So they sit. And collect metaphorical dust. But today I’m going to give life to a few personal photos from this past spring. On my way back from England where I visited my sister and photographed two English weddings, I stopped over in Reykjavik, Iceland. Yes, you can actually do this with Iceland Air–a surprisingly affordable option for flying to Europe.

I’ve written about how much I love Iceland before. After all, it’s where Jay and I went for our honeymoon, and it’s my dream to one day photograph a wedding in Iceland. But on the way back from my England trip, I was just ready to be home. That and I quickly learned that traveling by yourself is not nearly as much fun as traveling with a friend or family member. However, I forced myself to get out and take some photos around Reykjavik, the capitol. Here are just a few images of this Iceland spring.

Here are just a few photos from our adventure. We drove along the Seward Highway past Anchorage, stopping by Baluga Point before ending at Mount Alyeska resort. From there we took the tram to the top of the mountain and enjoyed the incredible views. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to ski down those slopes…or paraglide!

First up are some more images from the Royal Wedding mayhem Milla and I encountered. As I explained yesterday, attending the Royal Wedding (ie, watching the royals drive by on their way to and from the wedding) wasn’t something we had originally planned on doing. But once we realized we were going to be in London on that much anticipated date, we knew we had to at least try to experience it in person.

Unfortunately, the campers who had been hanging out since Tuesday got the best spots, and by the time we made it into the city on Friday morning, all the areas where you might get a glimpse of the Queen were completely filled with people. So, we were sadly turned away and instead advised to watch the wedding on a big screen in one of the nearby parks. This is exactly what we did, finding the spectators perhaps even a bit more interesting to photograph than Wills and Kate and co.

It’s hard to describe the absolute craziness of the event–the thousands of people, the weird costumes, the myriad of waving flags emblazoned with Wills and Kate’s faces, and of course all the officers out to keep things orderly. Hopefully these photos will give you some idea of what it was like.

The purpose of my trip was twofold–one goal was to visit and spend time with my sister and her family in Durham (north England). The other was for Milla and me to photograph a couple of English weddings with a fellow photographer and friend who we met through the Foundation Workshop–Mike Garrad. As an added bonus, Milla and I got to join in the craziness of the Royal Wedding pageantry–something we hadn’t actually planned on.

So, first up are some photos of our little excursions around Durham–a trip to Hadrian’s Wall, a visit to the Harry Potter castle (Alnwick Castle), and lastly a quick visit to Holy Island.

Behold, one of the strangest photos I’ve ever taken. Liam and Elliot were both wearing red shirts and happened to pass each other right as I snapped this photo. The result is a two-headed monster child.

Looks like Hagrid and Dumbledore were enjoying the nice spring sunshine, too.

Milla and I never ceased to be intrigued by all the sheep.

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We ignored the warnings–both the ones in the guidebook and the ones on the ominous looking-signs. If we got stuck in the sand, well, we would get stuck. We didn’t drive all the way out here to stare at an empty field next to the mountains. So we bounced and pothole-splashed our way to the last edge of civilization on Kauai’s West Shore–Polihale State Park.

By civilization, I mean a dirt road and one public restroom facility next to miles of clear sandy beach. Sand dunes stand as sentinels in a barren land while a few surfers take to the waves. We were told the current could be dangerous here–we should use caution. Today, though, the waves looks tame, the sun hot, and the water inviting. We find an empty spot of sand (not difficult as we could count the other beach-goers on one hand), and spread out our towels.

Timidly, I wade into the surf. The water and waves grow deeper and stronger as my feet sink into the soft sand. A white-crested wave rushes towards me, and I jump, laughing as it carries me towards the shore. Jay ventures out farther and discovers a large sandbar. He looks comical, almost hero-like, standing in the middle of the ocean in water only knee-high. I soon join him and we begin to play a game with the waves, bating them to knock us off our feet as we splash and jump in the salty water. This is more fun than a plane tour, more fun than a hike to a waterfall, and yes, even more fun than a horse ride. The pure simplicity of it–the delight of having nothing else to do but jump in the waves is exhilarating.

I wish that time would stand still. I want to savor every last second of this vacation.

But the sun beats down and burns hands and backs. We have a reservation for dinner and a sunset, and it’s time we head back and get cleaned up. Reluctantly, I leave my game with the waves and find my towel, drying the sticky salt-water from my face for the last time. I wonder if and when I will ever see this place again.

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We started our last day in Kauai by touring the local coffee farm, Kauai Coffee. Free samples meant we were charged up for our day at the beach.

Located next to industrial plants that dumped their waste into the water, Glass Beach gets its name from the tiny glass rocks that make up most of the beach. The waste ended up washing onto the shore, pummeled into beautiful pieces of smooth glass.

This is as far as you can walk on Kauai’s West Shore at it abuts the impassable Napali Coast.

The Russians tried to build a fort on Kauai. It only lasted about 2 years before the locals took it over.

We spent our last dinner enjoying the sunset at the aptly-named Beach House restaurant.

And in the evening I played around with trying to capture the stars and waves. In the distance you can see the light of a ship.

Portraits from our last morning in Kauai–a rare moment of tans and freckles (for me).

On Wednesday, we got up early, slipped on our dirty shoes, and packed the backpack with snacks and supplies for THE HIKE. The hike would involve us winding our way along the ridges of the Napali Coast, starting on the North Shore, and eventually hiking up sloppy trails to a “hidden” waterfall, crossing the stream several times in the process.

Oh, and should I mention it was also raining the whole time?

And what should have been an 8 mile hike turned into 9 when I dropped something on the trail and had to go back for it right at the very end (let’s just say Jay wasn’t too pleased with me). Nonetheless, we both agree this was one of our favorite experiences.

