Joshua Courter
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- May 18, 12
This past week I was in the mountains for work. I had a great time and took down a few highlights of the day while I was up there. Here they are.
Reunion – 5-15-12
Today was the first of many days doing stream surveys. It is different starting so early compared to how things used to go. I am enjoying it though and being with friends is a blast. We all used to work on the crew together so it is like old times.
We did a bit of trekking to find our first survey site. Part of the trek was following the creek downstream. We found old survey pins, so we strung up the tape, turned on the laser, and started. Time flew by as we were all sharing stories, cracking jokes, and getting the work done.
We are staying at Hume Lake Campground tonight. I am already cooking gnocchi and pasta sauce. Kyle is out for a bike ride, Hilda is going for a run, and Chris is walking around the lake. I look forward to the smell of the camp fire and the social time it brings. The only thing missing is my wonderful wife and son and it would be perfect.
Assumptions – 5-16-12
I did no sleep well last night. It is typical of my first nights sleep but it was different this time. I was up at 3am! I was wide awake and could not sleep. Everyone else got up at 6am.
We did our first survey. We moved through it pretty quickly since we scouted out the area the day before. Two members left for a meeting so myself and another went over to our next site.
The next site involved a mile hike in. We split all the gear between two of us and marched down the trail. It was nostalgic for me. I had not set foot on this trail in 10 years. I wondered if we would find our old dispersed campsite?
Navigating off the trail and down to the creek, we ended up finding the old fire ring and seats from ten years ago. I shared a couple of quick stories before descending down a steep slope to the creek.
The surveying went well and we were done by 430 pm. Now we needed to load up the gear and make our way back to the vehicle. We were both surprised not to see our other two members. We hoped everything was okay and we found them driving down the road on our way back to camp.
There were some assumptions made, which caused a mix up regarding when and where to meet up. It made for a longer day of surveying but we were all glad to see each other again. All kinds of scenarios were playing in our minds as to why we didn’t meet up sooner. We started up the vehicles again and made our way to camp to share those scenarios. I couldn’t wait to get back to camp as I was hungry. Dinner was bean dip with chips and bean burritos. Next time I will bring more “car camping” food. I always default to backpacking mode haha.
End
Well that is how the first week of surveying went. Soon to start another, but coming home every night for a while. Hopefully I can ride my bike in the mornings before work starts!
- May 14, 12
I woke up this morning and jumped on the scale. The light flashed as it was calculating my current weight. The numbers 195.4 appeared on the screen! I am just 5.4 pounds away from achieving my New Years resolution. In case you haven’t been following I decided to lose weight and be in the best shape of my life this year.
What has helped me along the way? First myfitnesspal has been a great app and resource in helping me lose weight and to understand what I am putting in my body. I am still surprised how much salt is added to foods! Second, where I am right now in my walk with Christ, I felt convicted about my health at the start of this resolution of mine. As believers we are the temple and I felt we should keep the temple in good shape. We shouldn’t let dust collect, the paintings to fade, furnishings worn out, etc. This was my own personal conviction about what I have read and learned so far from the bible. Lastly, a promise I made to my wife on our wedding day. I told her I wanted to be healthy and in shape for her. I wanted her to feel safe and secured around her husband. I also wanted to ensure I did my part in making sure my lifespan would be longer so we could have more time together before departing to our new home.
Will I keep this routine up or go back? One I reach my goal I will not put the bike back in storage, whip out some ice cream and call it good. The New Years resolution has turned into a life changing event for me. I haven’t been sick in over a year, I have a lot of energy, sleep better, sleep longer (when Jaden lets me), and really enjoy my new hobby of cycling. My mindset has changed and this has become a part of my life.
I will keep my word to my friend Jeremy once I reach my goal. As soon as I hit the 190 mark, I will make the blueberry cream cheese pie. We typically have it every New Years Eve, but didn’t this past one due to time constraints. Anyway, you better get ready to enjoy a piece of the pie Jeremy . Maybe we will go ride 30+ miles so we can earn it without feeling too guilty .
- May 11, 12
I remember the days when I first working my summer job between the college years. We surveyed streams Monday through Thursday spending about 4 hours driving and 36 hours in the rivers and streams of the Sierra Nevada mountains. That was about 7 years ago when I was last on the stream survey crew. Now due to budget cuts and cost savings I will once again return to the stream survey crew.
