https://www.faucherphotography.com/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/favorites/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/pacific-northwest/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/kauai/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/montana-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/new-mexico/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/escalante-grand-staircase/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/arches-canyonlands/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/navajolands/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/eastern-sierra/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/northern-california/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/flora/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/kodiak/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/churchill/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/black--white/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/panoramas/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/botswana/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/valley-of-fire/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/pacific-west/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/mountain-west/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/south-west/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/arizona/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/alaska/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/mainland-alaska/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/canada/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/western-canada/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/nevada/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/cathedral-gorge/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/great-basin/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/micheles/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/alaska-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/india/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/greece/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/italy/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/pacific-northwest-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/sardinia--corsica/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/croatia/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/south-west-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/utah/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/new-work-within-past-one-year/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/personal-projects/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/rocks-and-trees/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/derelict-buildings/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/oregon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/california-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/eastern-california/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/death-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/trona-pinnacles/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/eastern-oregon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/western-oregon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/eastern-washington/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/western-washington-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/pyramid-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/great-plains/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/texas/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/colorado/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/idaho/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/wyoming/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/bryce-canyon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/canyon-de-chelly/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/white-pockets/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/gallery/4-corners/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/page/about/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/page/prints/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2856/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230105_0301.jpg Half & Half Rock This is just a small rock feature in the quite large area of Coyote Buttes South, but one could spend hours photographing it from various angles. One could spend a lifetime in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs wilderness and only scratch its surface. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/north-klondike-river-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150705_01523.jpg North Klondike River Valley From its origin in the Ogilvie Mountains, the North Klondike River flows 100 miles west to join the Yukon River at Dawson. It wends its way between the Cloudy Range, on the right, and the Tombstone Range, on the left with the distinctive form of Tombstone Mountain rising in the distance. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2854/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220720_0101.jpg The Cypress Hills are a geographical region of hills in southwestern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta, Canada. The hills are part of the Missouri Coteau upland. The highest point in the Cypress Hills is at Head of the Mountain in Alberta at 1,466 m. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/st-elias-range--aspens/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150906_0198.jpg St. Elias Range & Aspens Early morning light bathes the St Elias Range and a small stand of aspens towering over the Black Spruce forest. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/storm-mountain/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150623_0014.jpg Storm Mountain Threatening clouds pass over Storm Mountain in Banff NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wind-river-formation-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Preacher.jpg Hell's Half Acre Hell's Half Acre is a large scarp located about 40 miles west of Casper, Wyoming on US 20/26. Encompassing 320 acres, this geologic oddity is composed of deep ravines, caves, rock formations and hard-packed eroded earth. To this photographer, the singular formation in the lower right looks like a preacher, extolling his congregation. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/overseer/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Overseer.jpg Overseer Devil's Kitchen, while seldom visited by anyone other than climbers, is one of the true gems of western Wyoming. It's hidden away and a difficult-to-reach location, due to a combination of private land rights, reservation territory, and rough ATV trails. Those challenges limit access only to those who really want it. The dark spire on the highpoint of the ridge appears, to this photographer, to be watching over the surrounding expanse. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-glow-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240628_0312.jpg Morning Glow One of five rocky outcropings atop a prominent ridge extending west from Wilkins Peak, Wyoming. Early morning sun highlights the east-facing sections of the rocks as well as including any on the ridge. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/breakdown-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0087.jpg Breakdown With a rusting farm implement in front and a storage silo beside it, this barn-like building is in the early stages of break down. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/breakdown/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0087_GS.jpg Breakdown With a rusting farm implement in front and a storage silo beside it, this barn-like building is in the early stages of break down. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/school-is-out-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0091.jpg School Is Out Govan is a ghost town with several fascinating abandoned buildings. But the abandoned schoolhouse in this Washington town is likely the most frequently photographed. The schoolhouse was built in 1906. A 1927 fire gutted the town which was completely abandoned by 1942. I made this image of the back of the schoolhouse as the front is the view most commonly made. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/school-is-out-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0091_GS.jpg School Is Out Govan is a ghost town with several fascinating abandoned buildings. But the abandoned schoolhouse in this Washington town is likely the most frequently photographed. The schoolhouse was built in 1906. A 1927 fire gutted the town which was completely abandoned by 1942. I made this image of the back of the schoolhouse as the front is the view most commonly made. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-glow-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240628_0299.jpg Morning Glow One of five rocky outcropings atop a prominent ridge extending west from Wilkins Peak, Wyoming. Early morning sun highlights the east-facing sections of the rocks as well as including any on the ridge. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-glow-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240628_0298.jpg Morning Glow One of five rocky outcropings atop a prominent ridge extending west from Wilkins Peak, Wyoming. Early morning sun highlights the east-facing sections of the rocks as well as including any on the ridge. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-glow-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240628_0297.jpg Morning Glow One of five rocky outcropings atop a prominent ridge extending west from Wilkins Peak, Wyoming. Early morning sun highlights the east-facing sections of the rocks as well as including any on the ridge. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/highlighted-features/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240628_0296.jpg Highlighted Features One of five rocky outcropings atop a prominent ridge extending west from Wilkins Peak, Wyoming. Early morning sun highlights the east-facing sections including the striae on the ridge. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2833/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_2407110028.jpg Widespread Destruction Multiple buildings, encountered along the Molson Road in NE Washington, exhibit remarkable levels of destruction and collapse. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/widespread-destruction/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_2407110028_GS.jpg Widespread Destruction Multiple buildings, encountered along the Molson Road in NE Washington, exhibit remarkable levels of destruction and colapse. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/school-is-out-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0090.jpg School Is Out Govan is a ghost town with several fascinating abandoned buildings. But the abandoned schoolhouse in this Washington town is likely the most frequently photographed. The schoolhouse was built in 1906. A 1927 fire gutted the town which was completely abandoned by 1942. I made this image of the back of the schoolhouse as the front is the view most commonly made. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/school-is-out/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0090_GS.jpg School Is Out Govan is a ghost town with several fascinating abandoned buildings. But the abandoned schoolhouse in this Washington town is likely the most frequently photographed. The schoolhouse was built in 1906. A 1927 fire gutted the town which was completely abandoned by 1942. I made this image of the back of the schoolhouse as the front is the view most commonly made. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/break-down-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0086.jpg Break Down With a rusting farm implement in front and a storage silo beside it, this barn-like building is in the early stages of break down. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/break-down/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0086_GS.jpg Break Down With a rusting farm implement in front and a storage silo beside it, this barn-like building is in the early stages of break down. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunlight-basin/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240624_0158.jpg Sunlight Basin One of the prettiest places in Wyoming with remote mountains, historic mining remains, permanent snowfields & glaciers, creeks, waterfalls, canyons, and wildlife. Geology includes a volcanic complex, granitic basement, the Heart Mountain Detachment Slide and Pleistocene glaciation. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dead-indian-summit-overlook/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dead-Indian-Summit-Overlook.jpg Dead Indian Summit Overlook Dead Indian Pass is a mountain pass on Wyoming Highway 296. The pass is located on Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and crosses the Absaroka Range. From this pespective one can see the tortuous path of the road, Steamboat Mountain in front of the glorious Sunlight Basin with White Mountain behind it and a sliver of the rocky valley of the Clark Fork of the yellowstone River. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2817/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Goosberry-Badlands.jpg Gooseberry Badlands The Gooseberry Badlands are located in northern Wyoming's Bighorn Basin. The rocks here are part of the Eocene-aged Willwood Formation, a succession of nonmarine, mixed siliciclastic sedimentary rocks (shales to sandstones). "Badlands" classically refers to land that is unsuitable for farming. Such landscapes are dominated by relatively soft shales and mudrocks, which weather and erode quickly into steep slopes with little to no soil and little to no vegetation. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/devils-kitchen-panorama/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Devils-Kitchen.jpg Devil's Kitchen Devil's Kitchen, while seldom visited by anyone other than climbers, is one of the true gems of western Wyoming. It's hidden away and a difficult-to-reach location, due to a combination of private land rights, reservation territory, and rough ATV trails. Those challenges limit access only to those who really want it. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/spectacle/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240626_0258.jpg Gooseberry Badlands The Gooseberry Badlands are located in northern Wyoming's Bighorn Basin. The rocks here are part of the Eocene-aged Willwood Formation, a succession of nonmarine, mixed siliciclastic sedimentary rocks (shales to sandstones). "Badlands" classically refers to land that is unsuitable for farming. Such landscapes are dominated by relatively soft shales and mudrocks, which weather and erode quickly into steep slopes with little to no soil and little to no vegetation. This image was captured as the end of day's most colorful light illuminated the west-facing rocks manifesting the spectacular red-orange reflection. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2814/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0024.jpg Ramshackle Morning light brightens an isolated ramshackle home in the vast prairie near Molson, Washington. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2813/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0024_GS.jpg Ramshackle Morning light brightens an isolated ramshackle home in the vast prairie near Molson, Washington. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/catastrophe-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240626_0211_GS_2.jpg Catastrophe What was once a sturdy log home along Ten Sleep Creek has suffered a catastrophic collapse of its roof. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/catastrophe-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240626_0211_2.jpg Catastrophe What was once a sturdy log home along Ten Sleep Creek has suffered a catastrophic collapse of its roof. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/catastrophe-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240626_0211.jpg Catastrophe What was once a sturdy log home along Ten Sleep Creek has suffered a catastrophic collapse of its roof. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/catastrophe/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240626_0211_GS.jpg Catastrophe What was once a sturdy log home along Ten Sleep Creek has suffered a catastrophic collapse of its roof. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wife-approved-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_190121-2.jpg Wife-Approved Early morning light breaks under clouds, washing over what appears to be a multi-stall horse barn, near a small lake in an area designated as Wife-Approved Huts near Greybull, Wyoming. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-gulch-6/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_2406250190_crop.jpg Red Gulch Along the Red Gulch Road, you can also see the red hills of the Chugwater formation, formed 230 million years ago, when the sea did cover most of Wyoming. Later, rugged, steep canyons, caves and unique table rocks were eroded by water and carved by wind. This is likely the most unusual scenic byway in all of Wyoming. Take your time, explore the ancient history and savor the remoteness of the place. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-gulch-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240625_0203_crop.jpg Red Gulch Along the Red Gulch Road, you can also see the red hills of the Chugwater formation, formed 230 million years ago, when the sea did cover most of Wyoming. Later, rugged, steep canyons, caves and unique table rocks were eroded by water and carved by wind. This is likely the most unusual scenic byway in all of Wyoming. Take your time, explore the ancient history and savor the remoteness of the place. This wide open area features a number of stratified dunes. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-rocks-blue-sky/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240625_0194_2.jpg Red Gulch Along the Red Gulch Road, you can also see the red hills of the Chugwater formation, formed 230 million years ago, when the sea did cover most of Wyoming. Later, rugged, steep canyons, caves and unique table rocks were eroded by water and carved by wind. This is likely the most unusual scenic byway in all of Wyoming. Take your time, explore the ancient history and savor the remoteness of the place. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-gulch-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240625_0192crop.jpg Red Gulch Along the Red Gulch Road, you can also see the red hills of the Chugwater formation, formed 230 million years ago, when the sea did cover most of Wyoming. Later, rugged, steep canyons, caves and unique table rocks were eroded by water and carved by wind. This is likely the most unusual scenic byway in all of Wyoming. Take your time, explore the ancient history and savor the remoteness of the place. Lone, dead Cottonwood seems to have run its course. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/retired-air-bnb-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_083124.jpg Retired Air BNB Remains of a structure encountered along Highway 2 in Montana. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/retired-air-bnb/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_083124_GS.jpg Retired Air BNB Remains of a structure encountered along Highway 2 in Montana. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/twin-sphinxes-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_6576.jpg Twin Sphinxes A pair of hoodoos encountered in Makoshika SP, Montana, with an uncanny resemblance to sphinxes, the mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of an animal, commonly a lion. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/upper-missouri-river-breaks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/image000001.jpg Upper Missouri River Breaks It's really tough to get to see the heart of the Missouri Breaks. Here US 191 gets you right to James Kipp Campground where you get the chance to camp near the Missouri River. This campground is only about a half mile off the highway on the Missouri River and near the CMR Refuge. It is approximately 28 miles to the small town of Roy for gas or groceries. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/twin-sphinxes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/4x5-Sphinxes.jpg Twin Sphinxes A pair of hoodoos encountered in Makoshika SP, Montana, with an uncanny resemblance to sphinexs, the mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of an animal, commonly a lion. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/disregarded/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0089_GS-2.jpg Disregarded Govan is a ghost town with several fascinating abandoned buildings.The abandoned schoolhouse in this Washington town is likely the most frequently photographed. The schoolhouse was built in 1906. A 1927 fire gutted the town which was completely abandoned by 1942. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-red-wall-of-infamy-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240627_0281_sm.jpg The Red Wall of Infamy The Red Wall is a long, southeast-to-northwest escarpment of red sandstone and shale that marks the southern end of the Big Horn Mountains. In the area of the Red Wall is where you'll see some stands of Ponderosa pines. The South Big Horn-Red Wall Scenic Byway is in an area made famous by the presence of many of the Old West's most famous outlaws, because this is the southern gateway to Hole-in-the-Wall country, the stomping grounds of Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid and various other members of the Hole-in-the-Wall gang. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/disreguarded/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0089.jpg Disreguarded Govan is a ghost town with several fascinating abandoned buildings.The abandoned schoolhouse in this Washington town is likely the most frequently photographed. The schoolhouse was built in 1906. A 1927 fire gutted the town which was completely abandoned by 1942. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rrf_062624_0210/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_062624_0210.jpg Gooseberry Badlands The Gooseberry Badlands are located in northern Wyoming's Bighorn Basin. The rocks here are part of the Eocene-aged Willwood Formation, a succession of nonmarine, mixed siliciclastic sedimentary rocks (shales to sandstones). "Badlands" classically refers to land that is unsuitable for farming. Such landscapes are dominated by relatively soft shales and mudrocks, which weather and erode quickly into steep slopes with little to no soil and little to no vegetation. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rrf_240625_0189jpg/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240625_0189.jpg Devil's Kitchen Devil's Kitchen, while seldom visited by anyone other than climbers, is one of the true gems of western Wyoming. It's hidden away and a difficult-to-reach location, due to a combination of private land rights, reservation territory, and rough ATV trails. Those challenges limit access only to those who really want it. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/serene-reflection-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240618_0016.jpg Serene Reflection The remains of the town of Nighthawk stand along the Similkameen River in an area where nighthawks, sometimes called "bull bats," were very prevalent. The supply center that sprung up here was named for the birds. This structure, reflected on the river, is adjacent to a bridge crossing the river. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/serene-reflection-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240618_0016.jpg Serene Reflection The remains of the town of Nighthawk stand along the Similkameen River in an area where nighthawks, sometimes called "bull bats," were very prevalent. The supply center that sprung up here was named for the birds. This structure, reflected on the river, is adjacent to a bridge crossing the river. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/devils-kitchen-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240625_0189.jpg Devil's Kitchen Devil's Kitchen, while seldom visited by anyone other than climbers, is one of the true gems of western Wyoming. It's hidden away and a difficult-to-reach location, due to a combination of private land rights, reservation territory, and rough ATV trails. Those challenges limit access only to those who really want it. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/highlight-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240627_0277_CU.jpg Highlight Hell's Half Acre is a large scarp located about 40 miles west of Casper, Wyoming on US 20/26. Encompassing 320 acres, this geologic oddity is composed of deep ravines, caves, rock formations and hard-packed eroded earth. This closer view captures the most prominent hoodoo, highlighted, making it more dominant. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/well-earned-rest-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240628_0311.jpg Well-earned Rest A sagging log cabin and companion collapsing log structure, rest in the sprawling farmlands around Bancroft, Idaho Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/well-earned-rest/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240628_0311_GS.jpg Well-earned Rest A sagging log cabin and companion collapsing log structure, rest in the sprawling farmlands around Bancroft, Idaho Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/nondescript-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240628_0309.jpg Nondescript A nondescript, abandoned building, adjacent to a farm road entrance and a railrod track, does not seem to offer enough details to help determine its former meaning for existing or doing something. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/nondescript/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240628_0309_GS.jpg Nondescript A nondescript, abandoned building, adjacent to a farm road entrance and a railrod track, does not seem to offer enough details to help determine its former meaning for existing or doing something. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/outlived-its-usefulness-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240628_0303.jpg Outlived Its Usefulness Failing barn with attached corral stands alone in the Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming. Centered around a 20-mile stretch of the Bear River Valley and its associated wetlands and uplands, the refuge supports one of the highest densities of nesting waterfowl in Wyoming. These wetlands within the Bear River Valley provide excellent habitat for migratory and resident wildlife species. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/outlived-its-usefulness/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240628_0303_GS.jpg Outlived Its Usefulness Failing barn with attached corral stands alone in the Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming. Centered around a 20-mile stretch of the Bear River Valley and its associated wetlands and uplands, the refuge supports one of the highest densities of nesting waterfowl in Wyoming. These wetlands within the Bear River Valley provide excellent habitat for migratory and resident wildlife species. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lost-in-time-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240627_0291.jpg Lost in Time What appears to be a conjoined duplex along South Pass City Road, Lander, Wyoming. The front porch and immediately-surrounding land have many artifacts of a former bountiful time. Today, everything seems to be locked in the past. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lost-in-time/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240627_0291_GS.jpg Lost in Time What appears to be a conjoined duplex along South Pass City Road, Lander, Wyoming. The front porch and immediately-surrounding land have many artifacts of a former bountiful time. Today, everything seems to be locked in the past. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/boom--bust/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240627_0288.jpg Boom & Bust Thousands rushed to the South Pass area of Wyoming following the find of substantial gold deposits at the Carissa Mine in 1867. As the boom gained steam, the Carissa sat at the center of mining development, serving as the primary economic force for South Pass City. A large project that modernized the Carissa during the winter of 1928-29 created additional facilities that were both newly built and moved to the site. The Mine closed in 1949 and the State of Wyoming acquired it in 2003, designating it an historic site. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/carissa-mine/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Carissa-Mine.jpg Carissa Mine & Mill Thousands rushed to the South Pass area of Wyoming following the find of substantial gold deposits at the Carissa Mine in 1867. As the boom gained steam, the Carissa sat at the center of mining development, serving as the primary economic force for South Pass City. A large project that modernized the Carissa during the winter of 1928-29 created additional facilities that were both newly built and moved to the site. The Mine closed in 1949 and the State of Wyoming acquired it in 2003, designating it an historic site. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/carissa-mine--mill/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Carissa-Mine_GS.jpg Carissa Mine & Mill Thousands rushed to the South Pass area of Wyoming following the find of substantial gold deposits at the Carissa Mine in 1867. As the boom gained steam, the Carissa sat at the center of mining development, serving as the primary economic force for South Pass City. A large project that modernized the Carissa during the winter of 1928-29 created additional facilities that were both newly built and moved to the site. The Mine closed in 1949 and the State of Wyoming acquired it in 2003, designating it an historic site. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/luxuriant-growth-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240627_0284.jpg Luxuriant Growth Generally withstanding the elements, this log structure is experiencing the effects of neglect with derelict portions of fencing and steady engulfment by overgrowth of the grasses and giant sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata). Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/luxuriant-growth/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240627_0284_GS.jpg Luxuriant Growth Generally withstanding the elements, this log structure is experiencing the effects of neglect with derelict portions of fencing and steady engulfment by overgrowth of the grasses and giant sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata). Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/facade/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240627_0282.jpg Facade While photographing this half-buried structure, a resident of South Pass City stoped me to say this was his uncle's garage. When I questioned how he could get any vehicle into it, he stated that after the State bought all the property they took the garage door off and replaced it with this rock and mortar version. South Pass City is a former station on the Oregon Trail. It became a ghost town after later gold mines were closed. The entire community is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The closest town is Atlantic City. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rows-of-verticals/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240627_0276.jpg Hell's Half Acre Hell's Half Acre is a large scarp located about 40 miles west of Casper, Wyoming on US 20/26. Encompassing 320 acres, this geologic oddity is composed of deep ravines, caves, rock formations and hard-packed eroded earth. This image captures some vertical erosion formations arranged along straight rows. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/striations/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240627_0266.jpg Hell's Half Acre Hell's Half Acre is a large scarp located about 40 miles west of Casper, Wyoming on US 20/26. Encompassing 320 acres, this geologic oddity is composed of deep ravines, caves, rock formations and hard-packed eroded earth. This image captures a wall of alternating red/white striae. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/deep-erosion/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240627_0265.jpg Hell's Half Acre Hell's Half Acre is a large scarp located about 40 miles west of Casper, Wyoming on US 20/26. Encompassing 320 acres, this geologic oddity is composed of deep ravines, caves, rock formations and hard-packed eroded earth. This image captures the deeply eroded soft rocks immediately below the picnic area (no longer accessible). Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wind-river-formation/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240627_0264.jpg Hell's Half Acre Hell's Half Acre is a large scarp located about 40 miles west of Casper, Wyoming on US 20/26. Encompassing 320 acres, this geologic oddity is composed of deep ravines, caves, rock formations and hard-packed eroded earth. