Finding My Way Home – Wild November

Finding My Way Home – Wild November

Wild November is the twenty-fifth installment of Finding My Way Home. To view the previous installment, click here. If you wish to start from the beginning, click here. This is the ongoing story of the six years I spent as a vagabond photographer.

Enchanting sunrise at Elephant Butte Lake, New Mexico.
“Land of Enchantment”

After a short stay in Aztec, I point my motor home towards Grants, New Mexico. With major road construction going on, the road is gravel for about fifteen miles. Wouldn’t you know it, a flying rock chips my brand new windshield! This time, it is a small chip that should be repairable. Upon check-in at the Bar S RV Park, I ask if there is a chip repair place in town that will come to me. The woman at the desk hands me the local yellow pages and I make note of a business that offers mobile chip repair.

The next morning, I call and set an appointment. Feeling good about handling that issue, I set off to resupply groceries and explore the town. This is one of the many towns situated on historic Route 66. But, unlike other towns I’ve visited on Route 66, this one seems very run down and depressed. It’s clear to me that this place is not making the most of its history. The sad vibe makes me anxious to move on, but I try to make the best of the few days I am here.

A small group of four sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) arrive early at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. The New Mexico refuge is a regular stop for thousands of sandhill cranes every year during the fall migration.
“Migration Begins”

The next day, Luna and I go for a long walk and then settle in to make some lunch and wait for the windshield repairman. My appointment is at 1:00pm. When no one shows up by 2:00, I make a call to find out when he will be there. My call goes to voicemail. I call again at 3:00 and again get voicemail. No answer the rest of the afternoon.

The next morning I call and ask what happened. He says he had an emergency and will be here at 3:00 this afternoon. Once again, the scheduled time comes and goes and no one shows up. Once again, my attempts to reach him go unanswered. Now, it’s getting to be urgent because I want to have the repair done before I travel further and risk the crack spreading.

A white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) poses against a backdrop of autumn color at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico.
“White Crowned Sparrow in Autumn”

I try another place, which offers chip repair, but not mobile service. I ask if they would be willing to come to the RV park and do the repair. After much hesitancy and my agreement to pay a ninety-dollar extra fee, they will do it. I’m beginning to wonder if the local businesses disdain for customers might be one of the reasons this town is in economic decline.

A few days later, I’m happy to be on the road again and excited to arrive at Birdwatcher’s RV Park in San Antonio, NM, adjacent to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. The location is perfect! Just two miles down the road from the refuge entrance. I called in advance and was told they only rent sites nightly, no weekly or monthly rates. Their busy season will begin in a few weeks when the cranes start to arrive, so I decide I will stay a few nights and look around the area for someplace with a monthly rate.

Full orange moon rising in Southern New Mexico, near Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.
“New Mexico Moonrise”

When I go in the office to pay, I’m told they don’t accept credit cards. Since I rarely carry more than twenty or thirty dollars in cash, I have to go to Socorro, about fifteen miles north. It would have been nice to be informed of this little detail when I called. Nonetheless, I’m thrilled to be here and can’t wait to explore this place I’ve heard so much about.

The next morning, I’m up before sunrise and off to the refuge. My first stop is a pond just outside the entrance. It’s a beautiful setting, full of ducks and shorebirds and even a couple of sandhill cranes in the distance. I’ve been told there is a pair of white-tailed kites on the refuge, which is unusual for this location. As I drive around the auto route, I see my first Javelinas! They run by so fast I cannot get a photo, but it’s thrilling to see an animal I’ve never seen before.

White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus), a rare visitor to the Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, in flight early in the morning.
“Kite in Flight”

Then, at a viewing deck, I see something perched in a snag. It takes off and flies toward me. It’s one of the white-tailed kites and it flies right over my head! Moments later, the other one flies after it. Already it’s a great day and it’s not even eight o’clock yet. I’m looking forward to a wild November at this wildlife refuge.

