Safari drives are wonderful not because you see animals, but because of how comfortable the animals are around you and the vehicle - this elephant had no trouble at all walking right next to our jeep. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

MK holds a chameleon for me. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The day’s catch with Lonny - my native Eskimo friend in Alaska. King salmon (bottom) and Red Salmon (top). Port Valdez, Alaska.

This regal looking ungulate likes to spend its time with the herd along the banks of rivers in Africa. Zambezi River, Zimbabwe.

Although they are commonly found in the US, the beautiful Great Blue Heron is a favorite sight for bird-watchers and naturalists. Farmers Branch, Texas.

This Kudu makes its way with the herd as our Land Rover rumbles past. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Quite protective of their young, elephants will place them in the middle of the herd, away from dangers in the front, and protected by the matriarch in the back. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

As I stepped off our boat i turned around for one last look and spotted this cormorant. It wasn’t till I looked at a photo later that I realized it had just caught its meal. Zambezi River, Zimbabwe.

One of Africa’s “Big Five,” cape buffalo are notoriously dangerous, and are known to even take lions down. With how peacefully these two were grazing, they might have fooled me into thinking otherwise. Zambezi River, Zimbabwe.

Lonny graciously turned the boat around so that I could snap this pic of our nation’s bird. Prince William Sound, Alaska.

African Fish Eagle holding on to his prized catfish. Zambezi River, Zimbabwe.

This ungulate bends its front legs for a sip of water. I’m reminded that sometimes we too need to bend a knee and remember our own fragility. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Crocodiles used to terrify me, I would have nightmares about falling into croc-infested water. But knowledge quelches fear, and the more I saw professionals work with the animal I realized that, yes, they are dangerous, but can be handled properly with skill. Zambezi River, Botswana.

Mother Sea Otter holding her kid closely. Prince William Sound, Alaska.

Witness the different stages of mud drying on the backs of elephants. They will splash themselves to keep cool. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

One of my favorites photos, as it represents so much to me about my trip to Zimbabwe. Animal tracking has fascinated me for years, and it was one of the biggest reasons I went to Africa. Thankfully, I had a bushman and master tracker to guide me along the way - read my article “Lion Tracking with a Bushman” if you’re curious. Kazuma Pan National Park, Zimbabwe.

Our boat’s loud motor woke this guy up from his nap. Zambezi River, Zimbabwe.

A juvenile elephant appears to be joyfully lollygagging its way through the bush. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Alarming at intruders with their high-pitched and aggressive chatters, this fox squirrel was at first acting very hostile towards me. Ignoring him for a hundred yards or so, he calmed down, and I was able to capture him scoping me out. Lake Lewisville, Texas.