Naturescapes

Dreaming Glory

Very many years ago, when I was still exploring the various parks in the Bay Area, I chanced upon one called the Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve, a vast reserve of young growth redwoods and large-leaved oaks, of gurgling creeks and moss-covered forests.

There was one particular trail that started off from the top of the ridge (part of the peninsular mountains) and descends into the valleys below as it it made its way towards the rugged Pacific coast. As the trail plunges through the summer-time fog, the dry world above it transforms into a photogenic wonderland of dreamy suffuse lighting.

I lucked out on getting good lighting, resulting in this dreaming glory where the morning light played hide-and-seek with the vegetation and the fog to create a very memorable scene

Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve
CA USA

Thistle Bloom

Normally, I wouldn't care too much for a thistle; their spiny stems are a menace while hiking and their prickles leave behind quite a nasty itch. However, as I was making my way through the vibrant spring wildflower patches of Hite Cove, I noticed a proliferation of the budding common thistles. Their beautiful pink inflorescence was quite a contrast against the drab dry-green surroundings.

I observed many such blooms that day, some filled with jeweled insects and bumbling beetles trying to get in on the pollen action, while others were withering in their last days. I found this particular thistle still retaining all its pink pollen-filled stalks, providing a burst of color for this macro image

Hite Cove
CA USA