Now that 2012 is underway, it’s time to take a look back at a few favorite photos from 2011. The highlights of my year included two trips with my husband, one to the Southwestern US and one to Puerto Rico. Both were new experiences for us, and both left us wanting more.  My favorite photos from the Southwest are by far those from Antelope Canyon. While not the most serene to actually visit thanks to the many tourists and photographers, the photos from that visit amaze me every time I look at them. The expanse of the Grand Canyon was breathtaking, and I was really surprised by all of the trees and the surrounding forest. I’d always imagined the surrounding area to be desolate.

While the Grand Canyon was on my bucket list, I must say that I fell in love with Bryce Canyon. The intense colors of the hoodoos against the blue sky was simply beautiful, but the most memorable was the quiet  serenity of our day there.  We’ll be back for sure with much more time to explore. On a completely different note, Puerto Rico was a fantastic getaway, and surprisingly easy to get to. The ability to be in 2500 feet of crystal clear water in only a 20-minute boat ride was amazing! My favorite spots were the rain forest at El Yunque and streets of Old San Juan with the beautiful architecture and brilliant colors.

As usual, it was hard to narrow my favorite photos down to only ten this year. There isn’t really any rhyme or reason for why these photos are my favorites, but there is something about each one that I love. Enjoy the photos and have a wonderful 2012!

Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon, near Page AZ.

Kolob Canyon

Kolob Canyon at Zion National Park, UT.

La Coca Falls

La Coca Falls, El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico.

Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon, near Page, AZ.

Ponderosa Point

Ponderosa Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, UT.

"Garita' along the city wall of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Powell Point

Powell Point. Grand Canyon South Rim, AZ.

Agua Canyon

Agua Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, UT.

Spanish Colonial Architecture in Old San Juan. San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon near Page, AZ.