trail in 2020😉

Winter Solstice Greetings and a Merry Christmas to All!

Seasons greetings everyone! And a belated Happy Winter Solstice… I hope you all enjoy the warm, cozy comforts of MidWinter to add merry cheer to your Holidays!

I would also like to take a moment to thank each and everyone of you for your appreciation and support! It truly means the world to me. I wouldn’t be where I am without you! I have learned and grown so much on this journey of being an artist and I do not take for granted one moment how important you all are to this process. This 4th year out on the circuit has been by far my brightest one and with any luck, I can’t wait to build on that this coming year!

So thank you so very much for brightening my Holiday Spirit and all my days. Wishing a Very Merry Christmas to you all and to all a Goodnight!🎄❄️🎅

“Just Be Here” (part 3 of 4)

I sincerely hope everyone has just enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving Holiday with family, friends, and loved ones! I am sorry to not have wished you all a wonderful feast prior, I found myself quite busy helping a fellow landscaper finish a project before the holiday and then fell a bit ill unfortunately. But, alas I did have a nice visit with my family and have been able to rest and reset!

And no time to waste, as the great MidWinter festivities are a mere few weeks away! Speaking of, I will announce a Holiday surprise or two early next week, and yes, I am making Calendars again! I am currently in the works of it and plan to have it complete by the weekend of the 14/15th so that orders can get out it time for Christmas! Official announcement and ability to pre-order coming next week as well…

In the meantime, I still have MUCH I have promised you! Allow me first to complete my epic tale “Just Be Here” relayed directly from my journal entries of my time out West this past Summer. If you find yourself needing to refresh your memory or if you are a newcomer to the blog - parts 1 and 2 were posted September 20th and 30th respectively if you wish to scroll back through to find them. I last left you with my time in the Tetons and Yellowstone and now to a place I am most thankful for…

Glacier National Park, MT

August 20th -

“Quiet along the Cut Bank… Out for a leisurely late afternoon/early evening hike on the Pitamakan Pass Trail and taking a nice sit down enjoying the peace and solitude along the North Fork of the Cut Bank Creek right now.

I drove through these beloved gates of Glacier Sunday morning the 18th. Finding myself in the Two Medicine region of the Park for the first time, I am so pleasantly surprised at how lushly green it is here! I feel many pictures I have seen have depicted a more barren (albeit still incredible) landscape in this part of the Park, but not so in the least!

I backpacked out to Upper Two Medicine Lake Sunday evening, reveling in the glorious play of the setting sunlight upon the mountainsides. Most excitingly, I encountered my first Moose!!! And my what a big bull he is! Startled by a grunt and thinking I was about to have my first Grizzly encounter, I looked up in to the forest to see this magnificent animal checking me out. What an experience!

And if that were not enough, that evening while conversing with the group at camp (being lead by a Glacier Guides man whom I had met at Bowman Lake in 2o16 (what are the chances?!), and consisting of a wonderful couple, Alex and Katie, whom I hit it off with), the big guy decided to come join us for a twilight drink at the lake and chomping of the brush, giving us quite a show for at least a half hour or so! Even in the dark, by headlamp, one could gauge the enormosity of his head just by seeing the distance between his eyes, ahhh Glacier!

That night I sat at the lakeshore getting lost in the bounty of stars and spiritly spires of the cragged mountains, like ghosts glowing white in the rising moonlight. These moments are what magic truly is.

The next morning I lazily relaxed before hiking out, enjoying the blue-green sparkle of the lake and the morning light on the mountains. I waded into the lake to refresh for a while and cleanse the Spirit, feeling the Mountains blowing in the Wind...

Wouldn’t you know it, while hiking out, another Moose! This time a female, not 20 feet away munching on the brush without a care of me in the world I don’t think. I would say she was almost as hugely impressive as the male - minus the rack and a little bulk perhaps.

Last night I built a fire at Red Eagle Campground on Blackfeet Indian Reservation ground just East of Two Medicine and relaxed into the star rich night under the Milky Way.

