Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In this episode, we're welcoming back Mitch Miller, an award-winning landscape photographer known for his stunning captures of Joshua Tree National Park and the Sierra Nevada Range. Mitch shares stories from his recent nine-day backpacking adventure to a remote, little-known lake in Sequoia National Park, detailing the grit, planning, and creativity that go into photographing some of the most breathtaking – and challenging locations to reach.

DISCUSSION

1. Adventures and Landscape Photography Expeditions

• Mitch's quest to return to a remote lake in Sequoia National Park

2. Trail Food and Hiking Preparation

• Advance meal planning
• Emphasis on freeze-dried foods and calorie-dense snacks

3. Physical Impact and Trail Logistics

• Weight loss
• Water planning and filtering systems

4. Wildlife and Scenic Experiences

• Memorable wildlife photography moments
• Changing weather conditions and their photographic significance
• Experiencing world-class sunrises

5. Photography Equipment and Techniques

• Decision to rely on the iPhone 16 Pro Max
• Comparison between smartphone and traditional camera capabilities

6. Evolving Approach to Landscape Photography

• Journey from adventure photographer to focused landscape photographer
• Revisiting locations in optimal conditions for improved shots
• Championing the “beauty of reality”: authentic nature photography as opposed to synthetic images

7. Website and Portfolio Showcase

• Live tour of Mitch's website and photographic portfolio
• Discussion of specific images: “Child of the Past,” superbloom, and Joshua Tree landscapes, etc.

8. Upcoming Plans and Future Adventures

• Recent hike to Mount San Jacinto and capturing unique astronomical events
• Plans for future sunset and mountaintop photography

9. Nature Experience and Mental Health

• Enjoyment of dark skies, sunsets, and natural phenomena
• Importance of spending time in nature for well-being

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Mitch and his work, visit his website at https://www.fineearthphotography.com/ or on these social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FineEarthPhotography/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fineearthphotography/

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Mitch Miller, Landscape Photography, Fine Earth Photography, Joshua Tree National Park, Sierra Nevada, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview

#LandscapePhotography #FineEarthPhotography #JoshuaTreeNationalPark #SierraNevada #OutdoorAdventureSeries #Podcast Interview

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In today’s episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we're joined by Francisco Silva, a STEAM educator, Solar System Ambassador, and all-around astronomy enthusiast known for his infectious energy, storytelling, and connecting communities with nature, science, and exploration.

Francisco shares his journey from a childhood fascination with the stars—sparked by mythology and a first telescope in Spain—to his work today in Las Vegas, designing engaging and inclusive astronomy experiences for people of all ages.

DISCUSSION

1. Introduction to Francisco Silva

• Roles: STEAM educator, Solar System Ambassador, Outreach Program Coordinator

2. Francisco's Personal Journey into Astronomy

• Early inspiration from his mother
• First telescope experience

3. Challenges and Learning Curves in Pursuing Astronomy

• The difficulty of astronomy before technological advancements
• The need for persistence, passion, and ongoing learning

4. STEAM Education: The Role of Art in Science

• Integrating Art with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

5. Solar System Ambassador Program

• NASA and JPL Solar System Ambassadors Program

6. Volunteering and Programming with the Las Vegas Astronomical Society

• Outreach events (up to 100 per year) and memorable moments engaging children and adults

7. Hands-On Experience at Astronomy Events across Nevada

• Setting up equipment for public events
• Parental support, curiosity, and attending local astronomy clubs/events before purchasing equipment

8. Emotional and Transformative Moments in Outreach

• Children's and adults’ growth and positive energy reactions to celestial observations

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Francisco and his passion for the stars, visit the Las Vegas Astronomical Society website at https://lvastronomy.org/Home.html or on these social sites.

Solar System Ambassador: https://science.nasa.gov/engage/solar-system-ambassadors/

Facebook 1: https://www.facebook.com/groups/81273219287

Facebook 2: https://www.facebook.com/groups/81273219287/user/100009271084728

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasvegasastronomy

Blog: https://ciberbitacoraoffranciscosilva.blogspot.com/

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Francisco Silva, Las Vegas Astronomical Society, Science Outreach, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview

#FranciscoSilva #LVAS #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterview

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Lincoln County, Nevada: Tourism, Stars, and Dark Sky Preservation at Spring Valley State Park.

On today’s episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we're chatting with Marcia Hurd, Executive Director for the Lincoln County Authority of Tourism in Nevada, and Dawn Andone, an Interpretive Ranger with Nevada State Parks. Together, they shine a light on Lincoln County’s remarkable dark sky preservation and awareness initiative—a passionate community effort to have Spring Valley State Park designated as an International Dark Sky Park.

You’ll hear about what makes Lincoln County such a special destination for stargazers, how the process of becoming a certified Dark Sky Park unfolds, and why the region’s unique public lands are being celebrated for both their scenic beauty and stunning night skies.

Marcia Hurd discusses her roles in tourism, while Dawn Andone shares her years of experience bringing nature and astronomy to life for park visitors. We’ll also discuss how these dark-sky efforts are boosting local tourism, the importance of community education on responsible lighting, and the variety of outdoor experiences awaiting visitors—day and night—in Lincoln County’s parks.

DISCUSSION

00:00 "Dark Sky Preservation Initiative"

04:36 "Appreciating Rural Dark Skies"

06:50 Spring Valley Dark Skies Plan

10:09 Reducing Light Pollution Awareness

13:28 "Protecting Wildlife with Dark Skies"

18:03 Lincoln County Dark Skies Experience

20:04 Expanding Astronomy Programs for Communities

26:24 Events Calendar & Holiday Activities

30:15 Spring Valley Park Details

32:32 "Aha Moments and Final Links"

35:36 RV Park Exploration Suggestion

38:09 "Starry Skies and Relaxation"

LEARN MORE

To learn more about the Lincoln County Authority of Tourism and the Dark Sky Park Initiative, visit their website at LincolnCountyNevada.com or on these social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lincolncountynevada

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lincolnnv/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LincolnCountyNevada

To learn more about the Spring Valley State Park, visit their website at https://parks.nv.gov/parks/spring-valley.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NVStateParks

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Lincoln County Authority of Tourism, Dark Sky Park Initiative, Spring Valley State Park, Nevada State Parks, Travel Nevada, Las Vegas Astronomical Society, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview

#LincolnCountyAuthorityofTourism #DarkSkyParkInitiative #SpringValleyStatePark #TravelNevada #LVAS #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterview

My Favorite Podcast Tools:

1. Production by Descript
2. Hosting Buzzsprout
3. Show Notes by Castmagic
4. Website powered by Podpage
5. Be a Podcast Guest by PodMatch