hikes

Roadtrip in Arizona /  by Yobel Muchang

4 days | Dec 2018 | View of the sky seahorse and seal @ Lower Antelope Canyon.

4 days | Dec 2018 | View of the sky seahorse and seal @ Lower Antelope Canyon.

Quick Thoughts

Arizona is a roadtripping photographerโ€™s dream destination, as one hops from panoramic desert terrains and jaw-dropping canyons, to starlit nights and lush forests, all within a dayโ€™s drive. For that reason, a couple buddies and I decided to roadtrip through northern Arizona. I spent my entire childhood in the state, but it took me leaving to realize how stunning & diverse Arizona truly is. Come visit, you wonโ€™t regret it!

Key Highlights

Things to Know

  • I went right around Christmas time which means you beat the crowds, but make sure to bring a thick jacket. Northern Arizona gets quite chilly!

  • Donโ€™t bring a drone - theyโ€™re not allowed in the national parks (as of this writing). It didnโ€™t stop some folks from flying them around Horseshoe Bend, but take my advice: donโ€™t be That Guy. No one likes That Guy. That Guyโ€™s mother doesnโ€™t even like That Guy.

Birdโ€™s Eye View

Roadtrip in Arizona

Trip by the Photos

3 days in Sri Lanka /  by Yobel Muchang

3 days | April 2018 | Pic of Little Adamโ€™s Peak in Ella, Sri Lanka

3 days | April 2018 | Pic of Little Adamโ€™s Peak in Ella, Sri Lanka

Quick Thoughts

Wildlife photography was the reason that drew me to Sri Lanka, but I was also blown away by the incredibly diverse terrains and vivid landscapes. While geographically Sri Lanka may look small, it really does require more extensive time to explore fully. This was a quick weekend getaway for me, but the brief taste of Sri Lanka was enough to convince me I need to come back pronto!

Key Highlights

  • See my collection of Instagram Stories from this trip!

  • Wildlife safaris in Udawalawe National Park

  • Small town of Ella

  • Hiking Adamโ€™s Peak overnight for sunrise

  • Lush landscapes near Nuwara Eliya including tea plantations, waterfalls and rolling hills

Things to Know

  • While traversing via train is the best way to explore Sri Lanka, given time constraints I went with a hired driver. You donโ€™t necessarily have to hire a driver in advance - I booked mine at the airport.

  • The roads areโ€ฆchaotic, but they are somewhat a controlled chaos. Just strap in and find your inner zen.

  • You can book wildlife safaris through your hotels usually.

  • Hiking Adamโ€™s Peak is pretty intense (3-6 hrs roundtrip, 5,500 steps). I started the hike at หœ2am to catch the sunrise, and keep in mind based on seasonality the top may be crowded.

Birdโ€™s Eye View

Udawalawe, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Adam's Peak

Trip by the Photos