JOYELLE WEST PHOTOGRAPHY | Documentary and Editorial Wedding Photographer in Massachusetts

Seeing as spring is in the air in Boston (I actually saw real, live flowers coming out of the ground today), this post full of snow may seem a bit odd. But I was in Colorado just about a week ago, and apparently there’s still places that are experiencing winter (namely, places at 8-10,000 feet in altitude). And I know it’s also odd that I’m one of those people that actually goes somewhere colder in winter - but we were visiting some very dear friends. And places like Colorado just make winter seem so dang pretty.

We were at a cute little cabin. Very mountainish.

While we were there, it was snowing. And I mean, snowing.

It’s amazing how the next day, after the almost-blizzard, it was just sunny and beautiful. And everything looked like Technicolor.

I loved this sign - they are proud of living at 10,200 feet.

So remember those back-to-school compositions where you had to write about what you did with your summer vacation? Well, this is like that, but with photos instead. This summer Dan and I headed out West for a little bit of wilderness, a lot of nature, and some hanging out with good friends. 1200 miles of driving, some 40+ miles of hiking, and five national parks later, we had a greater appreciation for our country (as well as for what a hot shower really means).

The trusty Lonely Planet.

A view from the dashboard.

A few places to get food.

But most of the time we did camp food (ok, we have to work on the camp food).

Bryce Canyon National Park, where everything looks very other-worldly.

Cairns are rocks that mark a trail; but in this case, many hikers made their own, which made this place feel like a little sanctuary.

This feels pretty tough at 8,000 feet.

The Fairyland Loop at Bryce Canyon, named because everything looks like life-sized sand castles.

I feel like this is a Rorschach test. To me, these look like several Titanics.

Storm on the way.

Self-portrait, inside Dan’s sunglasses.

Stay tuned for Part 2!

I visited this beautiful state post-wedding season to get a little R&R, do a lot of hiking, and breathe in some fresh air! Here’s a few of my favorites from the great Oregon outdoors: