The Galapagos Islands
In August 2008 we joined a number of our friends from the James Randi Educational Foundation on The Amazing Adventure 3, an expedition to the Galapagos Islands. We saw dozens of unique species of wildlife that had evolved in this isolated chain of volcanic islands located 600 miles west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean.
We were literally following in the footseps of Charles Darwin as we visited this one of a kind place. Together with our trained Galapagos Naturalists we ventured forth each day to one or two new locations in the islands, seeing fascinating new sites each time.
Join us in these hundreds of photos as we journey into the world of reality, no Imaginary Bearded Sky Daddy will be required, you will see the Origin of Species at work in the natural world, we hope your understanding of what is real will evolve as a result.
Anza Borrego State Park and Julian Fire
In September 2007 we drove South almost to Mexico to visit Anza Borrego State Park, which is just west of the southern end of the Salton Sea. There are numerous varieties of cacti in the park, and areas where erosion has created badlands that are quite scenic.
We also took a drive to the tourist town of Julian, arriving just by chance when the Angel Fire was starting. We had no difficulty avoiding the fire as we quickly exited the town and returned to our hotel in Borrego Springs.
A Birthday and the Armadillo Tour of Texas
In July, 2007 we flew to Texas to attend a birthday party for the wife of an online friend of Terry's. Then another forum friend took us on the Death March, as she called it, but I'm dubbing it the Armadillo Tour of Texas.
From the party, through Waco and Crawford, on to Austin, then to famous San Antonio. Finally in Houston we visited the NASA Johnson Space Center.
Dinner with The Amazing Randi
On Friday, May 11, 2007 we drove to LA for dinner with The Amazing Randi, who we know through our involvement with the discussion forums at the James Randi Educational Foundation. Randi is world famous as a magician, a skeptic, and a very successful debunker of charlatans, phony spiritualists, supposed psychics, and promoters of New Age woo woo medical frauds.
We have a very high opinion of Randi, so it was a real treat for us to join with about 20 other JREF members for a pleasant evening at El Coyote restuarant in LA.
Buddy Christ Meets Jaheezus
I received a gift of a light tent with lights for the Solstice in 2006. Naturally I had to use it.
So I took the Bobblehead used as the photographic basis for my original religious satire site, Jaheezus.com, and used it along with my recently acquired Buddy Christ Bobblehead.
On the ninth pass I got a set of Bobblehead bouncing photos that I liked.
Finally I ran the selected shots through the Apple Mac program Comic Life to add captions. Before I knew it I was creating a photo-based comic strip. I hope you will enjoy Buddy Christ Meets Jaheezus.
Maui Vacation, 2006
In November 2006 we went on a vacation trip to the island of Maui in Hawaii. We were celebrating our ten year anniversary as a couple. We rented a condo for a week, and took lots of photos on the island. One day we went out on a glass bottom boat. We also saw the Iao Needle and I took some photos of water running over rocks. And we took the Hana Highway to Waianapanapa State Park, seeing lots of waterfalls along the way.
Vacation 2006, Scotland and Ireland
In July 2006 we traveled to Glasgow Scotland to meet up with my husband's parents. Together the 4 of us traveled to Ireland, then to several destinations in Scotland as well.
We also made a brief side trip to the Lake District of Northern England to visit with some friends. It was a great trip, and there are literally hundreds of photos for you to enjoy here.
Heartbreak Hundred Ride, 2006
The Heartbreak Hundred Ride was held on May 27, 2006. It's a 100 mile (century) ride through the mountains at the southern end of the Central Valley with over 8,000 feet of climbing.
I liked 2198 of the photos I took well enough to keep them. You can see my partner Terry here, here, and here. It was a great ride on a very cold day.
Breathless Agony Ride, 2006
The Breathless Agony Ride is an annual cycling event. The longest of the 4 routes involves 111 miles and 12,000 feet of climbing, thus the name. My husband Terry can be seen here. I used my brand new Canon EOS 5D to take nearly 2000 photos. 1464 of these survived the cutting room. I am extremely pleased with my new camera. You can also view these photos and download original full-size images of any that you like on our new site www.SteveRiderPhotos.com. We also have photos from the Breathless Agony Ride in 2005 and 2004.
Tour de Palm Springs 2006
The Tour de Palm Springs is an annual cycling event held to raise funds for a number of Coachella Valley charities. Participants choose a ride of 8, 25, 55, or 100 miles. This year Terry rode the 100 mile (called a century) again. We took about 1100 photos. You can also view these photos and download original full-size images of any you like on our new site www.SteveRiderPhotos.com. There areTour de Palm Springs photos from 2005 and 2004 here too.
Joshua Tree National Park
We frequently visit Joshua Tree National Park because it is in our local area. It is a fantastic place for taking photos, stargazing, and rock climbing.
Previously we took our brand new Toyota Prius to Joshua Tree for a photo shoot.
Palm Springs Aerial Tram
We visit the Top of the Tram quite often, as we live in Palm Springs. In 2005 we visited in July and again in August. At the top is Mount San Jacinto State Park. There are some older photos from 2003 too.