Off to hunt at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, this White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) is something of a rarity in southern New Mexico.
“White-tailed Kite in Morning Light”

By the time I get around both loops, the visitor center is open, so I stop in to ask some questions. I find out that the cranes won’t be arriving in large numbers for at least another two weeks. Also that Elephant Butte, about sixty miles to the south, is probably my best bet for monthly RV accommodations. The volunteer there alerts me to the presence of the white-tailed kites and I excitedly share my sighting.

After a few days exploring and getting to know the refuge and surrounding area, I land at Elephant Butte Resort for a month. Included with my site is access to their indoor pool, hot tub and exercise center. This is a first for me. Never have I stayed at an RV park with such posh amenities. I have my doubts that I will make much use of them, since I’m mostly here for the birds. Then, one morning I wake up with a sore back and realize I have a hot tub available. A long soak in hot water turns out to be a nice perk.

Two sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) bask in autumn's glory under a massive oak tree in full autumn regalia at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico. The scene is reflected in a seasonal pond created by the refuge to provide habitat for cranes and other wildlife.
“Under the Old Oak Tree”

This is the place I happen to be during the 2016 presidential election. It’s stormy outside and I’m nestled in bed watching election returns on my small bedroom television. As the evening progresses, and the returns come in, it’s not looking at all like I expected. Around nine o’clock my phone rings and it’s my son asking if I’m watching. We express concern over how things are going, but hope it might turn around. By the time he calls me again at midnight, it is all but over and we are both in tears.

When I wake up the next morning, I feel like I’m awakening from a nightmare. A quick look at my phone tells me it is real. It’s hard to describe my emotions. Shocked, saddened, angry, appalled, astonished—none of these words accurately describe the visceral reaction I’m having. It’s turning out to be a wild November, but not in the way I had hoped.

One way to distinguish a snow goose (Anser caerulescens) from similar species is the characteristic separation of the bill. This trait is often referred to as a smile, or a grin. Snow goose floating in the marsh at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico.
“Snow Goose Grinning”

There have been many times when the candidate I voted for lost an election. It’s always disappointing, but never devastating. Feeling despair and disgust over an election is something unfamiliar to me. What is it about this man that so repulses me? Why do I feel sick to my stomach when I watch him and hear him speak? And then it hits me. A lifetime of experience has taught me to avoid men with his traits. The arrogance, the vanity, the sexism, the flaunting of wealth, the attitude that he can do whatever he wants and nobody can stop him. I’ve learned to recognize men like this and even before the Access Hollywood tapes, I knew his type. I have encountered this man over and over throughout my life.

He’s the creepy old “family friend” with a comb-over who slipped his tongue into my mouth when I was only thirteen. It happened during one of those super uncomfortable “kiss Uncle Gene goodbye” episodes my parents used to force us into as kids. (Note: please don’t ever do this to your kids)

He is the co-worker who loudly and crudely commented about my body when I worked in an all-male office. He’s the other co-workers who laughed at those comments.

He’s the wealthy businessman who wined and dined me for a month before “proposing marriage.” His conditions were that I keep myself attractive and fit and be at his beck and call for sex. I would maintain an immaculate house appropriate for entertaining his business associates and remain monogamous and loyal to him. He would travel the world on business and have sex with whomever he pleased.

He’s the boss who told me he was considering laying me off, but would let me keep my job in exchange for sexual favors.

He is all the men I’ve ever met who made me feel like a piece of meat with no worth beyond satisfying their sexual desires. And he’s all the men I’ve ever met who get indignant when I don’t consider their lewd behavior a compliment.

Fiery sunrise in the desert near Elephant Butte Lake, New Mexico.
“Desert Dawn”

This is just a sampling of a lifetime of experiences that taught me to avoid men like him at all costs. To hand him the ultimate position of power feels both terrifying and nauseating. I was always taught to respect the Office of the President, even when I don’t agree with the person who holds it. I have to admit I’m having a really hard time with that at the moment.

