In the Eye of the Beholder

   Nature's Art

These fallen leaves floating in the murky marsh seem to almost look like an abstract painting...at least I think so. While I love visiting art galleries, it always amazes me how much art is provided to us in nature if only we would open our eyes. It's all in the eye of the beholder.

Columbia River Gorge

Breathtaking Beauty

Last Sunday I spent my Mother's Day in Hood River, Oregon, which is located in the Columbia River Gorge. I've visited this historic site at the Vista House many times; the view of Washington State across the river is something I never get tired of seeing. (The tug-boat pushing the barge was a bonus!)

Pacific Northwest Snow and Ice Storm - 2014

Winter Blast

This small unnamed creek connects to the Columbia River just a few hundred yards south of the point that this photograph was taken. The winter blast that hit the Pacific Northwest last week left everything cloaked in white.

Magical and Mystical

James Island - Olympic Peninsula

I was in the mood for a coastal photo this week, so I selected this shot from my archives. James Island is located at the mouth of the Quillayute River near La Push, Washington. At 160 feet in altitude, it was used in the past to spot whales by the Quillayute tribe; now it serves as a private burial ground. (I like the way the fog seems to magically float around the island in this scene.)

Autumn's Golden Glory

Glenwood, Washington

Although the season of autumn is sure to display an array of golden hues in the leaves on deciduous trees, the grasses on prairies around the country make their own golden glory. This field is in the small rural community of Glenwood,Washington.

A Bright Blue Autumn Sky

      Mt. St. Helens

This view of Mt. St. Helens is a common sight for travelers driving north from Portland, Oregon. Although I rarely stop and photograph it, I couldn't resist this weekend. The autumn sky was bright blue, and the weather was unseasonably warm for the Pacific Northwest...70 degrees!

A Common Sight in the Pacific Northwest

    Moody Brume

During the fall and winter months in the Pacific Northwest, this type of gray, mysterious day is a common sight.

The mist, or brume, that hung amidst the Cascade Range made this photo even more moody. And believe it or not, Mt. Hood is hidden behind the cloudy sky.

Autumn in the Pacific Northwest

  Changing Colors

Although the Pacific Northwest is known for its evergreen trees, we do have a lovely variety of deciduous trees as well.

This photo was taken in a rural area of Washington State from a roadside on the way to the Pacific Ocean. Don't you just love autumn?

Hillside of Thistles

  Autumn Beauty

I thought this large group of thistles was lovely against the blue and white sky. Since these reedy plants are lovely to look at they are frequently harvested for whimsical wreaths. However, thankfully, this group of thistles is protected and provide nourishment for the local wildlife.

Enjoying the Last Days of Summer

 Dover of Ducks!

While visiting Steigerwald Lake recently, I came upon this dover of ducks. Although I was quite close to them, they seemed unconcerned by my presence. Numerous species of birds and wildlife make this habitat their home. It was great to enjoy one of the last days of summer!

Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge

     
           Meandering Creek

While on a nature walk at Steigerwald Wildlife Refuge last week, I snapped this photo of a meandering creek. The one-thousand acre site is located just east of the town of Washougal, Washington along the Columbia River, and has been designated as the location for a  "Gateway to the Gorge" visitors center. (The facility is still in the planning stages.)

If you ever visit the Columbia River Gorge, this refuge with its vast variety of wildlife is a must-see as you journey east on the Washington State side of the river.

Natural Wildlife Refuge

      Mimsi Marsh

Just down the country road from my home is a natural wildlife refuge. Mimsi Marsh is one of my favorite local spots, so I thought I'd feature it again on this blog. Bald eagles, heron, hawks, and a variety of smaller birds can be seen at this waterway nestled only a few hundred feet from the Columbia River.

A Walk in the Woods

        Livingston Mountain

Just twenty-five miles northeast of Portland, Oregon is Livingston Mountain. I recently took a nature hike there and snapped this photograph. The mountain is home to deer, elk, black bears, coyotes, and bald eagles. Unfortunately, I did not see any wildlife while on my walk, but I did have a grand time!


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The Quinault National Forest

  The Tree of Magic

This photo is one of the few that I am proud to have taken. Not because it is the most impressive piece of photography, but because when I snapped the shot I was hoping for an image that would express the mood of my middle grade manuscript at the time. Although I was pleased with this photo, my story has yet to be published!

A Swan in Solitude

      Mimsi  Marsh

I took this photo just down our country lane at a murky wetland refuge called Mimsi Marsh. Although our neighborhood is nestled between a highway to the north and the Portland airport across the Columbia River, the wildlife still seem to enjoy the small portion of land protected just for them.

The Olympic National Forest

 

Quinault, Washington

This photo of Willaby Creek in the Olympic National Forest, is a place that I have visited dozens of times. It is one of my very favorite places on earth. While walking amidst the tall timbers, life always seems to come into focus for me.

Signs of Spring

           Blossom of Blue

The photo of this lovely little flower was taken in south-central Washington State. With the season of spring now upon us, colorful flowers are bursting on the scene in every corner of our country.

Since blue is my favorite color, I  thought this tiny blossom was especially pretty.

          Have a wonderful week!

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A Basketfull of Blossoms

        Happy Easter!

This photo came from my archived file, but I thought it was perfect for the holiday weekend. The stone bunny in our backyard always brings to mind the wonderful author of children's books, Beatrix Potter. The animal stories she created are still some of my very favorite children's stories - my three sons were raised listening about Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter!


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Dreaming of Spring!

   A Bit of Blue Sky

You could look at this photo and only see the frosty landscape, or you could note the bit of blue sky that is a prelude to spring - I choose to do the latter.

This shot was recently taken at one of my favorite local locations: Greenway Park.

The Columbia River from Wintler Park

Finding Local Beauty

Wintler Park is a popular local destination during the summer months; it was all but abandoned when I visited the site last week. However, I found it to be quite lovely on that dry and chilly morning. It's always great to appreciate the beauty in one's own backyard!