Lava Beds National Monument

When I was up in the Mt.Shasta area my brother suggested I 

visit the Lava Beds National Monument to do some photography.

I honesty was VERY skeptical that there was much to 

photograph besides rocks. Once again he was right and I.... wasn't right.

The smoke from fires in the area was pretty thick and when I first 

arrived I was pretty sure my prejudgment of the area was right. Lots of

rocks, not much else. Yeah I changed it to black and white for emphasis.

I took a walk and came upon this, just a little bit of color  

It's amazing where plants will grow.

Another side road and low and behold several Smoothstem Morningstars. I saw them

in the brochure but figured that they probably bloomed in spring. Boy was I wrong.

While not fully opened,I think because the smoke was so thick, they are a pretty

flower anyway. Also they were only in certain areas.

If you have flowers you need pollinators.

A patient butterfly

And a very busy bee.

There is actually a number of creatures scurrying about.

The photo below is not just of the various rock colors and texture.

Can you see the creature? 

Blends pretty well doesn't it?

After one hike and chasing a lot of little white butterflies that definitely would

not cooperate,  as I neared the parking lot I saw a whole bunch of

Monarch Butterfly's, probably around 20. All near a couple of trees.

One tree dead and the other quite green.

They were pretty active and photo shy. 

Then I saw what the fuss was all about.

The following may be too graphic for sensitive viewers. 

Part of the Monument are caves and petroglyphs . Since I got there late without a flashlight or 

a sweatshirt I missed the caves. This is definitely a place I will return to. The whole area

is a photographers playground.

While going to another part of the Monument you pass through the 

Tule Lake Wildlife Refuge. Another great photo opportunity.

But you'll have to wait for those photos. Nuff for now.

Go, See, Enjoy and Photograph

Dave