Frank Ocean - Pink + White ft. Beyonce

"That's the way everyday goes/ Every time we have no control/ If the sky is pink and white/ If the ground is black and yellow/ Its the same way you showed me/ Nod my head, don't close my eyes/
Halfway on a slow move/ It's the same way you showed me "

As with all new albums, I spent three weeks with Frank Oceans album on repeat. I feel like that's the most genuine way to absorb the artist's new new. With this album I'm particularly fascinated by this song "Pink + White"  The beat is super smooth,  sonically its great for deep focus at work. What I love most about this song is that there are things in our lives that are out of our control. Just accept these things and move forward. 

National parks Centennial Celebration

In light of the moment I'd like to thank all the people who has serviced our national parks. Thank you for keeping them open for the world to experience. You're the real MVP. Happy 100th birthday National Parks Services. Here is a trip I did to Pinnacles national park. Enjoy. 

Gordon Murray In The House

For this month's tech-talk we invite designer Gordan Murray to come talk cars, design, and career at Playground. Gordan designs formula one cars for a living. He's a true mechanical thinker. I'd say he's more engineer minded than industrial design, but he does an amazing job at mixing science with art in creating innovative solutions. Gordon is famous for the iconic McLaren F1. A car that revolutionized many standards in modern cars today. The F1 introduced new techs such as: carbon fiber construction, automated rear spoiler, and ground control. Innovative for its time, but are things we take for-granted today. Currently Gordon continues to design. He's developed a lighter, more stronger chassis technology called iStream. Check it out here.

To me It's fascinating to hear other designers share their process. A common philosophy I hear often is: Fail. Fail a lot. Fail often. But learn from your failures and adjust as you move forward. I've taken a photo of my notebook as Gordon spoke. I'm honored to meet him and happy he signed and complimented my poor sketches. 

Untitled Surf No.1

Just imagine becoming the way you used to be as a very young child, before you understood the meaning of any word, before opinions took over your mind. The real you is loving, joyful, and free. The real you is just like a flower, just like the wind, just like the ocean, just like the sun. 

-- Don Miguel Ruiz

Photos from this mornings session.  

A Secret camping spot

We found a secret camping spot in Northern California. Its so backcountry. 

Martin, Niroshan and I packed our bikes and rode out early Saturday. We rode south of San Francisco in hopes of scoring a walk-in camp spot. Unfortunately Saturday isn't the best day to try our luck. If you're planning to camp without reservations, come super early Friday for walk-in site. Most campgrounds have 1 or 2 space reserved for this. If you can't make Friday, save yourself the trouble and not go.

Having no available space didn't stop us. We've ridden far. The sun blazing hot. Everyone hungry, and all determine to camp. We made it work. Unfortunately I'm not able to share where this was. It defeats the purpose of going out and exploring with your friends. But, I'll share with you photos and videos of our trip. 

P.S Evident Riders Club is a joke around us trying to catch each others motorcycle mistakes all weekend. I think it might stick. 

Mr Bentley In The Morning

Usually how I find Bentley in the morning after his walk. The dude comes back and immediately rolls up into a donut and naps. I think he's getting fat. I'm that one parent that spoils the shit out of the pup, then gets offended when someone calls him fat. I guess it's time to go on a diet you 30 lbs. potato..  

Biltwell Bubble Shield. An Astronaught Artifact

I have a problem. I think I'm obsess with the Biltwell Bubble Shield. I own the chrome, orange, and now red option. The bubble shield and the gringo helmet combo looks so futuristic to me. What do you think? I feel like I'm space traveling with it on. Zooming though California highways on my triumph. It looks like an artifact straight out of the movie "The Martian."

A Little Bit of Sunshine. Eno "SUNSHINE" Hammock

Today's pick up. The ENO Double Nest, SUNSHINE & Atlas XL Strap. I'm glad I decided to go with the XL straps. Tree's in California are girthy as fuck. I'll need the extra reach.

