For 40 years I've had two culinary careers -- one that paid the bills and the other imagined. Growing up in Fresno in the 1960s, I attended Camp San Joaquin in Sequoia National Forest. To me the cook and his assistant had the best job. Where else could I pursuit my passion for cooking and my love of the mountains at the same time, I reasoned? With retirement here, ambition may soon turn to gold, Lord willing.

Camera gear:

Canon Rebel XT (350D) camera

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II kit lens

Canon EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 III USM lens

Canon 50mm f/1.8 II lens

Coming purchases:

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.5 IS USM lens

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens