Wildlife, wildflowers, & wild fires...
07/03/2003 - 09/08/2003
Dunc, armed with multiple cameras attempts to capture the wild side of our summer travels. Pictured here atop Mt. Lassen, Duncan hopes to photograph the wily Sasquatch.
Wildlife
A huge bull moose munches water-plants in a mirrored pond. The enormous antler rack glows in the morning sun and reflects off the pool's surface. This majestic sight is less than 50 yards in front of the Jackson Lake Lodge! Unfortunately, Duncan left the camera back in the cabin. Robin suggested we take a "mental picture", because our first moose photo was, well...
This award winning photo of a moose cow and calf demonstrates Duncan's budding talent as a wildlife photographer. Call National Geo!
As artists, serious self portraits are one of the best ways to express our artistic moods.
One of our first wildlife encounters is with the elusive Triceratops at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History.
A deadly black-widow spider poises to strike. Okay, maybe not.
A red dragonfly cruises the riparian habitat. (Arizona Desert Museum -- ADM, Tucson)
Although we saw plenty of skinny prairie dogs in South Dakota, this heavy-set gal at the Arizona Desert Museum was the one who posed for us. (ADM, Tucson)
Leapin' Lizards! This tiny zebra lizard performs push-ups to keep his tiny biceps firm. (ADM, Tucson)
This agitated cat will pounce on anyone that ventures too close. (ADM, Tucson)
Quack. (ADM, Tucson)
A tiny desert fox takes a siesta in the hot afternoon sun. (ADM, Tucson)
Wil E. drops by. (Catalina State Park, Tucson)
Interesting social behavior exhibited by these captive turtles. (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago)
The rare munkus chippas is captured here on film. (Grand Teton, WY)
Seconds after this photo, the lead horse rears up and falls over ON TOP of the rider. Miraculously, they both stand up and walk away! (Grand Teton, WY)
These American Bison finish their annual migration -- from one side of the Yellowstone River to the other. (Yellowstone National Park, WY)
Here on the wide open range, this bison runs wild with the herd -- of tourists -- on the roadway. (Yellowstone)
This bull elk stopped traffic -- including a tour bus! (Yellowstone)
We found this elk cow up the hill from Old Faithful. (Yellowstone)
The seals and sea lions were thick on the Oregon coast.
Seagulls perch to watch the beautiful Oregon sunset.
This Sea Serpent visited us in Oregon.
This white heron escapes our approach at dock 11, Marina Village in Alameda. (California)
Wildflowers (and some domesticated too)
Beautiful purple wildflower discovered on a Grand Teton hike.
The sun flower reaches. Bidwell House B&B Garden. (Lake Almanor, CA)
Mum's the word to this ladybug. (Cannon Beach, OR)
Robin says, Mexican Hats; Duncan Says Tiny Flamenco Dancers. Neither knows their real name. (Cannon Beach, OR)
Purrdy fleur. (ADM, Tucson)
The rare purple squiggly flower. (ADM, Tucson)
Wildfires
Our arrival back in the USA was greeted by significant wildfires burning in the mountains outside of Tucson. Throughout the west, we dodged wildfires and modified travel routes accordingly.
A dark haze of smoke blankets Tucson.
In the evening, the flames are visible on the hillsides.
As tempting as it would be to report this fire, we refrain.
Optimum fire and forest management in the west generates significant debate.
The interests of forestry, tourism, logging, conservationist, environmentalist, recreation(ist?), home/landowner, farmer/rancher, and watershed management all mesh and conflict in a very confusing way.
It doesn't sound like we have a good plan for the optimal use (or conservation) of the forests, but as your next California Governor, I'll commit to figuring this out once and for all!
A lightning sparked fire burns thousands of acres in Yellowstone. The 1988 fire areas are recovering well.