After napping in one of my buddies ENO hammock in Havasupai last month. I knew I needed one of my own. Its going to be a tough choice deciding between hammock camping or tent camping from now on. It's I'll just bring both. The hammock is so comfortable, like unbelievably comfortable.  It packs up small, very key in keeping light while backpacking. I'm definitely going to keep a set in my car for when the opportunity comes.  Here's a few photos of the Sunshine colorway I bought. I wish it was more red than orange. But I still love it. 

I Survived Backpacking Havasupai Arizona

36.255° N, 112.698° W //

Trip Itinerary :  
a. Las Vegas Nevada
b. 4 hr Drive to Supai, Arizona
c. Havasupai Falls

I learned that "Havasu" means blue-green water and "Pai" is people.  According to Wikipedia the Havasupai Tribe have lived in the Grand Canyon for at least 800 years. I'd settle here too now that I've been. I mean, why would anyone want to leave? The water is unbelievably turquoise. You're surrounded by epic waterfalls, lush green jungles, and towering orange canyons. I'm sure food off the land is plenty. I didn't hunt for my food so I dont know. The best part is its hidden deep into the desert, between the canyons, an oasis. It's vibrant, inspirational, and humbling. It's somewhere I want to be again.  

Photos from the trip, and a quick video for Instagram. Follow me on IG. Longer length video this weekend. 

Majestic Casual : Chapter 3

1 ODESZA feat. Madelyn Grant - Sun Models
2 SRNO feat. Gia Koka - Give It All Up
3 20syl feat. Oddisee - Ongoing Thing
4 Lana Del Rey - West Coast (ZHU Remix)
5 Hayden James - Something About You
6 Cabu & Akacia - Gold
7 swell feat. shiloh - i’m sorry
8 NoMBe - California Girls
9 HONNE - The Night
10 Gallant - Weight In Gold
11 Astronomyy feat. Denai Moore - All I Need
12 Favela - Gong
13 Joe Hertz feat. Huntar - Tied Up
14 KAASI - Those Days
15 LANY - ILYSB (Ferdinand Weber Remix)
16 Jason Nolan - Angel Grove
17 AlunaGeorge - Supernatural (Pomo Remix)
18 Jessie Ware - Champagne Kisses (Darius Remix)
19 Paradis - Garde le pour toi
20 Litany - Work This Out

sea to sky GONDOLA : BC canada

49.4031° N, 123.092° W//

Trip Itinerary :  
a. YVR Vancouver International Airport
b. Highway 99 (Sea-to-sky Highway)
c. Sea to Sky Gondola

My next few post will be a bit schizo cause I'm backed up on editing for like 3 months. As far as travelling goes. You'll be seeingHawaii, Oregon, Canada & Arizona photos and videos.  Also I have a few more toys to share. Plus I'm going to start giving away two HOBO hat a month.

Its a shame my favorite color is red. If it were to be green. Imagine how overwhelmingly beautiful nature will be.  Here are photos from the Sea to Sky hike I did in Canada. 

Birthday Bent

Bentley turns 4 years old. My little fat sausage dog is about to get even fatter off this peanut butter cake. 

 

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE

I've had my eye on the Scrambler Solo Seat for awhile now. I wanted it for the rear rack so I can motorcycle camp this summer. After months of monitoring craigslist I finally found a great deal. I wanted a used seat so I could learn to reupholster it. I don't know much about upholstery but figured I'm up for the challenge. The thought of having a custom motorcycle seat seems rad. It'll definitely set my bike apart, and make the value go up right...? (joke about the latter)

It was a difficult decision because I was torn between making the seat black pleats or burgundy pleats. I've always been a fan of the blacked out look, but I'm glad I went with the burgundy (some call it oxblood.) I'm quite happy with the new seat and grip combo. What are your thoughts?

Don't be fooled by the video. I failed twice. This was the third try. Here is my first attempt:

Anyway. enjoy the video and photos of the new look. 