I look forward to being outside more. Walking up and down channels, traveling to various places on the National Forest and, in some cases, going through the National Parks to get to our destination. There will be times when we need to camp out on site because it is such a long drive. Most of the time I will be home each night, which is great. I want to be home to help out with Jaden and support Diana. Otherwise with the snow practically gone, except for shaded areas, the roads are open and surveys must be done. It is going to be a busy summer and it is already starting.
- May 07, 12
As the last bit of snow melts away allowing for access to trailheads, it is time to clean the boots, make sure gear is working, and get ready to head into the wilderness. There is a big trip during the summer, but several smaller trips too. Most of the trips this time around I am the leader and planner. A lot of the trips have been planned up to a year in advance too! The short trips this year involve backpacking into Maggie Lakes and Jennie Lake. The longer trips are up to 10 days including the High Sierra Trail.
However, not all the trips involve backpacking. Diana and I plan on doing over night camping and day hikes with Jaden. We are thinking of heading into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for some of the trips. Others will be within the Forest Service jurisdiction because, hey, it is free unlike the park.
- May 04, 12
The final snow survey was done a few days ago. As you can see there isn’t any snow at 7,000 feet along the course. However, there are still drifts and snow slowly melting in well shaded areas. Some of the major roads are already open in the forest, which is exciting. We received all the snow we are likely to get until winter, so I am ready for the summer! Right now the weather is cool, the air crisp and clean, and the forest is starting to “wake up” as the summer approaches.
This summer is going to be very busy for myself and/or family. We have a family vacation, several backpacking trips, lots of surveys to do at work, and other outdoor activities. We plan to take Jaden out for an overnight camping trip this summer. Hopefully we can find a weekend and fill confident that we, as parents, can handle it. I think he will be ready and will love it. He enjoys being outside so much right now. The views and sounds of the forest will likely excite him. Maybe he will even sleep better?
I plan to go on a lot more hikes for work and on weekends with the family. If Diana and I can get chores done at home during the week, I see us enjoying the cooler temps and outdoors on the weekends. I am hoping River will be ready for the outdoors and hiking on trails. She has enjoyed hikes where we have taken her so far. The new smells and sounds are just as exciting to her as I am sure they will be for Jaden.
It is really exciting to think of the possibilities this summer will bring. I cannot wait!!
- May 03, 12
Summer time is getting closer, which means I will be cycling in the early morning hours or later in the evenings. My lunch rides are getting warmer as I know carry a camelbak with me so I have water. In the winter it was all about bundling up just right and I didn’t have to worry about water as much.
As you can see by the photo above, the grasses are already starting to turn to their golden summer color. I enjoyed the green while it lasted this year. It was nice to ride in the foothills and watch the spring season bring green grass, blooming flowers, and leaves on trees. My favorite stretch goes by the river. The temps are slightly cooler and the sound of the water flowing over rocks and making its journey down the hill is very relaxing. The squirrels are playing around in the grass and the cows are out grazing away. So far no snakes while riding and that I am thankful for. I suspect when I start riding earlier during the day, that will continue to decrease my changes of seeing a snake. That is fine by me.
- May 02, 12
A kid really changes the world around you. Your priorities change, outlook on life, memory, sleep patterns, and what you eat. I will focus on most of those changes another day. What I want to talk is what I eat. Specifically what I drink.
Prior to Jaden being born Diana and I were able to get plenty of sleep. We could stay up late and sleep in the next day. No problems. Now throw in Jaden to the mix and sleep is a valuable and precious thing that comes and goes. Jaden still wakes up in the night, but at least he can sometimes comfort himself and fall back asleep. Otherwise it is putting his pacifier back in his mouth for him. Diana does most of the getting up for just a moment and then coming back to bed. Every once in a great while he sleeps 10 hours straight and we wake up refreshed. We also wonder if he is okay because we didn’t hear him at night.
What does this have to do with what I drink? Well I avoided coffee in the mornings prior to Jaden being born. I didn’t want the caffeine in me all the time. Well forget that idea haha. Bring on the coffee! Thankfully I am not addicted to it or “have to have it” every morning, which is great. I have explored a lot of Trader Joe’s coffees as I cannot stand Folgers, Uban, and similar coffees. I grind the beans every morning while at work and right now the Cafe Pajaro blend is on my favorites list! If you are coffee drinker, check out the brands at Trader Joes. They are amazing!