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hoodoos-and-hills-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240626_0222.jpg Gooseberry Badlands The Gooseberry Badlands are located in northern Wyoming's Bighorn Basin. The rocks here are part of the Eocene-aged Willwood Formation, a succession of nonmarine, mixed siliciclastic sedimentary rocks (shales to sandstones). "Badlands" classically refers to land that is unsuitable for farming. Such landscapes are dominated by relatively soft shales and mudrocks, which weather and erode quickly into steep slopes with little to no soil and little to no vegetation. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hoodoos-and-hills-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240626_0219.jpg Gooseberry Badlands The Gooseberry Badlands are located in northern Wyoming's Bighorn Basin. The rocks here are part of the Eocene-aged Willwood Formation, a succession of nonmarine, mixed siliciclastic sedimentary rocks (shales to sandstones). "Badlands" classically refers to land that is unsuitable for farming. Such landscapes are dominated by relatively soft shales and mudrocks, which weather and erode quickly into steep slopes with little to no soil and little to no vegetation. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hoodoos-and-hills-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240626_0216.jpg Gooseberry Badlands The Gooseberry Badlands are located in northern Wyoming's Bighorn Basin. The rocks here are part of the Eocene-aged Willwood Formation, a succession of nonmarine, mixed siliciclastic sedimentary rocks (shales to sandstones). "Badlands" classically refers to land that is unsuitable for farming. Such landscapes are dominated by relatively soft shales and mudrocks, which weather and erode quickly into steep slopes with little to no soil and little to no vegetation. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hoodoos-and-hills/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240626_0215.jpg Gooseberry Badlands The Gooseberry Badlands are located in northern Wyoming's Bighorn Basin. The rocks here are part of the Eocene-aged Willwood Formation, a succession of nonmarine, mixed siliciclastic sedimentary rocks (shales to sandstones). "Badlands" classically refers to land that is unsuitable for farming. Such landscapes are dominated by relatively soft shales and mudrocks, which weather and erode quickly into steep slopes with little to no soil and little to no vegetation. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/disowned-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240626_0209.jpg Disowned An abandoned storefront building encountered near Ten Sleep, Wyoming shows the effects of neglect and extreme weather. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/disowned/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240626_0209_GS.jpg Disowned An abandoned storefront building encountered near Ten Sleep, Wyoming shows the effects of neglect and extreme weather. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/challengeing-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240625_0178.jpg Devil's Kitchen Devil's Kitchen, while seldom visited by anyone other than climbers, is one of the true gems of western Wyoming. It's hidden away and a difficult-to-reach location, due to a combination of private land rights, reservation territory, and rough ATV trails. Those challenges limit access only to those who really want it. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/challengeing/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240625_0176.jpg Devil's Kitchen Devil's Kitchen, while seldom visited by anyone other than climbers, is one of the true gems of western Wyoming. It's hidden away and a difficult-to-reach location, due to a combination of private land rights, reservation territory, and rough ATV trails. Those challenges limit access only to those who really want it. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/multiple-failures-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0072_GS.jpg Multiple Failures Multiple structures with extensive damage, encountered near Republic, Washington Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sweet-spot-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240621_0099_GS.jpg Sweet Spot This lovely combination of buildings in Sweet Grass County is conveniently located along Highway 191 in Montana. It is also fronted by the South Fork of Ten mile Creek, at my feet. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/serene-reflection-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240618_0016_GS.jpg Serene Reflection The remains of the town of Nighthawk stand along the Similkameen River in an area where nighthawks, sometimes called "bull bats," were very prevalent. The supply center that sprung up here was named for the birds. This structure, reflected on the river, is adjacent to a bridge crossing the river. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/inspired-tragedy-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240624_0135_GS.jpg Inspired Tragedy What appears to be too large for a lineman's hut, is also too elegant to have been built by a rancher in this desolate area outside Deaver, Wyoming. Maybe it was designed and built by Howard Hughes. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/conumdrum/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240624_0133_GS.jpg Conundrum An abandoned home in Bridger, Montana is showing plenty of signs of early collapse—sagging porch roof, broken and missing windows, loss of roof integrity, and unkempt surroundings. The future is not a mystery. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/slowly-succumbing-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240621_0102GS.jpg Slowly Succumbing What appears to be a horse barn/workshop combination, was encountered in Sweet Grass County along Highway 191 in Montana near the South Fork of Tenmile Creek. The slow and persistent collapse has made it unsuitable for housing horses and unsafe for workers, hence the barricaded door. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lean-on-me-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240620_0095_GS.jpg Lean On Me While touring the Lee Metcalf NWR, along Wild Fowl Lane in Stevensville, Montana, I encountered what appears to be a blind for observing water fowl in Spring Creek. It also appears that some small trees have grown next to it and relied on the blind for support. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/remakable-collapse/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0079_GS.jpg Remarkable Collapse Large structure, encountered along the Molson Road in NE Washington, exhibits a remarkable level of destruction and collapse. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/multiple-victims-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0075_GS.jpg Multiple Victims Extreme damage to multiple structures encountered near Wilbur, Washington. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/arrested-decay-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0067_GS.jpg Arrested Decay Surrounded by trees coupled with the Toroda Creek behind, its porch demolished, this one-time home has clearly become exemplary of the town's intentions—keep everything in a state of "arrested decay" which adds to the feeling of stepping back in time. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2715/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0052_GS.jpg Heavy Damage What appears to be a home in Bodie, Washington shows heavy damage to its roof while the outbuilding behind it appears to be intact Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2714/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0048_GS.jpg Overwhelmed A small shed, adjacent to a corral, shows substantial damage to its roof. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/emerging-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0036_GS.jpg Emerging An old structure, enveloped by heavy fog, is beginning to make itself visible while the surrounding environment is nearly completely obscured. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/familiar-sight-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240618_0003_GS.jpg Familiar Sight This structure is one of a small number of dilapidated buildings often photographed in Nighthawk, Washington. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/potential-flipper-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1938_GS.jpg Potential Flipper Another property that needs repair and renovation so it can be "flipped" as an invstment property. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fixer-upper-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1937_GS.jpg Fixer-Upper A candidate for repairs that may be someone's investment property. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-fork-barn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/South-Fork-Barn.jpg South Fork Barn This lovely combination of buildings in Sweet Grass County is conveniently located along Highway 191 in Montana. It is also fronted by the South Fork of Tenmile Creek, at my feet. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunlight-basin-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240711015.jpg Sunlight Basin The Chief Joseph Scenic Highway is also known as the Sunlight Basin Road. The road passes breathtaking sights including Sunlight Valley the dramatic deep granite-lined canyon of the Clark Fork of the Yellowstone River and a huge array of wildlife. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunlight-basin-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240711015_crop.jpg Sunlight Basin The Chief Joseph Scenic Highway is also known as the Sunlight Basin Road. The road passes breathtaking sights including Sunlight Valley the dramatic deep granite-lined canyon of the Clark Fork of the Yellowstone River and a huge array of wildlife. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/inspired-tragedy/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240624_0135.jpg Inspired Tragedy What appears to be too large for a lineman's hut, is also too elegant to have been built by a rancher in this desolate area outside Deaver, Wyoming. Maybe it was designed and built by Howard Hughes. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/conundrum/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240624_0133.jpg Conundrum An abandoned home in Bridger, Montana is showing plenty of signs of early collapse—sagging porch roof, broken and missing windows, loss of roof integrity and unkempt surroundings. The future is not a mystery. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/big-sky-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240621.0001.jpg Big Sky Morning Dawn floods the skies above Sacagawea Peak, near Three Forks, Montana. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/melville-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240621_0111.jpg Melville Morning Melville is an unincorporated community in northern Sweet Grass County, Montana. It lies along the Sweet Grass Creek and local roads just west of U.S. Route 191, north of the city of Big Timber, the county seat of Sweet Grass County. Melville may be small but boasts some pretty sizable ranches—sheep and bison—with plenty of prairie to graze. This morning I was blessed with spectacular light and plentiful clouds. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/slowly-succumbing/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240621_0102.jpg Slowly Succumbing What appears to be a horse barn/workshop combination, was encountered in Sweet Grass County along Highway 191 in Montana near the South Fork of Tenmile Creek. The slow and persistent collapse has made it unsuitable for housing horses and unsafe for workers, hence the barricaded door. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sweet-spot/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240621_0099.jpg Sweet Spot This lovely combination of buildings in Sweet Grass County is conveniently located along Highway 191 in Montana. It is also fronted by the South fork of Tenmile Creek, at my feet. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/easy-living/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240621_0096.jpg Easy Living With a moderate amount of deterioration, this horse barn, surrounded by trees backed up to Big Timber Creek, may have been built in the best location for miles. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lean-on-me/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240620_0095.jpg Lean On Me While touring the Lee Metcalf NWR, along Wild Fowl Lane in Stevensville, Montana, I encountered what appears to be a blind for observing water fowl in Spring Creek. It also appears that some small trees have grown next to it and relied on the blind for support. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/remarkable-collapse/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0079.jpg Remarkable Collapse Large structure, encountered along the Molson Road in NE Washington, exhibits a remarkable level of destruction and collapse. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/multiple-victims/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0075.jpg Multiple Victims Extreme damage to multiple structures encountered near Wilbur, Washington. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/multiple-failures/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0072.jpg Multiple Failures Multiple structures with extensive damage, encountered near Republic, Washington Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/arrested-decay/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0067.jpg Arrested Decay Surrounded by trees coupled with the Toroda Creek behind, its porch demolished, this one-time home has clearly become exemplary of the town's intentions—keep everything in a state of "arrested decay" which adds to the feeling of stepping back in time. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/heavy-damage-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0052.jpg Heavy Damage What appears to be a home in Bodie, Washington, shows heavy damage to its roof while the outbuilding behind it appears to be intact Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/oveerwhelmed/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0048.jpg Overwhelmed A small shed, adjacent to a corral, shows substantial damage to its roof. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/patiently-waiting/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0044.jpg Patiently Waiting A pair of ranch buildings, in various stages of decline, bide their time along Myers Creek near Chesaw, Washington. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/emerging-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0036.jpg Emerging An old structure, enveloped by heavy fog, is beginning to make itself visible while the surrounding environment is nearly completely obscured. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/eye-catcher/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240619_0033.jpg Eye-catcher This scene along Chesaw Road near Molson was impossible to ignore—the morning light on the valley with two trees dominating the foreground, the parallel tracks heading up the hill, the separated conifers on the ridge backlit by bright fog—all contributors and no distractors. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/familiar-sight/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_240618_0003.jpg Familiar Sight This structure is one of a small number of dilapidated buildings often photographed in Nighthawk, Washington. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/potential-flipper/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1938.jpg Potential Flipper Another property that needs repair and renovation so it can be "flipped" as an investment property. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fixer-upper/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1937.jpg Fixer-upper A candidate for repairs that may be someone's investment property. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-little-upkeep-please/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230615_190178_GS.jpg A Little Upkeep, Please. Encountered on Parvin Road, near Colfax, Washington, a barn with a Gambrel roof and adjacent corral exhibit the need for a little upkeep. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-layers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_090508_0773.jpg Light Layers Early sunrise strikes the most distant bdlands formations, rendering them golden, while the closer formations remain relatively unchanged and the foreground is predominantly in deep shadows. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/late-lunch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_070421_0014.jpg Osprey The osprey (Pandion haliaetus), also called sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey with a cosmopolitan range. It is a large raptor, reaching more than 60 cm (24 in) in length and 180 cm (71 in) across the wings. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts. The osprey tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location near a body of water providing an adequate food supply. As its other common names suggest, the osprey's diet consists almost exclusively of fish. It possesses specialised physical characteristics and unique behaviour in hunting its prey. Its unique characteristics classify it in its own taxonomic genus, Pandion, and family, Pandionidae. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2641/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Best-Light.jpg Best Light One of the most prominent, and certainly most photographed, structures in Makoshika SP is graced with late afternoon light, making it glow as well as defining its rugged facade. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/drama-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140915_0047_GS.jpg Drama Tuff hoodoos, similar in form to sandstone hoodoos but lacking their variations in color, stand as testimonials to the geologic history of the region. On this day they are doing their best imitations of Easter Island's Moai, greeting monsoonal clouds as they streek across the sky above Plaza Blanca, near Abiquiu, New Mexico. Plaza Blanca https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alvord-desert-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0910-GS.jpg Alvord Desert Alvord Lake, in the Alvord Desert, lies below Steens Mountain Oregon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/catlow-valley-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190321_0901.jpg Catlow Valley Flook Lake Road intersects with Rock Creek Road in Catlow Valley, perfect habitat for Pronghorn, between Hart Mountain and Steens Mountain. Oregon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mount-index-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_130113_0081_GS.jpg Mount Index Mount Index appears above the Index River as storm clouds form behind her https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/judith-pool-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_120706_0105.jpg Judith Pool Falls Runoff water from Judith Pool drops over the cliff into Potholes Coolee on its way to flow into the Ancient Lakes, sitting high above the Columbia River Upper Columbia River Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2634/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_120411_0010_GS.jpg Sherwood Valley On a cold, foggy day an old oak, cloaked in moss and sheltered by an outcropping spreads its limbs as if signaling surrender Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bear-valley-breakout/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_130407_0039.jpg Bear Valley Breakout A break in the rain provides illumination on a lonely oak tree, high on a hill sprouting new spring grass, above Bear Creek. California https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/spring-storm-in-navajoland/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170428_0117_GS.jpg Spring Storm Bennett Peak is one of the major diatremes of the Four Corners area, and with significant relief as it rises 1,175 feet above the high-desert plain. It is situated about 22 miles south of Shiprock, the most famous of these diatremes. Four Corners https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/drama/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140915_0047_GS.jpg Drama Tuff hoodoos, similar in form to sandstone hoodoos but lacking their variations in color, stand as testimonials to the geologic history of the region. On this day they are doing their best imitations of Easter Island's Moai, greeting monsoonal clouds as they streek across the sky above Plaza Blanca, near Abiquiu, New Mexico. Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cape-mendocino-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_090820_0153.jpg Cape Mendocino Cape Mendocino, located on the Lost Coast entirely within Humboldt County, California, is the westernmost point on the coast of California. California https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/evening-glow-7/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_090504_0460.jpg Evening Glow Evening light on the buttes and couds creates a warm glow. Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/totem-pole-yei-bi-chei--meridian-butte/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_090504_0407.jpg Totem Pole, Yei Bi Chei & Meridian Butte The Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei rock formations, with Meridian Butte and Rooster Rock in the background, Monument Valley Tribal Park, Arizona. Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rock-creek/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_2306190168.jpg Rock Creek The tumbling water of Upper Rock Creek, thousands of feet below the Beartooth Highway. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/first-light-7/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1317.jpg Last Light Last direct light of afternoon graces the highest reaches of eroded hills and soft light opens the shadows below in Badlands NP. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/first-light-6/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180707_0111.jpg First Light With cloudy skies and a rainbow across the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness in Utah as a background, the first direct rays of sunrise strike some of the taller formations at the White Pockets on Paria Plateau in Arizona. The lower elevations remain in shadow with a slight glow of reflected light warming the lightest portions of brain rock in the foreground. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/flat-creek/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150703_0112_GS.jpg Flat Creek A small tributary creek meanders toward Flat Creek before it joins the Klondike River Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2621/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_2306190183.jpg Wild Roses Along the Kootenai River The botanical term for wild rose is "species rose", which means just what it says—a species that occurs naturally, with no help from man—a true "wildflower." There are numerous types of wild roses, including: The Bristly Rose, The Wood's Rose, The Seven Sisters Rose, Carolina Rose, Pomifera Rose, and Sweetbriar Rose. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/kinney-coulee/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230609_190058.jpg Kinney Coulee Badlands and sandstone sculpture displays are found throughout Montana east of the mountains. Makoshika State Park, on the south edge of Glendive, is perhaps the best-known accumulation of these austere places. Kinney Coulee trail is a short but rugged 1-mile loop, you'll encounter badlands, hoodoos, panoramas, and rock ledges with photo-worthy sights throughout the hike. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/erosion-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230608_190046.jpg Erosion Badlands and sandstone sculpture displays are found throughout Montana east of the mountains. Makoshika State Park, on the south edge of Glendive, is perhaps the best-known accumulation of these austere places. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/no-name-bridge-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230118_0406_GS.jpg No Name Bridge Camas Prairie Railroad trestle over old Highway 95 south of Lawyer Creek, Idaho near Cottonwood, Ferdinand, ID. Just down from Lawyers Canyon Bridge on the former Camas Prairie railroad's 2nd subdivision is this beautiful Bridge with no name. This line ran from Spaulding ID (just east of Lewiston ID) to Grangeville ID, approximately 62 miles. The line has not seen trains for about 10 years and is officially abandoned. The bridge is located next to highway 95 a few miles south of Craigmont ID. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wife-approved-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_190121.jpg Wife-Approved Early morning light breaks under clouds over what appears to be a multi-stall horse barn near a small lake in an area designated as Wife-Approved Huts near Greybull, Wyoming. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wife-approved-hut/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_190121_GS.jpg Wife-Approved Hut Early morning light breaks under clouds over what appears to be a multi-stall horse barn near a small lake in an area designated as Wife-Approved Huts near Greybull, Wyoming. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/all-fall-down/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1759.jpg All Fall Down A settler's log cabin is slowly falling down upon itself in the Manning Bottoms/Pugh Coulee region within the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area of ihe Charles M. Russell NWR. A more recent cabin in the background appears to be in better condition but the roof is showing serious damage. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/humbug-spires/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230606_1751.jpg Humbug Spires The Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area along Moose Creek Road, Montana, features over 50 towering quartz spires ranging from 300 to 600 feet. Their gleaming white granite is probably the densest and finest grained of all the Boulder batholith stone. The vertical cracks and challenging roof systems that make up the spires combine to make this one of the premier climbing areas in a state that has so many quality destinations. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/toadstool-hoodoos-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230103_0244.jpg Toadstool Hoodoos The Toadstool Hoodoos are located in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an area known as The Rimrocks. They are balanced rock formations that look like toadstools or mushrooms. The base of the hoodoo is Entrada sandstone and the top is made of Dakota sandstone. The unique mushroom shape comes from erosion. Since the Entrada sandstone is softer, it wears away while the top stays intact. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunlit-island-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_1792.jpg Sunlit Island This morning a strong shaft of light illuminated an eroded badland "island." Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2610/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1762.jpg Collapse A settler's log cabin is slowly falling down upon itself in the Manning Bottoms/Pugh Coulee region within the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area of Charles M. Russell NWR. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2608/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1689_2.jpg Sunset Sunset over the Utah desert near Orangeville. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/treasure-of-the-past-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230610_190087_GS.jpg Treasure of the Past The Thunder Basin National Grassland is located in southeastern Montana in the Powder River Basin between the Big Horn Mountains and the Black Hills. A old, small, barn-like structure in poor condition stands alone in the Thunder Basin National Grassland. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2606/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230619_1788.jpg Highlight A small area of badlands in a vast prairie is highlighted by early afternoon sun. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-little-upkeep-please-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230615_190178.jpg A Little Upkeep, Please. Encountered on Parvin Road, near Colfax, Washington, a barn with a Gambrel roof and adjacent corral exhibit the need for a little upkeep. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stages-of-deecline/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230615_190174.jpg Stages of Decline Located on Highway 195 near Colfax, Washington, a barn-corral complex is in various stages of decline. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/little-bear-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_190136.jpg Little Bear Lake Little Bear Lake, its surface and shoreline still covered with snow and ice, is immediately adjacent to the Beartooth Highway. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/beartooth-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_190135.jpg Beartooth Lake Beartooth Lake is a spectacular high-mountain lake located along the famous Beartooth Highway (U.S. Hwy 212). The lake is a popular destination in a pristine alpine setting. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/skalkaho-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_-23612_1801.jpg Skalkaho Falls Located along Skalkaho Highway (MT-38), between Hamilton and Phillipsburg, Skalkaho Falls is in the Sapphire Mountains within Bitterroot National Forest. The water of Skalkaho Creek cascades down over 150 feet, providing impressive views and great photo opportunities. One can stand at its base and walk directly across the face, and never get your feet wet. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2600/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230609_190082psb.jpg The Story of Grass The story of Powder River Basin is—in reality—the story of grass. Grass has translated to the economic basis for cultures in western North America for 10,000 years or more. That vegetation has since become an even bigger piece of the Powder River Basin story: plants buried millions of years that have cured into thick coal seams underground. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2599/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230609_190082_GS.jpg The Story of Grass This story of Powder River Basin is—in reality—the story of grass. Grass has translated to the economic basis for cultures in western North America for 10,000 years or more. That vegetation has since become an even bigger piece of the Powder River Basin story: plants buried millions of years that have cured into thick coal seams underground. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wife-approved/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_190121_GS.jpg Wife-Approved Hut Early morning light breaks under clouds over what appears to be a multi-stall horse barn near a small lake in an area designated as Wife-Approved Huts near Greybull, Wyoming. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/untold-stories-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230618_190198.jpg Untold Stories A field bisected by Bonaparte Creek, near Tonasket, Washington, holds this slumping structure, which may have once served as a home, judging by the chimney. To this photographer, these abandoned structures have amassed untold stories that will never be told. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2595/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230618_190195.jpg Untold Stories A field bisected by Bonaparte Creek, near Tonasket, Washington, holds this slumping structure, which may have once served as a home, judging by the chimney. To this photographer, these abandoned structures have amassed untold stories that will never be told. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2594/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230618_190195_GS.jpg Untold Stories A field bisected by Bonaparte Creek, near Tonasket, Washington, holds this slumping structure, which may have once served as a home, judging by the chimney. To this photographer, these abandoned structures have amassed untold stories that will never be told. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/untold-stories/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230618_190198_GS.jpg Untold Stories A field bisected by Bonaparte Creek, near Tonasket, Washington, holds this slumping structure, which may have once served as a home, judging by the chimney. To this photographer, these abandoned structures have amassed untold stories that will never be told. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cains-coulee-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230609_1775.jpg Cains Coulee Badlands and sandstone sculpture displays are found throughout Montana east of the mountains. Makoshika State Park, on the south edge of Glendive, is perhaps the best-known accumulation of these austere places. This view is of Cains Coulee from Cains Coulee Overlook. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cains-coulee/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230609_1774.jpg Cains Coulee Badlands and sandstone sculpture displays are found throughout Montana east of the mountains. Makoshika State Park, on the south edge of Glendive, is perhaps the best-known accumulation of these austere places. This view is of Cains Coulee from Cains Coulee Overlook. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/caprocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230608_190048.jpg Caprocks Badlands and sandstone sculpture displays are found throughout Montana east of the mountains. Makoshika State Park, on the south edge of Glendive, is perhaps the best-known accumulation of these austere places. Caprocks adorn eroded pillars of sandstone. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/erosion-and-caprocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230608_190044.jpg Erosion and Caprocks Badlands and sandstone sculpture displays are found throughout Montana east of the mountains. Makoshika State Park, on the south edge of Glendive, is perhaps the best-known accumulation of these austere places. Caprocks adorn eroded columns of sandstone. This structure was seen from Eyeful Vista near the Amphitheater. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/amphitheater-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230608_1772.jpg Amphitheater Wide angle perspective of two prominant group formations in the Amphitheater section of Makoshika SP as seen from Eyeful Vista. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tower-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230607_1752.jpg Tower Rock Tower Rock is located in the Adel Mountains Volcanic Field near the community of Cascade, Montana. This 424-foot high rock formation marks the entrance to the Missouri River Canyon and is considered a sacred place by the Piegan Blackfeet. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hurricane-mesa/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_190124.jpg Hurricane Mesa Hurricane Mesa rises above Chief Joseph Scenic Highway near the turnoff to the Beartooth Highway. Also known as Sunlight Basin Road the Chief Joseph links the town of Cody with the Beartooth Highway and the Northeast Gate of Yellowstone National Park. The route crosses the Shoshone National Forest through the Absaroka Mountains to the Clarks Fork Valley. The Beartooth Mountains and the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River lie to the north of the road, and the Absaroka Mountains and North Absaroka Wilderness are to the south. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/settlers-cabin/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230607_190012.jpg Settler's Cabin A settler's log cabin is slowly falling down upon itself in the Manning Bottoms/Pugh Coulee region within the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area of Charles M. Russell NWR. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lower-granite-falls-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230619_1827.jpg Lower Granite Falls Near Nordman, Idaho, the Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars contains Granite Falls. A short trail from the lower grove leads to the base of Lower Granite Falls. Here, Granite Creek cascades down a narrow, sheer rock wall with a thunderous roar. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/age-related-changes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230616_1816.jpg Age-related Changes This large, aging barn was encountered in a field along the Kootenai River near Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fertile/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230610_190089.jpg Fertile An expansive section of grassland, below a fog-shrouded mointain, is a testament to the fertiity of Thunder Basin National Grassland—the ability of the volcanic soil to produce a lot of good crops or plants. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bridal-veil-falls-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230610_190084.jpg Bridal Veil Falls Experience the striking natural beauty of the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, as you travel along a winding road that meanders through towering limestone cliffs with waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. This 22-mile route is one of the most awe-inspiring drives in the Black Hills, with breathtaking panoramic views, historic landmarks and scenic overlooks, making it a must-see destination for any avid nature lover. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/porch-roofs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230609_1776.jpg Porch Roofs Badlands and sandstone sculpture displays are found throughout Montana east of the mountains. Makoshika State Park, on the south edge of Glendive, is perhaps the best-known accumulation of these austere places. The protruding horizontal structures appear to be porch roofs, covering entrances to the interior of the eroded mound. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/amphitheater/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230608_1772.jpg Amphitheater Wide angle perspective of two prominant group formations in the Amphitheater section of Makoshika SP, as seen from Eyeful Vista. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/relics-of-the-past/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230607_1764.jpg Relics of the Past A settler's log cabin is slowly falling down upon itself in the Manning Bottoms/Pugh Coulee region within the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area of ihe Charles M. Russell NWR. A more recent cabin in the background appears to be in better condition but the roof is showing serious damage. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/if-it-all-falls-down-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230607_190012_GS.jpg Settler's Cabin A settler's log cabin is slowly falling down upon itself in the Manning Bottoms/Pugh Coulee region within the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area of Charles M. Russell NWR. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/age-related-changes-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230616_1816_GS.jpg Age-related Changes This large, aging barn was encountered in a field along the Kootenai River near Bonners Ferry Idaho. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wife-approved-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_190121_GS.jpg Wife-Approved Early morning light breaks under clouds over what appears to be a multi-stall horse barn near a small lake in an area designated as Wife-Approved Huts near Greybull, Wyoming. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/treasure-of-the-past/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230610_190087_GS.jpg Treasure of the Past The Thunder Basin National Grassland is located in northeastern Wyoming in the Powder River Basin between the Big Horn Mountains and the Black Hills. A old, small, barn-like structure in poor condition stands alone in the Thunder Basin National Grassland. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/if-it-all-falls-down-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230607_190012_GS.jpg If It All Falls Down A settler's log cabin is slowly falling down upon itself in the Manning Bottoms/Pugh Coulee region within the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area of Charles M. Russell NWR. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wife-approved-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_190121_GS.jpg Wife-Approved Early morning light breaks under clouds over what appears to be a multi-stall horse barn near a small lake in an area designated as Wife-Approved Huts near Greybull, Wyoming. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/idle/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230610_190091_GS.jpg Idle Thunder Basin National Grassland. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/watering-the-tree-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230608_190018_GS.jpg Watering the Tree A lone conifer near the Mountain High Highway in Montana, is situated on a ridge in the prairie, and framed by descending colums of rain, will benefit from the precipitation, as will the surrounding plain. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/greely-elevator-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230607_190009_GS.jpg Greely Elevator The old Greely elevator at Windham, Montana. A grain elevator is a facility designed to stockpile or store grain. In most cases, the term "grain elevator" also describes the entire elevator complex, including receiving and testing offices, weighbridges, and storage facilities. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/if-it-all-falls-down-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230607_1763_GS.jpg Falling Down A settler's log cabin is slowly falling down upon itself in the Manning Bottoms/Pugh Coulee region within the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area of Charles M. Russell NWR. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/greely-elevator/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230607_1753_CS.jpg Greely Elevator The old Greely elevator at Windham, Montana. A grain elevator is a facility designed to stockpile or store grain. In most cases, the term "grain elevator" also describes the entire elevator complex, including receiving and testing offices, weighbridges, and storage facilities. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/temperature-inversion-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230605_1746.jpg Temperature Inversion Sometimes a small layer of warm air can form where the temperature increases with height. This layer is called an inversion. This often happens in areas of high pressure, where the air high up often sinks towards the ground. As it falls, it dries out and warms up. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/beartooth-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_2306190132.jpg Beartooth Falls Beartooth Falls tumbles down the Beartooth Ravine along the Beartooth Highway in Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming. The upper falls cannot be seen clearly in this photo because of trees. All but the base of the Lower Falls is visible. The lower falls is about 75' tall. The lower falls is terraced, a fact that is easier to see when the volume of water going over the falls is lower than on this day. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lower-granite-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230619_1826.jpg Lower Granite Falls Near Nordman, Idaho, the Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars contains Granite Falls. A short trail from the lower grove leads to the base of Lower Granite Falls. Here, Granite Creek cascades down a narrow, sheer rock wall with a thunderous roar. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/kootenai-river/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230616_1815.jpg Kootenai River One of our country's wildest rivers, the Kootenai River provides critical habitat for several rare and threatened native fish species, as well as wildlife like grizzly bear and woodland caribou. The river runs directly through the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge near Bonners Ferry, Idaho. It is one of the uppermost major tributaries of the Columbia River, the largest North American river that empties into the Pacific Ocean. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/myrtle-creek-reflections-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230616_1806.jpg Myrtle Creek Reflections The surface of Myrtle Creek in Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge provides reflections of shore vegetation and sky disturbed by wind-driven ripples. Nestled beside the Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho, this 2,774 acre refuge provides diverse habitats for a large variety of wildlife. Despite its relatively small size, a wide variety of habitat types can be found on the refuge, playing an important role in the large number of wildlife species (note the deer on the opposite shore) that use the refuge during migration and breeding seasons. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/myrtle-creek-reflections/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230616_1805.jpg Myrtle Creek Reflections The surface of Myrtle Creek in Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge provides nearly flawless reflections of shore vegetation and sky. Nestled beside the Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho, this 2,774 acre refuge provides diverse habitats for a large variety of wildlife. Despite its relatively small size, a wide variety of habitat types can be found on the refuge, playing an important role in the large number of wildlife species that use the refuge during migration and breeding seasons. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rock-creek-canyon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_190170.jpg Rock Creek Canyon Rock Creek Vista Point, at an Elevation of 9,190 feet, is a fully developed rest area, providing outstanding views of upper Rock Creek Canyon and interpretive panels explaining the natural history of the area and the story of the Highway's construction, all along a wheelchair-accessible path. Vista Point is twenty-one miles from Red Lodge. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rock-creek-switchbacks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_190166.jpg Rock Creek Switchbacks Seven miles of switchbacks offer stunning views to the peaks and glaciers of the Beartooths, the sweeping tundra of Hellroaring and Silver Run plateaus and, in the canyon below, the tumbling water of upper Rock Creek. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/twin-lakes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_190158.jpg Twin Lakes Two mesmerizing bodies of water, covered with snow and ice and separated by a narrow land bridge, are seen below beautiful Beartooth Mountain Pass. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/beartooth-pass/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_190144.jpg Beartooth Pass Beartooth Highway is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States. It includes views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains and open high alpine plateaus. It traverses a series of steep zigzags and switchbacks along the Montana-Wyoming border to the 10,947 ft. high Beartooth Pass. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/long-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_190138.jpg Long Lake Long lake, clogged with snow and Ice, sits beside the Beartooth Highway in Wyoming. The lake, which is surrounded by outcrops of Archean gneiss (a laminated metamorphic rock similar to granite), is one of the hundreds of glacial lakes on the plateau which were the result of Pleistocene glaciation. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/chimney-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230611_190118.jpg Chimney Rock Chimney Rock is very near the small town of Shell, WY, and close to the base of the Big Horn Mountains. On this morning low clouds and fog cover the upper elevations of the Big Horn mountains. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cloud-peak-scenic-byway-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230610_190115.jpg Cloud Peak Scenic Byway The breathtaking Ten Sleep Canyon is a short drive west along the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway. The cliffs of Ten Sleep Canyon are composed predominately of massive layers of limestone. This limestone layer underlies the towns of Ten Sleep and Worland. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cloud-peak-scenic-byway/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230610_190111.jpg Cloud Peak Scenic Byway The breathtaking Ten Sleep Canyon is a short drive west along the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway. The cliffs of Ten Sleep Canyon are composed predominately of massive layers of limestone. This limestone layer underlies the towns of Ten Sleep and Worland. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/crazy-woman-canyon-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230610_190100.jpg Crazy Woman Canyon Drive Crazy Woman Canyon Road during daylight hours only. Use extreme caution, many spots are just wide enough for a single vehicle. The drive is breathtaking and a hidden gem. All seasons give visitors awe-inspiring views. Fall and Spring explode with colorful trees and meadows. The drive has plenty of pull off spots that are perfect for photo ops or just to enjoy the high rock walls and the rushing water. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/crazy-woman-canyon-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230610_190098.jpg Crazy Woman Canyon Drive Crazy Woman Canyon Road during daylight hours only. Use extreme caution, many spots are just wide enough for a single vehicle. The drive is breathtaking and a hidden gem. All seasons give visitors awe-inspiring views. Fall and spring explode with colorful trees and meadows. The drive has plenty of pull off spots that are perfect for photo ops or just to enjoy the high rock walls and the rushing water. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/crazy-woman-canyon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230610_190093.jpg Crazy Woman Canyon Lower entrance to Crazy Woman Canyon. The drive through Crazy Woman Canyon can take from 1 to 2.5 hours, entrance to entrance, depending on how much you stop and take in the scenery or snap photographs. The ride to and from the canyon goes through the beautiful Bighorn Mountains, which hold stunning beauty in themselves! Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fog-covered-monolith/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230610_190086.jpg Fog-covered Monolith This hidden jewel of nature has it all—rugged cliffs, the sparkling waters of Spearfish Creek, a rich vegetation dominated by pine, spruce, aspen and birch stands, and three waterfalls—Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls, and Spearfish Falls. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cloud-peak/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230610_1782.jpg Cloud Peak Cloud Peak Skyway is a 47-mile route along US Highway 16 across the Bighorn Mountains and runs up Ten Sleep Canyon. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/terry-badlands-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230609_190078.jpg Terry Badlands Just to the west of Makoshika and across the Yellowstone River from the town of Terry, the Terry Badlands are another good example of this unique type of terrain. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/prairie-badlands/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230608_190040.jpg Prairie Badlands Some stretches of badlands stand out amid grasslands, while others are mixed with river-breaks terrain. Formations such as these, near Jordan, are fairly common in the badlands of eastern Montana. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/watering-the-tree/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230608_190018.jpg Watering the Tree A lone conifer near the Mountain High Highway in Montana, situated on a ridge in the prairie and framed by descending columns of rain, will benefit from the precipitation, as will the surrounding plain. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/eyeful-vista/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230608_1770.jpg Eyeful Vista This perspective of Makoshika SP is northwest from Eyeful Vista up Cains Coulee and features hoodoo formations near Hungry Joe and Twin Sisters. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pioneer-mountains/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230606_1747.jpg Pioneer Mountains The Pioneer Mountains, with dramatic clouds above, rise high over the plains, transected by the Big Hole River, near Wisdom, Montana. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/temperature-inversion/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230605_1745.jpg Temperature Inversion Sometimes a small layer of warm air can form where the temperature increases with height. This layer is called an inversion. This often happens in areas of high pressure, where the air high up often sinks towards the ground. As it falls, it dries out and warms up. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/isolated-badlands-teepees/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1781.jpg Isolated Badlands Teepees Just to the west of Makoshika and across the Yellowstone River from the town of Terry, the Terry Badlands are another good example of this unique type of terrain. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/terry-badlands/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1777.jpg Terry Badlands Just to the west of Makoshika and across the Yellowstone River from the town of Terry, the Terry Badlands are another good example of this unique type of terrain. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/brilliance/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220728_0247.jpg Brilliance Warm evening light sets ablaze the buttes and grasses along the shore of the Green River as well as the skies above in Firehole Canyon, Flaming Gorge NRA. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-chimney/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220727_0220.jpg South Chimney Early evening light accentuates the all pinnacled buttes that are the remains of ancient volcanic activity—towering above Firehole Canyon in the northeastern section of Flaming Gorge NRA. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/desert-frame/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1582.jpg Desert Frame Large rocky outcroppings frame the rocky hills in the distance, on the South side of Kortes Road https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/palouse-color-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170609_0184.jpg Palouse Color Under dappled skies, the rolling hills of the Palouse in Idaho glow with the brilliant Spring green of wheat and yellow of rapeseed flowers https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/chapin-mountain-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190901_0299.jpg Chapin Mountain Dawn light floods the Endo Valley behind Chapin Mountain in Rocky Mountain NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/chapin-mountain/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190901_0299.jpg Chapin Mountain Dawn light floods the Endo Valley behind Chapin Mountain in Rocky Mountain NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pryor-mountains/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220725_0131.jpg Pryor Mountains First light of morning strikes the highest rocky reaches of the Pryor Mountins. The Pryor Mountains are to the west and north of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. The product of arched uplifts, they are good examples of fault block mountains. They have steep east facing fronts that have eroded back from the plane of the fault zone and gentle slopes off to the west controlled by the resistance to erosion of the Madison Limestone. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pryor-reflections-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220725_0131_pan.jpg Pryor Reflections First light of morning strikes the highest rocky reaches of the Pryor Mountins. The Pryor Mountains are to the west and north of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. The product of arched uplifts, they are good examples of fault block mountains. They have steep east facing fronts that have eroded back from the plane of the fault zone and gentle slopes off to the west controlled by the resistance to erosion of the Madison Limestone. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-fantastic-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0411.jpg Light Fantastic Afternoon light bathes a few of the more than 500 tufa formations at Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark. Some of these fantastic formations rise as high as 140 feet from the bed of the Searles Lake basin, part of the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mackerricher-headlands-reflection/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_141013_0044.jpg MacKerricher Headlands Reflection The headland bluff and krummholz of MacKerricher SP, with wind blown clouds overhead, are reflected in the wet sand from receding waves California https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2482/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_090509_0839_1022.jpg Nob and Hills A small, rounded and relatively smooth bentonite mound lies directly in front of larger, convoluted and variably colored bentonite hills. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-source/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_090509_0858.jpg The Source On a brilliant May morning, scattered clouds drift from the west over the Painted Hills trailing light showers in their path. The combination of early sun and the wet bentonite created a scene full glowing, saturated color. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sensuous-bentonite/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_090509_0802.jpg Sensuous Bentonite Popcorn clouds fill the sky over the bentonite hills Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/color-form--texture/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_090509_0799.jpg Color, Form & Texture The orange and yellow colors and smooth rounded forms of the bentonite hils contrast with the blue skies and popcorn clouds. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-seahorse-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0298.jpg The Seahorse This rock formation is often called the Witch's Hat. Others, including myself, see it as a seahorse. To get this interesting composition, I climbed up a nearby rock and photographed some swirled formations for the foreground. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-seahorse/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0298_GS.jpg The Seahorse This rock formation is often called the Witch's Hat. Others, including myself, see it as a seahorse. To get this interesting composition, I climbed up a nearby rock and photographed some swirled formations for the foreground. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/leaner/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0357_CS.jpg Leaner An outbuilding on a large ranch near Moulton, Montana, appears to be built on a log base, perhaps to allow repositioning when necessary. Because of the undulating surface of the prairie and the lack of a firm foundation, it appears that the building is unstable and leaning. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/king-of-wings/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230107_0367_f.jpg King of Wings King of Wings is a spectacular hoodoo that sits in a remote part of the Valley of Dreams, north of Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wlderness of San Juan Basin of northwestern New Mexico. Like many other local hoodoos, King of Wings is a large boulder, at least 30 feet long, that is balanced on top of a clay pedestal. What distinguishes it from other hoodoos is that the boulder extends 10 ft beyond the edge of the pedestal creating what looks like a giant wing stretched out into the air. You will not find any signs or trails for King of Wings. Finding it without GPS in the vast expanse of the wilderness is obviously very difficult. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/toadstool-hoodoo/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0250_sm.jpg Toadstool Hoodoo The Toadstool Hoodoos are located in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an area known as The Rimrocks. They are balanced rock formations that look like toadstools or mushrooms. The base of the hoodoo is Entrada sandstone and the top is made of Dakota sandstone. The unique mushroom shape comes from erosion. Since the Entrada sandstone is softer, it wears away while the top stays intact. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/low-ceiling/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_081004_0034.jpg Low Ceiling The eastern slopes of the Sierras, above the Owens Valley, are blanketed by snow early on a Fall morning Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/owens-valley-twilight/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_081004_0002.jpg Owens Valley Twilight The rising sun, still hidden behind the White Mountains, lights up the sky and the cloudsvas the Owens River meanders below. Though shrouded in shadows, the river reflects the light from the sky. Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lawyers-canyon-wooden-train-trestle/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220802_0094.jpg Lawyers Canyon Trestle In order to cross Lawyer's Canyon and other Camas Prairie gorges, a series of high railroad bridges was built in 1908. Most were timber. This structure is 1500 feet long and 296 feet high. Since fire is always a danger with wooden trestles and bridges, this one was constructed with well spaced concrete partitions to prevent the uncontrollable spread of a fire, should one occur. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lawyers-canyon-creek-wooden-train-trestle/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220802_0094_GS.jpg Lawyers Canyon Creek Wooden Train Trestle In order to cross Lawyer's Canyon and other Camas Prairie gorges, a series of high railroad bridges was built in 1908. Most were timber. This structure is 1500 feet long and 296 feet high. Since fire is always a danger with wooden trestles and bridges, this one was constructed with well spaced concrete partitions to prevent the uncontrollable spread of a fire, should one occur. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lighting-the-way-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220718_0018_pan.jpg Lighting the Way Near the town of Drumheller, the rolling prairie suddenly parts to reveal one of Alberta's natural wonders: Horseshoe Canyon. Late afternoon light highlights the striated badlands formations and valley floor within the canyon. Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/home-on-the-range/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0370.jpg Home on the Range On an early afternoon, a pair of Bison (Bison bison), the largest mammals in North America, forage in a small meadow near the Buckthorn Trail in Theodore Roosevelt NP, North Unit. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/arid/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0207.jpg Arid A sliver of water remains in the deepest portions of drought-stricken Wahweap Bay with Bull Points and Antelope Island in the background. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/parallels-7/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190227_0016_.jpg Parallels Snow covered bluff outside Fort McDermitt, NV. The layer of rock protruding through the snow below the summit and the layers of clouds parallel to it attracted my focus. The sun, breaking through a fortuitous space between the layers of clouds, created highlights and cast shadows on the flanks providing texture and the third dimension. Nevada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blazing-sky-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230108_0392_.jpg Blazing sky Sunset across Crawford Draw toward Tomsich Butte Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-gatherers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_2234.jpg Light Gatherers Rocky outcrops, on the crest of the Chisos Mountains, capture the late afternoon light as it crosses the Chisos Basin in Big Bend National Park https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waiting-for-work/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220721_0117_GS.jpg Waiting for Work A midsized holding corral, complete with a smaller, attached, corral with loading chute, stands on a small section of a vast ranch in Montana. It will not see use again until the separated and prepared cattle are ready to transport. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/main-street/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Main-Street-Scenic-Township-Pan.jpg Main Street The main street of Scenic Township, South Dakota is lined with buildings in various stages of decline. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/black-pine-mountains/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_070421_0012.jpg Black Pine Mountains The Black Pine Mountains are located just north of the Utah border and west of I-84. Geographically, the range is the most distinctly defined mountain range in Idaho. It is surrounded by wide, flat valleys, and rises steeply on all sides. Geologically, the range is a textbook example of a Great Basin Mountain Range. The fault block, which forms the entire range, rises to 9,395 feet on Black Peak and is surrounded on all sides by broad alluvial fans. It is believed that Black Pine Peak is the range's high point but this may be inaccurate. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bighorn-ram-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140930_0003.jpg Bighorn Ram The bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis mexicana) is a species of sheep in North America, specifically those in Mexico, Arizona and New Mexico, named for its large horns. This fellow was rummaging on the rocks behind me one morning and was kind enough to wait for me to select the appropriate camera, lens, exposure settings etc. before moving off. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bighorn-ram/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140930_0003.jpg Bighorn Ram The bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis mexicana) is a species of sheep in North America, specifically those in Mexico, Arizona and New Mexico, named for its large horns. This fellow was rummaging on the rocks behind me one morning and was kind enough to wait for me to select the appropriate camera, lens, exposure settings etc. before moving off. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/osoberry/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230324_0016.jpg Osoberry Flowers Oemleria cerasiformis, a shrub commonly known as osoberry or Indian plum, is the sole species in genus Oemleria. Native to the Pacific coast and ranges of North America, from British Columbia, Canada to Santa Barbara County, California, U.S.A., it is among the first plants to leaf out and flowers early in the spring. Seattle https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-coyote-buttes-8/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0275.jpg South Coyote Buttes South Coyote Buttes covers the southernmost 3.5 miles of the Coyote Buttes ridge, approximately as far north as Top Rock Spring, and extending east to incorporate a wide area around Cottonwood Cove and Cottonwood Spring, this latter area is where most of the photogenic formations are found. The ridge itself, uniformly colored deep red, contains a few hidden arches and other jagged formations, but this region is very little explored and in many places the slopes are too steep to traverse. The rocks exhibit a great range of colors, due to oxidized iron compounds—mostly reds, pinks, yellows and oranges, and the individual strata vary in hardness, resulting in amazingly varied erosional patterns. Occasional rainwater pools add to the beauty of the scenery. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-coyote-buttes-7/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0275_GS.jpg South Coyote Buttes South Coyote Buttes covers the southernmost 3.5 miles of the Coyote Buttes ridge, approximately as far north as Top Rock Spring, and extending east to incorporate a wide area around Cottonwood Cove and Cottonwood Spring, this latter area is where most of the photogenic formations are found. The ridge itself, uniformly colored deep red, contains a few hidden arches and other jagged formations, but this region is very little explored and in many places the slopes are too steep to traverse. The rocks exhibit a great range of colors, due to oxidized iron compounds—mostly reds, pinks, yellows and oranges, and the individual strata vary in hardness, resulting in amazingly varied erosional patterns. Occasional rainwater pools add to the beauty of the scenery. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2451/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0260_GS.jpg South Coyote Buttes South Coyote Buttes covers the southernmost 3.5 miles of the Coyote Buttes ridge, approximately as far north as Top Rock Spring, and extending east to incorporate a wide area around Cottonwood Cove and Cottonwood Spring, this latter area is where most of the photogenic formations are found. The ridge itself, uniformly colored deep red, contains a few hidden arches and other jagged formations, but this region is very little explored and in many places the slopes are too steep to traverse. The rocks exhibit a great range of colors, due to oxidized iron compounds—mostly reds, pinks, yellows and oranges, and the individual strata vary in hardness, resulting in amazingly varied erosional patterns. Occasional rainwater pools add to the beauty of the scenery. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/high-light-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0157_GS.jpg High Light Higher peak and ridge near the terminus of West Cove of are illuminated by aftrnoon sun. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/owl-face-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0293_GS.jpg Owl Face South Coyote Buttes covers the southernmost 3.5 miles of the Coyote Buttes ridge, approximately as far north as Top Rock Spring, and extending east to incorporate a wide area around Cottonwood Cove and Cottonwood Spring, this latter area is where most of the photogenic formations are found. The ridge itself, uniformly colored deep red, contains a few hidden arches and other jagged formations, but this region is very little explored and in many places the slopes are too steep to traverse. The rocks exhibit a great range of colors, due to oxidized iron compounds—mostly reds, pinks, yellows and oranges, and the individual strata vary in hardness, resulting in amazingly varied erosional patterns. Occasional rainwater pools add to the beauty of the scenery. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/control-tower-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0282_GS.jpg Control Tower This formation, called "Control Tower" and "Dali Rock," is found on top of the Vermillion Cliffs in Coyote Buttes South in the Cottonwood Cove section. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-coyote-buttes-17/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0273.jpg South Coyote Buttes South Coyote Buttes covers the southernmost 3.5 miles of the Coyote Buttes ridge, approximately as far north as Top Rock Spring, and extending east to incorporate a wide area around Cottonwood Cove and Cottonwood Spring, this latter area is where most of the photogenic formations are found. The ridge itself, uniformly colored deep red, contains a few hidden arches and other jagged formations, but this region is very little explored and in many places the slopes are too steep to traverse. The rocks exhibit a great range of colors, due to oxidized iron compounds—mostly reds, pinks, yellows and oranges, and the individual strata vary in hardness, resulting in amazingly varied erosional patterns. Occasional rainwater pools add to the beauty of the scenery. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2444/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0260.jpg South Coyote Buttes South Coyote Buttes covers the southernmost 3.5 miles of the Coyote Buttes ridge, approximately as far north as Top Rock Spring, and extending east to incorporate a wide area around Cottonwood Cove and Cottonwood Spring, this latter area is where most of the photogenic formations are found. The ridge itself, uniformly colored deep red, contains a few hidden arches and other jagged formations, but this region is very little explored and in many places the slopes are too steep to traverse. The rocks exhibit a great range of colors, due to oxidized iron compounds—mostly reds, pinks, yellows and oranges, and the individual strata vary in hardness, resulting in amazingly varied erosional patterns. Occasional rainwater pools add to the beauty of the scenery. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/evening-adieu-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0222.jpg Evening Adieu High above Lake Powell, the cliff face of Potato Hill glows in late afternoon light. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/san-rafael-reef-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230108_0393_GS.jpg San Rafael Reef Looking up at the soaring sandstone slabs of the San Rafael Reef, just south of I-70, west of Green River. The sandstone was pushed up during the Paleocene Laramide Orogeny about 60-40 million years ago. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/moonrise-valley-of-dreams-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230106_0358_GS.jpg Moonrise, Valley of Dreams In the remote area of New Mexico known as the Valley of Dreams Badlands, is a geological oddity. The entire area is a maze of toadstools, eroded formations, little windows, petrified wood, and more. On this evening a full moon rose, partially framed by a few of the many hoodoo formations. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/nautical-twilight-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230106_0343_GS.jpg Nautical Twilight The human eye finds it difficult, if not impossible, to discern traces of illumination during Nautical Twilight without artificial light, e.g. flash. Using an earlier image to capture the freground structures provides an opportunity to merge the two images (exposure stacking) to provide some details in the forground. The green nightglow seen here is chemiluminescence. Sunlight deposits energy into the atmosphere during the day, some of which is transferred to oxygen molecules. This extra energy causes the oxygen molecules to rip apart into individual oxygen atoms. This happens particularly around 100km in altitude. However, atomic oxygen isn't able to get rid of this excess energy easily and so acts as a 'store' of energy for several hours. Eventually the atomic oxygen does manage to 'recombine', once again forming molecular oxygen. The molecular oxygen then releases energy, again in the form of light. In reality, the green nightglow isn't particularly bright, it's just the brightest of all nightglow emissions. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/civil-twilight-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230106_0342_GS.jpg Civil Twilight In the remote area of New Mexico known as the Valley of Dreams Badlands, is a geological oddity. The entire area is a maze of toadstools, eroded formations, little windows, petrified wood, and more. The setting sun's brilliant orange hue along the horizon, especially behind a notch in the rock formations, signals civil twilight which approximates the limit at which solar illumination suffices for the human eye to clearly distinguish terrestrial objects. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/twilight-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230106_0327_GS.jpg Twilight Sometimes called the Valley of Dreams, the Ah-shi-sle-pah Wilderness Study Area is located a little north of Chaco Culture National Historical Park in northwestern New Mexico. It is a badland area of rolling water-carved clay hills. The area is rich in fossils and spectacular geological formations making it perfect for hiking and landscape photography! Twilight is light produced by sunlight scattering in the upper atmosphere, when the Sun is below the horizon, which illuminates the lower atmosphere and the Earth's surface. The word twilight can also refer to the periods of time when this illumination occurs. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/throne-at-sunset-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230106_0320_GS.jpg Throne at Sunset Sometimes called the Valley of Dreams, the Ah-shi-sle-pah Wilderness Study Area is located a little north of Chaco Culture National Historical Park in northwestern New Mexico. It is a badland area of rolling water-carved clay hills. The area is rich in fossils and spectacular geological formations making it perfect for hiking and landscape photography! This awesome formation, known by a few names—Chaco Throne, Alien Throne, Chaco Alter—was captured near sunset. It is a hoodoo. Its columns and connections, don't quite make sense. Its openings are irregular, its presence imposing and odd, even among several odd, imposing sights. I made this photograph when the sun was setting, the globe falling below the horizon. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/new-dawn-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230106_0314_GS.jpg New Dawn Morning light strikes the Vermillion Cliffs in the distance, as viewed from near Beehive Campground, Glen Canyon NRA, AZ. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sandstone-fins-and-teepees-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230105_1675_GS.jpg Sandstone Fins and Teepees Sandstone ins with twwpees, shrouded in fog in the backgrouns, at Coyote Buttes South Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/goblins-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230105_0308_GS.jpg Goblins Teepee formations in south Coyote Buttes with Vermillion Cliffs in the background. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-coyote-buttes-teepees-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230105_0303_GS.jpg South Coyote Buttes Teepees Extensive formations in the southern section of Coyote Buttes, centered on Cottonwood Spring, a seasonal water source in a sandy valley on the east side of the main ridge. Reached by sandy tracks that generally need a 4WD vehicle, and explored by relatively easy cross-country hiking, over slickrock and dunes. Part of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument The place is relatively easy to explore, since the majority of the ground is firm rock, largely lacking vegetation, separated by just a few sandier patches, and most parts have gentle relief, though the ground does slope down quite sharply to the west, dropping up to 300 feet to the valley floor. Some Southwest erosional landscapes require patience when exploring, to find the best places and angles, but here almost every cone and gully is worthy of a photograph. The edge of the formations is half a mile from the closest parking place, along a sandy 4WD track, and much can be seen in a circular walk of just a mile or so, but to cover all of the area, extending to a dispersed group of teepees on the far side of the valley, entails a round trip of up to five miles. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/teepees--fog-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230105_0302_GS.jpg Teepees & Fog Extensive formations in the southern section of Coyote Buttes, centered on Cottonwood Spring, a seasonal water source in a sandy valley on the east side of the main ridge. Reached by sandy tracks that generally need a 4WD vehicle, and explored by relatively easy cross-country hiking, over slickrock and dunes. Part of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument The place is relatively easy to explore, since the majority of the ground is firm rock, largely lacking vegetation, separated by just a few sandier patches, and most parts have gentle relief, though the ground does slope down quite sharply to the west, dropping up to 300 feet to the valley floor. Some Southwest erosional landscapes require patience when exploring, to find the best places and angles, but here almost every cone and gully is worthy of a photograph. The edge of the formations is half a mile from the closest parking place, along a sandy 4WD track, and much can be seen in a circular walk of just a mile or so, but to cover all of the area, extending to a dispersed group of teepees on the far side of the valley, entails a round trip of up to five miles. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sandstone-lace-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_1674_GS.jpg Sandstone Lace Close view of delicate, parallel strata, fragile fins in eroded sandstone South Coyote Buttes of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/beehive-formation-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_1673_GS.jpg Beehive Formation This multicolored beehive-like formation is a short distance south of the Cottonwood Cove formations, beyond a sandier interlude, and slightly higher in elevation, is the most visited area, closest to the trailhead. The rocks exhibit even more color variation, generally lighter in hue - pale pink, pale yellow and white are the predominant shades. Sizable patches are entirely bare rock, dotted with small pinnacles amongst the higher groups of cones. The band of the best formations extends a third of a mile south to a wider flat area, site of several larger (seasonal) pools, then to the southwest is another, slightly lower relief area, containing small narrow pinnacles in addition to the usual broader cones and teepees. The sandstone hereabouts is in places noticeably distorted, in contrast to the more usual angular strata elsewhere, and still further west are a line of even more convoluted, deformed rocks including some head-shaped hoodoos, mostly colored white and yellow-brown. This area is at the rim of the valley, above a steep, layered slope that becomes dark red lower down. This rocky escarpment continues one mile southwest to the head of the cove, but the more distant formations appear less interesting in shape, and uniformly red in color. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-coyote-buttes-15/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0273_GS.jpg South Coyote Buttes South Coyote Buttes covers the southernmost 3.5 miles of the Coyote Buttes ridge, approximately as far north as Top Rock Spring, and extending east to incorporate a wide area around Cottonwood Cove and Cottonwood Spring, this latter area is where most of the photogenic formations are found. The ridge itself, uniformly colored deep red, contains a few hidden arches and other jagged formations, but this region is very little explored and in many places the slopes are too steep to traverse. The rocks exhibit a great range of colors, due to oxidized iron compounds—mostly reds, pinks, yellows and oranges, and the individual strata vary in hardness, resulting in amazingly varied erosional patterns. Occasional rainwater pools add to the beauty of the scenery. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-coyote-buttes-11/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0266_GS.jpg South Coyote Buttes South Coyote Buttes covers the southernmost 3.5 miles of the Coyote Buttes ridge, approximately as far north as Top Rock Spring, and extending east to incorporate a wide area around Cottonwood Cove and Cottonwood Spring, this latter area is where most of the photogenic formations are found. The ridge itself, uniformly colored deep red, contains a few hidden arches and other jagged formations, but this region is very little explored and in many places the slopes are too steep to traverse. The rocks exhibit a great range of colors, due to oxidized iron compounds—mostly reds, pinks, yellows and oranges, and the individual strata vary in hardness, resulting in amazingly varied erosional patterns. Occasional rainwater pools add to the beauty of the scenery. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-coyote-buttes-10/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0265_GS.jpg South Coyote Buttes South Coyote Buttes covers the southernmost 3.5 miles of the Coyote Buttes ridge, approximately as far north as Top Rock Spring, and extending east to incorporate a wide area around Cottonwood Cove and Cottonwood Spring, this latter area is where most of the photogenic formations are found. The ridge itself, uniformly colored deep red, contains a few hidden arches and other jagged formations, but this region is very little explored and in many places the slopes are too steep to traverse. The rocks exhibit a great range of colors, due to oxidized iron compounds—mostly reds, pinks, yellows and oranges, and the individual strata vary in hardness, resulting in amazingly varied erosional patterns. Occasional rainwater pools add to the beauty of the scenery. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/toadstool-hoodoos-8/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0250_GS.jpg Toadstool Hoodoos The Toadstool Hoodoos are located in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an area known as The Rimrocks. They are balanced rock formations that look like toadstools or mushrooms. The base of the hoodoo is Entrada sandstone and the top is made of Dakota sandstone. The unique mushroom shape comes from erosion. Since the Entrada sandstone is softer, it wears away while the top stays intact. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/toadstool-hoodoos-7/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230103_0244_GS.jpg Toadstool Hoodoos The Toadstool Hoodoos are located in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an area known as The Rimrocks. They are balanced rock formations that look like toadstools or mushrooms. The base of the hoodoo is Entrada sandstone and the top is made of Dakota sandstone. The unique mushroom shape comes from erosion. Since the Entrada sandstone is softer, it wears away while the top stays intact. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/toadstool-hoodoos-6/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230103_0238_GS.jpg Toadstool Hoodoos The Toadstool Hoodoos are located in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an area known as The Rimrocks. They are balanced rock formations that look like toadstools or mushrooms. The base of the hoodoo is Entrada sandstone and the top is made of Dakota sandstone. The unique mushroom shape comes from erosion. Since the Entrada sandstone is softer, it wears away while the top stays intact. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/toadstool-hoodoos-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230103_0226_GS.jpg Toadstool Hoodoos The Toadstool Hoodoos are located in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an area known as The Rimrocks. They are balanced rock formations that look like toadstools or mushrooms. The base of the hoodoo is Entrada sandstone and the top is made of Dakota sandstone. The unique mushroom shape comes from erosion. Since the Entrada sandstone is softer, it wears away while the top stays intact. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/evening-adieu/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0222_GS.jpg Evening Adieu High above Lake Powell, the cliff face of Potato Hill glows in late afternoon light. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/just-another-butte-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0181_0181_GS.jpg Just Another Butte Lone Rock, usually surrounded by the waters of Wahweep Bay,appears as "just another butte" in the desert landscape of southern Utah. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bucktank-draw-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0162_CS.jpg Bucktank Draw An unmaeked trailhead that will lead to birthday Arch. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/west-cove-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0148_GS.jpg West Cove Colorful rock layers in West Cove Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sand-gulch-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0141_GS.jpg Sand Gulch Colorful rocks rise above Sand Gulch and line the distant hills, the western boundary of Cottonwood Canyon. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/simple-beauty-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0116_GS.jpg Simple Beauty Morning sun and fresh snow grace the red cliffs of Grand Plateau near Kanab, Utah. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/savage-point-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0114_GS.jpg Savage Point. Savage point, highlighted on the red cliffs of Grand Plateau above Kanab Utah, with streaks of fresh snow from the previous night. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-cliffs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1666_M.jpg Red Cliffs The red cliffs of Grand Plateau east of Kanab Utah, with streaks of fresh snow from the previous night. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/elk-heights/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_2301129_0413.jpg Elk Heights Elk Heights lies on the eastern slopes the Cascade Range, near the town of Cle Elum. On this clear January day, the valley floor and towering Enchantments in the Alpine Wilderness behind it, glisten and glow with the late afternoon sunlight. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/no-name-bridge/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230118_0406.jpg No Name Bridge Camas Prairie Railroad trestle over old Highway 95 south of Lawyer Creek, Idaho near Cottonwood, Ferdinand, ID. Just down from Lawyers Canyon Bridge on the former Camas Prairie railroad's 2nd subdivision is this beautiful Bridge with no name. This line ran from Spaulding ID (just east of Lewiston ID) to Grangeville ID, approximately 62 miles. The line has not seen trains for about 10 years and is officially abandoned. The bridge is located next to highway 95 a few miles south of Craigmont ID. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/half-moon-trestle/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230118_0394_GS.jpg Half Moon Trestle The Camas Prairie Railroad line in north central Idaho was often referred to as the railroad on stilts due to the many trestles, like this one—Half Moon Trestle. It is a graceful 684 feet arc, 141 feet above the ground! Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rock-creek-trestle/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230108_0401_GS.jpg Rock Creek Trestle Rock Creek Trestle is one of several timber trestles on the Camas Prairie Railroad, and is not even the most spectacular one! Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/san-rafael-reef/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230108_0393.jpg San Rafael Reef Looking up at the soaring sandstone slabs of the San Rafael Reef, just south of I-70, west of Green River. The sandstone was pushed up during the Paleocene Laramide Orogeny about 60-40 million years ago. The San Rafael Reef Wilderness makes up the eastern edge of the San Rafael Swell and is a nearly north-south trending hogback that dips steeply eastward. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blazing-sky/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230108_0392.jpg Blazing sky Sunset across Crawford Draw toward Tomsich Butte Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fiery-sky/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230108_0389.jpg Fiery Sky Sunset across Crawford Draw toward Tomsich Butte Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/church-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230108_0386.jpg Church Rock Church Rock, Monticello, Utah. Church Rock is a solitary column of sandstone in southern Utah along the eastern side of U.S. Route 191 near the entrance to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ute-mountain-chiefs-monument/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230108_0380.jpg UTE Mountain Chief's Monument This rock formation gives the impression of a UTE Chief laying on his back. Below a Bear's Head War Bonnet You can see the Chief's brow, nose, mouth and chin. His powerful arm and huge hand resting at his side. Towaoc, CO Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/angel-peak-badlands/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230107_0378.jpg Angel Peak Badlands Between Castle Rock in the foreground and the San Juan Mountains of Colorado in the distance, are the Angel Peak Badlands, ten thousand acres of pastel-colored badlands, cliffs and dry washes. The barrenness of the surrounding landscape is due to high soil alkalinity and poor drainage, which inhibits almost all vegetation. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/moonrise-valley-of-dreams/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230106_0358.jpg Moonrise, Valley of Dreams In the remote area of New Mexico known as the Valley of Dreams Badlands, is a geological oddity. The entire area is a maze of toadstools, eroded formations, little windows, petrified wood, and more. On this evening a full moon rose, partially framed by a few of the many hoodoo formations. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/nautical-twilight/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230106_0343.jpg Nautical Twilight The human eye finds it difficult, if not impossible, to discern traces of illumination during Nautical Twilight without artificial light, e.g. flash. Using an earlier image to capture the foreground structures provides an opportunity to merge the two images (exposure stacking) to provide some details in the forground. The green nightglow seen here is chemiluminescence. Sunlight deposits energy into the atmosphere during the day, some of which is transferred to oxygen molecules. This extra energy causes the oxygen molecules to rip apart into individual oxygen atoms. This happens particularly around 100km in altitude. However, atomic oxygen isn't able to get rid of this excess energy easily and so acts as a 'store' of energy for several hours. Eventually the atomic oxygen does manage to 'recombine', once again forming molecular oxygen. The molecular oxygen then releases energy, again in the form of light. In reality, the green nightglow isn't particularly bright, it's just the brightest of all nightglow emissions. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/civil-twilight/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230106_0342.jpg Civil Twilight In the remote area of New Mexico known as the Valley of Dreams Badlands, is a geological oddity. The entire area is a maze of toadstools, eroded formations, little windows, petrified wood, and more. The setting sun's brilliant orange hue along the horizon, especially behind a notch in the rock formations, signals civil twilight which approximates the limit at which solar illumination suffices for the human eye to clearly distinguish terrestrial objects. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/twilight-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230106_0327.jpg Twilight Sometimes called the Valley of Dreams, the Ah-shi-sle-pah Wilderness Study Area is located a little north of Chaco Culture National Historical Park in northwestern New Mexico. It is a badland area of rolling water-carved clay hills. The area is rich in fossils and spectacular geological formations making it perfect for hiking and landscape photography! Twilight is light produced by sunlight scattering in the upper atmosphere, when the Sun is below the horizon, which illuminates the lower atmosphere and the Earth's surface. The word twilight can also refer to the periods of time when this illumination occurs. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/throne-at-sunset/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230106_0320.jpg Throne at Sunset Sometimes called the Valley of Dreams, the Ah-shi-sle-pah Wilderness Study Area is located a little north of Chaco Culture National Historical Park in northwestern New Mexico. It is a badland area of rolling water-carved clay hills. The area is rich in fossils and spectacular geological formations making it perfect for hiking and landscape photography! This awesome formation, known by a few names—Chaco Throne, Alien Throne, Chaco Alter—was captured near sunset. It is a hoodoo. Its columns and connections, don't quite make sense. Its openings are irregular, its presence imposing and odd, even among several odd, imposing sights. I made this photograph when the sun was setting, the globe falling below the horizon. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/new-dawn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230106_0314.jpg New Dawn Morning light strikes the Vermillion Cliffs in the distance, as viewed from near Beehive Campground, Glen Canyon NRA, AZ. UTAH https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/colorfull-sandstone-teepees/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230105_1677.jpg Colorful Sandstone Teepees This section of South Coyote Buttes, near the Cottonwood Teepees Trail, features slick rock with intense layers of color across a relatively flat pan and a group of layered teepees on the adjacent ridge crest. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/color-form-and-texture/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230105_1676.jpg Color, Form and Texture The visual components of color, form and texture are considered as principles of design. They are also used by geologists studying sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone, to determine their origin, age, chemical makeup and transportation. Coyote Buttes South is a scenic area with Navajo sandstones in wide-ranging colors and striking formations, as seen here. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sandstone-fins-and-teepees/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230105_1675.jpg Sandstone Fins and Teepees Sandstone fins with teepees, shrouded in fog in the background, at Coyote Buttes South Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/goblins/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230105_0308.jpg Goblins Teepee formations in south Coyote Buttes with Vermillion Cliffs in the background. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-coyote-buttes-teepees/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230105_0303.jpg South Coyote Buttes Teepees Extensive formations in the southern section of Coyote Buttes, centered on Cottonwood Spring, a seasonal water source in a sandy valley on the east side of the main ridge. Reached by sandy tracks that generally need a 4WD vehicle, and explored by relatively easy cross-country hiking, over slickrock and dunes. Part of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. The place is relatively easy to explore, since the majority of the ground is firm rock, largely lacking vegetation, separated by just a few sandier patches, and most parts have gentle relief, though the ground does slope down quite sharply to the west, dropping up to 300 feet to the valley floor. Some Southwest erosional landscapes require patience when exploring, to find the best places and angles, but here almost every cone and gully is worthy of a photograph. The edge of the formations is half a mile from the closest parking place, along a sandy 4WD track, and much can be seen in a circular walk of just a mile or so, but to cover all of the area, extending to a dispersed group of teepees on the far side of the valley, entails a round trip of up to five miles. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/teepees--fog/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230105_0302.jpg Teepees & Fog Extensive formations in the southern section of Coyote Buttes, centered on Cottonwood Spring, a seasonal water source in a sandy valley on the east side of the main ridge. Reached by sandy tracks that generally need a 4WD vehicle, and explored by relatively easy cross-country hiking, over slickrock and dunes. Part of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument The place is relatively easy to explore, since the majority of the ground is firm rock, largely lacking vegetation, separated by just a few sandier patches, and most parts have gentle relief, though the ground does slope down quite sharply to the west, dropping up to 300 feet to the valley floor. Some Southwest erosional landscapes require patience when exploring, to find the best places and angles, but here almost every cone and gully is worthy of a photograph. The edge of the formations is half a mile from the closest parking place, along a sandy 4WD track, and much can be seen in a circular walk of just a mile or so, but to cover all of the area, extending to a dispersed group of teepees on the far side of the valley, entails a round trip of up to five miles. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sandstone-lace/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_1674.jpg Sandstone Lace Close view of delicate, parallel strata, fragile fins in eroded sandstone South Coyote Buttes of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/beehive-formation/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_1673.jpg Beehive Formation This multicolored beehive-shaped formation is a short distance south of the Cottonwood Cove formations, beyond a sandier interlude, and slightly higher in elevation, is the most visited area, closest to the trailhead. The rocks exhibit even more color variation, generally lighter in hue—pale pink, pale yellow and white are the predominant shades. Sizable patches are entirely bare rock, dotted with small pinnacles amongst the higher groups of cones. The band of the best formations extends a third of a mile south to a wider flat area, site of several larger (seasonal) pools, then to the southwest is another, slightly lower relief area, containing small narrow pinnacles in addition to the usual broader cones and teepees. The sandstone hereabouts is in places noticeably distorted, in contrast to the more usual angular strata elsewhere, and still further west are a line of even more convoluted, deformed rocks including some head-shaped hoodoos, mostly colored white and yellow-brown. This area is at the rim of the valley, above a steep, layered slope that becomes dark red lower down. This rocky escarpment continues one mile southwest to the head of the cove, but the more distant formations appear less interesting in shape, and uniformly red in color. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/teepees/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0295.jpg Teepees Extensive formations in the southern section of Coyote Buttes, centered on Cottonwood Spring, a seasonal water source in a sandy valley on the east side of the main ridge. Reached by sandy tracks that generally need a 4WD vehicle, and explored by relatively easy cross-country hiking, over slickrock and dunes. Part of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument The place is relatively easy to explore, since the majority of the ground is firm rock, largely lacking vegetation, separated by just a few sandier patches, and most parts have gentle relief, though the ground does slope down quite sharply to the west, dropping up to 300 feet to the valley floor. Some Southwest erosional landscapes require patience when exploring, to find the best places and angles, but here almost every cone and gully is worthy of a photograph. The edge of the formations is half a mile from the closest parking place, along a sandy 4WD track, and much can be seen in a circular walk of just a mile or so, but to cover all of the area, extending to a dispersed group of teepees on the far side of the valley, entails a round trip of up to five miles. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/owl-face/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0293.jpg Owl Face South Coyote Buttes covers the southernmost 3.5 miles of the Coyote Buttes ridge, approximately as far north as Top Rock Spring, and extending east to incorporate a wide area around Cottonwood Cove and Cottonwood Spring, this latter area is where most of the photogenic formations are found. The ridge itself, uniformly colored deep red, contains a few hidden arches and other jagged formations, but this region is very little explored and in many places the slopes are too steep to traverse. The rocks exhibit a great range of colors, due to oxidized iron compounds—mostly reds, pinks, yellows and oranges, and the individual strata vary in hardness, resulting in amazingly varied erosional patterns. Occasional rainwater pools add to the beauty of the scenery. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/control-tower/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0282.jpg Control Tower This formation, called "Control Tower" and "Dali Rock," is found on top of the Vermillion Cliffs in Coyote Buttes South in the Cottonwood Cove section. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-coyote-buttes-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0266.jpg South Coyote Buttes South Coyote Buttes covers the southernmost 3.5 miles of the Coyote Buttes ridge, approximately as far north as Top Rock Spring, and extending east to incorporate a wide area around Cottonwood Cove and Cottonwood Spring, this latter area is where most of the photogenic formations are found. The ridge itself, uniformly colored deep red, contains a few hidden arches and other jagged formations, but this region is very little explored and in many places the slopes are too steep to traverse. The rocks exhibit a great range of colors, due to oxidized iron compounds—mostly reds, pinks, yellows and oranges, and the individual strata vary in hardness, resulting in amazingly varied erosional patterns. Occasional rainwater pools add to the beauty of the scenery. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-coyote-buttes-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230104_0265.jpg South Coyote Buttes South Coyote Buttes covers the southernmost 3.5 miles of the Coyote Buttes ridge, approximately as far north as Top Rock Spring, and extending east to incorporate a wide area around Cottonwood Cove and Cottonwood Spring, this latter area is where most of the photogenic formations are found. The ridge itself, uniformly colored deep red, contains a few hidden arches and other jagged formations, but this region is very little explored and in many places the slopes are too steep to traverse. The rocks exhibit a great range of colors, due to oxidized iron compounds—mostly reds, pinks, yellows and oranges, and the individual strata vary in hardness, resulting in amazingly varied erosional patterns. Occasional rainwater pools add to the beauty of the scenery. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/toadstool-hoodoos-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230103_0238.jpg Toadstool Hoodoos The Toadstool Hoodoos are located in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an area known as The Rimrocks. They are balanced rock formations that look like toadstools or mushrooms. The base of the hoodoo is Entrada sandstone and the top is made of Dakota sandstone. The unique mushroom shape comes from erosion. Since the Entrada sandstone is softer, it wears away while the top stays intact. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/toadstool-hoodoos/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230103_0226.jpg Toadstool Hoodoos The Toadstool Hoodoos are located in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an area known as The Rimrocks. They are balanced rock formations that look like toadstools or mushrooms. The base of the hoodoo is Entrada sandstone and the top is made of Dakota sandstone. The unique mushroom shape comes from erosion. Since the Entrada sandstone is softer, it wears away while the top stays intact. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tower-butte/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102.0213.jpg Tower Butte Tower Butte and the cliffs beyond are awash with late afternoon sun. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2364/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0208.jpg Wahweap Drought A sliver of water remains in the deepest channels of drought-stricken Wahweap Creek with Bull Points and Antelope Island in the background. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/just-another-butte/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0181_0181.jpg Just Another Butte Lone Rock, usually surrounded by the waters of Wahweap Bay, appears as "just another butte" in the desert landscape of southern Utah. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bucktank-draw/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0162.jpg Bucktank Draw An unmarked trailhead that will lead to Birthday Arch. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/high-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0157.jpg High Light Higher peak and ridge near the terminus of West Cove of are illuminated by aftrnoon sun. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/west-cove/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0148.jpg West Cove Colorful rock layers in West Cove Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sand-gulch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0141.jpg Sand Gulch Colorful rocks rise above Sand Gulch and line the distant hills, the western boundary of Cottonwood Canyon. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/simple-beauty/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0116.jpg Simple Beauty Morning sun and fresh snow grace the red cliffs of Grand Plateau near Kanab, Utah. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/savage-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0114.jpg Savage Point Savage point, highlighted on the red cliffs of Grand Plateau above Kanab Utah, with streaks of fresh snow from the previous night. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/winter-enwrapment/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_230102_0110_GS.jpg Winter Enwrapment Barn and holding corral with loading chute, just south of Grassy Canyon near Glendale, Utah. A night of heavy snowfall left everything wraped with an undisturbed 3-5" blanket of snow on this early morning. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2355/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150906_1576.jpg Fog-bound Tetlin Passage Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge is a dynamic landscape made up of forests, wetlands, tundra, lakes, mountains and glacial rivers bounded by the snowy peaks of the Alaska Range in Wrangell-St. Elias NP. This upper Tanana River valley, blanketd in fog, has been called the "Tetlin Passage," because it serves as a major migratory route for birds traveling to and from Canada, the lower 48 and both Central and South America. Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2353/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_5837_GS.jpg School Shed A derelict shed encountered near the new high school in Lewiston, Idaho Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2352/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_5835_GS.jpg School Shed A derelict shed encountered near the new high school in Lewiston, Idaho Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/forsaken-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220720_0080_GS.jpg Forsaken An old barn that once housed and sheltered livestock or farm implements is now lacking physical strength and integrity leading to it becoming worn and broken down by hard use. Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/extraordinary-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0206_GS-.jpg Extraordinary Glorious Golden Hour light falls on a recently harvested field in Montana, highlighting the rolls of hay, a windmill and a worker's shack."In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary." Aaron Rose Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/end-of-the-day-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220731_0081.jpg End of The Day A unused dwelling rests at the end of another day, punctuated by blazing clouds near the horizon at twilight. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/end-of-the-day/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220731_0081_GS.jpg End of The Day A unused dwelling rests at the end of another day, punctuated by blazing clouds near the horizon at twilight. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2346/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220731_0073_GS.jpg Sunset on the Prairie Late evening light makes the clouds ovehead, the fields, the barns and machinery all glow.with its warm reflection. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2343/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220708_0063.jpg Survivor An aging barn, despite neglect, survives on an otherwise thriving ranch in the Palouse region of Idaho, near Juliaetta. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/outpost-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220728_0266.jpg Outpost A small wooden corral, adjacent to some stalls, undergoing the processes of decline, in one of the more remote areas of Flaming Gorge NRA. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/feed-store-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0190.jpg Feed Store The main street of Scenic, South Dakota is lined with buildings in various stages of decline. This is an unidentified business, It appears to have been a feed and stock store, with an attached live poultry storage area. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mass-exodus-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0187.jpg Mass Exodus Multiple dwellings in various stages of neglect and damage, around the outskirts of Scenic, South Dakota. The entire town appears to have been abandoned in a mass exodus. Sadly, like countless other South Dakota communities, residents of the small town continued to move out over the years, leaving for bigger towns and better opportunities in other parts of the state. Today the town sits abandoned and empty, as if it is waiting for nature to completely wipe it off the map, which may just make it the most abandoned town in South Dakota. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/second-time-around-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0186.jpg Second Time Around The main street of Scenic, South Dakota is lined with buildings in various stages of decline. This is the Longhorn Second Time Around, a store for secondhand goods, items that were owned or used by someone else before you. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/longhorn-saloon-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0184.jpg Longhorn Saloon The main streei of Scenic, South Dakota is lined with buildings in various stages of decline. This is the Longhorn Saloon, sporting a sign proclaiming "NO PARKING,CAB STAND." I'm wondering, since the eentrance is boarded up, is the sign just pure fantasy? South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/longhorn-store-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0182.jpg Longhorn Store The main street of Scenic, South Dakota is lined with buildings in various stages of decline. This is the Longhorn Store, boasting "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, If we don't have it, it isn't a must." South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/destruction-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0181.jpg Destruction Conjoined homes near the town of Scenic, South Dakota, appear to be in the late stages of construction or, more likely, middle stages of destruction, exhibiting damage that is so severe that it can never return to its normal state. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/derelict-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0177.jpg Derelict A small workman's shack, on a large ranch, showing signs of dereliction—it is empty, not used, and in a bad condition. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dilapidated-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0165.jpg Dilapidated A small barn with attached workshop in decrepit condition has been allowed to become dilapidated. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sorting-corrals-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220721_0119_GS.jpg Sorting Corrals A midsized holding corral, complete with a smaller, attached, corral with loading chute, stands on a small section of a vast ranch in Montans. It will not see use again until the separated and prepared cattle are ready to transport. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/expendable-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220728_0287.jpg Expendable A great, old barn-like structure sits idle in a field in Montana while a Fork-tailed Palm-Swift (Tachornis squamata) takes flight above it. A nearby structure, in desperate need of repair, appears to have stalls, as one would find in a stable for horses. Perhaps the barn was for food storage for the horses and now is expendable. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/susceptible-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220727_0209.jpg Susceptible A collapsing structure, surrounded by a very large ranch, has fallen prey to the elements. Clearly well-made and otherwise structurally sound, save for the roof, yet it has been abandoned. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/end-of-the-line-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0196.jpg End of the Line Likely a worker's shack that has fallen into serious disrepair. When no longer habitable these buildings are typically abandoned. If the building were to be demolished, the scrap would not be worth the cost of demolition. Since they present no hazard they are left to crumble. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/new-arrival-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0191.jpg New Arrival This home appears to have recently been moved onto this location in a field in Montana, judging by there being no stairs at the front door, and no conventional foundation—only a wood stack under the right wall and another mid-structure. The grasses obscure a clear view under the left side. Unless it was originally only a small distance from the current location, one would argue that the cost of moving the building would excede the cost of making a new one. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tales-from-the-front-porch-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220721_0129.jpg Tales from the Front Porch A small domicile appears to have been a recent victim of a casualty, perhaps an interior fire. The front porch is iittered with interior structures and furnishings with signs of fire damage. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/work-shack-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220721_0124.jpg Work Shack Ranch workers perform many tasks—inspecting and maintaining ranching equipment and vehicles; herding livestock to pastures for grazing and exercise; performing landscape maintenance, such as weed control and snowplowing.; ordering food for animals and managing the ranch's overall inventory. Often they require a simple lodging to stay in while performing those duties remotely. This sprcimen is adajacent to a holding corral with its loading chute conspicuously visible. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sorting-corrals/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220721_0119.jpg Sorting Corrals A midsized holding corral, complete with a smaller, attached, corral with loading chute, stands on a small section of a vast ranch in Montans. It will not see use again until the separated and prepared cattle are ready to transport. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/inutility-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220721_0116.jpg Inutility Standing along what appears to be the entrance to a large farm or ranch, this lapped siding covered structure is showing signs that it has outlived its usefulness. One can only guess at what its original purpose was—gatekeepers cottage, first residence of the original owner. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stages-of-decline-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220720_0109.jpg Stages of Decline Multiple outbuildings in this Montana field show various stages of decline, the background structures showing greater damage than the foreground building. Its tilt, lack of windows and other signs of deterioation tend to indicate it is no longer being used. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/seasonal-quarters-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220720_0103.jpg Seasonal Quarters A small log cabin in a large field in Montana, though not currently occupied, has modern plumbing and heating vents as well as a gas-fueled grill parked alongside the righthand exterior wall. Likely the structure is only used intermitently during peak periods of planting and harvesting. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/workshop-barn-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220802_0092.jpg Workshop Barn With harvest complete, as judged by the cut fields in the background, the barn seems quiet, performing its primary duty of housing and protecting the machinery as well as offering a space to perform maintenance. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/two-of-a-kind-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220801_0086.jpg Two of a Kind Two similar barns in various stages of deterioration near a small corral on a large ranch. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/shed-roof-storage-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220731_0078.jpg Shed Roof Storage Farms and ranches need places to store many things—equipment, feed, repair supplies etc.—to protect them from the elements. Non-perishables and heavy machinery don't require the same level of protection that other goods do. Often a simple shed can offer sufficient shelter. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/doorway-to-the-past-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220731_0067.jpg Doorway to the Past Standing alone in the prairei, this structure presents a portal to untold secrets of a time long, long ago. All that is required is the "key" to open the door—perhaps its under the keystone. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/forsaken-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220720_0080.jpg Forsaken An old barn that once housed and sheltered livestock or farm implements is now lacking physical strength and integrity leading to it becoming worn and broken down by hard use. Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/gambrel-roof-barn-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220718_0005.jpg Gambrel Roof Barn With a double pitch, the characteristic gambrel roof provides barn lofts with more room for storage. This shape was optimal for farmers keeping livestock. More hay storage meant you had healthier and well-fed cows through the more difficult months. The bountiful loft section shows that farmers had a place to store their crops. This translates to wealth and prosperity. No wonder we hold this type of barn so precious in our imagination of true farm-steads. Many were introduced to this iconic roof style with the Fisher-Price Little People Farm set. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/uninhabited/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220708_0052.jpg Uninhabited Tis humble building, likely a residence for workers, seems to have been abandoned for many years—no maintenance or repairs are evident. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/semi-monitor-barn-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220708_0050.jpg Semi-Monitor Barn Monitor barns have a unique raised roof above the central aisle. This feature helps air circulate through the barn and is a popular feature for livestock barns. The raised center roof not only allows ventilation and light to enter, it can also function as a loft for storing feed. The style allows farmers the option of adding in chutes to easily feed livestock housed below. This specimen only has the two-level roof on one side Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/english-gable-roof-barn-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220707_0037.jpg English Gable Roof Barn The high A-frame or "gable" roof is popular because rain and snow fall off quickly. Plus, higher pitches meant sturdier roofs. It's high pitch also offered uable under roof storage. English Barns were usually 30-feet by 40-feet in size. Their economic size and no-nonsense rectangularity topped with an A-frame roof was a much easier feat for the basic farmer to complete. The English barn sometimes goes by other names such as: Yankee, Three-Bay, or Connecticut. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/slow-season-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220707_0034.jpg Slow Season This small structure, with its cattle loading chute, stands idle until the next season of separating the finished steer for transport arrives. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/it-all-falls-down-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220706_0013.jpg It All Falls Down A small barn in the Idaho Palouse is in various stages of falling down. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-shirt-table-overlook-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1582.jpg Red Shirt Table Overlook A spectacular view from the western side of the South Unit of Badlands National Park is offered at Red Shirt Table Overlook., an unassuming pull-off with one of the most breathtaking views of the Badlands. The geologic section here is near complete, providing one of the most colorful vistas in the park. Light rain persisted throughout the day making the colors of the earth more saturated which was exaggerated by the late afternoon glow of golden light. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pending-collapse/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220720_0100_GS.jpg Pending Collapse A large barn, its central roof beam sagging from yeras of overload and lack of repair, sits in a remote grassy meadow along a stream in the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, a geographical region of hills in southwestern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta, Canada. The hills are part of the Missouri Coteau upland. Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/double-oxbow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220720_0095.jpg Double Oxbow Meanders and oxbows are usually associated with gently flowing rivers passing over soft soil on broad floodplains. This double oxbow is located in the grasslands in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. The geographical region of Cypress Hills in southwestern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta, are part of the Missouri Coteau upland. Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/go-big/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220719_0054.jpg Go Big Near the town of Drumheller, the rolling prairie suddenly parts to reveal one of Alberta's natural wonders: Horsethief Canyon. Photographed from the canyon floor, one of the largest mounds in the canyon appears to tower over the landscape and protrude into the sky Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/twilight/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220718_0035.jpg Twilight Near the town of Drumheller, the rolling prairie suddenly parts to reveal one of Alberta's natural wonders: Horseshoe Canyon. Twilight, the time between sunset and dusk, is gharacterised with light produced by sunlight scattering in the upper atmosphere, when the Sun is below the horizon, which illuminates the lower atmosphere and the Earth's surface. Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/last-light-at-the-shoe/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220718_0030.jpg Last Light at the 'Shoe The setting sun drops below the western wall of a canyon near the town of Drumheller, where the rolling prairie suddenly parts to reveal one of Alberta's natural wonders: Horseshoe Canyon. The canyon gets its name from its horseshoe shape, defined by two coulees that flow into the Kneehill Creek, a tributary of the Red Deer River. The canyon's two arms are approximately 3 miles long each. Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lighting-the-way/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220718_0018.jpg Lighting the Way Near the town of Drumheller, the rolling prairie suddenly parts to reveal one of Alberta's natural wonders: Horseshoe Canyon. Late afternoo light highlights the striated badlands formations and valley floor within the canyon. Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/good-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1532.jpg Good Light Near the town of Drumheller, the rolling prairie suddenly parts to reveal one of Alberta's natural wonders: Horsetheif Canyon. late afternoon light emphasizes the form, texture, striations and colors of the badlands mounds in the main valley of the Canyon. Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-calm/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1519.jpg Morning Calm Near the town of Drumheller, the rolling prairie suddenly parts to reveal one of Alberta's natural wonders: Horseshoe Canyon. The canyon gets its name from its horseshoe shape, defined by two coulees that flow into the Kneehill Creek, a tributary of the Red Deer River. The canyon's two arms are approximately 3 miles long each. Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2300/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220803_0105.jpg Hanging On Still standing in a huge field, this deteriorating structure seems to be approaching the end of its service. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2299/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220803_0105_GS.jpg Hanging On Still standing in a huge field, this deteriorating structure seems to be approaching the end of its service. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/workshop-barn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220802_0092_CS.jpg Workshop Barn With harvest complete, as judged by the cut fields in the background, the barn seems quiet, performing its primary duty of housing and protecting the machinery as well as offering a space to perform maintenance. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/two-of-a-kind/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220801_0086_GS.jpg Two of a Kind Two similar barns in various stages of deterioration near a small corral on a large ranch. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/shed-roof-storage/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220731_0078_GS.jpg Shed Roof Storage Farms and ranches need places to store many things—equipment, feed, repair supplies etc.—to protect them from the elements. Non-perishables and heavy machinery don't require the same level of protection that other goods do. Often a simple shed can offer sufficient shelter. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunset-on-the-prairie/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220731_0073.jpg Sunset on the Prairie Late evening light makes the clouds ovehead, the fields, the barns and machinery all glow.with its warm reflection. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2293/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220731_0068.jpg Light Within Despite the ramshackle exterior of this structure, a bit of warmth seeps through a crack in a wall and lights the interior. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/doorway-to-the-past/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220731_0067_GS.jpg Doorway to the Past Standing alone in the prairei, this structure presents a portal to untold secrets of a time long, long ago. All that is required is the "key" to open the door—perhaps its under the keystone. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/gambrel-roof-barn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220718_0005_GS.jpg Gambrel Roof Barn With a double pitch, the characteristic gambrel roof provides barn lofts with more room for storage. This shape was optimal for farmers keeping livestock. More hay storage meant you had healthier and well-fed cows through the more difficult months. The bountiful loft section shows that farmers had a place to store their crops. This translates to wealth and prosperity. No wonder we hold this type of barn so precious in our imagination of true farm-steads. Many were introduced to this iconic roof style with the Fisher-Price Little People Farm set. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rrf_220708_0063_cs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220708_0063_CS.jpg Still Working An aging barn, despite neglect, survives on an otherwise thriving ranch in the Palouse region of Idaho, near Juliaetta. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/summertime-on-the-palouse/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220708_0058.jpg Summertime on the Palouse Farmers and ranchers use hay to feed cattle, horses, sheep and other livestock. Round bales are more weather-resistant and therefore more economically advantageous if preservation is key. Round balers require the least amount of manpower and are common on large cattle farms. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/reclaimed/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220708_0052_GS.jpg Reclaimed Tis humble building, likely a residence for workers, seems to have been abandoned for many years—no maintenance or repairs are evident. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/semi-monitor-barn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220708_0050_GS.jpg Semi-Monitor Barn Monitor barns have a unique raised roof above the central aisle. This feature helps air circulate through the barn and is a popular feature for livestock barns. The raised center roof not only allows ventilation and light to enter, it can also function as a loft for storing feed. The style allows farmers the option of adding in chutes to easily feed livestock housed below. This specimen only has the two-level roof on one side Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/english-gable-roof-barn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220707_0037_GS.jpg English Gable Roof Barn The high A-frame or "gable" roof is popular because rain and snow fall off quickly. Plus, higher pitches mean sturdier roofs. It's high pitch also offers usable storage under the roof. English Barns were usually 30-feet by 40-feet in size. Their economic size and no-nonsense rectangularity topped with an A-frame roof was a much easier feat for the basic farmer to complete. The English barn sometimes goes by other names such as: Yankee, Three-Bay, or Connecticut. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/slow-season/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220707_0034_GS.jpg Slow Season This small structure, with its cattle loading chute, stands idle until the next season of separating the finished steer for transport arrives. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/it-all-falls-down/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220706_0013_GS.jpg It All Falls Down A small barn in the Idaho Palouse is in various stages of falling down. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-grain-doesnt-flow-anymore-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220706_0009.jpg The Grain Doesn't Flow Anymore I revisited this old grain elevator and was blessed with good light and interesting skies. I focused on a different perspective to achieve a different iamge from what I recorded previously. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-grain-doesnt-flow-anymore/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220706_0009_GS..jpg The Grain Doesn't flow anymore I revisited this old grain elevator and was blessed with good light and interesting skies. I focused on a different perspective to achieve a different iamge from what I made previously Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/expendable/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220728_0287_GS.jpg Expendable A great, old, barn-like structure sits idle in a field in Montana while a Fork-tailed Palm-Swift (Tachornis squamata) takes flight above it. A nearby structure, in desperate need of repair, appears to have stalls, as one would find in a stable for horses. Perhaps the barn was for food storage for the horses and now is expendable. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-rock-reflection/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220727_0211.jpg Red Rock Reflection The red rocks in the background hills are reflected on the Bighorn River as it wends its way through the Montana prairie. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/susceptible/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220727_0209_GS.jpg Susceptible A collapsing structure, surrounded by a very large ranch, has fallen prey to the elements. Clearly well-made and otherwise structurally sound, save for the roof, yet it has been abandoned. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/extraordinary/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0206-.jpg Extraordinary Glorious Golden Hour light falls on a recently harvested field in Montana, highlighting the rolls of hay, a windmill and a worker's shack."In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary." Aaron Rose Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/attention-grabbers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0203.jpg Attention Grabbers Unnamed buttes, encountered in the foothills of Eastern Montana, catch the late afternoon light which enhances their form and texture rendering them more distinct from the environment. It is clear, they are the "hook"—commanding or attracting your attention. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/end-of-the-line/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0196_GS.jpg End Of The Line Likely a worker's shack that has fallen into serious disrepair. When no longer habitable these buildings are typically abandoned. If the building were to be demolished, the scrap would not be worth the cost of demolition. Since they present no hazard they are left to crumble. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/new-arrival/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0191_GS.jpg New Arrival This home appears to have recently been moved onto this location in a field in Montana, judging by the fact that there are no stairs at the front door, and no conventional foundation—only a wood stack under the right wall and another mid-structure. The grasses obscure a clear view under the left side. Unless it was originally only a small distance from the current location, one would argue that the cost of moving the building would excede the cost of making a new one. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sullivans-knob/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220725_0163.jpg Sullivan's Knob Sullivan's Knob and Trail as seen from the Devil Canyon Overlook, looking North Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2273/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220725_0162.jpg Around the Bend The Bighon River swings around a large fin in Devil Canyon, a portion of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Montana. A small power boat on the river provides a sense of scale—the walls here are 1000 feet high. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2272/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220725_0151.jpg Devil Canyon Overlook The scenic overlook is the highlight of this trail, no doubt about it. The trail ends at the tip of a rocky peninsula 1000 feet or so above the Bighorn River snaking its way through the canyon. It's a definite Wow! Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/resident-namesake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220725_0147.jpg Resident Namesake A ram Bighorn Sheep (lower left) is standing on a ledge just below the terminus of Sullivan's Knob Trail, with the northern extension of the canyon 1000 feet below him. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2270/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220725_0145.jpg False End The trail around Sullivan's Knob leads one to spectacular views as you approach Bighorn Canyon from the north. The rising sun floods this northeast-facing wall with this castellated feature, appearing to be the end of the Canyon. It is in fact atop a fin which protrudes into the river near Devil Canyon and can be seen easily from Devil Canyon Overlook. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2269/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220725_0140.jpg Chasing The Light The trail around Sullivan's Knob leads one to spectacular views as you approach Bighorn Canyon from the north. Morning light floods the flat ground as you approach as well as reflecting off the east-facing wall onto and illuminating the west-facing wall. The rising sun penetrates farther south into the canyon. As the river makes a bend a prominent, castellated feature appears at the end of the view. It is in fact atop a fin which protrudes into the river near Devil Canyon which can be seen easily from Devil canyon Overlook. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2268/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220725_0136.jpg First Peek The trail around Sullivan's Knob leads one to spectacular views as you approach Bighorn Canyon from the north. Morning light floods the flat ground as you approach as well as reflecting off the east-facing wall onto and illuminateing the west-facing wall. As the river makes a bend a prominent, castellated feature appears at the end of the view. It is in fact atop a fin which protrudes into the river near Devil Canyon which can be seen easily from Devil Canyon Overlook. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tales-from-the-front-porch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220721_0129_GS.jpg Tales from the Front Porch A small domicile appears to have been a recent victim of a casualty, perhaps an interior fire. The front porch is iittered with interior structures and furnishings with signs of fire damage. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/work-shack/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220721_0124_GS.jpg Work Shack Ranch workers perform many tasks—inspecting and maintaining ranching equipment and vehicles; herding livestock to pastures for grazing and exercise; performing landscape maintenance, such as weed control and snowplowing.; ordering food for animals and managing the ranch's overall inventory. Often they require a simple lodging to stay in while performing those duties remotely. This sprcimen is adajacent to a holding corral with its loading chute conspicuously visible. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/inutility/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220721_0116_GS.jpg Inutility Standing along what appears to be the entrance to a large farm or ranch, this lapped-siding-covered structure is showing signs that it has outlived its usefulness. One can only guess at what its original purpose was—gatekeepers cottage, first residence of the original owner. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stages-of-decline/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220720_0109_GS.jpg Stages of Decline Multiple outbuildings in this Montana field show various stages of decline, the background structures showing greater damage than the foreground building. Its tilt, lack of windows and other signs of deterioation tend to indicate it is no longer being used. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/seasonal-quarters/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220720_0103_GS.jpg Seasonal Quarters A small log cabin in a large field in Montana, though not currently occupied, has modern plumbing and heating vents as well as a gas-fueled grill parked alongside the righthand exterior wall. Likely the structure is only used intermitently during peak periods of planting and harvesting. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/feed-store/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0190_GS.jpg Feed Store The main street of Scenic, South Dakota is lined with buildings in various stages of decline. This is an unidentified business, It appears to have been a feed and stock store, with an attached live poultry storage area. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mass-exodus/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0187_GS.jpg Mass Exodus Multiple dwellings in various stages of neglect and damage, around the outskirts of Scenic, South Dakota. The entire town appears to have been abandoned in a mass exodus. Sadly, like countless other South Dakota communities, residents of the small town continued to move out over the years, leaving for bigger towns and better opportunities in other parts of the state. Today the town sits abandoned and empty, as if it is waiting for nature to completely wipe it off the map, which may just make it the most abandoned town in South Dakota. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/second-time-around/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0186_GS.jpg Second Time Around The main street of Scenic, South Dakota is lined with buildings in various stages of decline. This is the Longhorn Second Time Around, a store for secondhand goods, items that were owned or used by someone else before you. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/longhorn-saloon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0184_GS.jpg Longhorn Saloon The main street of Scenic, South Dakota is lined with buildings in various stages of decline. This is the Longhorn Saloon, sporting a sign proclaiming "NO PARKING CAB STAND." I'm wondering, since the entrance is boarded up, is the sign just pure fantasy? South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/longhorn-store/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0182_GS.jpg Longhorn Store The main street of Scenic, South Dakota is lined with buildings in various stages of decline. This is the Longhorn Store, boasting "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, If we don't have it, it isn't a must." South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/destruction/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0181_GS.jpg Destruction Conjoined homes near the town of Scenic, South Dakota, appear to be in the late stages of construction or, more likely, middle stages of destruction, exhibiting damage that is so severe that it can never return to its normal state. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/derelict/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0177_GS.jpg Derelict A small workman's shack, on a large ranch, showing signs of dereliction—it is empty, not used, and in a bad condition. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dilapidated/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220726_0165_GS-crop.jpg Dilapidated A small barn with attached workshop in decrepit condition has been allowed to become dilapidated. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-shirt-table-overlook/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1582_GS.jpg Red Shirt Table Overlook A spectacular view from the western side of the South Unit of Badlands National Park is offered at Red Shirt Table Overlook, an unassuming pull-off with one of the most breathtaking views of the Badlands. The geologic section here is near complete, providing one of the most colorful vistas in the park. Light rain persisted throughout the day making the colors of the earth more saturated which was exaggerated by the late afternoon glow of golden light. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/outpost/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220728_0266_GS.jpg Outpost A small wooden corral, adjacent to some stalls, undergoing the processes of decline, in one of the more remote areas of Flaming Gorge NRA. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sun-baked-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220728_0258.jpg Sun Baked Warm morning light renders the cliffs and ridges lining the Green River in Firehole Canyon as smoldering embers. Flaming Gorge NRA, Wyoming. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sun-baked/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220728_0257.jpg Sun Baked Warm morning light renders the cliffs and ridges lining the Green River in Firehole Canyon as smoldering embers. Flaming Gorge NRA, Wyoming. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tinder/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220728_0253_Pan.jpg Smoldering Warm morning light renders the cliffs and ridges lining the Green River in Firehole Canyon as smoldering embers. Flaming Gorge NRA, Wyoming. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-has-broken-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220728_0243.jpg Morning Has Broken The rising sun, as a sunstar, crests the silhouetted prominent features along the east shore of the Green River—Flattop Mountain as well as North and South Chimney Rock—highlighting Firehole Canyon in Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Wyoming. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/visage/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220728_0230.jpg Visage Morning twilight renders the prominent landforms as shadowy phantoms in Firehole Canyon along the Green River, in the north section of Flaming Gorge NRA, while the clouds above are rimmed with golden sunlight. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/beautiful-buttes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_220727_0225_pan.jpg Beautiful Buttes Early evening light strikes the prominent landforms in Firehole Canyon, a unique area on the upper part of Flaming Gorge Lake. Towering overhead are the oft-photographed Flattop Mountain, North and South Chimney Rocks—tall pinnacled buttes that are the remains of ancient volcanic activity. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/firehole-canyon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1591.jpg Firehole Canyon Early evening strikes the prominent landforms in Firehole Canyon, a unique area on the upper part of Lake Flaming Gorge. Towering overhead are the oft-photographed North and South Chimney Rocks—tall pinnacled buttes that are the remains of ancient volcanic activity. Visitors get a sense of the splendid isolation that one can find in Flaming Gorge Country. This high desert location is refreshed by its riverside facilities. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/inevitable-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191026_0787_GS.jpg Inevitable A derelict building continues along its route to ineviable collapse. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/curtain-call-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191025_0763.jpg Curtain Call Near the confluence of Salt Creek with the Snake River below the eastern foothills of the Wallowa-Whitman NF, a lone cottonwood in blazing Fall color, illuminated by a shaft of sunlight, glows against a backdrop of dark conifers. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2240/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191025_0761_GS-L.jpg Neglect A group of neglected farm buildings in the Little Salmon River Valley near New Meadows, Idaho. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/disuse-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191025_0750_CS.jpg Disuse Small herdsman's cabin suffering from disuse and lack of maintenance in the Little Salmon River Valley near New Meadows, Idaho Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/parallels-6/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190227_0016.jpg Parallels Snow covered bluff outside Fort McDermitt, NV. The layer of rock protruding through the snow below the summit and the layers of clouds parallel to it attracted my focus. The sun, breaking through a fortuitous space between the layers of clouds, created highlights and cast shadows on the flanks providing texture and the third dimension. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/winter-dusting-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190227_0006.jpg Winter Dusting Although the road was impassable the previous night because of heavy snowfall, morning revealed only a light dusting on the Trout Creek Mountains near Fort McDermitt, NV. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/its-the-setting-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170605_0114_GS.jpg It's the Setting I encountered this derelict building near Craigmont, Idaho. It is far from being in as bad shape as some of my other derelict subjects. However, the setting was one I could not pass up—rollimg hills, fluffy clouds, spring green leaves on the willows and lovely magenta blooms scattered throught the foreground—all contrasting with the older, faded barn. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rocks-waves-chaos-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170603_0096_GS.jpg Rocks, Waves, Chaos This narrow channel in the North Fork Payette River, filled with boulders, creates fast moving water that crests some rocks yielding chaos yet fanciful spray patterns that can be captured with very high shutter speed Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-bird-canyon-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170417_0025.jpg White Bird Canyon White Bird Hill Summit marks the divide between the Salmon River and the Camas Prairie. The Battle of White Bird Canyon during the Nez Perce War occurred in the valley south of the summit in 1877. Chief White Bird was a respected leader of the Nez Perce tribe. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cycles-of-life-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170415_0006_GS.jpg Cycles of Life Under cloudy skies, with light rain falling, morning sunlight casts shadows from a poplar on the face of an old barn, sitting atop a hill covered with the season's early growth of grain. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/golden-larch-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191026_0772.jpg Golden Larch Larches, commonly known as tamarack, are conifers in the family Pinaceae. They're the same genus, larix, but different species. Western Larch is Larix occidentalis, while Tamarack is Larix laricina. Growing from 20 to 45 m tall, they are native to much of the cooler temperate northern hemisphere.The tree is easy to identify in the fall, when the needles turn golden-yellow. In the winter, it easy to identify because it is the only deciduous conifer and has no needles then. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ostentatious-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191026_0770.jpg Ostentatious A small grouping of western larch, growing among pines, attract a great deal of attention. Larches are different from most conifers because they're deciduous—their needles change color and are lost each fall. Only western larch (Larix occidentalis) and subalpine larch grow in the Pacific Northwest. These native Larches grow in the same forests as Ponderosa Pine and grow just as tall at high elevations east of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon & Washington, Northern Idaho & Canada. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/salmonberry-flower/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_070401_0035.jpg Salmonberry Flower A single magenta bloom on the end of the vine stands out in contrast to the surrounding Spring green foliage. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/impending-storm/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140919_0123.jpg Impending Storm This rainy morning at White sands found me enjoying dramatic skies, directional lighting, untracked expanses of sand interrupted by a few evening Primrose (Oenothera), a genus of about 145 species of herbaceous flowering plants native to the Americas. They are not related to true primroses White Sands, New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-dusting/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_101229_0011.jpg Light Dusting Clouds and fog create soft low light following an early morning snowfall that dusts the trees and forest floor South Fork Stillaguamish River https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/river-sentinels-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_101229_0006.jpg River Sentinels Majestic conifers along the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River in a heavy snowfall just after Christmas Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-sands--yucca/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140919_0132_GS.jpg White Sands Morning Soft, warm, low-angle morning sunlight, below clouds from the previous night's rain, strike the great wave-like dunes of glistening gypsum sand rising from White Sands NM in the heart of the Tularosa Basin of New Mexico. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/not-quite-a-supercell/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0049.jpg Not Quite a Supercell On the way to Pueblo, following the Arkansas River, this massive storm was developing near Pueblo Reservoir. I watched it develop to see if it would become a supercell with its characteristic mesocyclone: a deep, persistently rotating updraft. It did not, but it was moving rapidly toward me. Time to take evasive action Colorado https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2223/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_2231.jpg Recent Victim This home seems to have been recently abandoned by the owners as judged by the state of its decline and the vegetation surrounding the structures. Texas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2222/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0348_GS.jpg Hi-line Relics This assorted group of relics, antiquities that have survived from the distant past, was encountered along US Route 2 in the Hi-Line region of Montana near Ethridge. Ethridge is located between Shelby and Cut Bank. Ethridge existed primarily as a grain storage and shipping point on the Hi-Line.The term "Hi-Line" comes from the way Montanans described the Great Northern Railway's route, which is east of the Continental Divide and north of the Missouri River. This term came to include the areas and communities surrounding the railroad as well. The Hi-Line is now known for its rolling prairies and farmland. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2221/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0130GS.jpg Backlit Clouds Perched high on a pile of rocks, on the eastern shore of the Snake River near Wawawai, a lone, graceful tree is sillhouetted against some clouds, backlit by the setting sun. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hi-line-relics-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0355_GS.jpg Hi-Line Relics This assorted group of relics, antiquities that have survived from the distant past, was encountered along US Route 2 in the Hi-Line region of Montana near Ethridge. Ethridge is located between Shelby and Cut Bank. Ethridge existed primarily as a grain storage and shipping point on the Hi-Line.The term "Hi-Line" comes from the way Montanans described the Great Northern Railway's route, which is east of the Continental Divide and north of the Missouri River. This term came to include the areas and communities surrounding the railroad as well. The Hi-Line is now known for its rolling prairies and farmland. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hi-line-relics-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0339_GS.jpg Hi-Line Relics This assorted group of relics, antiquities that have survived from the distant past, was encountered along US Route 2 in the Hi-Line region of Montana near Ethridge. Ethridge is located between Shelby and Cut Bank. Ethridge existed primarily as a grain storage and shipping point on the Hi-Line.The term "Hi-Line" comes from the way Montanans described the Great Northern Railway's route, which is east of the Continental Divide and north of the Missouri River. This term came to include the areas and communities surrounding the railroad as well. The Hi-Line is now known for its rolling prairies and farmland. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hi-line-relics/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0335_GS.jpg Hi-Line Relics This assorted group of relics, antiquities that have survived from the distant past, was encountered along US Route 2 in the Hi-Line region of Montana near Ethridge. Ethridge is located between Shelby and Cut Bank. Ethridge existed primarily as a grain storage and shipping point on the Hi-Line.The term "Hi-Line" comes from the way Montanans described the Great Northern Railway's route, which is east of the Continental Divide and north of the Missouri River. This term came to include the areas and communities surrounding the railroad as well. The Hi-Line is now known for its rolling prairies and farmland. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-on-the-snake-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0013_gs.jpg Sunrise on the Snake Morning sun brightens the sky and warms the rolling hills behind this rocky outcrop on the eastern shore of the Snake River near Wawawai, with a lone tree backlit by the rising sun. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/awash-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0011_GS.jpg Awash Perched high on a pile of rocks, on the eastern shore of the Snake River near Wawawai, a lone, graceful tree is backlit by the warm glow of the setting sun. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2215/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_2213_GS.jpg Suddenly gone All that remains of a magnificent home that simply disappeared, save this rock fireplace and Chimney Texas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/abandoned-and-collapsing/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0940_GS.jpg Abandoned and Collapsing Ramshackle building and pickup truck near Conata, along Highway 44, midway between Scenic and Interior. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2213/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0842_GS.jpg Attendants Old, leafless trees, all leaning toward the abandoned home they surround, appear to be attending to the deteriorating structure. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alone-yet-together/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0840_GS.jpg Alone, Yet Together A pair of building on a large farm appear to no longer be serving the owners on a regular basis. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2211/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0838_GS.jpg Close Companions A pair of old building on a large ranch outside of Reeder, North Dakota North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2210/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0831_GS.jpg Meeting Place Turkey vultures gather along the roof ridge of a slowly-succumbing outbuilding. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2209/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0803_GS.jpg Where is Everyone? A relatively recently-abandoned, home with cut wood and other signs of habitation strewn around it, looks forlorn. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2208/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0801_GS.jpg Heavy Blow A reasonably well-built building appears to have been dealt a heavy blow—windows and door are missing, the roof is damaged, the foundation unsettled and heavy tree debris is scattered about it. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/inheritance/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0216_GS.jpg inheritance The Judson barn has been passed down from father to son, who has a lifetime of memories about it including milking the cow before going to school, arsonists attempting to burn it down and countless others. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/still-working/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0210_GS.jpg Still Working This old barn, in spite of its disarray, is still functional, as witnessed by the horse exiting from the right. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/its-all-about-the-light-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0106_GS.jpg It's all about the light I have driven past this old elevator many times, never in favorable light. This time, it was spectacularly lit, I spent as much time here as the light allowed. It displays as well in color as monochrome. It's always all about the light Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-bit-worse-for-the-wear/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0042_GS.jpg A Bit Worse For the Wear Storage building, near Bumback Gulch along the Arkansas River, showing it is a bit worse for the wear Colorado https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/weathered-but-working/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0019_GS.jpg Weathered but Working Old ranch buildings near the confluens of Big Cottonwood Creek and the Arkansas River in Colorado are showing the effects of years of inclement weather Colorado https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sheep-creek/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_2258.jpg Sheep Creek The expansive Flaming Gorge National Wildlife Refuge extends into Utah. Here at Sheep Creek it narrows from a placid lake into a faster moving river Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lucerne-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_2250.jpg Lucerne Point Afternoon sun warms the clouds above as well as the sandy beaches along the Green River, impounded behind the Flaming Gorge Dam, forming the largest reservoir in Wyoming. