How I Spent my Summer Vacation

Olympic National Park

After my last blog post, I couldn’t resist adding a more personal view of the Washington coast. While framing this sea stack shot at Rialto beach, a wave drenched my “water resistant” shoes.

The Beach in August

Olympic National Park

One of the happiest American traditions is a trip to the beach in summertime. However, not all beaches are good for swimming and sunbathing.

Freedom in the Mountains

Olympic National Park

A day in the mountains in summer is the antidote to world-weariness. In the morning, the sun shines brightly, burning off low foggy clouds.

Love-in-a-Mist Magic

Santa Cruz Mountains

Magic, Miracle, or simply Mother Nature brings Nigella, or Love-in-a-Mist, back to the garden every spring. Very lucky years bring surprising hybrids.

May Roses

Santa Cruz Mountains

May in a rose garden is magical. Though I longed to visit UC Botanical Gardens' heirloom rose bed, my work schedule kept me at home in my own rather unkempt garden.

Spring Snow = Summer Water

Lake Tahoe and Surrounds

After six years of drought and sadly deficient Sierra snow pack, who would have dreamed we’d see fresh snow in the mountains in April?

Daffodils, Icons of Spring

Santa Cruz Mountains

 

During the last weeks of winter, the daffodil seems to pop up from nowhere. A sunny spot in the bleak and chilly landscape, it foretells of spring.