- Apr 27, 12
The 2012 California Envirothon has come to an end. This year there were 9 teams competing to become state champions and head out to Pennsylvania. Once in Pennsylvania they would compete internationally for a college scholarship.
Good job to all schools that competed this year. Hopefully we can get even more schools involved next year!
- Apr 26, 12
The 2012 California Envirothon is about to start. It should be challenging for the students this year. Not because of the subject of Low Impact Development, but due to the weather. It is pouring down rain right now. This won’t stop the competition though. Whether rain or shine the competition will continue.
This year the schedule is different. Instead of ending on Friday at noon it will be done in the morning hours. They have already taken one test about the current issue. Today there will be four more tests in aquatics, wildlife, soils, and forestry. Let’s not forget the speeches that will follow too!
- Apr 25, 12
You may have seen the photo album, but do you want to know the story behind the photos? Check out a family trip to the Kaweah Oak Preserve near Visalia. It was Jaden’s first time on a wildlife preserve too! Check out the story HERE.
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Tweets
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Recent Tracks
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- Sturm und Kong (K. Rool Returns) by djpretzel
- Every Story Begins with a Name (Opening - Bombing Mission) by Big Giant Circles
- Every Story Begins with a Name (Opening - Bombing Mission) by Big Giant Circles
- Deliverance of the Heart (Heart of Anxiety) by pixietricks, zircon
Jeremy SouleJack Johnson植松伸夫John WilliamsBryan AdamsHans ZimmerMatt CostaJerry GoldsmithThe White BuffaloLinkin ParkCreedence Clearwater RevivalJames HornerDynamedionFrank KlepackiWithin TemptationNorah Jones光田康典LiveGoo Goo DollsHoward ShoreHarry Gregson-WilliamsBear McCrearyRedDonavon FrankenreiterDanny ElfmanAlan SilvestriJohn PowellJason Hayes, Tracy W. Bush, Derek Duke, Glenn StaffordEvanescenceJennifer KnappJames Newton HowardDavid Crowder BandU2David ArkenstoneGraeme RevellTimmy CurranSandra McCrackenRussell Brower, Derek Duke & Glenn StaffordTree63ZZ TopBasil PoledourisTrevor RabinEaglesYuji SekiguchiNewsboysKlaus BadeltDavid ArnoldJoshua Radin- 57 plays
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Posts
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Posts
- Apr 28, 12
While exploring Crystal Cove there was a rock getting smashed by the waves. Later as the tide went out, these shell covered the wave side of the rock.
- Apr 28, 12
Enjoying the waves splashing water on them while the tide is low, these starfish are hanging out on a rock waiting. These guys were located at Crystal Cove State Park in California.
- Apr 21, 12
With my old camera I used a 10x zoom lens attachment and had to crop the photo just so it was easier to see the flower. That is how small this pretty blue flower was on some of the weeds at my old house.
- Apr 21, 12
Another weed that produces beautiful purplish flowers. I have no idea what the scientific or common name is, but the flowers are exceptionally small. Maybe that is why people don't like them in the yard?
Nikon D70
Photoshop Elements 9 - Apr 06, 12
Chicken Spring Lake is a short hike from the Golden Trout Wilderness boundary on the Inyo National Forest. Park your vehicle in Horseshoe Meadow campground (10,000 feet elevation) and hike about 4.5 miles to the lake. You'll have to climb up to 11,000 feet near Cottonwood Pass and make your final 0.5 mile trek to the lake. Can be done in a day if you push it. Taken in August of 2010.
Photo was stitched together using Hugin. I then use Gimp to adjust the contrast and brightness since the Canon SD900 washes out the colors a bit. - Apr 06, 12
Big Whitney Meadow resides within the Golden Trout Wilderness on the Inyo National Forest. Four photos make up this panoramic shot along the Pacific Crest Trail in August of 2010. Photos were taken using a Canon SD900 camera. The color was washed out, so I used Gimp to restore the contrast and brightness.
Tools Used:
Canon SD900
Hugin
Gimp - Mar 18, 12
Photo was taken in June of 2011. Growing on the side of an old Forest Service road was this pale red, but vibrant white flower. Not sure what it is right now but will update the information when I do. It was taken in the Sequoia National Forest's Giant Sequoia National Monument in California.
