Saturday, December 31, 2016

2016 in Photos

Another year rides off into the sunset....

2016 has been full of ups and downs.  Fun ski trips with friends.  Great hikes to scenic places, both familiar and new.  Meeting five blogging friends, live and in person.  Watching both kids move farther away from home.  Old age claiming my faithful dog Bear.

Combing through my photo archives, I've once again compiled a year-end post featuring a favorite image from each month of 2016.  I find it very satisfying to look back at all the moments captured, relive the fun and the fascinating, and realize how much I've accomplished in 365 days.

Of all the articles I create for my blog, the annual "year in photos" post is by far my very favorite.  I hope it's become yours too.


January

Alpenglow on Mt Hood

Oh Mt Hood....my favorite alpine playground.  Skiing down her slopes one late winter afternoon, I was lucky enough to witness this fantastic pink alpenglow blanketing the summit.


February

My skiing buds and I on a wet, snowy day

Ski bus days are the best days!  Whatever the weather, my die-hard ski buddy friends don't let a little wet snowstorm stop our fun.


March

Spring tulip

For some reason I don't have a lot of images from the month of March (too busy skiing and not taking many photos, I guess).  But our tulips bloomed early, and one morning I grabbed some fantastic shots of their rain-speckled petals.


April

Sunset on Bandon Beach

In September 2015, I made a swing through the southern Oregon coast and fell in love with the charming town of Bandon.  Not having much time to explore, I booked a return visit for April.  I spent a most excellent three days roaming this wonderful area, culminating with a capture of this stunning ocean sunset. 


May

Soggy Hardy Ridge

Wet weather kept me cooped up inside until I finally said "what the heck" and hiked in the rain anyway.  A trek up the blustery Hardy Ridge trail tested my resolve (and my raingear!), but I was handsomely rewarded with some of my best spring wildflower images.


June

Cody's priestly ordination

In June my son Cody realized a goal he's worked and studied 6 long years for, ordination to the priesthood.  A bittersweet moment - as a mom I'm so proud of Cody's accomplishment, and his happiness fills my heart.  But celebrating milestones always tugs at the heartstrings.  It's always a tiny bit sad to see your babies grow up and move far away.


July

Tipsoo Lake and Mt Rainier

Mt Rainier National Park is the closest National Park to Portland, but for some reason I hadn't visited since the 90s.  A late July weekend trip changed all that.  I was blown away by the fantastic scenery and plethora of hiking trails.  I'll certainly be back for more in 2017.


August

Iconic McNeil Point Shelter

In August the Cascade's high mountain meadows are bursting with wildflowers.  Despite the blazing hot August weather, I forced myself to get out and visit as many as possible.  So many great hikes, it was hard to choose a favorite.  But McNeil Point is always a classic trek, and this shot of it's iconic rock shelter finally won my vote.


September

No Name Lake

Two years ago, while hiking into Broken Top Mountain's crater, my brother mentioned existence of an unnamed glacial lake on the peak's north side.  Several spectacular images of this lake on social media sparked my interest, and in late September I finally visited the elusive "No Name Lake" for myself.


October

Coldwater Trail

Fall is hands-down my favorite hiking season.  Not only do I enjoy the cooler temperatures, brilliant autumn colors provide lots of material for my camera's memory card.  Again, there were so many great images to choose from, but the solo hike I made on Mt St Helens Coldwater Trail (where I unwittingly encountered an ultrarunning race) was by far the most spectacular.


November

Elowah Falls

Waterfalls and autumn colors make the best photographs.  And when the leaves turn, I have a long-standing tradition of touring the Columbia River Gorge in search of both.  Despite the rainy autumn weather I managed to fit in this annual trip, and was richly rewarded for my efforts.


December

Horsetail Falls sporting it's winter white

Long-time blog followers know how much I love to photograph waterfalls.  So when a mid-December cold snap turned the Gorge cascades icy, I grabbed for my camera.  I think Mother Nature does a mighty fine job of transforming moving water into a breathtaking winter wonderland.



Thanks to all of you for visiting, following, and commenting on my humble blog.  It's always gratifying to know someone out there actually reads what I post.  I love the online friendships I've established (blogging buddies are the best!) and it was truly wonderful to meet some of you in person this past summer.  Here's to another year of happy trails and beautiful places.

Wishing everyone a safe, prosperous, and peaceful 2017!


Sharing with:  Through My Lens

34 comments:

  1. What a gorgeous collection of 2016 photos, Linda! I love them all and smiled broadly at the snow photo! Thank you so much for all your share throughout the year, and I wish you a fantastic 2017! Happy New Year to you! :)

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  2. Linda, what a fabulous year...my best to you in 2017.

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  3. I love your blog because you're always out and about doing something fun, and I get to tag along. Great series! My favorite is January because the light is so pretty.

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  4. These are all beautiful. Each one with a story to tell! All the best for 2017. Looking forward to more of your lovely posts in the new year.

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  5. Beautiful captures from 2016.
    Happy New Year, Linda. May it be filled with photo ops of many.. and joy! ♥

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  6. Happy to be one of the five! That alpenglow shot is a great opener. Happy New Year!

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  7. What a year documented in your beautiful photos. Happy New Year to you....

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  8. What a great look back. I hope your 2017 is wonderful!

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  9. Definitely happy to be one of the 5! Your hikes mean so much more as I can now visualise where you are hiking.
    Each photo is awesome, but my favourite by a long shot, is the colour on Mt Hood.

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  10. Happy New year and all the best for 2017. I will b looking forward to all your adventures.

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  11. That's apretty spectacular group of adventures for 2016! Here's to an even better 2017. Love your blog; it's always an inspiration.

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  12. Hello Linda,
    These are all very nice pictures I would not choose for a favoriet ...
    All the best for the New Year
    Greetings Frank

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  13. Happy New Year, Linda! I've enjoyed following along on your adventures this past year, and look forward to see where your camera takes you in 2017.

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  14. Happy New Year! Great pictures, every one a winner.

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  15. Happy New Year! Enjoyed your wonderful photos and looking forward to your 2017 posts- Mary Lou

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  16. Another year of beauty in the books! Wishing you a joyful, outdoorsy 2017! May you visit lots of fabulous, photo worthy places!

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  17. I love these posts every year! It's fun, as a reader, to see the year as a whole too. :) Happy New Year!

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  18. Very nice. Happy New Year to you too.

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  19. What a great year in photos! Happy 2017!

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  20. You had a year of rich experiences! May 2017 be as beautiful.

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  21. Keep the posts coming in 2017!

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  22. I've learned a lot about America and the National Parks through your blog and photos. Hope next year is as enjoyable for you with loads of new sights to take in. Best Wishes. Bob.

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  23. Oh, what a wonderful recap! Those pink mountains are gorgeous. Your waterfalls and wildflowers are always amongst my favorites! You take such amazing photos. I'm a bit jealous that you got to meet 5 blog friends. :) Can't wait to see where your adventures take you in 2017!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  24. Hello, Linda! You had a very nice year. Wonderful photos and review. I wish you all the best in 2017. I am looking forward to seeing where your hikes will be in 2017. Happy New Year!

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  25. Are you kidding? ALL of your blog posts and photos are my favorite.

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  26. Happy New Year! I loved your photo review...you cannot beat that photo of Alpenglow on Mt Hood...fantastic!! I made my own photo calendar this year...it was great fun to make:)

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  27. I do believe you have a different climate to me!!
    Great shots.

    Cheers and (a slightly belated) Happy New Year - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  28. Happy New Year Linda. I am just a new blogger follower, but always delighted with the quality of your photos and always envious of them and the beauty of your environment. Waterfalls are also my favorite subject, at least in the heart, not necessarily in number of photos. I agree that blogger friends are the best, and i actually met two foreign friends who visited my town. I also do monthly sunset shots through my window.

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  29. Happy New Year Linda! Your "2016 in Photos" is quite the collection. Thank you for taking us along on your adventures and letting us see your beautiful part of our world through your eyes.

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  30. You've enjoyed so many fine hikes! I love the photos of No Name Lake and the waterfalls especially. Here's to many new adventures in 2017!

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  31. Enjoyed the calendar year in photos, Linda. I'd do the same but I'd have a devil of a time picking just one for each month.

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  32. A very Happy and Healthy New Year to you and your family, Linda! Your photo retrospective of your year was wonderful--so many beautiful photos and blessed events. The alpenglow photo on Mt Hood should win a prize--it is spectacular! I've enjoyed reading your blog this year and getting to know you and the beautiful place you live, and visit, better better through your photos and writings, and I look forward to seeing more of your adventures in 2017!

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  33. Wow! Pictures taken in January, April, July and October are amazing!

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