But, the voters have spoken, and in this country we accept the results of an election even when we don’t like the outcome. I am aware that my personal feelings are mine to deal with. Realizing that not everyone has had the same experiences, I try to focus on the policy positions I disagree with and what I can do about those.

Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis) are known for their courtship dance, which they perform almost any time of year. The object of this crane's affection was busy browsing for something to eat. The lack of attention did not stop him from dancing anyway.
“Dance Like Nobody’s Watching”

I disagree with the plan to rescind the National Monument designation of Bear’s Ears. This matter doesn’t seem very important to most people, but means a lot to me. Having been there and seen the place with my own eyes not long ago, I wholeheartedly support the designation.

I disagree with the idea of building a wall the entire length of the southern border. It’s not because I condone unconstrained immigration. It’s just that in the age of spy satellites and surveillance drones, a wall seems like an expensive, medieval and environmentally destructive plan. Wildlife should be able to migrate freely, regardless of the rules we impose on people.

A flock of sandhill cranes at dawn over Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico.
“Sunrise Flock”

Actually, there are so many things I disagree with, it would be impossible to focus on all of them. I have always believed that if each person were to put some effort into working on the thing that means most to them, each issue would receive the attention it deserves and the world would be a better place. To this end, I have decided that nature, wildlife and the environment is where I will concentrate my activist energies.

A group of snow geese (Chen caerulescens) in flight over Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico.
“Snow Geese in Flight”

In all my travels, I have always made a point to visit any National Wildlife Refuge I have been near. Most times, there is an enthusiastic volunteer in the visitor center to answer my questions and help me make the most of my visit. Suddenly, it dawns on me–I could be that volunteer.

Large, old oak reflected in the pond at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico. Those are sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) browsing around the shore.
“Meet Me at the Pond”
Winter on the North Coast

Winter on the North Coast

The north coast of California is a place of wonder and beauty. Most people know there are redwood forests and breathtaking ocean vistas here. What many might not realize is that Del Norte and Humboldt counties are treasure troves of wildlife viewing. Elk, sea lions, river otters, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and white-tailed kites are but a few of the wildlife species commonly seen here.

"Eyes on the Prize" by Loree Johnson Photography. This bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) knows what it wants and is going for it.Eyes on the Prize

After spending last winter in the desert, this winter I was drawn back to the Pacific coast of northern California. The deserts of New Mexico, Arizona and southern California have their charm, for sure, but the Pacific Northwest calls to me like no other region I’ve visited.

"Papa Otter" by Loree Johnson Photography. Adult river otter (Lontra canadensis) taking a break on the rocks in the Smith River Estuary, California. Papa Otter

Although it’s been wet and chilly sometimes, most days there is nowhere I’d rather be. And all the rain has helped me track down the leaks in my RV!

"Sea Lion with Catch" by Loree Johnson Photography. California sea lion gorging on steelhead trout amid the winter run on the Smith River, California. Sea Lion with Catch

According to many of the animals I’ve observed over the last few months, the fishing here is really good! From seals and sea lions catching steelhead to otters catching flounder and shorebirds catching tiny baitfish, the food chain is truly on display.

"Heron with Fish" by Loree Johnson Photography. Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) with a freshly caught fish from the Smith River in northern California. Heron with Fish

If you travel to the north coast of California to enjoy the beautiful sights, make sure you take time to notice the creatures that make these incredible places their home.

"Spiky Elk" by Loree Johnson Photography. A Roosevelt Elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti) cow trying out one of the trendy new spiky hairstyles after the rain at Prairie Creek Redwoods, Humboldt County, California. Spiky Elk

As humans, we sometimes get caught up in the beauty and grandeur of a landscape, while forgetting that it’s also a habitat for other living things. And, at other times, we notice nature’s diverse assortment of beings and forget the habitat required to support them. My time in these places has reminded me that we are all connected to each other and the earth.

