Snoqualmie Falls

on a Smokey, Autumnal Day

✍️ 🕑 • Series: Steve in Seattle • Tags: waterfallssacred placesforest firesTwin Peaks • Places: Snoqualmie Falls


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Snoqualmie Falls is among the most iconic waterfalls in Washington State.

I had come close to visiting them earlier in the year, during an ill-fated paddle just downstream from the falls.

I hadn’t realized that my paddle had a loose screw, and its two halves could rotate independently, so I was pinned against a rock and had to bail. My supposedly waterproof cellphone did not survive. Meanwhile, my companion had forgotten to wear shoes, and missed our get out point. So, I wound up going on a rather long walk, eventually catching a lift in the bed of a pickup truck.

Rather naturally, I failed to recognize the small turn off to the fishery where my car was parked, and my helpers actually did wind up making a u-turn at the Upper Falls parking lot, so that they could bring me to the right spot.

Strangely, given the above happenings, I was okay skipping on seeing the falls that day. But, I was eager to eventually check them out.

A good opportunity came when Spencer and I had some time to kill after hiking the May Valley Loop. So, the falls were where we headed!

May Valley Loop to Central Peak & Bullit Fireplace

✍️ 🕑 • Series: Steve in Seattle • Tags: forest firesIssaquah Foothillsinsect photography • Places: May Valley Trailhead


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Neither Spencer nor I had hiked in a few weeks.

The air in Washington continued to be filled with smoke, more or less of it depending on the wind. We were planning to possibly meet one of Spence’s friends for dinner near Redmond afterwards. The situation called for a trail that would allow for flexibility: to go further if we wanted, or to turn tail early if we wanted. Ideally, somewhere not too far from Seattle. Ideally, somewhere not too crowded.


The May Valley Loop fit the bill. It’s one of the closest trails from the city, a mere ~35 minute drive or so. The trail is part of an extensive network, and loops of various lengths are possible. You can continue onto additional trails, and connect up to places like Debbie’s View if you want, or you can hike a couple of miles and turn around.

We enjoyed the trail (and each other’s company) enough to hike a little over seven and a quarter miles. You can see our GPS Track here.

My First Frames with a Soviet Medium Format Film Camera

✍️ 🕑 Mid September through Mid October, 2022 • Series: Steve in Seattle • Tags: gear reviewsKiev 60film photographyferries • Places: West Seattle Water Taxi Fremont Ballard Locks & Fish Ladder

So here goes nothing!

I was browsing Craigslist & happened to see a good deal for a film camera in good condition, and I decided to buy it. I mean, what the heck. Film is expensive, and I might not shoot it all that often, but it’s flipping cool to have the option, and it would be really fun to have the option to… y’know, try it out. And if not, the camera can just sit on my shelf looking pretty, right?


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And by looking pretty, I mean, looking bulky and utilitarian, and yet, somehow to my eyes, more aesthetically pleasing than a few of its medium format brethren. Knees for scale!