Preface
As 2021 comes to an end, I would like to share a selection of my favorite images from the year with short stories as accompaniments.
Two major road trips across large portions of the United States provided many of the opportunities to capture these images. However, multiple trips around our home state of Oregon delivered some of our favorite moments as well.
I’d like to thank my family and friends who contributed their time, input, resources, and support to help bring these moments to fruition. Some images were planned down to the last detail and others were fortuitous encounters. Thank you, dear reader, for sharing in our adventures!
Bison in Lamar Valley - Yellowstone National Park (August)
Yellowstone National Park
The end of August brought about our highly anticipated road trip to Yellowstone. It was our first time visiting this park and it truly lived up to our expectations. Much research had been conducted in advance, but the phenomenal animal sightings and geological marvels we witnessed left us in awe.
One of the most special moments came when a lone bison crossed a bridge over the Yellowstone River. The sun was just rising over the mountains to the East. He walked straight down the yellow lines painted atop the asphalt. We pulled off the road just before the bridge and watched as he slowly marched directly toward us. Passing within a few feet of the side of our car, we sat silently with the windows down and listened to the gentle clip-clop of his hoofs upon the pavement. We were the only vehicle there. In the moment, I decided to leave my camera in my lap and simply enjoy this amazing encounter.
The image above came from one of numerous drives through Lamar Valley. Typical of the Yellowstone experience, we stumbled upon many bison jams. As one should never be in a rush in Yellowstone, we pulled off the road , turned off the car, and watched these majestic animals graze quietly. For a moment, the herd spread out and this lone bull stood peacefully. I was able to photograph him safely from inside our vehicle. This is one of my favorite images from that entire trip. It was a bucket list image for me to capture.
Early Morning Light along Highway 42 - Door County, Wisconsin (July)
Door County
A road trip home to Wisconsin with the dogs was our longest journey of the year. I always love going home and revisiting places from my youth. A family favorite summer vacation destination has always been Door County, a peninsula sitting between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. This picturesque landscape is renowned for quaint villages, fish boils, scenic clifftop overlooks, cherry orchards, and quiet bays.
I hadn’t been to Northport in decades to take the ferry to Washington Island. However, once we knew we would be going home to visit, I began researching interesting places to see. From my youth, I hadn’t particularly remembered this stretch of curvy road. Upon seeing it online in the present day, I knew I had to see this unique place early one morning for myself.
Highway 42 essentially runs the length of Door County all the way to the northern tip at Northport. The final approach to this small ferry terminal hosts the famous curvy section of road. Designed by Danish-American landscape architect, Jens Jensen, this location is a must visit for anyone heading to Door County. This, by far, was one of the most unique images I captured this year.
Summer Nights on the Oregon Coast (June)
Clifftop Cocktails
The idea for this image began after my very first visit to this location. The full set up included an end table, a set of Xavier Pauchard A chairs, a mouth-blown glass hurricane, and crystal whiskey tumblers - all set against the wildest of settings.
Luckily, more than a year after the idea was born, a dear friend was up to the challenge of bringing this vision to life. For anyone who has made this four mile hike, you know what it took to carry all these props to location. Especially considering the return hike was through pitch black forest with headlamps.
An epic sunset made for a spectacular evening on the towering cliffs high above the Pacific. Surrounded by blooming Seashore Lupine, Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon with a Luxardo cherry provided the perfect toast between friends to end this day! This was a favorite moment from the past year.
Sunset over Crater Lake & Wizard Island (September)
Crater Lake National Park
September is likely my favorite month in Oregon. Having lived here a number of years, September consistently provides many of the best sunsets and calmest conditions. Late September often delivers magical moments as the wildfire season has dwindled and the skies clear before winter storms arrive.
Crater Lake happens to be one of our most favorite places to return as often as possible. Typically staying in a cabin at the nearby Diamond Lake Resort, the national park is a short drive away.
My sister visited the last weekend in September and Crater Lake was not to be missed for her first visit to Oregon. Aside from all the fantastic hiking, this sunset along the rim provided a lasting memory that I’ll always be happy we shared together.
Pillars of Rome - Eastern Oregon (August)
Pillars of Rome
Nestled out in the furthest reaches of southeastern Oregon, the Pillars of Rome is a sight to behold. This geological marvel was at the top of my “must see” list after we moved to Oregon. As it happened to literally be the half-way point between Yellowstone National Park and home, we were able to finally spend an evening here this past summer.
Unlike the more well known highlights of western Oregon, consisting of lush temperate rainforest waterfalls and coastal sea stacks, eastern Oregon has become one of my absolute favorite areas to explore and get away. Aside from the Pillars of Rome, the nearby Leslie Gulch, and other geological treasures are not to be missed!
Our time spent in eastern Oregon this past year provided some magical moments and I eagerly await any opportunity to return to this area.
Wilderness camp on the Pacific Ocean (November)
Oregon Coast
On assignment over the past year documenting native, invasive, and rare plant species along the Oregon coast, some of my all-time favorite moments came from witnessing mesmerizing sunsets along these protected coastal lands.
Sitting quietly on a hillside with a stunning seascape in front of me contributed to many of my favorite moments over the past year. The tranquility felt in these special locations can only make one feel happy and grateful.
In Conclusion
Thank you all for taking the time to read this article and share in our adventures from the past year. Please feel free to leave a comment or question below.
Wishing everyone an adventurous 2022!