Category: Photography

Lava Beds Desert Bloom

From a distance, the Lava Beds NM landscape looks fairly barren and harsh. But, up close and personal, there are many wildflowers blooming right now along the trails and roadways. On my travels in and around Gillems Bluff the other day, the sagebrush and… Continue Reading “Lava Beds Desert Bloom”

Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway – Part I

The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway is one of 42 “All American Roads” established in the United States.  The entire route is nearly 500 miles in length and is easily divided up into leisurely day trips.  We are fortunate to be working right smack in… Continue Reading “Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway – Part I”

Lava Beds May Wildflowers

I noticed this sweet, diminutive flower blooming alongside the Big Nasty Trail near the Lava Beds National Monument border with the Modoc National Forest. This is a native annual plant found throughout the west. Apparently, it has also been present in Vermont – my… Continue Reading “Lava Beds May Wildflowers”

Introduction to Lava Beds National Monument

I’ve settled into my new home for the next few months at Lava Beds National Monument. This is a harsh, extreme environment that has been impacted by two major Northern California wildfires in the last two years – the Caldwell Fire in the summer… Continue Reading “Introduction to Lava Beds National Monument”

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Part 3

Oh the joys of being back in a place where WiFi is available!! Taking up where I left off on our wild west tour, our next big outing in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument involved another road trip – this time along the South… Continue Reading “Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Part 3”

Pacific Northwest Series Photo 3

We’ve been watching this trio for the past week. They like hanging out on the post and rail fence that marks the cliff edge at our campsite and spend lots of time grooming each other!

Pacific Northwest Series – Photo 2

Our 6-mile hike in the Sol Duc Forest in Olympic National Park brought us through massive, mossy, dense fir and hemlock stands. The varying shades of green throughout the walk are unrivaled for beauty and awe-factor!

Pacific Northwest Series

While I continue to have limited cell service, I’ll post sporadically until I have better connectivity!! I used up all my hot spot cell data two weeks ago and have been very limited until today! We have spent the better part of the last… Continue Reading “Pacific Northwest Series”

Coastal Bush Lupine

I found this gem growing on the banks near the Point Reyes Lighthouse in Point Reyes National Seashore. In early March, this plant was just beginning to bloom. It was a foggy, misty day and the flowers and foliage were covered with water droplets!… Continue Reading “Coastal Bush Lupine”

Miniature Lupine

I found this little gem growing in patches in the hillside meadows surrounding Lake Mendocino in California. As the botanical name suggests, the flowers are two-toned – blue and white. The plant is native from California to British Columbia and reaches a height of… Continue Reading “Miniature Lupine”