Twilight

Sunset over Santa Ynez Valley

Sunset over the Santa Ynez Valley. A large canyon brush fire was burning in the Zaca Canyon / Figueroa Canyon area. The wind shifted several hours before this image was taken causing the smoke plume to flow toward the coast. The dark band in the middle is that smoke.

Check out this high altitude aerial of the fires.

4th of July, 2007

Through the Woodpile

A Clear View of the Mountain

Today is an extraordinarily clear day. Mt. Rainier looks over the highway, a cold mountain on a warm day.

Distance from this vantage point to the mountain peak is 57.5 miles.

Aaron's Beard (Updated 6/22/2007)

Aaron's Beard, Creeping St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Calycinum)


Aaron's Bee. This flower has a visitor.

Thanks to Jodie for help identifying this plant.

Evening by the Lakefront

Pair o' Ducks


Pair o' Docks


Reflections.


Ducklings.


Mom.


Keeping an eye on the kids.


Fishing after work.


Enjoying the evening together.


Sunset ends the day.

Salmonberry

Far fewer guesses were posted than I had hoped, but I won't keep you in suspense further.


The mystery fruit in the previous post is a Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) of the family Rosaceae [Wikipedia].

Thanks again to Jodie for help in identifying this plant.

Bowl of Fruit?

Can you identify this?

Geranium Robertianum

Geranium Robertianum.

This garden weed has a strong pungent odor. One of its common names is Stinky Bob. A substance in the tiny hairs is highly irritating to the skin.

Thanks to Jodie for her help in identifying this flower.

Final Approach

Four Volcanos

Taken on approach into Seattle. Note the rainbow circle in the foreground is a reflection of sunlight off the clouds.

Volcano (Updated 6/7/2007)

Mount St. Helens and Spirit Lake from above.


A closer look.


Another vantage point in different weather (taken June 7, 2007).


Spirit Lake.


Up close and personal with the mountain.


Still closer.


The river flows out from the melting snow and ice on and in the mountain through ash from the 1980 eruption.

Country Roads

A beautiful afternoon for a drive in the country.


Yellow flowers frame this field and barn.

The Well Seasoned Tulip

We usually think of Tulips as they appear when young and fresh. This one, however, has run its course and still stands proudly, mostly dried, with intense colors and textures.