An early start this morning to see what other backcountry plans I could ensure gave me such a graceful sunrise moment on Two Medicine Lake as the pink glow illuminated the mountains through the valley I had just hiked. And after a lazy kind of day overall, here I sit enjoying this peace and quiet along the Cut Bank.

I think it’s time to go build a fire and converse with some of Glacier’s Spirits. A long day lies ahead…”

August 21st - “Wow… that about sums it up. This morning began at 3:30am, making coffee by moonlight at my Cut Bank campsite and driving over to Many Glacier. I began hiking by the soft glow of pre-dawn through the forest along the shores of Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes. Very early on, a movement in the forest and a couple sets of eyes met my headlamp - Bear, deer?? Not so sure to be honest?!!

Although I began hiking about an hour later than I had hoped, it proved not to matter in terms of the photograph that was in my head. As the sun angle now in later August takes a while to rise up over the mountains to where it lights the scene - late July I think would be ideal for the Sun breaking the horizon in the valley between and basking what lies before me in fresh golden glow.

Nonetheless, the colors, mood and light upon these lakes, forests, and granite peaks I witnessed this morning on the roughly 3 miles in were nothing short of spellbinding.

And here I have sat, so peaceful and serene, soaking in the fortune and glory of this blessed life!”

“By the Babbling Brook”

First I want to say thank you so much for the incredible response to the “On a Crisp Autumn Morning” post I made last week! I find it so wonderful how sometimes when I share a photograph that, albeit special to me, isn’t necessarily something I think will be as special to you all as some other moments I think will be. It is a true testament to how uniquely different we all are.

That being said, although I had really been hoping to share part 3 of my “Just Be Here” story this week, I have simply not had the proper time to get my journal entries and pictures in order to do so… but I do promise soon!

In the meantime, let me take you peacefully into the weekend with this image I very seldomly highlight but holds a special place in my heart…

It is, after all, the first photograph I exposed during my first ever Autumn backpacking experience (and only second backpack period) from a place that I so dearly love, Shenandoah National Park, VA.

It was late October 2012. My brother had just introduced me to backpacking about 6 months prior that previous April and asked me to plan an Autumn adventure for the two of us. Having driven through Shenandoah for the first time and being my very first ever National Park experience while en route for that April excursion with him, and having a strong desire to begin visiting National Parks, I chose a 4 day immersion into Autumn in Shenandoah…

In the long run, it ended up being not only an incredible test of my endurance and will, but also one of the most eye opening, soul quenching and serenely peaceful experiences that has driven me to further love, explore and adventure in our National Park system ever since!

This photograph I composed early in the new dawning day after the first night out. I hiked back maybe 1/2 mile from where we made camp having loved this particular area along the flowing creek on the hike in the previous day. This image isn’t about mind-boggling color. It is, however, a brilliant representation of what an Autumn forest in Federally Designated Wilderness is like…

As you trek downward from almost 4,000 feet to 1,800 feet, the mountains change from Oaks to Hickory, Beech, Poplar, and Red and Striped Maple in every shade of Autumn back to still Summer green at the lower. Somewhere in the middle, the tall trees of the wood are bare at this point in the season, yet smaller trees still blaze with fire while the forest floor is a bountiful carpet of delicious smelling leaves and gurgling downward with you is the ever so soothingly peaceful sound of the babbling brook while a gentle breeze blows and Fall leaves float down.

Need I say more?

“Just Be Here” (part 2 of 4)

“The grand lift of the Tetons is… a primal gesture of the Earth beneath a greater sky.” - Ansel Adams

Back in the Grand Tetons National Park…
August 14th - “I caught sunrise this morning at Snake River Overlook, where Ansel Adams once stood for his moody, iconic shot. Although the sky was crystal clear, the first rays of the new day sun basking the Tetons in pinkish golden glow was nothing short of spectacular! As mist looms off the Snake River amongst the forest below and silence pierces the air, I stand in the presence of grandeur.”

