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Highlights of My Year (2012) in Photos
It’s been an interesting year – marked by hard work, loads of North American travel and five photography courses. Throw in a huge new writing/travel/book project, plenty of house renovations, lots of house guests, a new city to navigate and quite frankly I’m a little pooped. But I’m also proud of the progress I’ve made and an upcoming three day cross country skiing escape should do much to rejuvenate my soul.
Here’s a look at the highlights of my year in photos.
We started the New Year off with a fabulous day of cross country skiing in Peter Lougheed Park in Kananaskis Country just outside of Banff National Park. It was bloody cold but otherwise glorious.
View from the top of Blueberry Hill in Kananskis Country
That was to get us primed for a weekend ski trip to the rustic backcountry Skoki Lodge where Will and Kate (yes THE Will and Kate) spent a few nights just after they were married.
Skoki Lodge under a cloudless night sky
We made it through the month of January with our first ever dogsledding outing – great fun that left us wanting more.
Blue eyed sled dogs
By February I was ready to trade in our frigid days with Jack Frost covering the windows…..
Jack Frost paying a visit in Calgary (shot using a macro lens)
for Arizona. I drove the Apache Trail – an incredible one day drive not far from Phoenix, hiked the Ramsey Canyon Preserve southeast of Tucson and checked out the wild west towns of Tombstone and Bisbee.
Grand Canyon like views but its Apache Lake in Arizona
Cowboy driving a wagon in Tombstone, Arizona
March was mostly spent at home though we did manage a long weekend of cross country skiing at the incredibly situated Lake O’Hara Lodge.
Cross country skiing around Lake O’Hara Lodge in Yoho NP
The minute April hit we were out the door and on our way to check out the low country from St. Mary’s, through to Savannah and Charleston. Highlights included a visit to Okefenokee Swamp and a kayaking trip over to Cumberland Island.
Savannah’s haunting looking night sky
Fishing for crocodiles in Okefenokee Swamp
The skinny wild horses of Cumberland Island
The bulk of April and May kept me busy with photography courses and house renovations. But by the end of May we had time for a long weekend of hiking in Elk Island National Park.
Canoeists paddling in Elk Island National Park at sunset
June was nuts. I had a very enjoyable houseboating trip on Shuswap Lake with Shuswap Tourism, followed immediately by a trip to Boulder, Colorado for a wedding. The month ended on a high note kayaking Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.
Quintessential Boulder Flatirons view
Turquoise coloured Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park
July was also crazy. We had a houseful of guests around to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede. That was followed by hiking weekends in the Rocky Mountains – with the Iceline Trail a total delight. Following that we were off to central British Columbia for two weeks of adventures; kayaking Murtle Lake, whitewater rafting the Clearwater River, hiking in the Rainbow Range and a memorable fly in visit to a remote backcountry lodge.
The RCMP in the Musical Ride at the Calgary Stampede
Views of Takakkaw Falls from the Iceline Trail
Our private beach on Murtle Lake – at least for a few hours
The multi coloured Rainbow Range of mountains in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
Canada’s 3rd highest waterfalls – Hunlun Falls from the air
Within days of returning from our vacation I was off to hike with Travel Alberta to the precariously perched Abbott Pass Hut on the BC-Alberta border. Hiking 2000 feet of unstable scree slopes felt like an accomplishment!
The view down to Lake Oesa from Abbott Pass hut
The month of August ended with a three day hiking trip to Waterton Lakes National Park. All hikes we did were superlative but perhaps the Crypt Lake hike involving a ladder, a tunnel and chains was the most unusual.
Heading for the tunnel on the Crypt Lake hike
September in Alberta was glorious. On one weekend we took my just turned 80 mother-in-law up to Cathedral Mountain Lodge in Yoho National Park. She still raves about the trip every time we speak. The easy hike around Emerald Lake was a pleasure for all of us.
The unforgettable turquoise coloured Emerald Lake
On another September weekend we hiked to Taylor and O’Brien Lakes in Banff National park to catch the larches in all their fall glory.
