Joanne Mason Photography

My go-to places? Parks, nature preserves, forests, mountains, and wild places—any location that compels me to confront the raw beauty of nature, the passage of time, and my own thoughts. For this week’s Lens Artists Challenge, Johnbo invites us to reflect on our “Go-to Places”—those special spots we turn to when we need an uplifting experience. In such serene locations, I can completely lose myself for hours or even days on end. Although I don’t travel much anymore like I used to, here are some cherished images and vivid recollections from a number of truly special places that hold deep meaning for me.

During my time in San Jose, California, I frequently ventured into the Santa Cruz Mountains. Particularly in the summer, these mountains showcased some of the most stunning golden hills and meadows I’ve ever seen.

While I was living in Los Angeles, the mountains became a significant attraction for me. I could spend hours wandering through the mountain roads and trails of the San Gabriel Mountains. The Angeles Crest Highway, an incredibly picturesque and rugged roadway that has been in existence since 1920, winds along the crest of the San Gabriels.

And while living in Los Angeles, many a Saturday morning was spent at the Descanso Gardens in Pasadena.

As I have suggested in previous posts, the deserts of Northern Arizona and New Mexico drew me repeatedly. The high desert of Arizona and New Mexico is special due to its unique combination of factors, including its high altitude, diverse landscapes, and distinct climate, leading to a rich and resilient ecosystem. It’s characterized by varied flora and fauna, including woodlands, grasslands, and even some mountain forests. I would lose myself for hours pondering the views. This image is near Georgia ‘Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch.

Below, on the left, another view of the Painted Desert, about which I’ve already posted. On the right, the view of the mesas and high desert in Northern New Mexico, taken from atop the Acoma Mesa.

Acoma is home to the Acoma Pueblo, recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited site in North America. According to legend, this Pueblo was nearly inaccessible, with a network of secret passages and stairs known only to its residents. During the time of Spanish occupation, the Pueblo remained safe because the Spanish soldiers could never navigate their way up.

Now, I find myself living in the Northeast, and Maine has always held a special appeal for me. Almost anywhere in Maine—whether it be mountains, lakes, forests, or the ocean—conveys a restorative sense of tranquility that rejuvenates my spirit. This image on the left captures a typical Maine lake during autumn, showcasing its stunning beauty. On the right, you can easily discover similar picturesque spots like this throughout Connecticut’s charming backcountry.

Finally, a recent go-to place, at the Hammond Japanese Gardens in South Salem, New York. This spot was a true sanctuary, like a forest cathedral, which I photographed many times.

There we have it – some of my go-to places. Thanks for looking at my pictures. And thanks to Johnbo for this week’s Lens-Artists challenge. Next week, Sofia will host. Be sure to follow her here so you don’t miss her post, which will go live next Saturday at noon Eastern time. If you’d like to join in with your own challenge responses, but aren’t sure how to get started, check here.