Yellowstone National Park…

August 16th - “I seem to have successfully re-forged my first Yellowstone backpacking visit back in 2015. By this I mean that what was done so hap-hazardously back then, I have re-traced very similar steps around Fairy Falls in the Midway Geyser Basin and in the Lamar Valley while backpacking these past few days. A little more experience, knowledge, and no shortage of good fortune have given me quite an adventure!

I camped off of the Fairy Falls trail two nights ago, enjoying a splendid hike past Grand Prismatic Spring and through young forest growth. Wispy and somewhat enchanting in appearance falling above the meadow wildflowers, I feel Fairy Falls is aptly named. That night I enjoyed the stars in the deafening quiet of the forest, so quiet in fact that it took me some time to hear past the ringing in my ears.

Enjoying camp till early afternoon the next day, I took a mid-day hike out to Imperial Geyser. As it caught my eye enough to warrant setting up my camera, after a couple exposures in dark overcast skies and rumbling thunder the storm was upon me, pelting me with sideways rain! No sooner packing up and trying to keep myself and my gear dry, the most fortuitous break in the sky happened! Clouds parted into big puffy cumuli and rays of sun basked the green hillsides and highlighted the blue, steaming water of the geyser. I raced to set back up and got two more exposures of the drama and thunder kept rumbling and the geyser blew!

I felt quite triumphant, having been hoping to witness a geyser moment worthy of capturing on film. So off I went back out the trail. Halfway back another storm let loose which began to break as I neared views of Grand Prismatic. What a remarkable moment of Nature I was treated to! Sun bathed the Grand Prismatic’s Blue steam bellowing up, highlighted the contrasting stormy skies, and a full magnificent double rainbow appeared, perfectly framing the scene!

Reveling only these miraculous moments I bore witness to, I made my way Northeast to the Lamar Valley. More storms erupted and more moments of magical light adorned my way - I note several places along the way which would be incredible sunrise/sunset viewing platforms of spectacular mountain vistas!

I arrived much later than one would like to my trailhead into the Lamar Valley, but as good fortune would have it I hiked safely here - halfway in the dark by headlamp, noticing a bison carcass not far off the trail and as thunder and lightning rode my heels! But I made it, and probably drier than had I hiked earlier through the torrential monsoons that were occurring moments before I began! As luck would have it, I was treated to a beautiful sunset glow across the valley amidst stormy skies and a safe, peaceful journey to camp.

And upon settling here, the skies were clearing, stars twinkling, and the full moon rose above me, here in the valley of the wolves. It’s glow the most mystical, enchanting silver-blue lighting the landscape around me, purifying me with pure magic in the night. These are moments one will not soon forget!

Waking at dawn this morning, I laid in my hammock watching the pale glow of sunrise slowly cutting through the blanket of mist until I felt the light was going to be quite something on the scene. I meandered down to Cache Creek, which I had also admired by moonglow and mist last night.

Taking off my shoes and socks, slowly and carefully I crossed the chilling stream, feeling quite alive! And behold the image before me of the layers of rock, creek, trees, hills, and valley! Green bathed in gold morning light upon Soda Butte with wispy cloud mist lingering atop the hills and brilliant blue skies! What peace and tranquility can be afforded those who weather the storm! I enjoyed this gaze for quite some time, imagining herds of bison, packs of wolves, a grizzly sal with cubs cresting those hills and how truly special it is to be blessed with Nature such as this!

I have since enjoyed a peaceful morning/early afternoon of hammock time, breakfast and coffee, reading and writing in this awesome campsite! As if I didn’t know before, but I am gaining the appreciation one gets by time spent in the backcountry for how truly spectacular this place is, Yellowstone. Time to hike on and see if perhaps the bison are out grazing in the sunny meadows after last evenings drenching… which seemed to affect them not, haha!

