Thanks to our friends and family who live on the west coast or have visited places out west, I am able to share photos from some beautiful places. The journey begins in Washington, travels through California, Arizona and ends in Hawaii.
Pumpkins whether plain or elaborately carved along with Halloween costumes are iconic symbols of Fall wherever we live.
When the sun is shining in the northwest, the views are absolutely spectacular. Ferries abound for traveling back and forth to the Olympic Peninsula, the San Juan Islands and Canada.
This beautiful mirror mountain image on a lake was taken by our friends while hiking in Lundy Canyon which is located in the Sierra Mountains.
When you explore the Sierras, you can easily see why John Muir was inspired.
Clark's Nutcracker is a resident of the Sierra Mountains. It buries thousands of seeds from pine cones each summer. The seeds that aren't eaten in the winter and spring help to replenish new growth in the forest.
"Wherever we go in the mountains, we find more than we seek." John Muir
Another place we have yet to explore is the Sequoia National Forest. I know it will be amazing to be dwarfed by these huge trees which reach to the heavens.
In Idyllwild, the golden leaves of the Black Oak trees were surrounded by numerous evergreens. This season has been unique with the early arrival of snowfall in October and November.
Mono Lake is another place we have yet to discover. It has all kinds of unusual formations in the water. Millions of migrating and nesting birds depend on the brine shrimp endemic to this lake including the American Avocet in the photograph.
There are no words adequate to describe the beauty of the Grand Canyon.
"The clear realities of nature, seen with the inner eye of the spirit, reveal the ultimate echo of God."
Ansel Adams
Ansel Adams
My final photograph was shared with me by a friend who recently visited Hawaii. I place this here in memory of our dear friends Susan and Darryl who loved this special place. Their spirits and memories live in the hearts of countless people who were touched by their kindness and love.
Thanks to Karen, Dave, Patti, Rick and James for sharing their absolutely beautiful photographs!
