(+7 insets)

Photography is a Boon For Discovery and Learning!
One of the things I most adore about photography is the opportunity to learn, first-hand, about everything I find. It's one thing to take a picture--anyone can do that. But, do you take the time to learn more about the subjects/theme/history etc. that you photograph? For me, an image by itself does not suffice, especially if I'm unfamiliar with what's in the image. In fact, to pay it justice, learning whatever I can is almost a requirement to me. And, because of my photography and thirst for knowledge, I've learned so much about the world around me. It's no wonder that the one thing that Steve and I don't like about our RV trips is the spotty connection to the internet. Both of us need to be able to tap into the world's largest research library! Until I'm able to understand what I've photographed, I am unhappy and totally unsatisfied. Do you feel like that too?

Today's Picture
My marvelous daily hike was one I relished! From our campsite, I walked through Honeyman campground, past Cleawox Lake and alongside Woahink Lake and then around the magical forest loop and back again. Alongside Woahink Lake, I discovered marvelous surprises to photograph, but when I found this, I just about fell over! I noticed a pair of yellow spikes jutting out of the ground just next to the trail--one could have stepped on them in fact!--and I could hardly believe my eyes! What a WEIRD plant!! I thought until just this morning that I was looking at a very rare yellow version of Groundcone called Vancouver Groundcone. But I've just learned that this may be Fringed Pinesap too. Honestly I cannot say which it could be, but there is no debating its unusual beauty! I will be submitting my pictures to a group who will be able to tell me for sure if I've photographed a groundcone or a pinesap!

Today's Insets
Inset #1: I was delighted to see the beautiful groups of California Groundcone along the Woahink Lake portion of my daily walk. They were in such perfect condition and perfectly placed for easy photography!

Inset #2: Steve and I learned how to take vertical panoramas with our phone cameras and we just love the way they look. This is part of the trail I walked every morning, dappled shadows and all!

Inset #3: Along the lovely forest loop is a huge area under the pine trees which are covered with moss. This group of birdnest fungus was growing in enormous groups all over! What a rare and delightful surprise!

Inset #4 The trail along Woahink Lake goes past a tiny island that I cherished looking at every time I walked by. I love all the trees and plants on it--what a special treasure!

Inset #5 & #6: One day I spotted a garter snake who was relaxing on the moss under the pine trees along the forest loop. It allowed me to slowly approach and take all of the pictures I wanted before I quietly retreated and moved on. I was overjoyed at this opportunity!

Inset #7: This is another wonderful picture of the sand dunes that are so close to our campground and encompass one side of Cleawox Lake. Magnificent!

Thank You So Much!
Your visits, comments and stars really make my day and I appreciate this so much, especially since I've not been able to return the favor. Thank you for stopping by! Please take care of yourselves and have a wonderful rest of your week!

Explored on 1/19/22; highest placement #3.