In recent years, my husband Rick Somerville and I have embarked on breathtaking journeys across Canada, immersing ourselves in the wonders of its National and Provincial Parks from the cozy confines of a camper van. Our insatiable wanderlust has taken us to the rugged terrains of Yukon and Alaska, and the picturesque landscapes of Alberta and British Columbia. We enjoyed the enchanting beauty of both Prince Edward Island and Quebec. Among our adventures, we've explored and ventured into captivating Newfoundland and Labrador, the majestic shores of Lake Superior, and the lakes, forests, and landscapes of Killarney and Algonquin Provincial Parks.  We love the thrill of kayaking amidst the 30,000 Islands of Georgian Bay.

Throughout our travels, my primary goal has been to photograph the breathtaking natural wonders and diverse array of wild animals.  Every mile we've covered has been a chapter in our adventure through the lens of our shared experiences.

During the fall of 2022, our journey took us through an extraordinary tapestry of Utah and Wyoming landscapes, including the Bonneville Salt Flats, Park City, Green River, and the captivating red-rock terrain of Moab. Our adventures extended to explore some of the most renowned National Parks, such as Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Cedar Breaks, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone.

But the exploration didn't stop there; we also delved into the unique wonders of State Parks. From Jordanelle to the breathtaking Dead Horse Point, Goblin Valley, Escalante Petrified Forest, Sand Hollow, and Antelope Island, our itinerary was a rich mosaic of natural marvels.

In June of 2023, we visited Iceland the Land of Fire and Ice, renowned for its otherworldly beauty dramatic contrasts, and 10,000 waterfalls. Embarking on a 16-night Icelandic camper van adventure, Rick expertly navigated our journey, covering an impressive distance of over 3,500 kilometers.

Our exploration unfolded along a route that embraced the iconic highlights of Iceland. From the famed Golden Circle to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, Troll Peninsula, Diamond Circle, and Ring Road, each leg of our journey presented a kaleidoscope of awe-inspiring scenery.

In September of 2023, we traveled to Nevada, Arizona, and California. Rick and I embarked on an adventure where we flew to Las Vegas and home from San Francisco, rented a minivan serving as both our transportation and occasional accommodation.

Over the course of this 24-day trip, we covered over 4,200 kilometers. From the dazzling lights of Las Vegas to the majestic Grand Canyon, the historic town of Williams along Route 66, the engineering marvel of Hoover Dam, the fiery landscapes of Valley of Fire State Park, and the rugged beauty of Red Rock Canyon, our travels were a visual feast.

Despite challenges posed by road closures in Death Valley, we drove through the Mojave Desert, Barstow, Lone Pine, Alabama Hills, and Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest with its 4,800-year-old trees. Our route continued through the Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop, beautiful Mono Lake, and over the breathtaking 10,000-foot Tioga Pass, leading us into the majestic Yosemite National Park.

Venturing further, we explored Fresno, Kings Canyon Sequoia National Park, the coastal charm of Morro Bay, portions of the iconic California Highway 1, the opulence of Hearst Castle, Big Sur, the Monterey Area, and Santa Cruz. We then explored the scenic heights of Mount Tamalpais, and ancient Redwoods, the grandeur of Muir Woods National Monument, before concluding our journey in San Francisco.

On an earlier trip in the summer of 2018, we journeyed through Italy, from Rome to the historic town of Lanciano in Abruzzo, marveling at medieval architecture. Our exploration included Florence, where we soaked in the cultural richness, gazing at the Florence Cathedral and strolling across the Ponte Vecchio.

Venturing into Tuscany, we discovered rolling vineyards, charming villages, and the medieval streets of Siena. The allure of Cinque Terre captivated us with vibrant cliffside villages.

Our adventure concluded on the enchanting Amalfi Coast, where dramatic coastlines and pastel-hued villages like Positano and Amalfi left an indelible impression.

These immersive odysseys allowed us to witness the diverse beauty that our world has to offer, creating memories that will resonate with us for a lifetime and giving us a gift of fine art photography which is shared on this website.

Mother-Daughter Expedition

Expedition to the Galápagos Islands with my daughter aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II: Exploring one of the world's most fascinating and unique destinations, renowned for its species found nowhere else on Earth. See Portfolio for photos and stories.

Upcoming Adventures: 2024

1. Return to Iceland for 18 days with Rick Somerville: Embarking on an Icelandic adventure, renting a 4-wheel drive campervan to explore the Highlands, focusing on the south and east coasts.

2. Return to Western Canada for a 24-day trip with Rick Somerville: Rediscovering Western Canada to explore the region's breathtaking scenery, from majestic mountains to serene lakes.

Photography and relationships converge, affirming a profound reality—the essence of our existence radiates through connections and immortalized moments. The visual narrative, etched by the lens, echoes a deeper truth: relationships are not mere fragments of life's meaning; they are life's very meaning, providing depth, purpose, and profound richness.

"Rick, as I reflect on the chapters of our shared experiences, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for a life filled with adventure, travel, and the magical moments we've captured through the lens of photography. Thank you for being my guide and companion on this extraordinary journey, where every frame tells a story of our shared joys, discoveries, and the beauty we've witnessed together. Here's to a lifetime of continued exploration, laughter, and the enduring bond that makes our adventures truly unforgettable. With heartfelt thanks for a life woven with the threads of our extraordinary relationship."

Messages from views of my website

Laura de Vries (She/Her) ECE Field Liaison Officer

You are an inspiration! I am trying to be more mindful of my well-being these days, balancing my work and home life. Your photos remind me to take the time to notice the often taken-for-granted wonders of this world we so briefly inhabit. Thanks again

Laura de Vries

Seeing snapshots of all the life you have been living … has been extremely moving, reminding me to slow down and that there is so much beauty on this earth :)

Judy Sengsavang