"Mist in the Redwoods" by Loree Johnson Photography. After the rain, the sun shines through the mist deep in the redwood forest. Photographed at Prairie Creek Redwoods, Humboldt County, California. Mist in the Redwoods

"Eagle Flying at You" by Loree Johnson Photography. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in flight toward the camera. Eagle Flying at You

 

 

America’s Public Lands – Takhlakh Lake

America’s Public Lands – Takhlakh Lake

The journey to Takhlakh Lake began unexpectedly, about a month earlier, standing on a dike above the Columbia River in Kennewick, Washington. There to photograph the rise of the full moon over the Cable Bridge, I met another photographer who was there to capture the same. Both of us had plotted out the moon’s trajectory in relation to the bridge and had arrived plenty early in order to prepare and readjust, if necessary. Waiting for the moon to rise is a common theme for me, since the exact time it breaks over the horizon is dependent upon the elevation of said horizon. This uncertainty leads me to arrive and set up generally at least an hour before the moon.

Full moon rising over the Cable Bridge in Kennewick, Washington. Moonrise Over the Cable Bridge

With our tripods in place and cameras pointing in the direction of the bridge, we started to chat while we waited. The usual question “Where are you from?” started us off. This is always a tricky one for me because there is no cut and dried answer. Born in Wyoming, having lived most of my adult life in Northern California, neither of those is an honest response to the underlying premise of the question, which is “Where will you return to when you leave here?” And so began the conversation. Me explaining that I have no permanent home and had intentions to travel west to the Columbia Gorge after leaving eastern Washington. As a resident of the Tri-Cities area, my new friend was a frequent traveler to the gorge. He was happy to share suggestions for things to see and photo opportunities. That’s how I found out about Takhlakh Lake.

Full moon reflecting in the Columbia River over the Cable Bridge in Kennewick, Washington. Full Moon Over the Cable Bridge

Once I got to the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, I knew I wanted to find Takhlakh Lake and try for a photo with a reflection of Mount Adams. Google Maps told me it was approximately 60 miles to my northeast, situated within the huge Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Located in Southwest Washington State, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest encompasses 1,368,300 acres of forests, mountains, river valleys, waterfalls, and lakes. Pacific Northwest weather being what it is, I waited for a day without rain. The wait lasted two weeks. Finally, a break in the rain came, but the sky was still overcast. I decided to set out anyway, and just settle for lake photographs if Mt. Adams was not visible.

Big Spring Creek, below the falls, in Washington's Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This area of temperate rain forest in the Pacific Northwest is perpetually lush and green, the perfect setting for imagination and fairytales. Fairyland Fantasy

Sixty miles sounds like a relatively short drive, but when it’s comprised mainly of forest service roads, some paved, some not, it takes a while. Despite the gloomy weather, the drive was beautiful. A few miles from the lake, I spotted a sign that read “Big Spring Creek Falls.” Well, I’ve never been one to pass a waterfall without stopping, so a short detour was in order. The falls were spread out over three tiers, and the forest was much too thick to get a shot of the entirety of all three in one frame. The weather that was threatening my lake reflection shot was, however, perfect for waterfall images.

Big Spring Creek Falls is actually a three-tiered waterfall in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, set in a shady fairyland glen, covered in moss and ferns and very green, even in October. It's not possible to photograph all three tiers in the same image, so it's more like three small unique waterfalls. Big Spring Creek Falls – Middle Tier

After a longer than expected side trip to the waterfall and several more miles of gravel road, plus a brief snow flurry, I finally arrived at Takhlakh Lake. It was every bit as beautiful and secluded as my friend in Kennewick had described it. From the parking lot, there was access to a lakeside trail that followed the shore. I set out to find a location from which to shoot some images of this pristine alpine lake. When I found a fallen tree with its top pointing in the direction of the far shore, that was it. I set up the tripod and started to decide which settings I would use, when I noticed it was getting lighter. I looked up, and couldn’t believe what I saw. Mt. Adams was appearing before my eyes as the clouds began to lift! And thanks to the stormy weather, there was a pure white blanket of fresh snow on the mountain!