August 20th - catching you on my hike out of the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone - “my hike out was a pure Summer daydream. The sun-soaked meadow, blue skies, and white puffy cumuli painted Mother Nature in such perfect Summer splendor! And yes, the bison were grazing in plenty. On my hike, the main herd was down the valley from me a distance but a few stragglers ventured to pass pretty close by me. And on the drive out of the Northeast section towards Tower-Roosevelt, they were abundant to say the least! Herd after herd as you looked left and right throughout Lamar! Grazing, frolicking, running and rolling around in the dirt, such a scene for the memory!

Shortly before getting back to the trailhead, I had stopped for one more photograph. Where the lush grasses and marshy water had caught my eye the evening before, in the face of Druid Peak rising high above in this valley of the wolves!”

“To Last a Lifetime”

As I am working on compiling a breakdown of images and journal entries to share from my adventure out West, I wanted to take a moment to highlight this photograph from my collection, as it’s been on my mind a lot lately. It does, after all come from right around this time of year…

“It was myself, my brother and our father, in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the first time and the first time my brother and I got our Dad out backpacking!  It was truly unique experiencing these beautiful Appalachian Mountains on this grand of a scale and just how bio-diverse these ancient Smokies really are!  

Despite being one of the wettest and dampest adventures overall that I have experienced, and thusly being a bit of a damper for our father, it was nonetheless an amazing experience traversing through different climate zones and such a variety of forest types. From mixed deciduous hardwoods, through rhododendron tunnels (which we dubbed “the enchanted emerald forest”), and up to huge Hemlock realms we hiked. 

This image is, to me, a beautiful representation to sum up our adventure.  The photograph was taken right beside our camping location on a mid-September's late afternoon.  To my companions chagrin (haha!), the fog really made the atmosphere for me, creeping through this dense forest of towering Hemlocks and Red Maples.  As I was setting up my camera, my brother was asking me where exactly I was going to hang my hammock...  “Oh, you mean using that dead tree there?” he asked.  “Ahh I’m sure it’s fine” I responded.  Eeeeerrrrrrrr, BOOM!  About 30 feet to my right, a tree fell over...  No one hurt, laughs all around, and needless to say I reconsidered my sleeping placement.  

We soon got a fire going to warm the spirit and later were serenaded to sleep by the chattering katydids and crickets in a thundering echo like I have never heard before... It all still rings so loud in my mind. Much like the ancients dwelling here, memories were made "to last a lifetime."

“To Last a Lifetime” - Brandon Kline

“Life from Death”/New Image Release

Greetings folks and welcome many newcomers from my adventure this past month! I’m just recently getting back home from an amazing trip out West during the month of August and I’m settling back in and catching up on life a bit…

First and foremost, here is that “official new image release” I mentioned several weeks ago! Apologies, but posting proved to be quite difficult from many of the places I found myself😉 So, although this is not brand new to many of you who have seen me recently and has already made its way into a handful of homes😁 , it’s time the rest of you get a peek at “Life from Death”, photographed deep in the backcountry of Glacier National Park in August 2016.

While I am still working out the finished story to accompany this image, let me just hint how the title not only plays off of the lushly growing wildflower meadows which are a result of the wildfire burn that once occurred here, but also the experience I was having during this 10 day stint in Glacier. On many occurrences I remember thinking to myself, what a fine line that separates life from death can be, and how ultimately the inherent beauty can outweigh the inherent danger of a situation…

I am going to leave you to chew on that for now, while I contemplate what else I wish to include behind this photograph.

As for the adventure I just had - keep your eyes on your emails over the next few weeks folks! Very soon following this post, you are going to be receiving information about a “promotion”, if you will, I have been inspired to offer during this time. And I have been writing a lot, not to mention exposing a pretty fair amount of film, which I am pretty excited to share glimpses of with you!😉

“Life from Death” - Brandon Kline

Happy Summer Solstice!/“Basking in the Glow”

         Hello friends! It’s been quite some time since my last post, since Earth Day back in April actually, wow... suffice it to say that life has been pretty crazy busy, but rest assured that I still have plenty to share and update and many things in the works!😉 

         Speaking of which, I need to get back at it, but I just wanted to take a few minutes to hopefully brighten everyone’s day and let you know in the coming weeks, there will be much happening! In the meantime, wishing everyone an awesome Summer Solstice, time to bask in the glow of the long days of plenty... 

