Drakensberg Mountains, Free State, South Africa

After work, one New Year's Eve, we were headed to meet friends for a night in the Drakensberg Mountains outside Harrismith, South Africa. During our drive I noticed a pond, in an empty field, full of large birds. As we got closer I saw they were flamingos! I wanted so badly to stop but it was getting late and I knew we would never find where we needed to be in the dark.

Lucky for me, on our way home the next day, the flamingos were still hanging out in the same spot. My husband pulled over and waited in the car while I jumped over a small fence and slowly walked out into the field. I crept slowly across the field and just as I was getting close they suddenly took flight. I must have startled them but without warning they took to the skies. It was spectacular! They circled around above me a few times and then flew off into the clouds...so glad we took the time to stop!

To see more of these amazing birds in flight check out my Instagram feed.

Sydney, NSW, Australia

I definitely have conflicting views about zoos and other wildlife centers, as it is often hard to tell which ones are dedicated to legitimate conservation efforts and which ones are not. However, with that being said, I still visit them on occasion because it is often the only opportunity to allow my young children to see certain indigenous wildlife when we are traveling. Regardless of a zoo's conservation reality, it affords me the perfect space to discuss conservation with my children and help them learn how important it is to protect the world's wildlife.

While in Sydney, Australia we visited Wildlife Sydney Zoo to show the kids all the strange and wonderful wildlife that can only be found in Australia. We had an opportunity to join an early small group tour, while the zoo was still closed, that finished with breakfast outside the koala area. Of course we were not allowed to touch the koalas but we were able to have a very close viewing opportunity and learn all about the research and conservation efforts to protect the koala population under threat.

To see more of these cute and cuddly koalas check out my Instagram feed.

Vilankulos, Mozambique, Africa

While in Vilankulos, Mozambique my daughter and I went to a local dive shop to do a refresher course. The dive shop overlooked the beach that was a launching point for the local dhow fishing boats. Throughout the morning and into the afternoon we watched the tide slowly recede leaving an incredible scenery of colorful boats with a beautiful blue striped background...it didn't look real and we couldn't take our eyes off of it.

To see more of this incredible beach check out my Instagram Feed.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

During a trip to iSimangaliso Wetland Park in South Africa we were lucky enough to have a frequent visitor to the area lead us to one of the most magical beaches we have ever been to. The beach was absolutely beautiful, completely empty and when the tide went out it revealed tidal rock pools that were like little warm bathtubs. Within many of the pools were some of the most beautiful sea shells I have ever been lucky enough to find and one of the larger pools had some great snorkeling...the kids were in heaven! What a find...although a bit of a challenge to get to!

To see more pictures of Mile 9 beach check out my Instagram Feed.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Africa

There were many things that surprised and amazed me about Victoria Falls, but more than anything, I couldn't believe how much spray there was coming off the falls at the driest time of year. The back part of the falls were almost completely dry, yet standing near the front portion we still got soaked with spray....I can't imagine what the spray is like when the falls are at their fullest! I wonder if you would even be able to see anything?!?

To see more pictures of Victoria Falls check out my Instagram Feed.

Bahamas, Caribbean Islands

A cruise is a fun way to travel with a big family or a large group of friends. There is something for everyone and the kids are always busy and entertained. I'm generally not big on large crowds so my favorite spot on the ship was my private balcony...particularly at sunset!

For more pics of the Bahamas check out my Instagram feed.

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Table Mountain is a spectacular place at any time of day, but my favorite time is at sunset. In my opinion the best time to be on the top of Table Mountain is a couple of hours before the sun sets, giving you a chance to hike around, see all there is to see and then settle in with a beer or glass of wine for the spectacular show...the sunset!

If you are lucky you will even get some clouds rolling in from the south, just up and over the back side of the mountain, that won't obstruct your sunset but will give you the sensation that the mountains are being swallowed by a big gentle wave.

For more pics of the sunset on table mountain check out my instagram feed!

Little Zigzag Falls, Mt. Hood, Oregon, USA

Do you love to hike but have small people that always want to be carried? The hike to Little Zigzag Falls on Mt. Hood is the perfect solution. The trail is 1/2 mile one way and is relatively flat, shaded and delightful. It is a forest trail running next to and over the Little Zigzag River and at the end of the trail you come to a beautiful waterfall with a nice area to have a snack or a picnic. 

There is enough natural features (bridge, running water, rocks, logs, cave like overhangs, etc.) to occupy the attention of your small people and if you are so inclined a Lightsaber or a pirate sword might add to the adventure too! If you have older children it is also perfect for them…they don’t have to exert too much energy and they may even be brave enough to venture into the cold water for a selfie!

To see more of the trail go to my instagram feed: https://www.instagram.com/hollypowers_photography/

Tuli Block, Botswana

We were staying at a small lodge in the Tuli Block in Botswana and from the lodge pool I noticed a small crocodile down by the edge of the water. I slowly walked down toward it keeping myself at a safe distance (the owners assured me I was fine) and then laid down on my stomach. Using a 250mm zoom I put myself face to face with the crocodile. I laid there for a long time waiting for him to open his mouth. He moved around a bit...and then he did!

Check out my instagram feed to see what he looks like with his mouth wide open! https://www.instagram.com/hollypowers_photography/

Lake Sibaya, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

A perfect picnic spot...perfectly picturesque but maybe not perfect...let's call it a cautious picnic spot...see the line in the water where the water goes from dark to light? You can wade and play in the clear light colored water, but don't venture close to where the water gets dark and deep because that is where the crocodiles lurk. See the little jetty of sand on the left side of the picture? Around that bend there is a pod of hippos...you can hear them in the distance. A perfect cautious picnic...This is Africa after all!

Check out my instagram to see what's around the bend! https://www.instagram.com/hollypowers_photography/

Xai Xai, Mozambique, Africa

You know it has been a perfect beach day when you have been on the beach for 10+ hours, you have the beach all to yourself, and the water is still warm enough for the kids to keep playing after the sun sets.

London, England, United Kingdom

A rainy day in London can make you ponder a lot of things...
How many of these relationships are still going strong? Do people ever come back and cut the locks off when their relationships fail? Who are these people and what are their stories?

These Love Locks are left by couples on the London Bridge as a symbol of their everlasting love. Once the lock is locked the couples then throw the keys off the bridge into the river below. 

Rochester Falls, Mauritius

On the flight to Mauritius we saw this amazing waterfall in the in-flight safety video. People jumped off of it with the flight lifejackets on to demonstrate a water-landing...I was determined to find it! And we did! 

Blue Mountains National Park, Australia

Three night stopover in Sydney...

Goal: Find real wild kangaroos

Bonus: Find one with a baby in its pocket

Done and done...Success on all fronts!

Want to know where to find them? Leave me a comment!

Kikaua Point Park, Hawaii, Hawaii

I was having one of those moments where you think to yourself...'This is amazing but it would be perfect if a turtle appeared.'...and then it happens and your mind is blown.