Here it is folks, my 2013 year in review in photos. I’m still in shock that the end of 2013 is here. January is just around the corner! (Gasp!) What happened to the year?! A whole new list of goals
to make and adventures to be had are in the future. But for now, it’s time to reflect on this past year, and look back on all the memories made (and the fun times had!).
I continued to lead tours in Cuba, now one of my favorite countries to visit. This particular shot of these two girls was taken in Trinidad, an old colonial town celebrating its 500th anniversary this year. I watched with delight as they rode their tricycles around the square, speaking to them only briefly, long enough to snap this photo.
Swimming with sea lions in the Galapagos was another incredible highlight of 2013. The Galapagos Islands have been a dream destination of mine for quite some time, and getting to lead a trip there was everything I could have hoped for and more. I had a fantastic group of folks, who were real go-getter, wanting to explore the islands and surrounding water just as much as me. We never got tired of swimming with these adorable creatures. Check out more of my underwater photos from the trip here.
The Chilko-Chilcotin-Frasier river is renowned in the rafting community for its beauty, remoteness and whitewater. I was lucky to work for R.O.A.M International as a river guide this summer up in the heart of British Columbia, and was blown away by the landscape there. This shot was taken just as we were about to enter Lava Canyon, the beginning of 17 somewhat continuous miles of class IV whitewater. Check out more of my photos from my time in Chilko Lake here.
The Tatshenshini-Alsek rafting trips were some of my most memorable trips to date. This 11-day expedition river trip starts in Canada and ends in Alaska in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. I did two trips here this summer and both were by far the most adventurous of my life, one due to a helicopter-evacuation, and the other due to a 15-year high water mark from 3 days straight of rain. Here we are exploring Alsek Lake and the icebergs that fill the area. Best trips of my life.
The tiny Kingdom of Bhutan is unknown to many, but for those that are familiar with the country tend to be mesmerized by it. The latter was the case for me for the past five years, learning all I could about this Buddhist country while trying my best to get there. In October I led a WanderTours trip and was deeply moved by my time there. The juxtaposition between economic development and cultural tradition was fascinating to me. This photo was taken at a nunnery outside of Thimphu. The nun standing next to what is called a prayer wheel. It is believed that when the prayer wheel spins it has the same effect of vocally saying the prayer aloud. Turning the wheel helps to calm and center the mind.
Lastly, I couldn’t pass the opportunity to make my own stamps while in Bhutan. Bhutanese stamps are intricately designed and collected by many tourists. If you ever find yourself in the General Post Office in Thimphu, I suggest you get some made yourself. I guarantee you’ll bring happiness to whomever you send your postcards to.
I wish you a happy and healthy new year, and I look forward to sharing more adventures with you in 2014!
Adventure On,
Joslin
