Signs of Fall or Disease?

Newhalem and Forest Fires

The hills around Newhalem and the North Cascades Visitor Center experienced a fire in August, 2015. The Goodell fire was caused by lightening and burned thousands of acres. Burned trees are still seen on the near hillsides.

Trail of the Cedars, Newhalem

On a recent drive over the North Cascades Highway we stopped at Newhalem and took the informative Trail of the Cedars. My father was a logger and I love to be in the forest. Trees were identified with signs and their characteristics identified. This would be a great short hike for families.

The trail is across the Skagit River from Newhalem so we got to cross over on a nice walking bridge.

Fir Cones

New Life

Nature's Art

Detail of a small stump on the Guemes Mountain Trail.

Guemes Island Rocks - Part One

We saw this rock on the drive to our cabin on Guemes Island. How it got there is a mystery to me.

Fabonnaci Spiral

Pinecones, seed heads, flower petals and many other items in nature follow the Fabonnaci Spiral. I pass the tree that produced this cone on my daily walk. 

Autumn in Oak Harbor

A little splash of color at the end of October next to the ever colorful evergreen.

Autumn in Oak Harbor

Another row of imported trees in Oak Harbor at the end of October.

Autumn in Oak Harbor

An Oak Harbor street at the end of October. Yes, these trees have been imported and planted here for this very scene.

Olympic Peninsula: World's Largest Sitka Spruce

The giant tree is near the Lake Quinault Lodge and is just a short hike from the road. You can get a sense of its size by noticing my sister at its base.

Magnolia

Our magnolia burst into color in April.

I love the color and texture of the blossoms.

The deteriorating blossoms are still fascinating.

Life is Like a Garry Oak

I sometimes think life is like this garry oak I drive past frequently, full of twists and turns. This street in Oak Harbor is lined with the trees.

Noble Fir

I apparently did not follow in my father's footsteps, a logger in the Cascades and owner of a sawmill. I had to look at a Mac's Field Guide to identify this tree. At least I think it's a noble fir...

Trees

A few trees catch the sunlight in Oak Harbor.

Trees at Sunrise

Sometimes I remember to turn around when I am photographing a sunrise.

Dogwood

Fungi

A warm, wet winter will do that.

Recluse or Bird in Exile

I was on a walk at Windjammer Park when I noticed this tree and the lone bird in it. When I followed his gaze,

I wondered if he was a recluse or a bird in exile.