My Epic Adventure: From San Francisco to Patagonia and Beyond
I recently returned from an incredible eight-week journey that took me from the bustling streets of San Francisco to the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, with numerous unforgettable stops along the way. Here’s a recap of my adventure.
San Francisco: The Perfect Start My trip began in San Francisco, a city that never ceases to amaze. I started with the iconic hop-on hop-off bus tour, which provided a fantastic overview of the city's diverse neighborhoods and landmarks. One of the highlights was seeing driverless cars navigating the streets—an exciting glimpse into the future of transportation. I even downloaded an app to book a ride in one, but unfortunately, they were always booked solid. A visit to San Francisco wouldn't be complete without photographing the Golden Gate Bridge. Its majestic presence against the backdrop of the bay is something I could never tire of capturing. Plus the The famous “Painted Ladies of San Francisco", otherwise known as “Postcard Row" or the “Seven Sisters", are a row of colorful Victorian or Edwardian style houses.
Exploring Nature’s Wonders From the urban charm of San Francisco, I ventured into nature’s splendor, starting with Yosemite National Park. The park's stunning vistas and tranquil ambiance provided a perfect retreat. Next, I visited Mono Lake, a unique saline soda lake in Mono County, California. Formed at least 760,000 years ago, this ancient lake is an otherworldly spectacle with its bizarre limestone formations known as tufa towers. In Death Valley, the Mesquite Sand Dunes were nothing short of amazing. The vast expanse of rippled sand dunes against the stark desert landscape created dramatic photo opportunities. Zion National Park left me in awe with its towering cliffs and stunning vistas. HorseShoe Bend in Arizona was another highlight, although it was incredibly crowded, the view was worth every bit of the hustle. Mesa Arch in Canyonlands was another incredible spot, despite the huge crowds. The friendliness of everyone there added to the charm of the place.
Journey Through Utah and Beyond Utah's beauty continued to astound me with stops at Moab, Bryce Canyon, and the magnificent Turret Arch. Each location offered unique landscapes and experiences, making it hard to pick a favorite. After Utah, I made my way to Salt Lake City before heading south to explore Chile and Argentina. Traveling with a fabulous group of friends made these parts of the trip even more special.
A Photography Workshop in Italy The adventure didn't stop there. I spent two nights in Madrid, Spain which was interesting - just did the touristy thing there! From there I went to Amalfi coast and Matera both places were just amazing! I then joined with Timothy Poulton to conduct a photography workshop in Italy, which took us through Rome, Tuscany, and Cinque Terre. Each location was a photographer's dream, with stunning architecture, vibrant landscapes, and rich cultural history.
Home Sweet Home After eight fabulous weeks, I was pleased to return home to a loving husband who by the way had the apartment spic and clean!There's something comforting about cooking your own meals and no longer having to hand wash clothes! Now, I’m faced with the exciting but daunting task of sorting through the countless photos I took during the trip—definitely a long process, but one I’m looking forward to.
A Favorite Destination If I had to pick a favorite country from my travels, it would undoubtedly be Patagonia. The rugged beauty and serene landscapes left a lasting impression on me. I'm thrilled to announce that we have a photography workshop planned in Patagonia and Tuscany in 2025 for anyone interested. This journey was a whirlwind of new experiences, stunning sights, and unforgettable moments. One thing I won’t be eating for a while is pizza and pasta lol! I’m not a big fan of this type of food at best of times! I must say out of all the pizza’s I did consume the best one was in San Francisco! I'm already dreaming of the next adventure!