The next day I finally checked off another one of my goals for 2010 (I’ve failed to accomplish many others–but that’s another post) when I went horse riding. The ride was alright, a little rainy and boring, but I got some nice views of the mountains and flora and fauna. That brought us to our last day–Friday–but I’ll save those photos for another post.

I love the irony in this photo.

This is pretty much what the trail looked like the whole time. At first we tried to keep our feet dry by avoiding the puddles, but after wading through the stream several times, we threw caution to the wind and marched right through the water.

Another cheerful sign.

We were not prepared for how windy it would be by the waterfall. For some reason, we had envisioned a peaceful pool and us swimming in it. Instead, we barely spent five minutes here because of the wind and water beating against our bodies.

I love horse’s noses.

After the plane ride (which was incredible!), we explored some lava pools on a lone shore. Looking back, this was actually one of my favorite activities. It doesn’t seem like much from the photos, but it was definitely fun.

Lastly, as it neared evening, we ventured to Queen’s Bath–a natural pool protected by rocks just feet from the crashing waves. Again, it was another fun adventure that sounds less interesting than it actually was.

See, the sun looked different every morning.

We’re easily entertained.

The famous Napali Coast.

Hey they have Costco in Kauai.

This is the entrance to Princeville, the Beverly Hills of Kauai. It was also the way to Queen’s bath.

Looks comforting.

If you look closely, you’ll see the kids are actually riding the tide up and down this cliff. Looks safe. Not.

We retrace our steps and turn off on another path leading to rocky crags. We soon find ourselves alone, exploring a martian-like surface teetering over crashing waves and high spray. In my mind, I know we’re not the first to set foot here–and tell-tale footprints left in the pockets of sand confirm this. But I feel as though I have discovered a new land…a untouched place.

We scramble along the rocks until we come across a hidden beach. Powerful waves crash against outlying hardened lava pools. This is no place to swim. We carefully walk along the shore, observing random pieces of trash–bits of plastic, sticks, and fragments of toys–brought by the waves, carried from who knows where.

The tide begins to come in, and it’s time to return before the waves overwhelm the sand beneath our feet. Four surfers return to their lone Toyota truck parked on the sand, obviously back from a day of fun in the sun. We take their picture, they take ours, and we part ways–they bouncing in the truck, us on foot.

I wish I could capture in my photos that great sense of discovery I felt, but I realize some things are not simply seen…they’re experienced. The memory will always be stronger than the pictures.

In the evening, we watch the sun set and then enjoy the cool breeze on an open air patio, sipping drinks and eating appetizers. The life of a modern-day explorer is easy.

The sunrise looked different every morning.

Can you spot the rainbow?

I included this snapshot as it was one of my favorite places for a tasty bite. It was especially delicious after a day of snorkeling. They should seriously bring Puka Dog to Pittsburgh!

For our first day of snorkeling we headed to Hanalei Bay, a postcard pretty beach that’s safe to swim in and is also popular with surfers. EDIT: Jay just informed me that we only jumped in the waves at Hanalei Bay. We snorkeled at Tunnels Beach a little further down the shore. | In fact, the famous surfer, Andy Irons, hails from this area, and we saw numerous signs and shrines to the late, great surfer along the roads and in the nearby towns. There were numerous tropical fish frolicking about in the water, but due to the fact that the underwater housing case I had ordered for my point and shoot failed to arrive before we left on vacation (sadness!), I only had a cheap underwater film camera. I have yet to develop that film, so for now, all my photos are above water.

Lastly, in the evening we headed west to capture the sunset, fighting rain showers as I recounted in this post.

Kauai is home to Hawaiian monk seals, which are endangered and so protected by the government. They enjoy a free run of the beaches. As you can see, this one was taking a nap in the sun.

The ever present chicken looking for a handout.

After a long day of traveling on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Jay and I arrived on the island of Kauai, Hawaii’s northernmost and oldest island, and finally made it to our hotel. I only managed a glance out the window before falling asleep. The next morning jet lag got us up early (that and the sound of roosters crowing), so we decided to head to the Waimea Canyon before it became inundated with hordes of tourists like ourselves.

We all have Mark Twain to thank for penning the phrase, “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” to describe Kauai’s Waimea Canyon. I’ve actually seen the real Grand Canyon and can say there is some semblance between the two, but Mr. Twain might have been overstating it a bit. Nonetheless, it is incredible to behold.

But I think I was more mesmerized by the rainbows. They were everywhere! Frequent, brief rain showers coupled with a bright sun worked to create multiple rainbows everywhere we looked.

Just a couple of drive-by shots…

Maybe it would have looked more grand without the dense cloud cover. Still pretty amazing, I think!

Jay holds up not one, but two rainbows!

After snapping some photos at the canyon, Jay and I began a hike along the ridges of the Na Pali Coast mountains. The magnificent Na Pali coast on Kauai’s northwestern shore makes it impossible to circumnavigate the entire island by car. There are couple of trails along the ridges, and this was one of them.

Here I am obviously striding confidently along the muddy trail. Or maybe I need to sneeze?

I forget how many different kinds of ferns are on the island, but trust me, it’s a lot.

This part of the path is actually tame compared to the muddy ridges we climbed and slipped along.

The sun only came out towards the end of the hike as we were returning. Finally, the coast!

Although I thought Jay had finished taking a picture of me in this frame, I actually like it more than the posed one, as you can see the mud on my legs and hands better. We were so dirty! I’ll spare you the close up of my feet.

Stay tuned for more warm photos from Hawaii! Aloha!