I promised myself to not get as crazy with the flower & plant photos in 2020 as I did in 2019, but as I pick single “targets” to photograph (or locations to hike), it’s of course inevitable that I stumble upon one or the other new flower and plant, or find one in a setting that is just too good to pass by. :)
Photos
Spring into Summer
At the end of May and into June, I’m reminded how much beauty is in our Southern California landscapes still, even as summer approaches. I’m growing increasingly fond of the hues and sights of this transition from spring into summer.
Smooth Boulder
On my hike to Red Hill (hiking entry in my personal blog) in March I came upon a large boulder, about 5 or 6 feet long and 3 or 4 feet in diameter, dark grey and blue, somewhat egg-shaped, with marks on it that almost made it look like chiseled – and most of all, as I ran my hand over it, with an astonishingly smooth surface.
Flower & Plant Sampler 1/2020
A dozen flower & plant photos from the last couple of months, made in the desert and around our home, in the coastal foothills & inland valleys of San Diego County.
Prismatic Hills at Fossil Canyon
Earlier in the year, the hillsides of Fossil Canyon, barren but colorful, were enhanced with delicate splashes of green thanks to good winter rains. A solidly overcast day provided beautiful, flat, cloud-filtered light that helped to really bring out all the colors.
Finding a River
The Wikipedia article on the San Dieguito River describes it as a”major river in Southern California” which “flows generally southwest for 23.8 miles (38.3 km)” – to which I object. The terms “major river” and “flows” evoke associations of a larger body of water like the Salzach river that marks the border between Germany and Austria. And the San Dieguito River is nothing like that.
Carrizo Badlands Triptych (and B-sides)
A “triptych” from the mud hills of the Carrizo Badlands, and some thoughts about “B-side” images.
More Desert Wildflowers
Eighteen more desert wildflower close-up and macro photos from spring 2020, and a few “lens thoughts” about photographing them.
The Quiet Desert (June Wash & Sandstone Canyon)
Four photos with impressions from a hike in the June Wash/Sandstone Canyon area of Anza Borrego Desert State Park.