Wildflower Closeups

I always wonder what led to rich diversity of wildflowers every time I witness a spring bloom event. The blooms I have witness comprise of anything from dainty buttercups with shiny golden yellow petals, blue petaled baby-blue eyes dotting the undergrowth near creeks, vivid reds of the Indian paintbrush in the thick bush, the soft orange of the ubiquitos California poppy fluttering in vast swathes under a sunny sky. And even though I have seen them from up close and from far away, I can never get tired of looking at nature's artwork.

Central California
USA

Carpet of flowers

View fullsize

Every spring, the streets and parks of Seattle are ablaze with a variety of floral blooms, from the bright cherry blossoms, the vibrant camelias, the regal magnolias, the colorful tulips and daffodils to the tiny flowering plants including daisies, phloxes and bluebells. I found this carpet of lawn daisies at a park in Seattle particularly captivating

Seattle
WA USA

Travel Memories

View fullsize

It seems so strange of travel as a past-time that allowed us immerse in the community of the world, open our minds and enrich our souls. But the lack thereof is the new norm now.

A few years ago, I got the opportunity to spend a couple of days in Luxembourg. Having established that there wasn't anything worthwhile to do in this city, I decided to wander around the old town. I came across a small grassy lawn while exploring the historic ruins of the Casemates du Bock, an area of Luxembourg that had been inhabited for over a millennia. The warm afternoon sun shining on a daisy-filled meadow provided the perfect ambiance for a relaxing siesta.

Luxembourg City

Eeking out life

Its hard up there in the fringes of a livable ecology. Cold climes, poor soils and rugged terrain make life hard for the flora of this alpine ecosystem. Compound that with a really short growing seasons and with mountain goats and picky humans eager to feed and feast, it is a miracle that this fragile community exists at all. And that is why it is important not to trample this delicate balance during the outdoor adventures in this place.

But more than exist, the vegetation here thrives; during my visit a month ago, I was surprised to see throngs of ripe huckleberry shrub, late blooming daisies and lupines and plenty other wildflowers compete for space in a land dominated by massive glaciated peaks, steep valleys and deep canyons.

Of course it is all under snow know, as proper winter begins in this beautiful alpine terrain. Here's to a generation of montane vegetation growing, budding, flowering, seeding, and setting the stage for the next generation 8 months away.

Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
WA USA