Nikon D7000
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Mar 03, 12
March 1st snowfall at Quaking Aspen in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Unfortunately the early warmer than normal temperatures will make this disappear soon . Not good for the state as the snow pack state wide is 25% of normal...
iPhone 4S
Instagram App - Mar 03, 12
Round Meadow is located near Horseshoe Meadow, a popular entry point for backpackers, on the Inyo National Forest. Most use the over night camping here and start there journey over Cottonwood Pass. This is also another way to access Mt. Whitney without using the lotto system. Photo taken in August of 2010.
Canon SD900
Hugin
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Mar 03, 12
The second version of Soldier Lake taken in the morning on the second day at this lake. Photo was taken in August of 2010.
Canon SD900
Hugin (panoramic stitcher)
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Mar 03, 12
Soldier Lake sits just west of Soldier Pass in Sequoia National Park. A somewhat "U" shapped lake, one can camp in the peninsula that extends out into the lake. Several smaller lakes are above, but no trail. This is the first version of the lake taken a day prior to version 2.
Canon SD900
Hugin (panoramic stitcher)
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Mar 03, 12
Along the Pacific Crest Trail, heading north, you'll get this view of Guyot Peak looking back to the south. Really dry sandy area at an elevation of about 10,000+ feet. Fox tail pines seem to like it here.
Canon SD900
Hugin (panorama stitcher)
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Feb 25, 12
When leaving Guitar Lake, a staging area for those summiting Mt. Whitney from the west, you ascend a few thousand feet. Along the way, you walk through the western drainage basin of Mt. Whitney. Here is a panoramic shot of the basin, looking west, and at sunrise. It is approximately 6AM on August 12, 2010. Elevation is approximately 13,000 feet.
Canon SD900
Hugin (photo-stitching software)
Adobe Photoshop Elements - Feb 25, 12
Panorama shot looking west at the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Mt. Whitney. This point of the trail is the cutoff to summit Mt. Whitney, about 1.8 mile trek one way. It is about 8 AM on August 12th, 2010. Hamilton and Guitar Lake reside with the shadows in the lower right hand corner of the photo. Elevation is approximately 14,000 feet.
Canon SD900
Hugin (Photo-stitching Software)
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Feb 24, 12
Taken several years ago around Lake Tahoe in California. I woke up to watch a winter sunrise over the lake and ended up joining three others doing the same. The clouds really were spectacular that morning before work.
Nikon D70
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Feb 06, 12
Panorama view of the shelter/cabin that sits on the top of Mt. Whitney. Notice to the left of the structure is lower elevation while right right is above tree line.
Taken from Wikipedia ([link])
The shelter at the summit was proposed after Byrd Surby, a U.S. Fisheries employee, was struck and killed by lightning on the summit in 1904. The shelter was built to house scientists who used the 14,505-foot summit to study high-altitude phenomena in the time before sustained high-altitude flight was possible.
In 1909 the site was used by Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory director Charles Greeley Abbot to conduct spectroscopic observations of Mars to investigate the existence of water on the planet. Other studies included observations of cosmic rays and nocturnal radiation.
Although the structure was built in part as a shelter from storms, hikers are now warned against seeking shelter there during lightning storms.
Canon SD900
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Feb 06, 12
A view southward from the top of Mt. Whitney. It was hard getting the photo without people getting in the way. Here is some history about the shelter from Wikipedia.
"Residents of Lone Pine financed the first trail to the summit, engineered by Gustave Marsh, and completed on July 22, 1904. Just four days later, the new trail enabled the first recorded death on Whitney. Having hiked the trail, U.S. Bureau of Fisheries employee Bryd Surby was struck and killed by lightning while eating lunch on the exposed summit. In response to this event, Marsh began work on the stone hut that would become the Smithsonian Institution Shelter, and completed it in 1909."
Photo taken in August of 2010
Canon SD900
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Jan 30, 12
It is January and already the flowers are starting to come out in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Usually don't see flowers blooming until March, but it hasn't been a normal winter this year at all.
iPhone 4S
Instagram App - Jan 26, 12
Curious as to how big the Giant Sequoia is that fell in the in the fall of 2011? Here is the root mass of the tree along with a person to the right for scale. The tree is located on the Trail of a 100 Giants within the Giant Sequoia National Monument - Sequoia National Forest in California.
iPhone 4S
Hugin
Photoshop Elements 9 - Jan 20, 12
View of the surrounding mountains within Jennie Lakes Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park from Brothers Lake. There is no trail all the way to the lake. You need to do a 1.5 mile cross country trip along the ridge.
The photo is a combination of several photos for the panoramic view. Using the software Hugin to stitch it all together.