"Takhlakh Lake with Mount Adams" by Loree Johnson Photography. This image is part of the artist's specially selected Premium Collection of distinctive images. As the remains of an autumn snowstorm slowly clear, majestic Mount Adams, wearing a fresh blanket of snow, is unveiled by the retreating clouds. The gorgeous, mirror-like reflection in Takhlakh Lake, would seem unreal if not for the mist rising from the far shore. Takhlakh Lake with Mount Adams

Days when everything comes together perfectly are rare, and this was one of those rare, unforgettable days, more than a month in the making. America’s public lands are truly our greatest national treasure. Thank you for visiting them with me in this series of articles. And I hope you will join me in supporting those who are dedicated to keeping them public for generations to come. See you on the next adventure!

Mount Adams reflected in Takhlakh Lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Fresh snow has just fallen and the trees are still frosted. Mount Adams Doubled

 

Best of 2015

Best of 2015

Another year gone by and time for the obligatory “Top Ten” post. Since 2015 was the first full year I spent on the road, it’s a pretty amazing variety. From Arizona to Washington and many places in between. It was tougher to narrow it down to ten this year, probably because of all the wonderful memories associated with each photo. But I’ve attempted to be as objective as possible, judging the final product more than the process, although the two are inexplicably connected from my perspective. So, without further ado, I give you my top ten photographs of 2015.

10.) Angelic

angelic; great egret; ardea alba; breeding plumage; clear blue sky; angel; heaven; wading bird; wild; wildlife; nature; natural; soaring; wings; wingspan; feathers; Gray Lodge Wildlife Area; butte county ca; california; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Great egret (Ardea alba) in breeding plumage in flight against a clear blue sky.

This image was photographed at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area in central California. I was ever so fortunate to find a rookery where great egrets, great blue herons, and double-crested cormorants were preparing their nests in the midst of breeding season. This photo made the list on account of its unique perspective of one of my favorite birds, as well as the beautiful green lore and elegant tail feathers known as aigrettes, which are characteristic of breeding plumage.

9.) Peeking Peak

Peeking Peak; Grand Teton national park; mountains; autumn; storm; snow; high elevation; close up; rugged; jagged; weather; clouds; teton county wy; wyoming; jackson hole; majestic; monochrome; black and white; cold; winter; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

In the midst of an autumn storm, the peaks of the Grand Tetons make brief appearances for only moments before disappearing again into the clouds. This is one of those moments.

I chose this image for its otherworldly quality and the juxtaposition of the jagged peak against the softness of the clouds. Since I had only three days in Grand Teton National Park, and I arrived in the midst of a storm with heavy clouds blanketing the rugged peaks, I was fortunate enough to be in a position to capture this image when an opening in the clouds appeared for just a few brief minutes.

8.) Mount Garfield

mount garfiled; mt. garfield; colorado; grand junction co; palisade co; mesa county co; mesa; geology; peak; interesting; western slope; interstate 70; blue sky; clouds; morning; light; elevation; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Mt. Garfield is a 6765 ft. (2062 m) peak in the Little Book Cliff mountains just to the north of interstate 70 between Grand Junction and Palisade, Colorado. This mountain is more like a mesa and is very geologically interesting. 

I can’t tell you how many times over the last year I’ve been driving my motor home, with car in tow, and seen something I wanted to photograph. This inevitably happens on a narrow road, with no shoulder and no place to pull over my awkwardly large rig. On the day I was leaving the western slope of Colorado to travel north into Wyoming, I saw Mount Garfield bathed in the beautiful morning light with wispy clouds hovering above. Once again, I longed for a place to stop and get out with my camera when all of a sudden, a large pullout appeared. This image was chosen for its serendipity and in honor of all those other missed shots where personal safety took precedence over photography.

7.) Pheasant in Flight

pheasant in flight; ring-necked pheasant; Phasianus colchicus; male; in flight; fly; flying; bird; wild; wildlife; upland game bird; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Male Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) in flight.

