15 Favorite Images of 2015

As we paddled out onto the crystal clear waters of Baja's Bahia de Concepcion last January, little did Millie or I know what monumental changes were in store for us in 2015.

Cancer took Millie just 2 months later, and a month after that, I got my own cancer diagnosis.  Life is very different now at the end of 2015 than it was at the beginning-- not in a significantly better or worse way necessarily, just forever changed.

My photography took a bit of a back seat to the more urgent matters of life this year.  Not as much time and energy for tripods, dragging out the best (heavy) lenses and cameras, or enduring long waits or long hikes to get "the shot."

Yet, looking back over all of my 2015 images, I did manage to experience some pretty diverse scenes this year-- so without further adieu, here are my 15 favorites from 2015.  Enjoy!

Sunrise on the Bahia de Concepcion, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Pacific Ocean Sunset, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

My trip to Baja last winter was full of unexpected delights.  A new friendship blossomed with fellow Skinnie Winnie travel buddies, Hans and Ursula, who introduced me to their friends in La Paz, and some great adventures I would otherwise might not have experienced on my own such as snorkeling with sea lions, boating to Lands End with "Antonio Banderas," and touching gray whales!

I'm looking forward to more fun in the sun with them again in a few months!
 
After my rapid return to Illinois last May, I didn't think I'd have much time for photography, but a 3-week delay of my surgery provided a very welcome relief for a short escape to the very scenic Starved Rock State Park.

Behind La Salle Canyon, Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Twin Falls, Tonti Canyon, Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Hiking to La Salle Canyon, Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

I spent the rest of the summer alternating between my sister and brother-in-law's house, and 2 nearby county parks as I recovered from surgery and radiation treatments.  I am forever grateful for the healing love and support of my Illinois family and friends!

Fishing Pond, Burnidge Forest Preserve, Elgin, Illinois

I was fortunate to see my brother and his family in Colorado four different times this year.  In between the 2 Fall visits, I spent a few days boondocking along Highway 24 in the central part of the state.  Magical aspen colors there!

Aspen Grove, St. Elmo, Colorado

I returned to New Mexico in late September.  Just in time for the last "Blood Moon" lunar eclipse, and my first visit to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
 

Lunar Eclipse over Little San Pasqual Mountain, near San Antonio, New Mexico

Preparing for Dawn Patrol, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico

Dawn Balloon Glow, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico

I've spent the end of Fall and beginning of winter volunteering again at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in central New Mexico.  Called by its enchanted light, its friendly people, and a few thousand magnificent sandhill cranes.  A wonderful place to finish the year and welcome a new one!

Happy New Year to you all!

Afternoon at the Rookery, Bosque del Apache NWR, New Mexico

Cranes on a Golden Pond, Bosque del Apache NWR, New Mexico

Morning Lift-off, Bosque del Apache NWR, New Mexico

Moonlit Very Large Array, New Mexico

Luminarias, Socorro Town Square, New Mexico