Canon SD900
Hugin
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Jan 20, 12
Burning 3 Wick'd Bean Candles. Decided to take a photo of some of the best candles you can buy! [link]
Nikon D7000
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Jan 16, 12
Photo of my son resting in his mothers arms after an afternoon hike. He is 3.5 months old. This is the black and white version.
Nikon D7000
Macro Lens 10x
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Jan 16, 12
Photo of my son resting in his mothers arms after a nice afternoon hike. He is 3.5 months old.
Nikon D7000
Macro 10x Lens
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Jan 16, 12
Returning back from a hike near Pasadena, CA, I snapped some macro shots of the flowers near where we parked our vehicle. Maybe it is a Morning Glory, but I am not sure.
Nikon D7000
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Jan 16, 12
My brother's Bearded Dragon named Zipper. Photo taken through his glass cage during feeding time.
Nikon D7000
Adobe Photoshop Essentials 9 - Jan 05, 12
A rare moment in the Sequoia National Forest Giant Sequoia National Monument. Know what it is? Walking through this beautiful grove in January! Usually the roads are closes off due to snow and ice. This year has been dry so far for the southern Sierra Nevada mountains.
Taken with the iPhone 4S using the app Instagram for a filter. - Nov 21, 11
Timberline Lake borders up against the "Mt. Whitney Zone" on the west side of Mt. Whitney. It resides just below Guitar Lake, which is a well used "staging area" for summitting Mt. Whitney.
Tools used:
Canon SD900
Adobe Photoshop CS
Hugin (free panorama photo stitching program) - Nov 19, 11
Mornings are his play time....well as much as an 8 week old can do. In this case it is smiling a lot more and making little excitement noises along the way.
iPhone 4S
Instagram App - Nov 19, 11
Photo of my son Jaden and his first smile. Approximately 6 weeks old at this point.
iPhone 4S
Instagram App - Nov 19, 11
Here is a photo of a trail to a vista point overlooking Soda Lake in Carrizo Plain National Monument. Used the iPhone's app Instagram to make the adjustments.
iPhone 3GS
Instagram - Oct 11, 11
It isn't always perfect, but it is worth holding onto.
Nikon D7000
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Oct 10, 11
My son Jaden was born almost a couple weeks ago. Decided to have some fun doing "baby photos." Here are the hands in the family. From top to bottom; son, wife, and husband .
Nikon D7000
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Sep 14, 11
The stars seen at 9400 in the Sierra Nevada mountains. To really see all the stars, view at night with lights off. Download the full resolution too . There was a lot more stars out, but the photo would have been washed out and full of noise in order to display all of them.
Nikon D70
Photoshope Elements 9 - Sep 05, 11
Brother Lake at sunrise. The last view of the lake before we left and made the trek back to the truck. Elevation is 9400 feet and you will not find a trail to this lake. You'll have to do some cross country backpacking to get there.
Nikon D70 w/ Nikon Circular Polarizer II
Photoshop Elements - Sep 05, 11
Labor Day weekend backpacking trip into the Sequoia National Forest's Jennie Lakes Wilderness. There is no trail to Brothers Lake, so you have to do some cross country trekking to get there from a main trail. In fact it is an unnamed lake so my brother and I took the liberty of naming it Brothers Lake .
Nikon D70
Photoshop Elements 9 - Aug 25, 11
Before my bike ride, this was the view leaving the driveway. You can still see a sliver of the moon showing before the rising sun.
iPhone 3GS - Aug 10, 11
Another version of "The Hunter." Photo was just taken on another side and a different angle from the sun.
- Aug 10, 11
Returning home from a long day, I spotted a praying mantis in the front yard. He must have fallen out of the tree due to his tan colors. He was carefully stalking the lawn for prey. I got as close as I could and it turned to watch me.
Nikon D7000
Photoshop Elements 9 - Aug 09, 11
Trying to take photos of a pet can be challenging. During a photo shoot of our dog River, I had to make weird noises for her to stand still. This was her reaction to one of those noises I made. She gave me the "what are you doing" or "what was that noise" type of look.
Nikon D7000
Photoshop Elements 9 - Jul 09, 11
The hummingbird just flew back from the flower. You can see some nectar on the tip of it's beak.
Nikon D7000 w/ 18-200mm lens
Photoshop Elements 9 - Jul 09, 11
Making one more pass before taking off to another yard. He has plenty of flowers to choose from this morning .
