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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
This bull moose definitely had somewhere to go. He was walking determinedly in the cold, pouring rain at Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Autumn Fog Below Mt. Moran
Moose on a Mission
First Light
Snake River Crossing