Taylor Lake surrounded by golden coloured larches
I finished the month of September off with a quick trip to Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan.
Big skies in Grasslands National Park
When October rolled around I made the time for a visit to Dinosaur Provincial Park before they shuttered their guided trips for the season. For a non-dinosaur lover I found the place fascinating.
Fantastic shapes cause by erosion in Dinosaur Provincial Park
Our last big trip together for the year was one to southwest Utah. We had a fabulous week of hiking in Bryce Canyon, the Grand Staircase -Escalante Wilderness and Kodachrome Basin State Park. But our day of canyoneering was one of the highlights of my life. Scary but very, very rewarding.
Bryce Canyon country
The infinity pool at Upper Calf Creek Falls
Working our way through narrow slot canyons
By the time we got home from Utah I had no further travel plans. But at the last minute I booked a flight to visit my friend Jo who lives in Miss Moneypenny’s retreat outside of Espanola, Ontario. We squeezed in a November hike at Misery Bay Provincial Park on Manitoulin Island too.
Northern Ontario scene outside of Miss Moneypenny’s retreat
I decided on one more jaunt – this time to Scottsdale, Arizona to visit my father just days before he turned 80; or at least that was the excuse. I got a dose of warm sunshine that will have to last me for many more months.
Sunset over the desert outside of Scottsdale
And now with mere hours left in the year John and I have one more weekend trip planned. Tomorrow we’re off for a two night stay at Chateau Lake Louise. We’ll cross country ski some new trails, skate on a frozen Lake Louise and perhaps even put our feet up for a few hours.
To all my regular readers – a big thank you for sticking with me through the year(s). And to my new readers a warm welcome. Please come back and visit regularly.
And I wish you all a VERY, VERY HAPPY, SAFE & HEALTHY NEW YEAR – in case this is the last post of 2012.
For more travel inspiration check out the photos of other travel bloggers on Nancie’s Budget Travelers Sandbox website every Thursday.
Which if any of my adventures over the past year would you be interested in doing?
Leigh
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About Hike Bike TravelAvid world traveler. Craves adventure - & the odd wildly epic day. Gardener. Reader. Wine lover. Next big project - a book on 100 Canadian outdoor adventures.
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58 Responses to Highlights of My Year (2012) in Photos
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About
I’ve been all over the world – to all continents but Antarctica and to a grand total of 53 countries. I’ve always got some sort of an adventure planned – even if it’s only a weekend. I thrive on change and travel provides that.
Feel free to email me at
leighmcadamtravels at gmail dot com
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Lovely pictures! I’d definitely enjoy the houseboating trip and the hike in Bryce Canyon! Looks like you had a really full year of traveling, hope your 2013 will be the same, or even better.
Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.com recently posted..Travels of 2012—Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe
@Aleah I think the coming year will be even busier as I’ll be traveling across Canada to research material for my upcoming book on 100 Quintessential Outdoor Adventures in Canada.
@Aleah Houseboating was far more fun than I figured it would be – though I think the shoulder season when there are fewer people out is the time that has the most appeal. Very relaxing if you’re not the driver.
What a fantastic life you lead Leigh!! Thanks too for letting those of us who are stuck at home ‘join you’ in vicarious travels where we never know where we’ll find ourselves next!
It’s been a year of happy travels with “HBT” and I look forward what 2013 will bring!
@Heather I play hard but trust me I have worked really hard this year. Still the trips that come my way and the ones I make happen make me very happy. It’s a rare month that there isn’t at least a weekend planned to do something.
Happy New Year Heather.
Wow, that was a wonderful collection of photographs and experiences, and you have a lovely year to look forward to as well. I clicked on the link to your dog sledding post – that is something I would really like to do – great post. I pinned the dog photo!
budget jan recently posted..2012 Fun While it Lasted
@Jan Thanks for pinning the dog photo. Dog sledding is a hoot and a lot of work if you get behind the sled. No worries about getting cold unless you stop for long. I highly recommend it.I’d like to do an overnight trip now.
