It’s hard to believe that another year has flown by! It’s that time of year once again where I post my top ten photos of the year. And it’s where I participate in Jim Goldstein’s annual project where he curates a list of other photographers showcasing their favorite photos. I’ve lost track, but I’m sure I’ve participated at least 5 years now.
Last year (2017) I didn’t travel as much as previous years. There were some destination cancellations due to vehicle problems. Since I now live nomadically in an RV, sometimes the weather or vehicle problems can dictate a change of plans. And that has been the case this year and even the previous year. I did however, get to spend about 4 months back in Oregon. I also spent some time in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, California and Colorado.
Another thing that occurred last year that changed my plans was the death of my father. He was 89 years old. I thought for sure he would live to be 90 this year and all my family would get together to celebrate it. Unfortunately, dad had a year of ups and downs with his health and he passed away on September 2nd. I am glad Mike & I stopped at his house in April on our way back to Oregon and enjoyed a nice visit. I took so many photos of dad during our time there. I’m still deeply saddened by his death and missing him so much. Nothing prepares you for the death of a family member.
It was definitely a struggle to come up with ten images as I feel like I didn’t shoot as much. The positive thing is that I spent a lot of time with family this year.
If you missed my annual slideshow where I’ve added some of these photos, I’ve included the link at the bottom where it’s hosted on YouTube. Thanks for taking a look and Happy New Year!
My husband and I spent a lot of time in Arizona last year. A new place we stayed was at Lost Dutchman State Park with the beautiful Superstition Mountains very close and easily accessed from the park. We’ve tried to stay in this campground before but it’s always been booked up. We got lucky and were able to stay for a week. In this particular image, I took a panorama to capture the full mountain range. I took other photos while there but this was my favorite during a week with very little color.
I loved hanging out in the Tucson area for a few weeks. This photo was taken during an approaching rain storm. A rare thing in the winter! I have several beautiful sunset shots out in the desert, but for some reason I really like this one.
It was great to be back in Oregon and wandering one of my favorite beaches, Bandon! I must say, I do miss getting out to do beach photography on a regular basis. I lived on the Southern Oregon Coast for over 20 years and the beaches there were my playground and backyard.
We made it to Yosemite National Park but for only a couple of days as we were in a hurry to get back to Oregon by May. I had a chance to meet up my friend, Franka Gabler who is a fantastic landscape photographer who lives near Yosemite. Check out her inspiring photography. Though I didn’t come away with anything I felt was really great, it was just wonderful to wander around such a gorgeous area.
We spent an entire month in Central Oregon during the month of August. It was definitely hard to leave this area!
Another image at Sparks Lake, of course. We did get out to do some kayaking there with our wonderful family.
One of the best thing about being in Central Oregon was staying on the property of Smith Rock State Park. My husband and I were camp hosts for the Welcome Center. Theres nothing like camping right there at Smith Rock!
We were there at Smith Rock State Park during the solar eclipse. Since we were on duty, I didn’t plan any photography during the event. I wrote about it here.
One of the places we stayed for a couple of weeks was Sedona, Arizona. We had the greatest campsite with some incredible views. I guess I really liked this shot best waiting for sunset.
In this Sedona image I loved how the light hit the rocks and the approaching storm clouds.
Thanks for sharing. Inspired me to go to Sparks Lake. So sorry for your loss. I lost my dad 4 years ago, it was the long goodbye with dementia, but I treasure the times I spent with him. Have fun on the road. Our fifth wheel is ready for adventure, but we still have a few years to go before your lifestyle is our reality.
Thanks so much Lisa! So glad you are going to be out exploring soon living your dream in your RV! Keep in touch and let me know how it goes! All the best to you!
Very beautiful! I love the Oregon selections especially!
Thanks Derrald!
Looks like you are still enjoying the nomadic life Patricia! Hope you have a great 2018!
Thanks Rob! You too!
A very nice collection here for your favs of 2017! I hope you have a great 2018 as well!
Thank you Adrian!
Thank you for this look back on your 2017 Patricia. I hope some of it helps just a tiny bit in the healing of pain from losing your father. I may find myself on the Oregon coast mid next year, and know where to come to look for inspiration.
Thank you Mark! I appreciate it!
Such beautiful photographs, Patricia, and amazing light! I’m glad you had the chance to spend time with your father. My mother has been in the hospital through Christmas and New Years. It really brings home the importance of family. I wish you a fantastic 2018!
Todd, thank you very much! I hope your mom is now doing better. You are so right about the importance of family! I wish you a great year as well!
Gorgeous images Patricia! I especially like the one at the top of Superstition Mountain. I wish you a wonderful 2018 and hope we cross paths again soon.
Thank you so much Anne! I do hope we cross paths this year ;)
Beautiful gallery Patricia ! I loved all of them. Your images inspire me to visit Sparks Lake :)
Thank you Shikha! You’ll love Sparks Lake :)
A great collection Patricia. For a lean year, an excellent collection of best photos. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks for taking a look and the nice comment Simon!
Beautiful work, Patricia.The Sparks Lake images make me wanna grab my tent and sleeping bag. :) Have a wonderful 2018!
Thanks Gary! Sorry I missed this! Hope you are having a great year!
Another great year for you Patricia! Your travels are taking you to some amazing destinations. Your photos from Sparks Lake are among my favorites. I also love the look of your website, very clean fresh and easy to navigate. Nice work, hope to see you on the road somewhere this year!
Thanks so much Alan! Hope to see you out there! Happy New Year.
Such beautiful images. Can’t wait to see what you find this year. Happy new year.
Thank you Sue! Happy New Year!
Wonderful photographs, Patricia, and enjoyed the narrative for each, also.
Losing family members is hard; you have my thoughts with you… I think of my mother often, but I have learned to remember the good things, the good memories…
Best wishes for the good light in 2018!
Thank you so much Larry! Happy New Year to you too!
I’m sorry to hear about your dad Patricia. It’s always tough to go through something like this. I lost my dad a few years ago too though much younger than yours. Photography was an outlet that helped me to grieve and cope with it. Hope you have a happier 2018. Cheers.
I really appreciate your thoughtful comment Richard and sorry for your loss as well. I am excited about spending time in nature this year and making new memories. Happy New Year!
What a crazy year!
Sure was!
Love them all but the Superstition Mountains and Sparks Lake are my favorites!
Thank you so much Nancy! Happy New Year!
This is a lovely year-end collection, Patricia. Wishing you good light and continued success in the year ahead!
Thank you so much Russ! I wish the same for you!
Those are beautiful! Love them all, but especially the first one.
Thank you so much Ron! Happy New Year to you!