Italy

My family spent an amazing two weeks in October 2010 traveling through Italy, visiting small towns, large cities (Rome/ Florence), biking in the Chianti wine region, relaxing/hiking along the coast in Cinque Terre, and staring in awe at the splendor of Vatican City.  After 600+ photos, it was difficult to choose just one.  And none could quite capture the smells and the tastes that made this trip so unforgettable.  So I'll share 9 that particularly stood out - whether for beauty, history, magnificence, or just uniqueness.  Hopefully they give you the urge to explore on your own.  Go and experience the culture, the history, and the food.  Have any good gelato lately?
~Lisa

Autumn

I love the fall.  It is without a doubt my favorite season.  (That's not to say I don't enjoy the other 3).  There's just something about the cool crisp weather, with sunny skies and refreshing breezes.  It's perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.  Soft sweatshirts and a pair of jeans are comfy and ideal for this time of year.  I could go on and on, but one of my favorite parts of fall are the colors of the leaves changing.  To me, it is just breathtaking.  The color palate of oranges, yellows, reds and more - so brilliant.  

Below is a photo from a work trip to Portsmouth, NH.  The last day we had a few free hours before heading back to the airport so decided to just drive around along the tree-lined country roads.  It was quintessential fall in New England.  Perfect.

What's your favorite season?

Pikes Peak

In 2007, my dad and I hiked Barr Trail to the top of Pikes Peak, elevation 14,110 feet.  The path is 13 miles of switchbacks and provides some spectacular views.  We started right before sunrise, as the sun slowly peaked over the horizon.  7 miles up we stopped at a small cabin, enjoying a picnic lunch and resting our feet.  The last 6 miles proved to be the most challenging, as the air got thinner and the trail steeper.  And with the menacing clouds rolling in, we started to wonder what might be in store, but had no thought of stopping.  We luckily made it to the top without any rain/lightning, and it felt like we were standing on top of the world.  The photo below is not from the summit, but it's my favorite photo from the hike.  I love finding these places where you look out over the landscape and just find peace and solace.  Plus, working hard to make it to that spot makes the view even better.  

Have you scaled any mountains recently?  

~Lisa  

Maui Sunset

I'll start with a disclaimer:  I probably took over a hundred photos of sunsets while spending an amazing week on vacation in Hawaii in May 2010.  They were all uniquely beautiful, but this was without a doubt my favorite.  Something about how the waves are rolling over the sand, how the light illuminates and creates shadows with the sand and the curves of the rock as it rests in its place.  It's a photo I would love to hang up on my wall.

After reflecting on the photo more though, I realized what struck me the most.  Most times when I take photos of sunsets, it's always of the sky, with the colorful light of the sun and clouds.  This time, I focused solely on the effects of the sunset and left the actual sky to the viewer's imagination.  It's amazing how the sunset turns a simple object like a rock - somewhat ordinary and plain - into a picturesque focal point.  Do you light up the world?