          “I have backpacked, camped, and hiked throughout Shenandoah National Park at least a dozen times over the past 3 years.  Living in Pennsylvania, it has become my "backyard" National Park, if you will. Growing up in and around the Appalachian Mountains my entire life, I'll never forget that first experience of entering the gates of Shenandoah on Skyline Drive and how, all of a sudden, everything just looked and felt different.  I think it's a testament to just how pristine our National Parks are! And to this day, it never ceases to amaze me, that feeling I get as soon as I enter Shenandoah, that suddenly, things are just truer, just better.  It may not have the scale of some Western National Parks, but at close to 200,000 acres of mountainous forests and with forty percent of that beingfederally designated Wilderness, believe me, this place is pure Mother Nature! I learn something new, and have countless wildlife experiences every time I am here.  This image is one of many I have captured in my Shenandoah adventures, and represents just a slice of the splendor which awaits!  Photographed in early June 2014, I decided to hike down to see Lewis Falls for the first time as the sun was setting before heading to set up camp for the night.  It was breathtaking...  Thesetting sun was angled right into the hollowed out ridge line basking the falls and cliffside in its glow! Perched high on the facing overlook cliff, I set up and fired off a few exposures just before the sun was down and the light had passed. What an exhilarating moment I remember it being on that warm June evening! I sat and enjoyed twilight a bit before hiking back up the mile and a half and then off to find my camp spot by the light of my headlamp.  All the while, thinking what a day it had been.”

“Basking in the Glow” 

Happy Earth Day/“Innocence”

         I hope everyone has enjoyed a lovely Easter weekend with friends, family, loved ones and/or doing something they love! And a Happy Earth Day, and not to mention that Easter Sunday was also John Muir’s Birthday (April 21st) AND Saturday began National Parks Week which runs through Sunday April 28th, wow what a time of the season!  

         As you read this, I myself will be doing something that has become kind of a Spring rite of passage for myself to honor National Parks Week and Earth day. I will be backpacking for a couple days in Shenandoah National Park! :-)  I am giving up Easter with family and missing my beautiful girlfriend, Anna, unfortunately this year. But as life has been a whirlwind for weeks now, I felt very strongly about getting out and re-connecting with Nature for a few days. And I think timing is going to be incredible this year as weather has really been coordinating with Mother Nature to produce a gorgeous steady progression of Spring blossoms here in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic!

         I will have more on my Shenandoah adventure and what it means to me when I return. But for now, i will leave you to appreciate perhaps my favorite Spring photograph to date, “Innocence”. This is not from Shenandoah, but rather from another ritual I have every Spring which is visiting my Dad and the wonderful woods along the ridge where he lives. They are abundant with Redbuds, Dogwoods and Cherry Blossoms, making Spring bloom time prime time😁 

         The year I photographed this image, things were happening unusually early in the season, the Redbuds were popping late March into early April, about 2-4 weeks ahead of a more normal blooming period. But I happened to be there on such a perfect day. And in the glorious sunlight of mid-morning I stood staring up and around at a sea of pink and purple popping out amongst the dots of bright green and a crystal clear blue sky that I can only describe as heavenly. How innocent it all looks is what I remember thinking to myself. So fresh and pure and new. Bright eyed and bushy tailed, a true symbol of the rejuvenation of spirit this season brings!

“Innocence”   -   Brandon Kline

“May Your Spirit Be the Guide”

          It was early May in 2012 and upon my return home from a life changing backpacking adventure with my brother in South Carolina, I found myself reflecting on many things...

         As much as I was becoming obsessed with nature photography, I had never really before been out for much more than day hikes or leisurely strolls close to home. And now, I had just driven through the entirety of Shenandoah National Park twice, a bit of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and camped out for two nights backpacking on the Foothills Trail, SC - all over the course of one week!

         With one evening left before going back to work, I decided to drive out to Poe Paddy State Park about an hour from my house to see if this Dogwood (that is barely even prominent the way this evening turned out) might still be flowering.

         You see, the evening before I set out on that South Carolina adventure, I had come to this very spot. Spring blooms had come extremely early this year after a mild Winter and a warmer than average March and April. By mid-late April most areas were predominately green. The exception being higher elevation mountain settings such as this which were still in the budding and blooming stage late April/early May.

         Then out of nowhere came a freak late April snowstorm dumping roughly six inches on all that fresh green! Albeit beautiful but disconcerting with all those delicate blooms! It melted considerably fast though with warming temps the next day and the remaining blossoms had survived. Unfortunately that first evening I was here, I had lost the light to attempt a good photograph.  So it had been stirring in me, wondering if I might still have a chance of this Dogwood being in bloom a week later...

         Miraculously, it was!  A precarious hop, skip, and a jump across some rocks put me out on the Big Poe Creek in great position.  Balancing on a rock, trying not lose my gear or myself in the water, this ethereal fog began creeping in and consuming the mountains at sunset. I snapped the shutter.  And in this moment of awe at Mother Nature's unpredictable beauty, I rationalized all the events in my life over the past 9 months - that made me question so many things about happiness, passion, and how we move forward - which led me to this adventure and to this moment of clarity.  I listened to my heart and let my spirit guide me and I've been doing my best to do so ever since.

“May Your Spirit Be the Guide”   -   Brandon Kline

“Rise and Shine”

         It’s officially Springtime, belated Vernal Equinox greetings! Though for many of us there could still be some downright cold and blustery conditions for a few weeks yet, there is no denying the turn of the tides. More day than night, inevitable warmer temperatures will creep in and nature will rejuvenate itself!

         Rejuvenate has long been one of my favorite words to describe the Spring season. I feel it perfectly encompasses the excitement and energy of the growing strength of the Sun, the milder air, and the buds and blooms that will begin to abound in just a matter of time!

         It is truly delightful witnessing this re-birth and feeling the rejuvenation of spirit along with Mother Nature. As with all cycles of the Seasons, I try my best to be present in and appreciate this miraculous return of life as fleeting is the fragile beauty of these flowers and before our eyes the forests will be lush and green again. I am starting to witness very subtle signs in the region I live - birds are returning and becoming ever more vocal and tiny buds are growing on the early bloomers. Yes, a matter of time before the first flowers emerge and signal it is time to “Rise and Shine”!

“Rise and Shine” - Brandon Kline

A Farewell to Winter

         Hard to believe the first official day of Spring is only 3 days away! Although I know a lot of folks out West and Midwest had some crazy Winter weather last week, we here in Pennsylvania got a taste of the warmer days ahead with mid-high 60’s late last week. My girlfriend and I built a fire and grilled on it Friday evening. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel pretty good and get me a bit excited for the next Season!               

         One of the things I love most about living in this part of the country is that we have 4 definitive Seasons and I love living in each one. Even if I’m a bit nostalgic for one as it passes, I am ready to revel in the next one once we get into it!

         So, before I go all out Spring, here are a handful of some of my favorite hiking moments from February and the first half of March to honor these last couple days of official Winter... 

“Warm Winter Winds”

         Although, I have to say I’m not completely done with Winter yet, the slight warm up and time change today has begun to get me a bit excited for Spring! Longer days, warmer air and fresh blooms are always  a refreshing burst after a Wintery Winter... and by that I mean that there has been adequate snow, cold, and some harsh, challenging conditions to add to the heartiness of our being! 

         I’ve been able to get out a good bit these past couple weeks and enjoy what may be Winter’s last real breath (though you never know😉)! While I compile some of my favorite moments to share with you - probably later this week - here is one from my collection that I seldom publish to enjoy in the meantime...

         Today here in central Pennsylvania had me thinking about this image. Even though it was photographed on January 31st (back in 2012 which was a Winter that wasn’t in this part of the world), I have always felt it has a very Marchish feel to it. As I just mentioned, that Winter was hardly one to fit my definition of a real Winter. I can recall this late January evening being in the low 60’s despite the heavy breezes - weather one might associate more with the clash of late Winter/early Spring in this neck of the woods. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful sunset I felt worthy of breaking out the camera for :-)  

“Warm Winter Winds”   -   Brandon Kline

“Ice, Kissed by Fire”

          Another round of snow and ice is on tap for us here in the Northeast! It has me thinking of this image from my collection, an oldie but a goodie! This goes back to 2011, February 23rd of that year to be exact, and one of my first perfect exposures after transitioning from my Olympus 35mm to my Mamiya RB67 medium-format film camera...

         I can recall several snow storms followed by ice, sleet, and freezing rain this particular Winter which left the deciduous forests of the mountains a magical icy wonderland.  When I left my house about an hour and a half before dawn that morning, it was 0 degrees.  The mile plus hike on the mountain top was invigorating to say the least!  As I got set to await the Sun's greeting, winds were whipping hard, reading well into the negatives I'm sure.  But the moment that giant fireball peaked over the horizon and lit the icy branches in front of me aglow, I felt nothing but its beautiful warmth.  The magic lasted only a few seconds, but wow am I glad I was out there for this one!

“Ice, Kissed by Fire”   -   Brandon Kline

A Winter’s Dream

From my journal - January 30th, 1:09am

Alder Brook Cottage, A Tiny House in the Woods of the Northeast Kingdom in Vermont

         These past few days have been something out of a pure Snow White Winter dream, void of time and space. I don’t think my words can or will really ever be able to comprehend its beauty. Chalk it up to being just part of Vermont’s rustic charm. 

         Anna and I arrived in Vermont Saturday evening January 26th after spending the day on the road from our Pennsylvania home with a pit-stop to deliver my artwork for a family in Massachusetts. We found Kingdom Taproom in Saint Johnsbury for dinner and local brews before getting to the Inn by the River in Hardwick, VT. A lovely little Inn in the quaintest little town, the likes I am convinced only New England can produce. On the morning of the 27th, we dined at the Village Restaurant, reveling in our Jasper Benedicts - eggs Benedict covered in one of the world’s best cheese-makers Jasper Hill cheese sauce! All the while, snow falling down on this beautiful, charming town as we watched out the window.

         After picking up our firewood and a few other things, we arrived... facing a rolling ridge dense with Spruce, Cedar, and Birch, our Tiny Home Cabin awaited as we carried our supplies across the little bridge, up the rocky snow covered steps and through the forest. The fact that it snowed that entire day and evening upon our arrival only added to the quintessential Vermontness of our adventure!

         These three days have been everything one could want Winter in Vermont to be... Snow, fresh powder sticking to the Evergreens and Hardwoods. Cold, crisp clean air. Single digits to negatives in crystal clear blue skies and a dark, rich star filled night. Sitting by the wood-stove, cozy and warm with my love. Eating world-class cheeses, drinking world-class beers. Cooking meats, grilled sandwiches, and beef stew all upon the wood fire stove. Playing Scrabble, reading and drinking coffee and tea while eating Maple cookies. Relaxing, reconnecting.

         Snow, falling down again. Sparkling diamond-dusted snowflakes adding inches to the feet already piling up upon the forest floor. Hiking, or rather trudging, through ankle-high, knee-high, waist-high snow depending how deep I might fall in with each step. I explored the forest of this ridge amongst blissful quiet, peace, and solitude. It makes one feel like a kid again, buried this deep in snow and calming silence amongst this wooded Winter Wonderland. It all seems like a dream...

