( April 3rd to May 18th 2010 ). The weather systems which continually played havoc all across North America throughout April and May certainly made for some interesting and sometimes hair raising travel adventures. From 
experiencing almost record warm temperatures in Canada and Arizona to heavy unseasonal snow storms across Montana and Wyoming, this trip was plagued by some unbelievable weather events, especially in the last half of the journey. Although I prefer working with the mood and drama of bad weather as a landscape photographer, the logistical problems associated with getting to locations was constantly a problem, and the weather was almost always working against me at every pre-planned photo location. I can’t deny I wasn’t a little frustrated, but with a little perseverance and a lot of patience some
good results were achievable. I also spent many hours with the panoramic camera capturing a fantastic portfolio of new landscape images some of which are viewable in my ‘Profile’ page.
I think looking back, the favorite part of the entire journey was spending several days exploring the Columbia River 
Gorge region near Portland in Oregon. From the undeniably spectacular Multnomah Falls to the isolated and relentless hiking trails that meander through the semi-rain forest, this area provided me with some wonderful images in a relatively peaceful environment. I will definitely be back to this place to explore further as well as another Oregon gem, the Silver Falls State Park.
From Oregon my next planned location was to be Banff in Alberta, Canada. I knew going in that Spring was not the most perfect time to photograph Canada, and although I did get a
few good shots, I decided not to waste too much film this time as Summertime or later would present a much better option for the most beautiful Canadian landscape shots that I was chasing. I guess a Canadian Summer trip is on the cards in the next few years ! I really enjoyed Canada and the people, and with Banff 
seemingly teeming with Aussies, it seemed a little bit like home.
Given it was the wrong time of year for me, I probably spent a little too much wasted time in Banff when I could have been scouting for locations somewhere else. So I was glad to eventually leave and head for Calgary to process some film and start my journey back through the USA. Unfortunately, from this time on was when the weather really started playing havoc with my plans. From being caught in a snowstorm in the middle of Yellowstone National Park for 3 days, to nearly having my car blown off the highway on several occasions, I swear I passed through just about every weather condition imaginable in the next few weeks.
The reality is that I don’t actually mind most bad weather, but when I wanted sun I got rain and when I wanted rain I got sun. Also many locations I had planned were still closed from the winter snow cover and others my timing was simply the wrong time of year. I have accumulated over the last few years quite a long list of ‘to do’ photographic locations in western USA alone, so it’s just a matter getting my timing perfect to maximise my chances of capturing the best photographs possible. To be quite honest, I’ve been absolutely blown away by the American landscape in the last few years, and I will continue to travel and explore its magnificent national park system and beyond for years to come. Go to my ‘PROFILE‘ page to see trip photo’s.