This image made the list as the realization of a long-standing goal. For years I have been fascinated with the ring-necked pheasants and have attempted many hundreds of times to get a photograph of one in flight, but they were just too quick. Then one morning, while driving around lost on an abandoned road in the McNary National Wildlife Refuge of eastern Washington, I surprised a group of these birds roosting in a tree. I also surprised myself with the composure and reflexes to finally capture an image of one of these elusive birds on the wing. And a beautifully colored male, too.

6.) Magical Sedona

Magical Sedona; Cathedral Rock Double Rainbow; sedona az; arizona; sedona; red rock country; desert southwest; mystical; magical; spiritual; heavenly; beauty; nature; natural; sublime; clouds; weather; rain; foreground; reflection; water; pool; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Double rainbow over Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona. Recent rains have left pools of water, creating an opportunity to capture a reflection of the famous, mystical rock in the foreground. 

Sedona was an unexpected destination in my travels this year as I had originally planned to go to Bryce Canyon in May after spending time at Zion National Park. The weather turned unexpectedly cold and snowy in southern Utah and I changed plans to go farther south. My first evening in Sedona was spent at Red Rock Crossing, which is purportedly the most photographed spot in Arizona. I was thrilled to find a puddle that was big enough to capture a reflection of the famed Cathedral Rock, but when a double rainbow appeared, I was utterly astonished.

5.) Dawn at Tipsoo Lake

Dawn at Tipsoo Lake; First Light on Mount Rainier; Mt. Rainier; Lake Tipsoo; sunrise; dawn; reflection; water; Mount Rainier National Park; Washington; Pierce County wa; scene; scenic; travel; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Tipsoo Lake reflects Mount Rainier at Dawn. Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington.

Sunrise is possibly my favorite time of day to capture landscape photographs and this image is one of my favorite dawns. Mount Rainier is one of the most beautiful peaks in the Cascade Range and the perfectly still water gave my eyes and camera double the pleasure of it in the morning’s first light. I also captured a horizontal version of this scene, but I chose the vertical because it incorporates a closer view of the mountain in all its glacial glory.

4.) Sedona Moon

Sedona Moon; sedona az; arizona; red rock country; cathedral rock; full moon; sunset; evening; light; spires; pillars; desert southwest; unforgettable; vortex; spiritual; nature; natural; orange; red; sky; formation; rocks; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Watching the full moon rise between the spires of Sedona, Arizona’s Cathedral Rock is a truly unforgettable experience.

It’s ironic that two of my top ten photos this year are from Sedona since it wasn’t one of my favorite places. Cathedral Rock is, however, a truly beautiful and majestic sight, and more than worthy of two top-ten spots. The orientation of the rocks are such that when you are facing the them, the sun sets behind you. There are just a few moments each afternoon when the light of the setting sun reflects and causes the red rocks to “glow.” This image is the result of quite a bit of meticulous planning and a little bit of luck. Mapping out and finding a place where the full moon would rise over the rock at sunset was the planned part. The moon rising just between the spire and the monolith was the luck part.

3.) Bald Eagle Swoosh

Bald eagle swoosh; Haliaeetus leucocephalus; american; perch; taking flight; atop; tree; sacramento NWR; national wildlife refuge; california; glenn county ca; blue sky; wings; wingspan; bird of prey; raptor; wild; wildlife; in flight; flying; majestic; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

American bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) taking flight from its perch atop the tree.

I’ve already blogged about this image in my “Stories Behind the Images” series, but it made the top ten because it is probably the sharpest, clearest eagle in flight photo I’ve ever captured. And because they are just awesome birds.

2. Storm View

Storm View; cedaredge overlook; colorado; grand mesa; mesa county co; delta valley; thunderstorms; storm; stormy; clouds; weather; rain; vast; vista; showers; dramatic; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Dramatic view from the Cedaredge Overlook on Colorado’s Grand Mesa on a stormy summer afternoon.

Another of my favorite things to photograph is dramatic weather. While scouting out places to photograph fireworks on 4th of July, five thousand feet above the valley floor on Colorado’s Grand Mesa, this thunderstorm developed. The fireworks shots were a bust, but the location scouting and dramatic weather gave me one of my best images of the year, which even made World View on The Weather Underground.

1.) Eagle Mesa Storm Clouds

Eagle Mesa Storm Clouds; glowing; monument valley; arizona; utah; desert southwest; red rock country; navajo nation; az weather; ut weather; rock formations; sagebrush; sand; light; sunset; dusk; evening; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Storm clouds glowing just before sunset behind Eagle Mesa in Monument Valley.

I have to admit that coming up with the top ten this year was much more difficult than last year. Even more difficult was deciding which image would be number one. After much deliberation, I choose this view of Eagle Mesa in Monument Valley. It gets the top spot because of the glow and shape of the clouds, and also because it is a view of Monument Valley that is less common and less photographed than the traditional “mittens.”

This year has been a wonder of experiences and places for me. I’ve learned a lot about photography, RV’ing, and life. Opening my eyes and heart to the wonders of the world has truly made me feel young again. I look forward to 2016 and another year of discovery, growth, and education. Happiest of New Years to all of you!

What a year it’s been!

What a year it’s been!

The one year anniversary of my vagabond life was September 17th. I spent it photographing wildlife in the rain in Grand Teton National Park. It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since that bittersweet day I left most of my possessions behind and began an unforgettable journey into the unknown.

snake river crossing; elk; early morning; mist; enveloped; grand teton national park; wyoming; teton county wy; river; water; autumn; fog; wild; wildlife; water; big game animal; nature; natural; scene; scenic; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

A cow elk crosses the Snake River enveloped in the early morning mist. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.

Along the way, I’ve seen amazing sights, old friends, ancient ruins, dear family, and indescribable beauty.

House on Fire; Utah; anasazi; mule canyon; ancient; ruins; cliff dwellings; sandstone; desert southwest; flame; blanding ut; cedar mesa; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

These Anasazi ruins in Utah’s Mule Canyon have been nicknamed the “House on Fire” ruins because the textures of the cliffs above the ruins resemble flames.

Above Grand Prismatic Spring; yellowstone national park; wyoming; picture hill; hot spring; colors; colorful; rainbow; pool; geothermal; steam; teton county wy; midway geyser basin; boardwalk

Yellowstone National Park’s Grand Prismatic Spring is the third largest hot spring in the world, so big it’s visible from space. The striking colors of the pool match the dispersion of light found in the rainbow.

I’ve fretted over the weather and been awestruck by it.

Storm View; cedaredge overlook; colorado; grand mesa; mesa county co; delta valley; thunderstorms; storm; stormy; clouds; weather; rain; vast; vista; showers; dramatic; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Dramatic view from the Cedaredge Overlook on Colorado’s Grand Mesa on a stormy summer afternoon.

I’ve learned that traveling is much different when it’s your life. I go slower, see more, and change my plans often. I’ve discovered the true meaning of “it’s not the destination, but the journey.” I’ve stressed over repairs and thanked my lucky stars that this old motor home is still holding up. I’ve been back to familiar places and discovered some I never knew existed.

Boxelder Canyon Wyoming; gorge; converse county wy; glenrock; little known; scenic; inaccessible; enchanting; unspoiled; nature; natural; wilderness; creek; waterfalls; pools; clean; beautiful; rocks; water; scenery; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Boxelder Canyon is a little-known, beautifully scenic gorge in Converse County Wyoming, near the town of Glenrock. The interior of the canyon is virtually inaccessible to all but the most determined of hikers. There are no trails and many sheer rock walls, which is perhaps why it is still as enchanting and unspoiled as it was when I lived in this area more than three decades ago.

 

sail away; battleship rock; valley of the gods; southern ut; utah; monument valley; remote; buttes; mesas; balancing rocks; erosion; desert southwest; four corners; inspiring; beautiful; surreal; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

Battleship Rock in Valley of the Gods, Utah. Valley of the Gods is located in a remote area of southern Utah just 25 miles north of Monument Valley. With its red rock mesas, towering sandstone buttes, and balancing rocks that seem to defy gravity, this place is every bit as inspiring and beautiful to behold as Monument Valley. Managed by BLM, Valley of the Gods is also less crowed than its more famous counterpart, even though it’s more accessible.

I’ve seen wild creatures large and small.

moose on a mission; bull moose; bullwinkle; walking; determined; determinedly; grand teton national park; teton county wy; wyoming; jackson hole; autumn; fall; season; wild; wildlife; male; nature; natural; scene; scenic; big game animal; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

This bull moose definitely had somewhere to go. He was walking determinedly in the cold, pouring rain at Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.

 

Formal Attire; male; black chinned; hummingbird; in flight; dressed up; hovering; tiny; wild; wildlife; little; fly; flying; bird; small; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

The male black-chinned hummingbirds always seem to be all dressed up. Especially when the light hits them just right.

I’ve been in the shadow of some of the highest mountains in this country, and some of the smallest.

Teton Dream; mount moran; mt. moran; grand tetons; oxbow bend; grand teton national park; fresh snow; valley fog; smooth water; snake river; wyoming; teton county wy; jackson hole; autumn colors; fall; season; morning; dawn; sunrise; peaks; jagged; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

First light on Mount Moran and the Grand Tetons at Oxbow Bend in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. Fresh snow, valley fog, autumn colors, and smooth water make this scene a dream come true.

Thunderstorm Over the Sutter Buttes; sunset; dusk; weather; storm; glow; light; pink; orange; colusa county ca; california; sacramento valley; orchards; farms; dramatic; farmland; landmark; central valley ca; sutter county ca; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

A thunderstorm rolls in over the Sutter Buttes in the central valley of California at sunset. In this view from the west,the swirling clouds are illuminated by the setting sun in a dramatic weather display.

My home has been at sea level and at over 8000 feet. I’ve met others who, like me, choose to live this way and others who live this way not of their own choice. I’ve met people who wish to live this life “someday,” and some who have been doing it for decades. And despite the impressions some people seem to have, my life is not just one big vacation. There is still laundry, grocery shopping, house cleaning and dirty dishes. A lot of time is spent on RV maintenance as well. I’ve found that no matter what I expect, life still gives me the unexpected. I’ve gotten comfortable with not knowing what’s next. Some of the places I thought would be amazing turned out to only be okay. Some of the places I thought would be okay turned out to be amazing.

Falls Creek Falls; tiers; two; three; awe-inpiring; waterfall; autumn; rain; scene; scenic; travel; nature; natural; mist; spray; splash; big; gifford pinchot national forest; washington; southern; wa; in; and; the; a; on; over; to; of; with; under; above; against; Loree Johnson

Falls Creek Falls is an awe-inspiring waterfall in the Gifford Pinchot National forest of southern Washington. The water falls more than 300 feet over three tiers. Only the lower two tiers are visible at once, as in this image captured in the autumn rain.

Nine states in the first year and I’ve just crossed into the tenth. Montana is the place I begin year two. Looking back, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful for the choices I’ve made and the opportunities I’ve been given. Although it hasn’t been all rainbows and unicorns, it has been one of the best years of my life.

Magical Rainbow Reflection; Waldport OR; Oregon; Alsea River; rainbow; reflect; reflection; reflected; water; sky; double; rain; weather; sun; refract; beauty; scene; scenic; calm; serene; serenity; peace; nature; natural; magic; pot of gold; and; the; over; with; under; above; against; in the; on the; at the; Loree Johnson

The pot of gold is in Waldport, Oregon. The beautiful rainbow is reflected in the calm morning water of the Alsea River for only a few magical moments.

As my 53rd birthday approaches, I can only hope for the good fortune to continue. And even if it doesn’t, I have an incredible year of memories and experiences that have changed me forever.

 

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