Nikon D7000 w/ 18-200mm Lens
Photoshop Elements 9 - Jul 09, 11
Woke up in the morning with a friend flying around the dinning room windows. Grabbed the camera and took several shots. Here is one where the little guy actually looks right into the camera.
Download for full resolution
Nikon D7000 w/ 18-200mm lens
Photoshop Elements 9 - Jun 19, 11
Formation found in Boyden Cave on the Sequoia National Forest in California
Nikon D7000 w/ 18-200mm lens
Photoshop Elements 9 - Jun 19, 11
The Wedding Cake is a feature found in Boyden Cave on the Sequoia National Forest.
Nikon D7000 w/ 18-200mm lens
No Flash
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 - Jun 11, 11
We were pulling out weeds in the garden near our tomato and cantaloupe plants. Apparently it has been awhile because one of them produced this beautiful flower. The flower itself is only 5mm in size. I guess some weeds do have beauty to them .
Nikon D70 Outfit
Opteka 10x Macro Lens
Photoshop Essentials 9 - Jun 08, 11
Our dog River turned 10 months old. I was out having some fun with the camera and caught her "smiling" back. It brought a good laugh to my wife and I when we viewed it. River is a yellow-lab/retriever mix. We rescued her from a shelter 10 months ago.
Nikon D70 Outfit
Photoshop Elements 9 - Jun 08, 11
Our grape vine at year 2. The size has more then doubled and the amount of fruit this year has at least tippled. I just love the color contrast in the sunset.
Nikon D70 Outfit
Photoshop Elements 9 - May 27, 11
The full resolution version of "Going Home." It is the Madison River leaving Yellowstone National Park to the west.
Original cropped photo was posted here ---> Going Home Original - May 21, 11
Along Mill Flat Creek, near Kings River, we were doing a day hike. We came across several wildflowers that bloom later in the spring season. One of those, the Mariposa Lily, blooms later with vibrant white against the golden grasses.
Canon SD500
Adobe Elements 9 - May 18, 11
The flower has two names: Pretty Face or Golden Brodia. It is a flower blooming on the Sequoia National Forest. The flowers scientific name is Triteleia Ixoides. The darker greens really bring out the yellow in this flower.
Canon PowerShot SD500
Adobe Photoshop CS - May 18, 11
Ithuriel's Spear is a flower blooming on the Sequoia National Forest. The elevation is around 4,000 feet. The scientific name is Triteleia Laxa. Download for the full resolution.
Canon PowerShot SD500
Adobe Photoshop CS - May 18, 11
Flowers are blooming in the Sequoia National Forest. Here is one of those flowers called a Purple Fairy Lantern. I know, it doesn't look purple, but that is what they call it.
The scientific name is Calochortus Amoenus. This flower also hangs from the stem, so it blooms facing the ground. It is about to bloom, so the pedals are still closed.
Canon PowerShot SD500
Adobe Photoshop CS - Apr 04, 11
A father giving his boy a toss up in the air while at Carrizo Plain National Monument. I love the expression on the boys face as he goes soaring into the air.
Nikon D70
Adobe Photoshop CS - Apr 03, 11
With the temperatures dropping and the wind picking up, the coastal marine layer creeps over the mountains to the west.
- Apr 03, 11
Facing up from our camp fire, one can see just how clear the night sky was in Carrizo Plain National Monument. Star gazing was amazing that night.
- Apr 03, 11
While staying at our dispersed campsite, I decided to take a photo of the San Joaquin Valley. Surprised how much light comes out of the southern portion of the valley.
- Apr 03, 11
The flowers bloomed in patches this year, 2011, in the Carrizo Plain National Monument. These were flowers you could see from ridge lines or simply driving along Soda Lake Road.
- Apr 03, 11
Stayed the night on Caliente Ridge after a tour within the Carrizo Plain National Monument. A ranger told us we would like the views better he was right. Here was the sunset from our campsite.
- Mar 30, 11
Spring is here in the foothills of the southern Sierra Nevada mountains. Elevation is approximately 1500 feet and the Lupin flowers are out.
iPhone 3GS
Instagram App - Feb 27, 11
With a recent storm, I drove up into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The snow doesn't get this low (2,000 feet elevation) in the area. Just beyond the National Forest boundary, there was an old livestock loading ramp. Thought with an added "old" look, it would make a great photo.
Nikon D70 Outfit
Photoshop Essentials
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