Yosemite and More

 A friend and I went over Tioga Pass, stopped at Saddleback Lake and then on to Bodie.  Saddleback lake at 8,350 feet was still frozen over, the store closed and the water taxi not working. However I did find this wheel barrow and lots and lots of mosquitos. After the mosquitos drove us away it was on to Bodie. I found this old tricycle on a porch partially hidden by some vines. Of course an old mining town like Bodie has lots of old rusty equipment. I especially like the contrast of the sharp edged gear against the  softness of the bush. I kept this one color because of the contrast of the grass and the black rollers. This one was a toss-up, black and white or color. I decided the color of the siding was as important and the structure. The Blue Flags were thankfully in bloom. They were all over. Found this bowl laying in the grass As I said the Flags were everywhere. Played with Photo Shop a little on this one The old saw mill is always interesting This Blue Flag is past...

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 but...