I’ve been nominated for the Prestigious Liebster Award !!

You know that feeling you have when you are doing something you enjoy, and feel you are doing a great job; however, there is not much assurance, or, there is still a tiny speck of doubt in the back of your head? Well, that is exactly how I was feeling, then all of a sudden (Tuesday evening around 7’ish, 19April2016)  ~SWOOSH~ email notification. As I saw the title of the email, LIEBSTER AWARD NOMINATION from Rob Keele at http://getgooutdoors.com/  first thought, Robb has been nominated for an award; that’s GREAT!! Read the body of the email, re-read it, and read a third time and one more time after that. Was I reading right? I’ve been nominated? I had excitement and joy written all over my face. Just the fact someone would think of my blog when it came to nomination was an ineffable  feeling. Thanks Rob, for such great motivation. 😃 

The LIEBSTER AWARD  You might be wondering what is this award all about? Why have I not heard of it before? Simple. This is an award to discover and explore new blogs with less than 200 followers, done only via the internet. Furthermore, it is a recognition of outstanding blog work, and/or high dedication with evident progress. That’s mainly how I see it. The nomination continues, as I will nominate a few blogs I like to follow. It is not mandatory to accept the nomination; however, how would you feel if the nominee of your choice declines your offer. For me, would be like declining a cup of coffee. Speaking of which, coffee sounds good right about now!! NO CUP OF COFFEE CAN EVER BE DECLINED. Yep, I’m a coffee lover.

Should you choose to accept the nomination, there are a few simple rules to follow: 

1. Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog.
2. Display the award on your blog.
3. Write a 150-300 word post about your favourite blog that is not your own.
4. Answer your nominator’s questions and create 11 questions for your own nominees to answer.
5. Nominate 5 – 11 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have a less than 200 followers.
6. List these rules in your post.
7. Inform the people/blogs that you nominated that they have been nominated for the Liebster award.

** Get the official rules here …

Now, let’s get this show on the road.

Again, thanx Robb !! 😃

So tough to choose a blog with so many great ones out there. 😁  If I must choose one, it’ll be Robb’s  Grand Canyon RIM TO RIM TO RIM trip As I was reading this blog, looking at amazing pics; it felt as if I was sitting front seat watching a movie. Details are on point, and very intriguing facts. Furthermore, the Grand Canyon has been on my bucket list for a while now. So, there is that special interest even before the story begins. Rob, using great detailed information intrigued me to keep reading. And though, kind of a long blog, not for one second is there any loss of interest. The story telling just runs from onething to the next, I think I was biting my nails off with such epic adventure. Robb also has many detailed reports of amazing trails, be sure to browse thru if looking for hiking trip ideas! 

Q&A from Robb Keele

Now, time to answer some questions. Great way to reflect on the why we do what we do, and to give PRIORITIES some adjustment. Here are the Q&A : 

1.  What’s your favorite thing to photograph or write about? This one is way tooo easy; when I’m  outdoors, everything is just so peaceful and soothing. From waterfalls to blossoming plants to simply walking looking at mountains ahead or behind me. I love the mountain views. The look of mountains from my view on top of a higher mountain. My all time favorite thing to photograph is FOXXY. Who is FOXXY, you may ask? My son’s stuffed animal, which we takes on every hike. He has a special kind of bond with his stuffed animal.  Photographing and writing about Foxxy also includes writing about Christopher, which is the best part
2. What inspires you to get outdoors? My inspiration to get outside is the wilderness itself. I like to get outdoors to inspire my son to love nature. And to understand its peace and care for it. 
3. Where do you most like to spend your time when you’re outdoors? On the river, hence is Christopher’s favorite spot. We like exploring new places, but sometimes find ourselves revisiting his favorite, the Bridge to Nowhere, which includes multiple river crossings.
4. Given unlimited time and money, where in the world would you like to hike? Given all the time and money in the world, I would like to explore Oregon. The waterfalls are always full, and grass seems greener. Forest full of moss, due to humidity.
5. Tent or hotel, and why? Tent. I like the whole camping/outdoorsy feeling at all times. The comfort of a hotel is too easy and simple.
6. What’s your favorite non-essential piece of gear to take on a hike? My fedora hat. Yes, I’m a #fedorahatwearingfool. Sometimes, most frequent now, i’ll toss my flask in my pack. Flask contains either Crowne Royal whiskey, or Vodka. I have 2 on-call 😜
7. What two pieces of gear you would never hike without, and why? I would have to say a KNIFE. Comes handy even when not hiking. A knive can serve as a bottle opener, or simply to slice fruits. On hikes, I usually carry a food knive and pocket  knive; and machete when backpacking.
8. What’s your favorite trail snack or recipe? Favorite recipe: PANCAKES. Not really sure if it can be considered trail snacks, because I make when we are camping or on backpacking trips for breakfast. YUM YUM!!
9. What is one lesson that you’ve learned while hiking that you will never forget? To always make sure you have all you belonging, and if any is hanging out of pack, check on it constantly. Carabiners are great, just tap your pack or give it a good tug if you hang anything. 
10. What is your favorite piece of wisdom to share with others about hiking, photography or blogging? Go out and explore. You might have the best ideas, but if they are not put to work that is all you have: AN IDEA. Sort of, walk to walk type of deal. In order to back up your ideas, you have to make sure it works, or that you’ve done it before. Furthermore, the more hands on experience you get, the better you will be at whatever it is you like to do. The most important thing is to act. get to DOING, and the rest will follow.
11. All things being equal, what is your favorite color? BLUE!! Ever since I can remember. 

A few blogs I like follow and read. Check ’em out for awesome adventures.

Life Is Good Outdoors – All around great guy, loves the outdoors and great pics. Always on the go.

Your Favorite Hiker – Adventures with his 2 favorite gals, wife and daughter. Always set out to capture amazing shots, and explore new grounds.

Wandering Biped – Ultralight backpacker; always looking how to reduce weight feom pck, to the point of making his own gear. Fuckin’ awesome!!

Forever We Wander – Exploring any chance she gets, great reviews of trails.

Hike Minded – Out in the woods, from overseas, great nature captures.

 
OC Nature Writing – Writing about wild places around Orange County. 

Questions ( should you accept) for nominees 

What started your interest to photograph or write about nature?

What inspires you to get outdoors?

What is one hike you will never forget? Why?

Given unlimited time and money, where in the world would you like to hike?

Tent or hotel, and why?

What’s your favorite non-essential piece of gear to take on a hike?

In a perfect world, what would be the perfect adventure?

What’s your favorite trail snack or recipe?

What is one lesson that you’ve learned while hiking that you will never forget?

What is your favorite piece of wisdom to share with others about hiking, photography or blogging?

All things being equal, what is your favorite color?

Robb enjoying the outdoors,

Thank you Robb, for the nomination and the chance to think and ponder about the small things in life and the reasons of doing what we love.