         Yet, I have the accutest awareness that I am living it, living this life. This snow-draped dream, one of magic in this Kingdom of Winter. 

Winter Delights

         It’s been a busy week, but I was able to get out twice since last Saturday, January 19th, to enjoy the snow accompanied with Winter Storm Harper. On Saturday, just as the storm was beginning to drop significant snow, I reveled in a 2 mile hike from Galbraith Gap to Three Bridges Trail and back in Tussey Mountain.

         It was magical, delightful, just flat out awesome to be out in it while the snow was coming down! Although it was late afternoon until I embarked, I thoroughly enjoyed the Wintery stroll through twilight and into the dark, loving the cold air and snow upon my face.

         It is tough sometimes, dependent on the timing of the storm, to get out and have fun in the snowfall itself given the snow removal work that I do. (Well, I enjoy that too to be honest! :-)) But I hope to embrace more moments such as this as Winter rolls on... 

         After a good 19.5 hours of solid work removing snow on Sunday the 20th, then salting in the -18 degree wind chills of Monday the 21st and a blissful rest that night, I found a Winter Wonderland of a trail on the Jean Aaron Path from Bear Meadows Natural Area on Tuesday January 22nd! Trudging my way across the frozen swamp and rhododendron thicket from parking to the trail, I found myself amidst towering Hemlocks beckoning with their snow draped cloaks.

         I exposed my first two sheets of film in 2019 and despite the onset of dusk, decided to meander the 1.4 mile out and back through a forest full of Evergreen eye candy while the stars of the Winter sky twinkled high above. 

First Snowfall, First Hike of the New Year!

         We had our first snowfall of the young year here in central Pennsylvania this past Saturday night into Sunday morning, January 12th-13th! It may not have been anything crazy, but it provided about an inch to cover the ground and dust the tree branches with fluffy white powder.

         Subsequently, I got out for my first hike of the year as well on Sunday afternoon! Driving deep into Rothrock State Forest during a magical snow squall, I enjoyed a wonderous two and a half mile jaunt around Alan Seeger Natural Area, a first for me! (To all you locals - I know, and I am ashamed of this :-))

         For years I have heard of the magnificence and big, old-growth beauty of Alan Seeger. And again, it’s just another one of those places right in my back yard I had yet to explore. ..

         Well, I finally have and I immediately fell in love!  Amongst the abundant pine and fir trees, tower the predominant old Eastern Hemlocks with thick Oaks and other mixed hardwoods. Add Rhododendron tunnels galore and the most peaceful, crystal clear stream and this freshly snow dusted forest was nothing short of enchanting! It is a perfect Winter Wonderland full of Evergreen delights, and I believe I shall be going back often...

“A Thundering Silence”

         Six years ago this very day, I awoke for an hour long pre-dawn drive into the mountains in the hopes of the clearing storm creating some magic sunrise light...

         I ended up with my car stuck in the snow and with about a half-mile hoofing as fast as I could up the ridge line to where I needed to be. I can still hear the crunch of the frozen snow beneath my feet, feel the pounding of my heart and recall my excitement level ready to explode as I hurriedly set up in a thundering silence to capture the erupting glow of this moment. The stillness and deafening quiet of a Winter’s dawn after snowfall in the mountains never ceases to fill me with wonderous joy.

         The grand show lasted only a few minutes as pre-dawn’s breathtaking display gave way to more clouds and walls of gray. What I arrived just in time to witness, though, was nothing short of Nature’s magic.

         Side Note - This photograph is also January’s image in my Nature’s Grandeur 2019 Wall Calendar. I’m still taking orders for anyone still in want or need of a little monthly inspiration and organization! I also want to remind anyone who’s been kicking it around yet, that there are just a few days left to take advantage of my Holiday Savings offer! Use the link for details -

http://www.brandonklinewnp.com/holiday-savings

I hope everyone is having a brilliant start to the New Year! 

“A Thundering Silence”   -   Brandon Kline