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202110 for 20
In 2020 I didn’t take a single photo until about 8 months into the year due to the pandemic and work commitments. In the last 4 months I did make a weekend trip to Mt. Rainier and a few weekend trips to the coast — one trip to Oregon and two trips to the Olympic Peninsula of Washington. Our trip to Kenya was cancelled so plan B was to visit the Grand Teton NP (Wyoming) in the fall and then again over Christmas. And that was pretty much it for photography in 2020. A few highlights from the year (in random order):
1. Grizzly Bear
We had a once-in-a-lifetime sighting of a grizzly bear in Yellowstone NP. You can read all about this adventure here. Wow!!
2. Golden Crab Spider
Here we have another ferocious predator, albeit, on the other end of the size spectrum. I shot this beauty in our garden.
3. Wildflower Marmot
While visiting Mt. Rainier I found this marmot along the side of the road. It is not the greatest image, but I love the cacophony of color. This rascal was dining on this beautiful buffet of wildflowers.
4. Shipwreck
The shipwreck of the Peter Iredale never fails to offer stunning photo opportunities.
5. Bighorn Sheep Battle
I have seen bighorn sheep before but never saw them crashing heads. It is quite the spectacle and the sound of that collision is shockingly loud.
6. Bighorn Motion
The big boys clash heads to claim rights to mate with the females. The ewes make the males pursue them endlessly to prove their worth and at times the hillside was a frenzy of chasing hither and tither. I slowed the shutter speed down with this image to try and give a sense of the chase.
7. Sunset Bison
A lovely sunset mood with a few bison in Grand Teton NP.
8. Dinner is Served
Otters are an absolute joy to see and we had a magical morning watching these river otters catch their breakfast in Grand Teton NP.
9. Rialto Beach
Hiking to the sea stacks at Rialto beach on the Olympic Peninsula (Washington) is bit of a workout with camera gear. And you have to carefully study the tides to avoid getting stuck out there. But the rewards can be stunning…
10. Backlit Moose
If you want to see moose get over to the Grand Teton NP. I shot thousands of images. After a while you want to try and get something a bit different…so here is a backlit moose.
11. Bonus Moose
And here I caught a moose crossing a stream at sunrise with the picturesque Teton mountain range in the background.
Wishing everyone a healthy and safe 2021!!
michael
Nancy Rupp
Thank you, Michael, for sharing these wonderful photos–and for the video of the grizzly/moose encounter. It is really amazing the work you do!
Best to you both!
Michael
Hi Nancy – thank you for your kind words. I hope that you and George are doing well and staying safe!
Brenda Mitzel
Your pictures are always stunning! Miss seeing them! Wishing you a safe and healthy new year!
Michael
Thanks Brenda. Hope you are doing well and staying safe!
Guy Kampstra
Thanks Michael for sharing your pictures.
Enjoy everyone of them.
Take care.
Michael
Thanks Guy. Good luck on your 2021 adventures!
James Blue
When do we het to see you two?
Michael
Hi James! Probably post covid…. Would be great to catch up.
George Rupp
Dear Michael,
I finally got my mailing (more than a week after Nancy got hers!). I too thank you very much. Your work is terrific!
Best to you both.
George
Michael
Thanks George, I appreciate it.
kris
These are simply stunning. Thanks for sharing and hope you guys are well!
Michael
Hi Kris. We can’t complain. Hope you and the family are doing well and staying safe!
jj
Fantastic! Thanks for putting together a best of for 2021. Good luck and stay safe in Burundi
Michael
My Man! Thanks, and hope you are doing well.
Angelo Despines
Excellent work as always! Stay safe traveling man.
Michael
Thanks Angelo! Happy 2021!
Liz
Alway fascinating…thanks!
Michael
Thanks Liz!
patty mountjoy
I finally turned on the computer. As always, fantastic photos. I still see so many photos in my mind. Good way to see my world.
patty
Michael
thanks patty! I hope you are doing well!