Mono Lake, Lee Vining, the White Mountains and the Great Basin.
Huge skies, crazy stars, sunrises and sunsets, wind-and-volcano-torn terrains, and a flora and fauna that's full of "what the heck is that?" species for us cismontane-types.
Bliss.
And, just when a recent Mojave trip had both lowered my expectations for great blooms near Mono this poor rain year, while also showing me that deserts are still incredible and full of amazing sights no matter, I drove over to the survey area for the first time in 2013 and found - surprise, surprise - some sweeps of annuals. And profuse blooms of some perennials. And overall, a season starting much better than last.
Here are some scenes, skies and sweeps from my recent trip. What do you think? Looks pretty nice for a deserty Great Basin floristic province, huh?
I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest of the season unfolds.
More from this trip soon.
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References:
- Nature of a Man (this blog) - posts from the Mono Basin
Wonderful photos of a wonderful area! ... one of my favorites. Thanks for the virtual visit :)
ReplyDeleteAs the birders say, you crushed those Congesta.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed, crippling views. Thanks for these!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a beautiful ecosystem!
ReplyDeleteAlso you win the internet today for the title to this post.
ReplyDeleteIncredible pics. Having lived in the midwest or eastern US for my entire life, these pictures depict scenes so foreign that they might as well be from a Ray Bradbury story. Very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMmmmmm......sagescapes.....
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous pics -- thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete