My, what a difference a year makes.  2019 was spent running around the globe, visiting every continent, and embarking on countless adventures.  And then, it was 2020.  A year that saw a global pandemic ground planes, dock cruise ships, and close borders all over the world.

Needless to say, travel (or the lack thereof) was a little different in 2020 than in years past.  Quarantines and lockdowns meant adventures had to be a little closer to home.  So, having put a pin in international travel for the foreseeable future, I went on some wild west adventures to nearby states instead.

Here are just a few of the picture-perfect moments of 2020 from the limited trips I was able to take.

Idaho

One of my favorite vacations was to visit my good friend Ashley at her AirBNB outside the Grand Tetons – Maison Tetonia.  And, it was just the picturesque escape I needed from quarantines, face masks, hand sanitizer, and Netflix marathons.

The property is nestled along a small stream surrounded by wildflowers and even has its own beach!  Days were spent relaxing in the saltwater hot tub, horseback riding through the mountains, and paddleboarding down a winding river.

And, with little to no ambient light, it was also an ideal location to practice some night photography (made all the more magnificent by the Neowise comet that could be seen in the wee hours of the morning).  The trip certainly had some of my favorite moments of 2020!

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Montana

I ventured back to Montana twice in order to visit family and enjoy a rustic reset.  During my time there, my dad and I went on a few float trips down nearby rivers like the Madison and Jefferson (as well as a white water rafting trip down the Gallatin).  Sunny days on the water were incredibly relaxing and the picnics along the riverbank were always a highlight (complete with hummus and homemade smoked salmon… yum!)

I also explored Montana’s oldest ghost town with a trip to Bannack.  Walking into the abandoned buildings, it felt like I was taking a step back in time.  Vintage wallpaper clung to the walls, weathered mining equipment was scattered about, and old keepsakes hinted at the lives once lived in the rustic homes.  It was fascinating to have a glimpse into the harsh reality of life in those days!

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Wyoming

A trip to up north wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park.  However, I was surprised to see that even with the pandemic in full swing the park was still crowded with tourists!  Parking lots were full, trails had tons of socially distanced hikers in masks, and the rivers were packed with people taking a dip.  Guess everyone had the same idea when it came to pandemic-approved outdoor activities.

One fun surprise was seeing a field of snow in the shape of a heart to the left of Yellowstone’s Lower Falls.  It was like Mother Nature sending a little love to everyone coping with the many hardships the pandemic had thrust upon us.

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Colorado

Luckily, living in Colorado offers plenty of opportunity for adventure close to home.  In order to escape the confines of the house, I went on several drives into the mountains to savor the fresh air and beautiful scenery.  And, to combat boredom, friends and I played around with some creative photography (like writing messages with sparklers using long exposure).

But, some of my favorite moments of 2020 were spent escaping the monotony of quarantine with my new Blackfin paddleboard from iRocker!  Spending time on lakes listening to music, eating lunch on the water, and enjoying time around friends (some of whom are much more limber than I, as you can see below) was nothing short of amazing.  It quickly became my new favorite pastime (and was a great distraction from my inability to travel).

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The picture-perfect moments of 2020 may have been few and far between, but they were just enough to bring a little sunshine to an otherwise tumultuous year.  And, even though the year had many challenges, it also made us all appreciate the little things we once took for granted.  A trip to the grocery store without having to wear a mask.  Meeting with friends for happy hour at a local restaurant.  And, above all, the freedom to explore this big, beautiful world we all live in.

I have no doubt travel will be back soon.  And, when it is, I know I’ll appreciate all the picture-perfect moments it brings that much more.

Did you travel in 2020?  Comment below, I’d love to hear where you went!

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