Seeing as we're now 13 days into 2013, I thought it fitting to share my 12 favorite photographs of 2012. 2012 took me around the US, with trips to Denver, Vail, New York City, San Francisco, and more. It also took me abroad to New Zealand and Australia for the first time.
Coming off the end of my time abroad, I think you'll find I couldn't get enough of these places...so, it was difficult to choose my favorite shots.
Without further adieu, may I present...my favorite twelve shots of the year.
Taranaki, New Zealand
When we drove into New Plymouth on the North Island's west coast, clouds prevented us from seeing even the silhouette of this elegant mountain. The next morning we woke up to clear skies and mind-blowing vistas of Mount Taranaki.
Sydney, Australia
I wandered down to Circular Quay after my Bridge Climb at dusk...and made friends with a Chinese tourist who was trying to get the perfect Opera House/Full Moon shot. After some tips were shared, I snapped this one. It was such a beautiful night!
Lake Gunn, New Zealand
After one thwarted attempt to reach the road to Milford, we returned to Queenstown and chatted up a friendly Kiwi. We had been wanting to camp out, and she recommended a site called 'Lake Gunn' just before the tunnel to Milford Road. We arrived at 10:30 pm, and I snapped this photo at 11 pm when the light was still lingering in the sky.
Huka Falls, New Zealand
After marveling at the size and sound of Huka Falls, which feeds into Lake Taupo on the North Island, it was hard to capture the beauty until I reached this part of our hike. Yes, the water is really that color.
5. Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales, Australia
Using my iPhone's panorama capabilities, I took this standing at the top of the last of the "Three Sisters." Thank goodness for panorama; it's the only way to remotely capture the feeling of being in this massive valley.
6. Fox Glacier, New Zealand
I snapped this quick photo of an ice tunnel while inside! I love that it conveys the feeling I had walking in and through a glacier.
Milford Sound, New Zealand
This was one of my first views of Milford Sound, and its beauty stays with me!
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
This isolated island in, yep, the Bay of Islands (north of Auckland) was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Really.It was impossible to pick just one shot from here, because I couldn't help but take dozens of photos, but I'm partial to this one because it shows the remote natural beauty at first glance (and after seeing a pod of dolphins!)
Cathedral Cove, New Zealand
Sydney, Australia
I adore this shot I got on my iPhone on the ferry back to the city from Manly beach.
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
After kayaking (a must-do in Abel Tasman) out of Motueka, we stopped for a breather and lunch break on a stretch of sand. I enjoyed this view of the beautiful water from the only proper place---with my bum in the sand.
Unknown, New Zealand
Lastly, I'm a complete sucker for this photo as it richly encapsulates the experience of three weeks road-tripping New Zealand. Some of my favorite memories of the country are just this---endless green farmland, sheep, epic mountains....all from the side of a car.
Bonus Shot 1!
Leaping into 2013! May the year be fearless and fruitful for both you and I!
Bonus Shot 2!
And just because...the cutest sleeping koala you've ever seen.
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