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/santa-elena-gorge/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_2236.jpg Santa Elena Gorge The majestic Santa Elena Canyon is the most impressive in Big Bend National Park—it is visible for over 10 miles away, as the Rio Grande changes direction abruptly after following beneath the straight Sierra Ponce cliffs for several miles and heads due west, cutting through the mountains via a deep, narrow gorge. This sharp bend in the river was formed by movement along the Terlingua fault zone that crosses the park. For many miles upstream the river is trapped beneath the high walls, eventually emerging into a wider valley at the small town of Lajitas. A 0.7 mile path follows the river up the north side of the canyon, and walking farther is possible when the water level is low. Texas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fading-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_2235.jpg Fading Light Rocky outcrops, on the crest of the Chisos Mountains, capture the late afternoon light as it crosses the Chisos Basin in Big Bend National Park Texas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/oasis-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_2229.jpg Oasis Enchanted Rock State Natural Area sits on Big Sandy Creek on the border of Gillespie and Llano counties. It is 18 miles north of Fredericksburg. We followed the Loop trail to where it crossed the creek, with enchanted Rock towering above. Texas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/seminoe-canyon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1587.jpg Seminoe Canyon Below Kortes Reservoir, the North Platte River wends its way to Pathfinder Reservoir Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pinnacle/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1563.jpg Pinnacle The Door Trail leads one behind a mountain-sized formation revealing exquisite views of delicate patterns of low, eroded formations as well as the looming sharp spires towering over them, especially in early morning light. This is the highest spire along the ridge South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/3d/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1555.jpg 3D The Door Trail leads one behind a mountain-sized formation revealing exquisite views of delicate patterns of low, eroded formations as well as the looming sharp spires towering over them, especially in early morning light. The three-dimensional layering of structures—horizontally, vertically and in depth—are wonderfully accentuated in this perspective. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/three-dimensions/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1555_GS_f.jpg Three Dimensions The Door Trail leads one behind a mountain-sized formation revealing exquisite views of delicate patterns of low, eroded formations as well as the looming sharp spires towering over them, especially in early morning light. The three-dimensional layering of structures—front to back, right to left and bottom to top—are wonderfully accentuated in this perspective. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2192/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1552.jpg Behind the Door The Door Trail leads one behind a mountain-sized formation revealing exquisite views of delicate patterns of low, eroded formations as well as the looming sharp spires towering over them, especially in early morning light. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/behind-the-door-6/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1552_GS.jpg Behind the Door The Door Trail leads one behind a mountain-sized formation revealing exquisite views of delicate patterns of low, eroded formations as well as the looming sharp spires towering over them, especially in early morning light. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/behind-the-door-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1549.jpg Behind the Door The Door Trail leads one behind a mountain-sized formation revealing exquisite views of delicate patterns of low, eroded formations as well as the looming sharp spires towering over them, especially in early morning light. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/behind-the-door-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1549_GS.jpg Behind the Door The Door Trail leads one behind a mountain-sized formation revealing exquisite views of delicate patterns of low, eroded formations as well as the looming sharp spires towering over them, especially in early morning light. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2188/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1547.jpg Behind the Door The Door Trail leads one behind a mountain-sized formation revealing exquisite views of delicate patterns of low, eroded formations as well as the looming sharp spires towering over them, especially in early morning light. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/behind-the-door-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1547_GS.jpg Behind the Door The Door Trail leads one behind a mountain-sized formation revealing exquisite views of delicate patterns of low, eroded formations as well as the looming sharp spires towering over them, especially in early morning light. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/behind-the-door-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1536.jpg Behind the Door The Door Trail leads one behind a mountain-sized formation revealing exquisite views of delicate patterns of low, eroded formations as well as the looming sharp spires towering over them, especially in early morning light. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/behind-the-door/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1536_GS.jpg Behind the Door The Door Trail leads one behind a mountain-sized formation revealing exquisite views of delicate patterns of low, eroded formations as well as the looming sharp spires towering over them, especially in early morning light. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/variations-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1532_GS.jpg Variations One of four images in a series of images of the same main structure from various perspectives in afternoon light, processed in monochrome to render emphasis on the forms and textures without the influence of variable light color South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2183/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1527.jpg Badlands Sunset As the sun sets on the horizon it highlights the clouds above and well as making the spires nearly silhouettes. Some details remain visible in the deepest shadows and the foreground rocks and vegetation show backlit highlights. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/variations-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1519.jpg Variations One of four images in a series of images of the same main structure from various perspectives in afternoon light, processed in monochrome to render emphasis on the forms and textures without the influence of variable light color South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/variations-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1514_GS.jpg Variations One of four images in a series of images of the same main structure from various perspectives in afternoon light, processed in monochrome to render emphasis on the forms and textures without the influence of variable light color South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/variations-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1509_GS.jpg Variations One of four images in a series of images of the same main structure from various perspectives in afternoon light, processed in monochrome to render emphasis on the forms and textures without the influence of variable light color South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/potpourri-ii/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1505.jpg Potpourri II Low angle evening light highlights a mixture of different things—the form and textures of low, eroded features, taller spires and a glow to the thin clouds overhead. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/potpourri/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1500.jpg Potpourri Afternoon, low-angle sun highlights a mixture of different things—the form and textures of low, eroded features, taller spires and a glow to the thin clouds overhead. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-river-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1498.jpg White River Valley From this vantage point one can see the expanse of the river valley as well as the rim on the other side of the valley. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/organized-chaos-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1494.jpg Organized Chaos The erosive forces of wind and water have created these ridges, crests, peaks and gullys in endless patterns of colorful striations that initially defy their underlying order. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-river-overview/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1485.jpg White River Overview Ridgelines and formation peaks lead the viewer into an expansive view of White River Valley South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/early-awareness-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1450.jpg Early Awareness One of a series of four images of a ewe with its lamb high on a rocky clifff wall. Note the mother's steadfast demeanor while the lamb is clearly aware of the photographer in the first and forth images. Ewes select an isolated, sheltered site with unobstructed view to give birth. Usually single young are born, but twins have been recorded. Ewes keep the lambs in this cliff environment to protect them from predators. Lambs are weaned by 6 months of age. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/early-awareness-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1449.jpg Early Awareness One of a series of four images of a ewe with its lamb high on a rocky clifff wall. Note the mother's steadfast demeanor while the lamb is clearly aware of the photographer in the first and forth images. Ewes select an isolated, sheltered site with unobstructed view to give birth. Usually single young are born, but twins have been recorded. Ewes keep the lambs in this cliff environment to protect them from predators. Lambs are weaned by 6 months of age. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/early-awareness-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1447psb.jpg Early Awareness One of a series of four images of a ewe with its lamb high on a rocky clifff wall. Note the mother's steadfast demeanor while the lamb is clearly aware of the photographer in the first and forth images. Ewes select an isolated, sheltered site with unobstructed view to give birth. Usually single young are born, but twins have been recorded. Ewes keep the lambs in this cliff environment to protect them from predators. Lambs are weaned by 6 months of age. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/early-awareness/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1445.jpg Early Awareness One of a series of four images of a ewe with its lamb high on a rocky clifff wall. Note the mother's steadfast demeanor while the lamb is clearly aware of the photographer in the first and forth images. Ewes select an isolated, sheltered site with unobstructed view to give birth. Usually single young are born, but twins have been recorded. Ewes keep the lambs in this cliff environment to protect them from predators. Lambs are weaned by 6 months of age. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/followers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1429.jpg Followers Ewes select an isolated, sheltered site with unobstructed view to give birth. Neonates are precocial and often called "followers". South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grabber-iv-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1421.jpg Grabber IV The shapes and lines, from the foreground mound, the middle ground ridge to the distant peak, all exaggerated by the low angle of view and light compel the viewer to dwell on the singular beauty of the peak. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grabber-iv/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1421_Stretched.jpg Grabber V The shapes and lines, from the foreground mound, the middle ground ridge to the distant peak, all exaggerated by the low angle of view and light compel the viewer to dwell on the singular beauty of the peak. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grabber-iii/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1420.jpg Grabber III The shapes and lines, from the foreground mound, the middle ground ridge to the distant peak, all exaggerated by the low angle of view and light compel the viewer to dwell on the singular beauty of the peak. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/focal-point-ii/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1416.jpg Focal Point II The very highest peak of this formation grabs attention with its light, form and textures. The surrounding formations, striations and erosion patterns enhance the draw. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grabber-ii/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1413.jpg Grabber II The shapes and lines, from the foreground mound, the middle ground ridge to the distant peak, all exaggerated by the low light angle of view and light compel the viewer to dwell on the singular beauty of the peak. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grabber/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1412.jpg Grabber The shapes and lines, from the foreground mound, the middle ground ridge to the distant peak, all exaggerated by the low angle of view and light compel the viewer to dwell on the singular beauty of the peak. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/focal-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1411.jpg Focal Point The very highest peak of this formation grabs attention with its light, form and textures. The surrounding formations, striations and erosion patterns enhance the draw. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/anticipation-time/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1396.jpg Anticipation Time A dominent bull Bison (Bison bison) nonchalantly parades through his territory on a grassy plain above Badlands National Park, South Dakota, knowing he is well-prepared for the upcoming rut. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tall-grass/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1350_crop.jpg Tall Grass With a magnificent butte capturing early morning light while a nearby butte is still enveloped in fog, tall grasses harmoniously sway in the gentle winds. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mixed-grasses/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1345.jpg Mixed Grasses This small section of prairie surrounded by prominent bluffs and containing individual spires, contains both tall and short grasses. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/illusion/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1339.jpg Illusion The flat, horizontal tops of a series of low mesas near Prairie Winds Overlook appear to be roofs held up by a series of poles, which are actually very tall vegetation stems, closer to the photographer and superimposed on the mesas. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2158/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1329.jpg Morning has Broken The sun is high enough in the sky that most of the color is gone and the ground is well-lit. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/almost-dry/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1325.jpg Almost Dry Continued warming by the sun has left only a slight hint of fog, most notably at the bases of the rocky formations, where they are the coolest. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ground-fog/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1322.jpg Ground Fog The warming sun makes the water on the grasses begin to slowly evaporate generating ground fog, creating otherworldly soft billows around the harder rocky formations South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-glory-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1321.jpg Morning Glory First light, mostly obscurred by heavy clouds from overnight rain, seeps through thin spots as a violet glow which also illuminates the highlights of the formations in this grassy field near Cedar Pass. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/teaching-moment/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1312.jpg Teaching Moment The leader of the workshop. offering insight and instruction for their next images, is paused on the ridge with two participants. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/doodle/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1311.jpg Doodle God must have been momentarily distracted to produce this doodle in an otherwise organized field of striations South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ridge-highlights/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1305.jpg Ridge Highlights White striae in the red bentonite lead to the gable roof-shaped structure whose ridge is strongly highlighted South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/highlights--texture/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1302.jpg Highlights & Texture The highest elevations of various formations are highlighted by the lower angle of the sun which also exaggerates the textures of the formations South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/broad-view/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1301.jpg Broad View A broad view of the approach to a narrow gully with the lower elevations in soft shadow. The red and white straie lead the viewer to the taller formations, fully lit by the late afternoon sun. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/high-contrast/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1298.jpg High Contrast The white striations in the shaded lower portion of this gully lead one to the taller formations as late afternoon light strikes them South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/erosion-patterns/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1285.jpg Erosion Patterns Countless eons of wind and water have debossed this feature with large and small cracks and furrows. Recent studies suggest the erosion pattern is due to gravitational mass wasting instead of hydrological erosion. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/afternoon-in-the-maze/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1281.jpg Afternoon in the Maze Late afternoon light highlights the textures of the exposed surfaces. The red and white colored striae are bentonite, a clay, which is very soft and smooth when wet. When rapid drying occurs the surface shrinks, cracks and curls up at the edges South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/is-this-my-best-side/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1265.jpg This is My Best Side A curious Bighorn ram (Ovis canadensis) came very close, within a few feet, to pose for a portrait. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2145/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1247.jpg Time For a Little R&R On a sunny morning with nice clouds overhead, a pair of mature Bighorn rams rest in the short grass on a plain high above the eroded features in Badlands NP South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2144/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1235.jpg Pointing the Way Small gully leading to a large formation on the fringe of the grasslands above Cliff Shelf. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/angular-rocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1225.jpg Overseer While in the process of composing this view of short grass prairie near Castle Trail in Badlands National Park, punctuated by sharp rocks protruding skyward, a male redwing blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) landed atop the small tree on the left one-third of the frame. He remained there long enough to be included in the image as he serenade me and scanned his territory. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/earth-shadow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1219.jpg Earth Shadow The last light of evening catches the tops of a wall and casts the earth's shadow behind it South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/time-to-train/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1213.jpg Time to Train A single, prime ram Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) is aware of the change—the lambs have dropped, the Ewes will tend for them for a 4-6 months and his rivals have been growing since last year—so he knows he must be in his best condition possible heading into the rut between October and January. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/serious-contender/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1151.jpg Serious Contender Bighorn ram posing among the rugged rock formations below Big Badlands Overlook South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/nobodys-fool/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1116.jpg Nobody's Fool Bighorn ram posing among the rugged rock formations below Big Badlands Overlook South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rocks-and-clouds/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1077_GS.jpg Rocks and Clouds Spectacular buttes with rugged features sparkle under cloudy morning light South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/forms-and-colors/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1074.jpg Forms and Colors Morning light on the yellow mounds area, as seen looking back from Conata Basin Overlook South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/camp-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_1007.jpg Camp Morning Early morning light rakes across the open grassland of Sage Creek Campground, highlighting a prairie dog mound South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/soft-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0997copy.jpg Soft Rock Last light on the eastern wall near Pinnacles Overlook. The more rounded formations here indicate this is a softer, more easily-eroded sediment South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/angular-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0986.jpg Angular Rock Unusual rock formations, the peaks and ravines whose colors shift in the sunshine, especially in the early morning and evening. Intense highlights and shadows are cast upon and by the infinite peaks in the Sage Creek Basin of Badlands National Park. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/yellow-mounds/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0965.jpg Yellow Mounds This is the most colorful portion of Badlands geology. Yellow, purple, gray, and striped reddish beds display the sequence of the most colorful portion of Badlands geology—the Interior Paleosol, Chadron, and Brule formations respectively, from bottom to top. Paleosols are ancient fossilized soils preserved in the rock record, and they often appear as brightly colored layers like the Yellow Mounds, which gets its mustardy color from a mineral called Goethite. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/colorful-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0963.jpg Colorful Rock Colorful, rounded mound formations with more angular, striated formations in the distance, near Dillon Pass. The formations in Badlands contain sandstones, siltstones, mudstones, claystones, limestones, volcanic ash, and shale. These rock types come from a number of different sources. For example, many of the sandstones found in Badlands are the remnants of ancient river channels. The occasional limestone lenses found in the park come from calcium-rich groundwater flowing through ancient lakes and precipitating out calcium carbonate, otherwise known as limestone. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/burns-basin-badlands/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0958.jpg Burns Basin Badlands Colorful, eroded, striated formations with patches of grass between them within Burns Basin South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/burns-basin/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0957.jpg Burns Basin Colorful, eroded, striated formations lead into the grassy plain of Burns Basin South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/color-contrasts/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0948.jpg Color Contrasts Sharp, colorful formations tower over the rounded, more pale formations below Norbeck Pass South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/contrasts-in-form/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0946.jpg Contrasts in Form Sharp, colorful formations tower over rounded, more pale formations below Norbeck Pass South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rugged-rocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0936.jpg Rugged Rocks Morning light under cloudy skies highlights the rocky formations along the road at Cedar Pass. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/juxtaposed/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0905.jpg Juxtaposed Near Pinnacles Overlook in Badlands NP, morning light floods a grassy valley floor and highlights a striated formation within it. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-lineup/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0869.jpg The Lineup A small group of Bighorn Sheep ewes (Ovis canadensis) all resting along the crest of a hill in Badlands NP. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-moment/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0855.jpg Morning Moment Morning finds a ewe Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) resting on an overlook above Badlands National Park, South Dakota. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lunch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0847.jpg Lunch At noon a small group of bull bison (Bison, bison) forage on the grassy knolls within Custer State Park, South Dakota South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/evening-basking/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0810.jpg Evening Basking On a warm early evening, a magnificent bull bison (Bison bison) is momentarily distracted while grazing on a rolling grassy plain in Badlands National Park, South Dakota. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/high-plains-drifter/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0756.jpg High Plains Drifter A Bighorn ewe glides along a high grassy plain with eroded badlands behind and below her. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hay-butte-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0738.jpg Hay Butte The lines of the badlands hills appear to be radiating from Hay Butte South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hay-butte/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0738_GS.jpg Hay Butte The lines of the badlands hills appear to be radiating from Hay Butte South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/soft-light-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0732.jpg Soft Light The soft light of dusk creates soft highlights and shadows in the Sage Creek Basin. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/soft-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0732_GS.jpg Soft Light The soft light of dusk creates soft highlights and shadows in the Sage Creek Basin. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/afternoon-glow-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0729.jpg Afternoon Glow Late afternoon light makes the bentonite mounds in the Sage Creek Basin glow South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bighorn-ewe/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0722.jpg Bighorn Ewe The ewe's horns are more slender and less curved than those of the males. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lasies-in-waiting/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0714.jpg Ladies In Waiting Non-breeding age Bighorn Sheep ewes (Ovis canadensis) gather in the grasslands, away from the ewes who are pregnant or dropping their lambs nearby, usually on a cliff that is hard to access. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/slow-and-steady/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0692.jpg Slow and Steady Under the shadow of Pikes Peak (no, not that one) the Little Missouri River turns sharply toward Dry Creek. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/placid-stretch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0690.jpg Placid A nice bend in the gently flowing Little Missouri River, near Wannagan Creek, reflects the mostly blue skies. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/watering-hole-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0682.jpg Watering Hole 2 Sunset light strikes the crest of a knoll while the hills on the west cast shadows stretching across the grasslands surrounding a small reservoir. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/watering-hole/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0680.jpg Watering Hole Sunset light strikes the crest of a knoll while the hills on the west cast shadows stretching across the grasslands surrounding a small reservoir. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2109/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0647_GS.jpg Cathedral Spires The Cathedral Spires are some of the largest rock faces in the Black Hills. They can be seen from the scenic Needles Highway. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-needles-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0624.jpg The Needles The Needles of the Black Hills of South Dakota are a region of eroded granite pillars, towers, and spires within Custer State Park. The Cathedral Spires, the tallest in this image, are some of the largest rock faces in the Black Hills. They can be seen from the scenic Needles Highway. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-visit-to-oz/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0620.jpg A Visit to Oz While I was exploring the back roads of Custer State Park in South Dakota this scene presented itself—a single tree, on a rolling hill, with a developing storm filling the sky behind it. This scene was somewhat reminiscent of the cover image on Vincent Versace's book "Welcome to Oz". South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/welcom-to-the-party/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0617.jpg Welcome to the Party This cow, separated from the herd, had apparently just dropped this calf. She was licking the calf clean and encouraging the calf to stand with low, soft, inquiring grunts and, in return, gentle grunts in response from the calf. After ten or fifteen minutes the cow gradually walked away, with the tiny calf teetering along beside South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/newborn-calf/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0609.jpg Newborn Calf Bison calves are able to stand about a half hour after being born. This newborn calf, with a portion of its umbilical cord still hanging, follows its mother closely on its wobbly legs, wanting to approach her to nurse. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/unique-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0585.jpg Unique Entirely unique on this planet, the pronghorn's scientific name, Antilocapra americana, means "American antelope goat." But the deer-like pronghorn is neither antelope nor goat—it is the sole surviving member of an ancient family dating back 20 million years. The pronghorn is the only animal in the world with branched horns (not antlers) and the only animal in the world to shed its horns, as if they were antlers. The pronghorn, like sheep and goats, has a gall bladder, and like giraffes, lacks dewclaws. If that weren't enough, the pronghorn is the fastest animal in the western hemisphere, running in 20-foot bounds at up to 60 miles per hour. Unlike the cheetah, speedburner of the African plains, the pronghorn can run for hours at quite a fast pace. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/luminous-attraction/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0569.jpg Luminous Attraction Early evening light on a nearby bluff and the rolling hills behind. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/east-river-road/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0568.jpg East River Late afternoon light transforms this view of the Little Missouri River with luxurious color. This view from above, on the East River Road, is toward the Cottonwood Campground. A small group of horses are seen grazing in the grass on the far side of the river, on the left side of the image. