Weekend reading: Best photos of 2013 and Legos

Hello. Welcome to 2014. I think you’re going to like it here.

Before we completely leave 2013 behind, though, let’s look back at a few things.

Backpacking Light magazine has a great collection of their photo contest winners from last year. The photos themselves are fabulous, but I really love the descriptions that go with each photo. It’s interesting to read the back story to the photos.

For even more amazing photos, check out these incredible photos that all focus on animals. Tadpoles, a fox pup, a perfectly camouflaged owl and more.

One of the photos is by Paul Souders of Seattle. It’s an unbelievable shot of a polar bear. It was the winner of National Geographic’s contest. (Follow the link to read more about the shot.) Paul Souders has some excellent bragging rights now, if he’s the bragging type.

I think I would like Mr. Souders. He clearly has a sense of humor. On his resume he includes the notation “Barfly (In Training.)”

It’s too late to ask for this for a Christmas present. But maybe for next year? Lego has a mountain hut set, complete with a cave, waterfall, bald eagle, stream, and a little house so cozy looking your Lego people will want to move in and never leave. They also have a Volkswagen camper van and a motorhome, if you prefer to bring your house with you as a basecamp for adventures.

Finally, this video has been making the rounds lately. A group of Chamois goats are chased by a massive avalanche. Amazingly, they all survive. Watch to see how. Read more here.

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