Island Reef Job Video

Written, performed, and produced by Matthew Tombs. Filmed at Sugar Hollow, Mint Springs Park, and Humpback Rocks on the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Crozet, Virginia. Beyond the Sea performed by Bobby Darin. To view my 60 second video head to www.islandreefjob.com

Norwegian Peak

Climbing to the top of this mountain became treacherous when I came to lichen-covered mud above sheer cliffs. The slippery lichen would come loose with every step toward the summit of this beautiful Norwegian mountain. Far below the fjord stretched out lazily.

Joshua Tree NP

Sometimes you see rocks that just have to be climbed, and this was one of them. Shortly before my descent, the sun began to set colouring the sky a magnificent magenta.

Sunny Days

A bright, warm day in Norway during the summer of 2003. Contemplating the next peak to climb. 

Rievaulx Abbey

This architectural wonder in Yorkshire was one of the unfortunate buildings destroyed by Henry VIII. What remains is still formidable and humbling.

The Thinker

A cast of Rodin's masterpiece in San Francisco above his inspiration... somehow, denim didn't make it to the final production.

Geirangerfjord

High above what is oft times billed as 'the most beautiful place on Earth', it is hard to disagree.

The Midnight Sun

One a.m. just north of Bodø in the Arctic Circle and the sun was heavy, but it did not fall. My brother and I built a stone table on which to play cards and take advantage of the never ending daylight. 

Yorkshire Footbridge

Yorkshire held many surprises, not least this ancient bridge where over the ages so many feet have worn down the stones.

Cycling Bodø

Cycling around Bodø in the north of Norway. 

Feldberg

1,493m Feldberg im Schwarz -wald is the highest mountain in Germany apart from the Alps. Unfortunately it was cloudy the days I was there, but having to hike through the fog to the summit added a certain mystique.

Snowy River

Licking Hole Creek in Virginia, about a ten minute trek through the snow from my childhood home.

Wedding Pyramid

Here I am riding my tortoisian brothers at our third brother's wedding. The groom can be seen in the background not quite sure what to think of his strange groomsmen.

Ballycastle Sunset

After enjoying hot news-papered fish'n'chips, I roamed the town and spent a very tranquil evening on the northern coast of the Emerald Isle.

Lake Wanaka

Somehow this lonely tree manages to cling to existence despite constant demolition from the waves. I found this on my way to Mount Ironside to gain a superb view over the lake.

Hokianga Harbour

A lovely holidaying kiwi family adopted me for the day. We had a wonderful time visiting kauri trees and swimming in Hokianga Harbour (also many cups of ovaltine).

Bay of Islands

A full day was spent sailing to the outer islands of the bay where we went ashore barefoot and dove into the mattress grass. After a brief lunch aboard, it was back into the water for kayaking and snorkling around the myriad of rock pools.

The Sky Road Connemara

The first half of the hike was very much an uphill affair but worth every sore muscle at the end of the day. Most drive it, but I highly enjoyed the many hours with the road firmly underfoot and the slowly changing view along the way.

The Giant's Causeway

It was a long day with lots of hitch-hiking that finally brought me to this northern tip of Ireland. In the photo I'm waiting for low tide so I can cross to Scotland (not really, but if it was possible...).

Hello Switzerland!

Actually this is on my return to Switzerland after a short expedition into Italy. After many hours hiking up to the pass I finally got a lift to and from Montespluga and down the dozens of hairpin bends on the Swiss side.

Bellagio

The mail boat was slow, but that's the best way to see Lake Como. By the end of the trip I had a healthy Italian tan and was several pounds heavier from sampling the many varieties of gelato in Bellagio.

Lake Lugano

The forgotten sister of Lake Como, if possible, it is more beautiful than the cross-border sibling because of its comparable lack of crowds. Also the more modern Swiss city of Lugano blends the natural and contemporary better than the Italian equivalent.

Staubbach Falls

This was directly above my campsite in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. My first night there was torrential rain. Staubbach Falls responded appropriately by creating its own thunder; chunks of rock spilled over the top to crash violently mid-air on the way down.

Hiking above Lauterbrunnen

I met a group of Canadian and American backpackers that was heading up to a cave high in the mountains. It was cold at night, but the fire and good company helped to keep us warm. Besides, drinking crystal clear meltwater every morning from the glacier, 100 yards away, is something one never forgets.

Cute Knut

The Berlin Zoo held many wonders, but Knut, the headline-grabbing bear, was the star attraction. Not quite as white and cuddly as he first appeared, he still drew a large crowd.

I've been 'Knutified'... have you?

Salzburg

Weeks could be spent wandering around exploring the nooks and crannies of this historic city. Mozart should have stayed. My hostel had morning viewings of the Sound of Music as a 'bonus'.

Innsbruck

In the evening I followed my ears to a garden gazebo wherein a small orchestra was playing classical music and people were drinking coffee and playing chess on giant boards. So, what's not to like about the Habsburg Empire? 

Königssee im Deutschland

I saw the rowboats and had to have a go. Two hours and several blisters later I came to a pepperpot-style building where a full orchestra plays in summer months.

Singing in the Rain

It was raining, I had an umbrella... what else could I do? Gene Kelly would be proud. 

Gargoyle in New York

New York is home to many novelties, this statuette is one of the not so well known.  Reminiscent of an Alfred Hitchcock film, this gargoyle was illuminated against a stormy sky. 

Central Park bridge

A view of New York most don't see; it was so green and verdant like an oasis in the middle of the huge metropolis. Central Park keeps the rhythm of the city humming.