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Coville's Ground-Smoke at LaPine State Park (+5 insets!)

(+5 insets!)

Oregon is Brimming with Natural Wonders to Discover
Since we got our first RV in 2018, we finally had the opportunity to explore, enjoy, and appreciate the boundless beauty of Oregon. We've been along the rugged coast and beaches and nestled in deep woods. We've experienced Oregon's version of a rain forest, and we've frolicked amidst gorgeous meadows that hug riversides interspersed with small forest nuggets.

Another area we've gotten to know is Oregon's "high desert" where LaPine State Park sits. Imagine a very dry area with lots of sandy, loose soil, but instead of cactus there are pine trees and hardy scrub brush. It's not so dry that rivers don't run through and the Deschutes River begins its journey here, travelling from Little Lava Lake, about 25 miles northwest of LaPine, and eventually joining Oregon's largest river, the Colombia, after a trip of 250 miles.

LaPine State Park is One of Our Favorites…What About You?
You would think that such a dry place wouldn't be high on our list, but it sure is. True, the plant life isn't as varied as a moister locale, but it's lovely nonetheless, and what it lacks in variety of plants, it more than makes up with all of the hiking and biking trails found here. Steve and I have such a great time here that since discovering this park, it's a "Must Go" spot every year. What about you? Do you have a special place that you simply must go to anytime you're in the area? I'd love to hear about it! After all, if we're lucky, we'll someday make it to your neck of the woods, so why not entice me with your favorite park(s)? :D

Today's Main Picture
Every morning when I'm at LaPine, I walk around each campground loop and then head up one of the trails to the park entrance before travelling back along the Deschutes River and finally back to our "home on wheels." One morning I was walking past a campsite and noticed a bush with tiny white flowers. A closer look revealed beautiful tiny blossoms which begged for proper macros. Later that day I returned with my beloved Canon and macro lens and managed to get a bunch of very nice shots. Isn't it wonderful when you are successful despite the fact that a breeze is trying to ruin every picture? I was delighted that within my large group of hopefuls, I got an assortment of crisp images amongst a bunch of blurry ones. This picture of "Coville's Ground Smoke" was my favorite, but I have two more to share in my next uploads for LaPine.

Today's Insets
LaPine is a very popular home to many species of squirrels, including one that's often mistaken as a chipmunk, the Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel. I admit being very surprised when I realized the "chipmunk" I photographed on a lava rock was actually a ground squirrel! Another common resident is both the smallest chipmunk and also the most widely spread, otherwise known as the Least Chipmunk. I got a fun picture of one working on a little pine cone which I turned into a b/w to show off the fun shadows. If you look carefully around a pine tree, you'll often see droplets of sap oozing from woodpecker holes or broken tree limbs and if the sun is in the right spot, the droplets will glow beautifully! I'm also sharing a crusty droplet of resin that's dried up but interesting to look at with lots of granulated detail. Finally, the last picture is a collage of images that shows a group of ants attacking a caterpillar to bring back to its nest. I appreciate these glimpses of nature's cycle of life, and though it's too bad for the caterpillar, it will be an important source of food for the colony and I was fascinated by this show.

Thank You!
I always appreciate your visits, stars and comments--my smiles warm the room! I am so happy that I can spread a bit of joy, interest and hopefully some education to your day--it's what I hope for every time I post one of my presentations. Please take care of yourselves and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Explored on 3/26/21; highest placement #3.
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27 comments

Nouchetdu38 said:

An eclectic series of great beauty
3 years ago ( translate )

Malik Raoulda said:

Superbe et belle poésie de fin de semaine.Les Pips sont remarquables et j'ai une préférence pour la première... Bon weekend.
3 years ago ( translate )

PascalL said:

belle série
3 years ago ( translate )

uwschu said:

Sehr schöne Blüte, kann es dir gut nachempfinden, das es euch da immer wieder hinzieht.
Habe auch solche Orte, einer ist keine 5 Minuten von mir entfernt, der Kronsberg.
Nur 116m hoch, zur EXPO 2000 wurde er von damals 104m noch aufgeschüttet, bepflanzt und mit großen Steinen und einem Bergkreuz ausgestattet. Hier hat man den schönsten Blick auf Hannover, kann sich den Wind um die Ohren pfeifen lassen und bekommt irgendwie gute Laune :-)!
Schönes Wochenende
www.ipernity.com/doc/uwschu/38447272/in/album/711001

www.ipernity.com/doc/uwschu/42444048/in/album/711001
3 years ago ( translate )

cammino said:

My favorite is the Cycle of Life, because you give an insight into the life of ants with excellent pictures. It is amazing how the small ants cope with such a big prey. The other insets are very well done too!
3 years ago

Keith Burton said:

An exquisite main image Janet..............perfect focus on the flower and I love the background.

A super selection of PiPs too...........I particularly like the Ground Squirrel and the one with the sap oozing from the trunk of the tree.

A fascinating narrative as always. Take care and have a splendid weekend.
3 years ago

Ulrich John said:

A beautifully minmalistic close-up, Janet !
3 years ago ( translate )

Marie-claire Gallet said:

WOWWWWW, a pure beauty, Janet !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 years ago ( translate )

Heidiho said:

...perfect inspiration, dear Janet, to have a look for my own 100mmMacro !!!
3 years ago

Heide said:

A nice and interesting series.
I like beautiful flower portraits as well as yours, Janet
3 years ago

Peter Castell said:

A beautiful negative space capture Janet enjoy your weekend
3 years ago ( translate )

Boarischa Krautmo said:

wonderful!
3 years ago ( translate )

Luc Reiniche said:

Juste ce qu'il faut ...
3 years ago ( translate )

Stefani Wehner said:

Absolutely delightful!
3 years ago ( translate )

Jenny McIntyre said:

I love looking at your photos and reading about what they are, or where you saw them, it's fascinating. The ground squirrel is so sweet. I felt so sorry for the caterpillar, I realise it's good for the ants, but poor thing.
3 years ago