Clothes Pin Sequoia Tree

 

Lots of Sequoia's show evidence of fire damage but scientists have learned that fire is how Sequoia trees' seeds germinate. Fire takes down competitors, such as faster growing pines and elms while Sequoia can survive many severe blazes. The National Park service used to fight forest fires aggressively to save these trees when really, they need fire to bring the next generation of Sequoia trees to life. They have changed tactics and let these burns happen and that has allowed these Sequoias' to make a comeback, although it will be a long time before new trees become giants. Live and learn. 

Grove Of Giants

 

With just a camera it is hard to show how large these Sequoia Trees are in Yosemite National Park. This cabin in this Grove of Giants gives some sense of scale. Built originally by Galen Clark in the 1860's, it housed John Muir in one of his trips through the park (in now what is called the John Muir trail). The current cabin only dates from the 1930's. As you can tell from the base of these trees, they are just unbelievably large. Truly giants on this planet. 

El Capitan Sunset view

 

Yosemite is all about the waterfalls but in the fall those aren't running quite so much. Therefore, you have to look for other opportunities to make a picture. This sunset shot did the trick for me. Got the sun peaking through the trees with El Capitan in the background. Worth the price of admission.  

Yosemite Tunnel View

 

This is the view from the overlook coming in to Yosemite Valley, right after exiting the tunnel on the way to the central part of the park. You have El Capitan on the left, Half Dome in the distance and you can barely see a small sliver of Bridalveil Falls on the right hand side. In the spring that waterfall is much more obvious and really enhances the scene. Still, even with barely a trickle coming down, it is a spectacular view. 

Got to Fly

 

A Great Egret is up and away. I also have to fly so might be radio silent here for a few weeks. Got some more pictures to take and work to make. I always try to combine both when I can. So, off to the wilds of who knows not where and back with some business accomplished and a card full of shots. 

Lots of Lines

 

View from the Franklin street bridge to the southwest across the Chicago River. Lots of lines all over the place. 

Morning Fog on Springbrook Prairie

 

Last week caught a yellow foggy sunrise at Springbrook Prairie. Photo looks sepia tone but I didn't mess with the colors. 

Salad of natural colors

 

In the fall when you are tramping around the fields looking for birds you are also going to see a lot of color. That was the case last weekend in Springbrook Prairie near our home in Naperville. So, here is a salad full of fall color for your Friday morning. 

White-crowned Sparrows

 

Two White-crowned Sparrows in Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve. 

You think you have tailgate problems?

 

Geezzz....."187 mph and this guy is still on my tail?"

Talladega 2022