One expects to see an assortment of orchids in a rain-forest, but to my surprise, I have also found many stunning varieties (like this Paphiopedilum) in northern Indiana woodlands. There are secluded microclimates that have conditions just right to support these beautiful flowers.

northern Kauai

two female bears resting on a sandbar in the middle of a lake (Aleutian Islands).

When I first saw these celosia flowers in China, I couldn't resist taking the time to find one with just the right form and available light to capture a couple shots.

distant wall of sandstone in warm evening light (Utah wilderness)

edge of a corn crop in Indiana

as the snow accumulates in the high mountains, it stacks up and begins to slide down the mountain side as a glacier. as the glacier continues to get pushed from behind (from more incoming snow), it becomes packed into a very dense ice and can travel decades across the country side. sometimes they end by finally giving way to the heat, and turn into a stream of icy cold water. other times they end by crumbling into an ocean like this one.

peeking up under the nodding flowers of imperial fritillaria stalks (lutea maxima)