What a great year you had, Leigh! All of your adventures are amazing. I think if I had to choose, it would be Elk Island National Park, followed by Arizona. That last shot hooked me. Five photography courses, how lucky you are. I would love to do some in-person classes with an English speaking photographer, but hard to find in Korea. There’s one guy in Seoul, but he won’t commit until money is deposited. Then, he keeps your tuition until he has enough students to offer a class. That’s not a good set-up!
Happy 2013! Looking forward to hearing about Colombia.
Nancie recently posted..#TPThursday — December 27th, 2012 — Hua Hin’s Chatchai Market
@Nancie That’s a bummer about lack of photography courses in Seoul though your photos are always outstanding. I diod find in each course you learn a little something and your knowledge base just keeps building from there. I also think you have to go out with the sole purpose of just shooting and experimenting.
Beautiful photos Leigh. What a great year you had! We never made it to Bryce Canyon when we were out West this year. Looking at your photos, I wish we did!
@Deb It’s been a busy year and mostly a good year but I imagine I am feeling like you are feeling and ready for a short breather.
I echo the sentiments of those before me: what a year you’ve had! Beautiful photos and beautiful memories. Sounds like 2013 will be filled with even more adventures. Happy and Healthy New Year’s Wishes to you –
Jackie Smith recently posted..In Pursuit of Passion: Those Who Dare
@Jackie I think we made the most of every long weekend and we certainly enjoyed a real variety of trips. In 2013 I have some wild out there kind of trips planned but we won’t have any internet so I think I’ll feel more like we’re having a proper holiday – and not a blogging holiday where you come back and write till all hours. I’m looking forward to some real adventures in 2013 and also following your travels.
You have had a really busy year! Dogsledding sounds rather incredible. I love all the scenic photos and the close up of Jack Frost, too. I look forward to reading about what you’re up to in 2013.
Michele @ Malaysian Meanders recently posted..Best of 2012: Highlights from the Year
@Michele I like a lot of action but even I am ready for a short break. Next year will be even crazier but in a good way.
You had a busy year, Leigh! I enjoyed reliving your travel experiences as I’m sure you did.
InsideJourneys recently posted..My Year of Travelling Jamaica, Part I
@Marcia Thank you.I had fun going through what happened in 2012. And I’m even more excited for 2013.
You’ve had an incredible year! I absolutely love your photos, all your photography classes have definitely paid off!
Laurel recently posted..Hiking Stewart Canyon in Banff National Park
@Laurel I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress with the photography classes but there’s still so much to learn. I might try and squeeze a night photography into my schedule later this winter.
Sounds and looks like you had a great and busy year. Here’s hoping for an even more exciting year and good health so you can do all you aim to do in 2013.
Michael recently posted..The Small Outdoors in Paris
@Michael And I wish the same thing for you.
What an incredible year you had, Leigh! It’s so wonderful to follow your adventures. I’ve always loved your photos and seeing the highlights all in one post is such a treat. My favorite would have to be the Elk Island sunset. Wishing you the very best and more travels in 2013!
Mary @ The World Is A Book recently posted..A Year of Travel Memories and Adventures in 2012
@Mary Going back through the year and the photos does make you aware of how much we did. That Elk Island sunset is one of my faves. John and I were on a walk and I knew we had to rush to get the right light. I’m so glad we did.
Amazing photos, I love them all
Muza-chan recently posted..A Japanese Song per Day: Paradise Go!! Go!! – Argent snow
Thanks for the summary. Your photos are always so amazingly beautiful. Happy New Year.
Italian Notes recently posted..Best Italian Food Notes 2012
@Mette @Muza-chan Thank you.
You’ve had a fabulous travel year & I’ve loved following along with you. Your photography classes have really paid off — awesome pics, Leigh. I’m mesmerized by that Jack Frost photo!
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Luxury Timeshare Resorts for Skiers and Riders
@Cathy Thanks for all your wonderful support over the year and for all your lovely comments.
