My Photography Travel Adventures

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 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 unforgettable. With heartfelt thanks for a life woven with the threads of our extraordinary relationship."

Our Adventures: A Journey Through the World’s Natural Wonders

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 comfort of our camper van. Our wanderlust has led us to the rugged terrains of Yukon and Alaska, the picturesque landscapes of Alberta and British Columbia, and the enchanting beauty of Prince Edward Island and Quebec. We've explored captivating Newfoundland and Labrador, the majestic shores of Lake Superior, and the lakes, forests, and landscapes of Killarney and Algonquin Provincial Parks. We especially love the thrill of kayaking among the 30,000 Islands of Georgian Bay.

Throughout these travels, my primary goal has been to photograph the breathtaking natural wonders and diverse wildlife we encounter. Every mile we've traveled has been another chapter in our adventure, captured through the lens of our shared experiences.

September 2024: Western Canada Adventure

In September 2024, we embarked on a 25-day journey through Western Canada, where we rented a minivan and spent 18 nights sleeping in it. Our route took us through breathtaking landscapes, visiting the following destinations:

• Calgary

• Drumheller

• Canmore

• Banff, Kootenay, Yoho, Glacier, Jasper, and Pacific Rim National Parks

• Mount Robson

• Kamloops

• Lillooet

• Whistler

• Squamish

• Sunshine Coast

• Nanaimo

• Tofino

• Ucluelet

• Vancouver

This journey allowed us to experience the incredible diversity of Canada’s wilderness, from the towering Rocky Mountains to the rugged coastline of the Pacific.

June 2024: Return to Iceland

In June 2024, we returned to Iceland for an 18-day trip, this time renting a 4-wheel-drive camper van. This allowed us to venture off the beaten path, including driving on Iceland's rugged F Roads in the Highlands. Our journey took us to some of Iceland’s most stunning and remote locations:

• Thingvellir National Park

• Seljalandsfoss

• Skógafoss

• Vík

• Bakki

• Skaftafell

• Fjallsárlón

• Jökulsárlón Lagoon

• Vestrahorn and Stokksnes

• The East Fjords, including Seyðisfjörður

• Borgarfjarðarhöfn

• Flúðir

• Landmannalaugar

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula

September 2023: Nevada, Arizona, & California Road Trip

In September 2023, we set off on an epic 24-day road trip across Nevada, Arizona, and California, covering over 4,200 kilometers. Our journey began in Las Vegas and concluded in San Francisco, with numerous unforgettable highlights along the way:

• Grand Canyon

• Historic Williams, Arizona (Route 66)

• Hoover Dam

• Valley of Fire State Park

• Red Rock Canyon

• Mojave Desert & Alabama Hills

• Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

• Yosemite National Park

• Sequoia National Park

• California Highway 1 & Big Sur

• Hearst Castle

• Muir Woods National Monument

This adventure allowed us to experience California's diverse landscapes, from arid deserts to lush forests and dramatic coastal cliffs.

June 2023: Iceland – Land of Fire and Ice

In June 2023, we ventured to Iceland, a land defined by dramatic contrasts and more than 10,000 waterfalls. Over the course of 16 nights in a camper van, Rick expertly guided us across the island, covering more than 3,500 kilometers. Our journey included some of Iceland’s most iconic destinations:

• The Golden Circle

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Westfjords

• Tröllaskagi (Troll Peninsula)

• Diamond Circle

• Ring Road

Each leg of our adventure revealed awe-inspiring landscapes, showcasing Iceland's unique and otherworldly beauty.

Fall 2022: Utah & Wyoming Adventure

In the fall of 2022, we embarked on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Utah and Wyoming. Our exploration took us from the Bonneville Salt Flats to the vibrant city of Park City, along the Green River, and deep into the red-rock terrain of Moab. We visited some of the most famous national parks in the United States, including:

• Arches National Park

• Canyonlands National Park

• Capitol Reef National Park

• Bryce Canyon National Park

• Zion National Park

• Cedar Breaks National Monument

• Grand Teton National Park

• Yellowstone National Park

Additionally, we explored unique state parks, each offering its own remarkable beauty:

• Jordanelle State Park

• Dead Horse Point State Park

• Goblin Valley State Park

• Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

• Sand Hollow State Park

• Antelope Island State Park

Summer 2018: Italy

In the summer of 2018, we journeyed through Italy, starting in Rome and traveling to the historic town of Lanciano in Abruzzo, where we marveled at medieval architecture. We explored Florence, soaking in its cultural richness and admiring landmarks like the Florence Cathedral and Ponte Vecchio. Our travels continued through Tuscany, discovering rolling vineyards, charming villages, and the medieval streets of Siena. The colorful cliffside villages of Cinque Terre captivated us, and our adventure concluded on the Amalfi Coast, where the dramatic shorelines and pastel-hued villages like Positano and Amalfi left a lasting impression.

Mother-Daughter Expedition: The Galápagos Islands

One of the most extraordinary journeys I’ve undertaken was an expedition to the Galápagos Islands with my daughter, aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II. We explored one of the world’s most unique destinations, renowned for its species found nowhere else on Earth.
(See my Portfolio for photos and stories.)