PS. I got rid of the hideous stock rear fender. Replaced it with the Motobox Slimline. I think it makes the tail-end so SICK! Get yours here.

Havasupai in 360°

I have yet to start editing the mountain of footage from Havasupai (pun intended.) I'm terribly sorry to all of my 3 readers... but you're in luck. Here are some awesome 360 photos I took while backpacking. I'll post them sequentially. 

Also, if you're not familiar with the Theta 360.  Its an awesome camera, I highly recommend it. Just as the name suggest, this little device has two 180° optical sensor. Combine, it outputs and stitches a 360° degree photos.  It's not going to be your primary shooter obviously. But definitely a fun camera that adds variety to your trips. 

Click and Pan Guys. Enjoy!

Day 1 : The 10 mile hike in to Havasupai had towering canyons, tinted in hues of orange, red and brown. Sections of the hike are narrow and tall.  It provided awesome cover from the sun.

Anna and I going through Supai Canyons. Headed towards Havasupai campgrounds #theta360 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

6 miles in you reach a small village. From the village we hiked another 2 miles to Havasupai Falls. Do you recognized how excited I am. We are close to our camp site.

Made it to the waterfall. Another mile into the camp site. #havasupaifalls #supai #havasupai #theta360 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

We camped in the more woodsy area. Next to the cool blue stream leading to Mooney Falls. Some of us in tents. Others in hammocks. 

Our camp. #havasupaifalls #backpacking #havasupai #theta360 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

Here's a look into my castle. Its a little over 3lbs. The MSR Hubba Hubba is pretty damn spacious. I bet it can fit 3 little asian person.

Msr Hubba Hubba. A little over 3 lbs. pretty spacious. #msr #backpacking #theta360 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

After we settled in. We all went for a swim at Havasupai Falls. This was the closest to camp, and no one was in the mood to hike far. I don't blame them.

Day 1 : We set up camp and immediately went for a swim. I learned that squirrels are ruthless this day. They ate through our bag and stole our snacks! #theta360 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

Day 2 : Stopped by Mooney Falls before trecking over to Beaver Falls. 

#MooneyFALLS #theta360 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

We did a 8 mile hike round-trip to Beaver Falls.  Unfortunately I didn't get a 360 of Beaver Falls. Here's a group photo on the way back.  You can see a little bit of the falls cascading in the background. 

Post from RICOH THETA. #theta360 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

HO°BO° NIKE PRESTO'S

It's everything I wanted. I'm so glad Nike brought back the original Presto's released in the late 90's and early 2000. These Presto's are hands down my favorite design of its Lineage. They are light and comfortable, and give a lot of flexibility in the toe area. Of course I had to pick up a pair in red. Check out my custom HoBo ID's.

SUPAI IN TWO DAYS

I feel like an anxious kid waiting for Friday to come. Anna and I are meeting friends in Supai, Arizona. We'll be backpacking in, and camping in Supai Reservations for 2 days, 3 nights. Our destination: Havasupai Falls. 

I'm nervous because this will be my first time backpacking. I've been doing my research about the hike, and essentials to bring. Thank God for social media and the internet. It made preparing less jarring. Good news is my friend Chau that we're meeting up with, has done this three times. So I'm with a veteran. I'll be good. 

You'll have to wait until I come back to let you know if i'm either over prepared, or under prepared for this trip Though. I imagine backpacking in the summer time is much easier than in the winter in regards to the amount of gear required. Arizona weather is in the 100's right now so I am able to pack very little clothes. This opens up more room for my camera gear and food.  I feel good about the items I'm bringing. I feel less worried knowing it's just a weekend trip vs anythjng longer. My aspiration is to go on longer trips, but for now let conquer this 10 mile in and 10 mile out trip first. 

Last night I neatly played out everything I'll be squeezing into my backpack. I'm surprised everything fits. Even the drone (kind of wish.)