Now I'm in the process of starting a manufacturing company, and I'm sure this will chew up all my free time. Though I'll try to not let this get too much in the way and actually use the extra money to open up better opportunities.
I empathize with your entire post, but this part most of all at this point:
Should be drafting reports right now, rather than "talking photography," in fact, lol
@Nancy: Since I started hiking a few years ago I never stopped. Even when the light is bad and the weather is even worse, I still find it incredibly useful. As you said, there's always something new to learn or experience. Besides, when the weather is not that good, very few people hike in the same place I do, so that's a plus if you don't want to clone out brightly colored shirts!
I am not Nancy, but always try to go where "humans" tend not to go, for this and other reasons.
While in Florida, not only did I have 50 acres of wilderness as a backyard, but a 10-min drive put me in the 5-million-acre Jena WMA swamp, coastal preserve, etc., where there were alligators, snakes, and a whole host of other delightful opportunities.
Just do not have the time, or proximity, to such resources here in LA ... but hope to change that in 2 years.
In the meantime, will be spending my $$ on monthly trips, and (if possible) knowledgeable guides, to improve my images, no longer on equipment.
Jack