Wow, what a year you’ve had. Congratulations on making it to December!
A fabulous set of photos to mark 2012. Can only imagine what you’ve got lined up for 2013. Happy New Year!
Julia
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@Julia I have extensive travels across Canada planned and a wild off the tourist path hike in Colombia lined up for February. Hopefully enough interesting stuff to keep people coming back for more. Happy New Year.
Hi Leigh, I’m new to your blog (since your Utah trip) and am astounded at the number of adventures you’ve had this year! Wow, I hope someday I have both the time and the money to live the life you do! Thank you for sharing it with readers such as myself.
@Grace Lots of what I did this past year needed a car and a tank of gas. I hope you can get out and try some of these adventures without feeling like they are all costing an arm and a leg. And thank you so much for stopping by.
Ahhh these photos are amazing!!! I kinda love the Mounties one. Looks like a jigsaw puzzle.
Candice recently posted..Journal notes from a year of travel, 2012: “I am alive, I am alive, I am alive”
@Candice Great idea. You know you can take a photo and have exactly that done! Have a great year Candice.
Wow, wow, wow, wow – I could type a wow for every amazing photo, but it would get a little redundant, so I will just stick to the five I just typed. Wow, could not resist one more. Great photos, great adventures, and a great year.
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@Ted Thanks for your wonderful, ultra-enthusiastic response Ted. Every year I wonder just what in the world I am doing with my blog – and a comment like yours is a terrific morale booster.
Wow look at all you have done and seen in 2012. A great year, wonderful photos and stories! Best wishes for 2013, and safe travels to you Leigh!
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Thanks Christina and the same goes for you. I’m looking forward to some wild adventures – and lots of them in 2013.
What a busy year you had! I have not been to any of these places except Boulder. Shows just how much beautiful nature there is in the world to see and explore!
@Jenna It’s mind boggling the things one can see on this planet if you have the time, money and inclination. Fortunately many of the things I did last year cost little more than a tank of gas.
@Jenna Boulder is a very special place and one of my favourite places in the US. I am obviously an outdoor loving, nature loving person and I hope I inspire the odd person to get outdoors.
Wow, really great adventures you got there. The photos were definitely amazing. These are some places i thought only existed in dreams. Keep sharing! The world is really wonderful and huge!
@Kara Thank you for your great comment. There will be lots of off the beaten path adventures showing up on my blog next year.
One photo more gorgeous than the next, Leigh. What a fab year you’ve had.
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@Sophie Thanks for your lovely comment. I keep trying.
Dinosaur Provincial Park looks wonderful! I’ve never heard of it before. Looks worth a trip.
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@Margaret Dinosaur is definitely worth a trip; juts the Badlands scenery is reason enough to visit. Allow a full day.
That’s a great year for sure!! Wishing you many more exciting adventures in 2013!!
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@Erik I have several amazing trips planned already with a 2 week backpacking adventure on Baffin Island being the most out there one.
Amazing shots, as always Leigh! Best wishes for the new year!
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@Michael Hope you have a wonderful 2013 too.
What an incredible year! Hope your 2013 is at least as wonderful as 2012
Ayelet – All Colores recently posted..Local Travel Joys from 2012 and Great Sand Dunes, Colorado Sunset Photos
Thanks Ayelet. I have lots of adventures planned for 2013 so I think it will be a great year.
Stunningly beautiful!!! All the pictures are just superb, so much snow too!! My favorite is the Savanah haunting night sky, its beautiful. Hope your new year is a little less hectic yet much more fruitful for you Leigh
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@Arti I don’t think this year will be less hectic but mentally I’m prepared to be busy. I’m trying to have fun in between all the busy periods.
Amazing and epic can’t even begin to describe your 2012 adventures.. i can’t wait to see what all you do for 2013!
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A rather belated thank you for sharing your wonderful photo’s and linking them so well with your story.
Thank you.
Ray Leveson
@Ray And thank you for stopping by. 2012 was a great year for travel and I feel very fortunate.