Looking back at 2015 I realize it has been one busy and exciting year!  I traveled nearly 70,000 miles by jet, and almost 5,000 more by ship – not counting small planes and boats.  Had two trips to the Southern Ocean (Antarctica / South Georgia), and three to the Northern Arctic of Alaska!  Throw in a couple bear tours, two trips to Southeast Alaska, backpacking in Zion, Grand Canyon and the Chugach, not to mention a month in Anaz-Borrego, no wonder I’m savoring my current time at home!  It is ironic that despite all that travel, that a few of my favorites would come from near my home, and one from the front porch.

So here are a few of my favorite images from the past year thanks to a tradition started by Jim Goldstein many years ago.

For those interested, here are more: Favorites of 2014  Favorite photo of 2013  Favorite photos of 2012 – favorite photos of 2011 – favorite photos of 2010  –  favorite photos of 2009 and finally, favorite photos of 2008.

Polar Bears, Alaska Arctic.

I guided a couple of polar bear photo tours this year with / for my friend Hugh Rose.  It is hard to pick one favorite of these magnificent animals, but I like this one of a sow and cub.

Autumn colors along the Dalton Highway, Alaska.

Autumn in the Arctic is colorful beyond comprehension.

Aurora over  Seward, Alaska – from my front yard!

We had a great show in August this year!  Photographing aurora in shorts no less.

Gentoo Penguins near Danco Island, Antarctica.

The extreme wildlife and scenery make Antarctica a place like no other.

Portage Lake and Glacier, Chugach National Forest, Alaska.

A beautiful evening during a couple night backpacking trip not far from home with Janine last summer.

Brown bear in front of the Mount Iliamna volcano, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

Brown bears are always featured heavily among my favorites – not surprisingly given my love of these animals.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California.

Given the drought situation in California, it was a big surprise to have a such a wonderful wildflower bloom in the desert.

Tundra Swans, Alaska Brooks Range.

It was a treat to see the Brooks Range in all of its seasons this year with trips in March, June, August and September – it is fascinating how the same place can appear so different given the season.

Aurora over a creek in the heart of the Brooks Range, Alaska.

My good friend Hugh and I worked together on many trips this year – Antarctica, South Georgia, shorebirds in Cordova, and a couple polar bear trips.  That said, possibly the most amazing trip of all was the Northern Light Tour I co-guided with him in March, we had absolutely amazing conditions every night of the trip!

King Penguin, Fortuna Bay, South Georgia.

King penguins on snow!

This brown bear catching a salmon at Anan was one of 18 black or brown bears we photographed there this year.

We had so many bears and whales in Southeast Alaska this year – It was hard to pick, but I had to include one.  Seeing multiple brown bears and black bears sharing the same fishing hole was unique.

King Eider, Alaska Arctic.

The Arctic in Spring is sure incredible!

Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.

This one is too fun not to make the cut!

Adelie Penguin, Antarctica.

Penguins rock, especially on ice!

Sunset from the East Rim, Zion National Park, Utah.

Finally I had to pick at least one image from two wonderful backpacking trips into Zion and the Grand Canyon that Janine and I enjoyed with another good friend from Fairbanks, Patrick Endres.