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/social-behavior/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0564.jpg Social Behavior Every member of the coterie knows every other member. They keep in touch and reinforce recognition by frequently grooming each other and "kissing" (touching noses and teeth). They have a greeting kiss and recognition embrace. It is not unusual to see a pair sitting side by side with the arm of one over the shoulder of the other. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alarmist/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0529.jpg Alarmist Prairie dogs are colonial animals that live in complex networks of tunnels with multiple openings. Black-Tailed Prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) the species encountered in the Roosevelt national Park, in rural colonies (coterie) are more vigilant than those in urban colonies and display a lower proportion of individuals that are non-vigilant in both the spring and summer. If a predator is noticed they make a shrill bark-like alarm sound with front limb extension, as this individual is doing with his exaggerated behavior. Black-tailed prairie dogs code specific information within their alarm calls pertaining to the specific nature of the threat (e.g., aerial versus terrestrial predator) allowing coterie members to respond appropriately. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/vigilant/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0520.jpg Vigilant Prairie dogs are colonial animals that live in complex networks of tunnels with multiple openings. Black-Tailed Prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) the species encountered in the Roosevelt National Park, in rural colonies were more vigilant than those in urban colonies and displayed a lower proportion of individuals that were non-vigilant in both the spring and summer. If a predator is noticed they make a shrill bark-like alarm sound. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/balls-and-walls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0490.jpg Balls and Walls A small side canyon contains a number of cannonball and other forms of colorful concretions trapped between the lighter, highly-serrated surfaces of the walls of the canyon North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/smooth-and-serrated/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0485.jpg Smooth and Serrated A small side canyon contains a number of cannonball and other forms of colorful concretions trapped between the lighter, highly-serrated surfaces of the walls of the canyon North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/trapped-eroll/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0468.jpg Trapped Troll Deep within Caprock Coulee some small hoodoos appear to have an agonized troll trapped as an orange caprock North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/marshmallow-pudding/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0466.jpg Marshmallow Pudding Soft concretions eroded to appear like coalesced marshmallow—a spongy confection made of gelatin, sugar and corn syrup then dusted with powdered sugar. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hoodoos-wearing-bowlers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0459.jpg Hoodoos With Halos Deep within Caprock Coulee in the North Unit of North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a trio of hoodoos appear to have halos around their caprocks. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-hoodoo-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0449.jpg Morning Glow Colorful hoodoos with spectacular caprocks along the Caprock Coulee trail, glow in soft morning light North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/golden-hour/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0395.jpg Golden Hour The brilliant golden tones of evening highlight a small stand of leafless aspen trees along Cedar Canyon as well as the highest tops of stratified buttes in the background. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cannonball-concretions/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0387.jpg Cannonball Concretions Here one will find large sandstone "cannonballs" that were formed in an ancient riverbed as sand grains were deposited and cemented together. These sandstone concretions were then covered in silt and mud which became the softer mudstone that these formations can now be seen eroding out of. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cannonball-concretion/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0384.jpg Cannonball Concretion Perfectly round rocks as large as a small car, or as small as a volley ball litter the marked trail in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The "cannonballs" are formed by sediments within the walls of the Badlands. They eventually fall out of the walls. You are looking at real, touchable history here. Fascinating! North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/glowing-striations/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0375.jpg Glowing Strata Striated concretions glow in soft midday light, a rare occurrence. The various colors are due to the sedimentary deposits of sand, silt, mud and volcanic ash. The carved walls were carved by the fast moving Little Missouri River. Slicing easily through the soft sedimentary rocks, the river and its tributaries carved the fantastically broken topography that is today's badlands. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/open-invitation/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0374.jpg Open Invitation The trail into Caprock Coulee in the North Unit, Theodore Roosevelt NP, offers the avid hiker open access to remarkable geological formations and colors. North Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/desolate/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0363.jpg Desolate A pair of buildings, encountered along the road to Fort Peck, appear to be in as desolate an area of the grasslands of Montana as one could be. However, aerial views show that the foreground berm is, in fact, an earthen dam restraining a small man-made reservoir, which helps in understanding why a cottonwood tree of such stature is flouriishing in an otherwise barren grassland. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/moody-lake-mcdonald-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0321_GS.jpg Moody Lake McDonald Lake McDonald Valley is the hub of activity on the west side of Glacier National Park. Once occupied by massive glaciers that carved this area thousands of years ago, the valley is now filled with spectacular sights, hiking trails, diverse species of plants and animals, historic chalets, and the grand Lake McDonald Lodge. Throughout a day, week, month, season and year the mood of Lake McDonald valley changes, often abruptly. One must be prepared to spend some time here, if practical, if depicting a specific mood is the goal. I have visited here many times and never made the same image. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-appearance/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0312_GS.jpg Morning Appearance The view of the Belton Hills, across Lake McDonald from near Fish Creek, was completly obscured by clouds and fog earlier in the morning. I waited for the highest peaks to appear so that their reflection would be cast on the surface of the lake. Fortunately some of the fog and clouds remained which added a bit of mystery. I chose not to use a longer exposure, which would have resulted in a smooth reflection, but it would have rendered the atmospherics without any detail. Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-last-day/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0161.jpg The Last Day Baby owls are called owlets. Great Horned Owl owlets (Bubo virginianus) are nearly naked, and their eyes are closed at the time of hatching. At about one week of age, the owlets' fluffy white down is replaced by grayish down; at ten days old, their eyes open. The female continues to brood the young owlets for a couple of weeks. Young may leave nest and climb on nearby branches at 5 weeks. They can fly at about 9-10 weeks and are tended and fed by parents for up to several months. This image was made on the last day before it flew away from this perch with its parents. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fledgeling-great-horned-owlet/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0139.jpg Fledgeling Great Horned owlet Baby owls are called owlets. Great Horned Owl owlets (Bubo virginianus) are nearly naked, and their eyes are closed at the time of hatching. At about one week of age, the owlets' fluffy white down is replaced by grayish down; at ten days old, their eyes open. The female continues to brood the young owlets for a couple of weeks. Young may leave the nest and climb on nearby branches at 5 weeks. They can fly at about 9-10 weeks and are tended and fed by parents for up to several months. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/its-all-about-the-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0106.jpg It's All About the light I have driven past this old elevator many times, never in favorable light. This time, it was spectacularly lit. I spent as much time here as the light allowed. It displays as well in color as monochrome. It's always all about the light. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pinnacle-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0028.jpg Pinnacle Rock The Arkansas River forms in the Pike National Forest of Chaffee County in central Colorado, then flows south through Buena Vista and Salida before turning east by southeast at Coaldale. This section of the Arkansas River is ideal for intermediate level whitewater boaters developing or tightening their chops before advancing to bigger water, or more advanced paddlers just looking for a fun and somewhat challenging run. Colorado https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cottonwood-gulch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0018_square-crop.jpg Cottonwood Gulch Cottonwood Gulch, at an elevation of 6175 feet, is a valley in Colorado with the Gunnison River flowing within it. Cottonwood Gulch is situated southeast of Idledale, close to Half Way Rock. Colorado https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pioneer-lookout-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0016.jpg Pioneer Lookout Point There are two overlooks at Pioneer Point that are positioned high above the Gunnison River and the rocky deep canyon that soon becomes Black Canyon. The overlooks view the confluence of Curecanti Creek with the Gunnison River at a point along the river where the rock walls and formations are magnificent. This western overlook is directly above the Curecanti Needle, an impressive triangular spire highlighted by the afternoon sun funneled up the canyon. Colorado https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-on-the-snake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0013.jpg Sunrise on the Snake Morning sun brightens the sky and warms the rolling hills behind this rocky outcrop on the eastern shore of the Snake River near Wawawai, with a lone tree backlit by the rising sun. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/awash-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0011.jpg Awash Perched high on a pile of rocks, on the eastern shore of the Snake River near Wawawai, a lone, graceful tree is backlit by the warm glow of the setting sun. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/peaceful-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0010.jpg Peaceful Crystal Creek meanders through Buckhorn Gulch near Cimarron in western Colorado Colorado https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lucerne-view-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210620_2266.jpg Lucerne View Linwood Bay, an arm of of the Green River in Flaming Gorge NWR, as seen from the Lucerne Valley rereation area Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/flaming-gorge-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210620_2259-psb.jpg Flaming Gorge The multi-colored badlands along the Green River, glowing in the afternoon light, are the source of the name for this expanse in Wyoming, given when Major John Wesley Powell and his company saw the sun reflecting off the brilliant, flaming red rocks as they explored the Green and Colorado Rivers. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunset-sunbeams-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210521_0001.jpg Sunset Sunbeams A sunbeam, in meteorological optics, is a beam of sunlight that appears to radiate from the Sun's position. Shining through openings in clouds or between other objects such as mountains and buildings, these beams of particle-scattered sunlight are separated by darker shadowed volumes. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grasslands-and-badlands-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210502_0006.jpg Grasslands and Badlands Plains, grassy lands without many trees, when eroded by wind and water, become badlands. South Dakota https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/awash/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0011.jpg Awash Perched high on a pile of rocks, on the eastern shore of the Snake River near Wawawai, a lone, graceful tree is backlit by the warm glow of the setting sun. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/peaceful/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210623_0010.jpg Peaceful Crystal Creek meanders throigh Buckhorn Gulch near Cimarron in western Colorado https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lucerne-view/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210620_2266.jpg Lucerne View Linwood Bay, an arm of of the Green River in Flaming Gorge NRA, as seen from the Lucerne Valley rcreation area https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/flaming-gorge/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210620_2259-psb.jpg Flaming Gorge The multi-colored badlands along the Green River, glowing in the afternoon light, are the source of the name for this expanse in Wyoming given when Major John Wesley Powell and his company saw the sun reflecting off the brilliant, flaming red rocks as they explored the Green and Colorado Rivers. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunset-sunbeams/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210521_0001.jpg Sunset Sunbeams A sunbeam, in meteorological optics, is a beam of sunlight that appears to radiate from the Sun's position. Shining through openings in clouds or between other objects such as mountains and buildings, these beams of particle-scattered sunlight are separated by darker shadowed volumes. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grasslands-and-badlands/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_210502_0006.jpg Grasslands and Badlands Plains, grassy lands without many trees, eroded by wind and water, become badlands. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/neglected/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180709_0196_GS.jpg Neglected The processes associated with neglect—deterioration—are changing this old building into an inferior state of existence. Kodachrome Basin https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/foresaken/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170501_0131_GS.jpg Foresaken An abandoned cabin encountered along the way to Pecos Pueblo Mission in New Mexico. Corrugated, galvanized metal roofing has been around since the 1850s. If this is the original roof that can be an age identifier for the cabin. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/searching-always-searching/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_041108_0209.jpg Searching, Always Searching In western Hudson Bay, Canada, near the southern extent of their range, polar bears (Ursus maritimus) may fast for periods of 4 months or longer. Except for pregnant females they do not den, but rather they engage in what is termed "walking hibernation" and are always foraging. These fasting polar bears that remain active have much higher energy demands, with metabolic rates similar to the basal metabolic rates of mammals in general. The degree to which polar bears can derive sufficient energy during prolonged periods of fasting affects individual survival. They can lose up to one-half their body mass. Churchill https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2061/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_041108_0055.jpg What's All The Ruckus? The resting Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) was aroused by something he could hear or smell that the photographer could not. Within minutes an Arctic hare (Lepus arcticus) came bouncing along. The bear dismissed it offhand but moments later a Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) came along. That got the bear's attention and soon the three animals were following one another across the snow. Manitoba https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sevenmile-sunrise-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190905_0582.jpg Sevenmile Sunrise Sunrise breaks over Sevenmile Mesa, east of Richardson Amphitheater. To the extreme right of the image and still in deep shadows, are the Fisher Towers Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sevenmile-sunrise-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190905_0582.jpg Sevenmile Sunrise Sunrise breaks over Sevenmile Mesa, east of Richardson Amphitheater. To the extreme right of the image and still in deep shadows, are the Fisher Towers Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/first-light-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0521.jpg First Light The sun breaks over the Slate Range, heralding a new day in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/past-glory/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_070419_0141_GS.jpg Past Glory Collapsing cabin and adjacent large corral, all appear small by comparison to Aquarius Plateau, dominant in the background. Peaking at 11,328 feet it is the highest timbered plateau in North America. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/steens-mountain/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0912_GS.jpg Steens Mountain East Steens Road runs parallel to the northern extent of Steens Mountain of Southeast Oregon. This late-winter, first-light-on-the-mountains image called out to me. The striking dark, sharp, rocky face of the mountain with bright snow caps and avalanche chutes; the delicate light brush in the foreground; the ominous dark skies—all contrasting with one another in more than one dimension—form, texture and tonality. Oregon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/natural-frame/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180710_0221.jpg Natural Frame Mano arch in Devil's Garden, part of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah, frames the expansive desert as well as the Straight Cliffs beyond, all glowing with morning light. Grand Staircase-Escalante https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/forked-snag--chimney-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_080320_0108.jpg Forked Snag & Chimney Rock Late afternoon sun reflects off the face of Chimney Rock, framed by a forked juniper snag on Ghost Ranch. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lifeless/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140913_0001_GS.jpg Desolation Small cabin in a plain, near a dry wash, in Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico that appears to have been abandoned and left to fall into a state of disrepair. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/badwater-salt-flats/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0350_alt_GS.jpg Badwater Salt Flats The salt flats extend out in all directions creating illusions with perspective that allows for some creative photography. The crust is of hexagonal salt shapes, which is unique in itself. Generally the flats are dry and filled with salt crystals that form due to evaporation. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dirty-devil-from-burr-overlook-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190908_0727_pan.jpg Dirty Devil from Burr Overlook The Dirty Devil River is an 80-mile-long tributary of the Colorado River. It flows through southern Utah from the confluence of the Fremont River and Muddy Creek before emptying into the Colorado River at Lake Powell. Here it is meandering around Gibex Point, past Sam's Mesa on it's way toward The Big Ridge. Capitol Reef NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/badwater-salt-pan-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190909_0742.jpg Badwater Salt Pan Expansive salt pan in Badwater Basin, Death Valley, NP glistens in the afternoon sun Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/is-it-time/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190829_0167.jpg Is It Time? On a late August afternoon herd bulls, separated from the cows, graze in the meadows along NE Entrance Rd near Lamar Valley, anxiously awaiting the rut. The largest male in this small group appears to be exhibiting a behavior known as flehmen, testing the air for the presence of pheromones signalling estrus. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/potential-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190829_0127_GS.jpg Potential Massive bull Bison (Bison, bison) in peak physical condition at the start of the rut, pauses for a moment to scan the herd in the plains of Lamar Valley, evaluting the competition and prospective mating partners. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/family-gathering/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140922_0151_GS.jpg Family Gathering Saguaro Cacti of varying ages grow in relatively close proximity to one another, sharing a hillside with ocotillo, prickly pear and cholla as well as other shrubs and cacti in Suagro NP, Ariona Saguaro NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/contrasts-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180710_0250.jpg Contrasts The lush green leaves in the rounded crown of a lone Cottonwood tree commands attention in the red sandstone of the valley and the rugged forms of the Straight Cliffs above Hole In The Rock Road. Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/parallels-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190227_0016.jpg Parallels Snow covered bluff outside Fort McDermitt, NV. The layer of rock protruding through the snow below the summit and the layers of clouds parallel to it attracted my focus. The sun, breaking through a fortuitous space between the layers of clouds, created highlights and cast shadows on the flanks providing texture and the third dimension. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fire-in-the-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140930_0006.jpg Fire in the Valley Morning light sets the rock walls of Valley of Fire SP ablaze Nevada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/superstition-sunset/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140926_0031.jpg Superstition Sunset Early Fall evening light on Flatiron Peak in the Superstition Wilderness Area. The Superstition Mountains is a range of rugged, volcanic mountains in Arizona located to the east of the Phoenix metropolitan area. They are anchored by Superstition Mountain, a large mountain that is a popular recreation destination for residents of the Phoenix, Arizona, area. Lost Dutchman SP at the base of the mountains, is a popular recreation destination for residents. Superstition Wilderness https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fall-color-wonder-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150901_0470.jpg Fall Color, Wonder Lake Taiga with muskeg in Fall color surrounds Wonder Lake with Mount Denali looming high above Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wonder-tundra/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150901_0470.jpg Wonder Tundra Tundra in Fall color surrounds Wonder Lake with Mount Denali looming high above Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2040/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190902_0429_GS.jpg End of the Line This large stone pillar marks the terminus of ridge with Otto's Trail upon it. Monument Canyon and Fruita are seen below below it and extending into the distance. Colorado NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/coke-ovens/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190902_0381.jpg Coke Ovens The beehive-shape rocks, as seen from Artists Point, are called the Coke Ovens in the Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction, Colorado. Colorado NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/soda-butte/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190828_0061.jpg Soda Butte Soda Butte, a striking hot spring cone about two and a half miles above the mouth of Soda Butte Creek, is the feature that suggested this place name. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/potential/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190829_0127.jpg Potential Massive bull Bison (Bison, bison) in peak physical condition at the start of the rut, pauses for a moment to scan the herd in the plains of Lamar Valley, evaluting the competition and prospective mating partners. Yellostone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/resting-bull/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190828_0056.jpg Resting Bull A large bison (Bison bison) rests along Soda Butte Creek near Lamar Valley on this late afternoon in August Yellostone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alluvium/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170601_0175_X.jpg Alluvium Alluvial fans, the triangle-shaped deposit of alluvium—gravel, sand, and even smaller pieces of sediment, such as silt—are usually created as flowing water interacts with mountains, hills, or the steep walls of canyons as here in Cathedral Gorge. Cathedral Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/water-at-work-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170421_0087.jpg Water at Work Cathedral Gorge is a high desert park in eastern Nevada comprising 1,608 acres of spectacular geological formations—columns and pillars carved by centuries of water running over bentonite clay in a Pliocene-era lakebed. Cathedral Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/slot-canyon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140916_0068.jpg Slot Canyon The trail to the area with the greatest conceentration of the Tent Rocks is narrow, winding and irregular on all surfaces—walls and floor Tent Rocks https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-state-of-mind/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_090820_0136_alt.jpg A State of Mind Point Cabrillo Light is a lighthouse in northern California, between Point Arena and Cape Mendocino, just south of the community of Caspar. It has been a federal aid to navigation since 1909. It is part of the California state park system. The preserve occupies a spectacular headland thrusting out into the Pacific Ocean. Park and walk the half-mile down the access road to explore the Light Station. It is comprised of the lighthouse and three original lightkeepers' houses and outbuildings. By nature, most lighthouses are isolated. As for how keepers cope with what others might consider a too-extreme form of social isolation, keepers say you find community—and stave off loneliness―more in shared interests than physical proximity. Mendocino Coast https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fire-at-my-feet/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_081003_0057.jpg Fire at my Feet Brilliant aspens glow in evening ligh below a rock outcropping, with a Foxtail Pine growing from sithin the cracks of the boulder, appear to be flames lapping up the sides of the rocks. Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/chinese-wall/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_070417_0093.jpg Chinese Wall The Chinese Wall in Bryce Canyon, seen here at dawn, is comprised of the hoodoo formations at the base of Boat Mesa. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/indian-head-rock-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0674_GS.jpg Indian Head Rock The Indian Head Rock tufa mound is composed of interlockng spheres and barrels. Layers of beach rock are seen adjacent to and north of Indian Head Rock. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/power-and-beauty-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0685.jpg Power and Beauty A portion of a storm I had followed this day was now perched directly over Enchanted Beach, immediately behind the tufa formations (Needles Rocks). This section of the storm had increased in size and power exponentially and its appearance was impressively dramatic and beautiful. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-layers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_110712_0078.jpg Morning Layers Layers of mountain ridges are engulfed in layers of clouds and fog in the early morning along Hurricane Ridge. Olympic Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/puffer-overlook-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170607_0056.jpg Puffer Overlook Puffer Butte is the high point in Fields Spring State Park, where you can see incredible vistas of the Wallowa Mountains. Dusted with snow in the winter or dotted with flowers in summer. By continuing to head south from the summit on a fainter path to a point signed "Puffer" you are treated with this unobstructed view. The Grande Ronde River can be seen as it flows through the canyon below on it's way to join the Snake River. Fields Spring SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/puffer-overlook-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170607_0056.jpg Puffer Overlook Puffer Butte is the high point in Fields Spring State Park, where you can see incredible vistas of the Wallowa Mountains. Dusted with snow in the winter or dotted with flowers in summer. By continuing to head south from the summit on a fainter path to a point signed "Puffer" you are treated with this unobstructed view. The Grande Ronde River can be seen as it flows through the canyon below on it's way to join the Snake River. Fields Spring SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/patterson-lake-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_130224_0099_misty.jpg Serene Leafless cottonwoods line the south shore of Patterson Lake, shrouded by early-morning-lit clouds and mist, is rendered invisible by layers of snow and ice covering its surface. Patterson Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/enviable-views/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150830_0229_GS.jpg Enviable Views A particularly rugged portion of the South Buttress of Mt. Denali. The standard climbing route up Denali is via the West Buttress. The South Buttress is a less-popular and more technical climbing route. Both lead up to the South Peak of Mount Denali, at 20,320 feet the highest point on the North American continent Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/parallels-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190227_0016.jpg Parallels Snow covered bluff outside Fort McDermitt, NV. The layer of rock protruding through the snow below the summit and the layers of clouds parallel to it attracted my focus. The sun, breaking through a fortuitous space between the layers of clouds, created highlights and cast shadows on the flanks providing texture and the third dimension. McDermitt https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/winter-dusting-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190227_0006.jpg Winter Dusting Although the road was impassable the previous night because of heavy snowfall, morning revealed only a light dusting on the Trout Creek Mountains near Fort McDermitt, NV. McDermitt https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/goose-lake-sunset/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190320_0001.jpg Goose Lake Sunset Colorful sunset over Goose Lake, in the Goose Lake Valley on the Oregon-California border in the United States. Like many other lakes in the Great Basin, it is a pluvial lake that formed from precipitation and melting glaciers during the Pleistocene epoch. Goose Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/2016/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_090920_0024.jpg Rocks & Reflections On foggy, cloudy days, a massive silhouette encircled by ocean transports your imagination to times past. The refuge consists of three large and six smaller rocks totaling 15 acres. Three Arch Rocks NWR https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/owachomo-bridge-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190908_0720.jpg Owachomo Bridge Morning light strikes across the south face of Owachomo Bridge, the smallest and thinnest of the three natural bridges in Natural Bridges NM and is commonly thought to be the oldest. Natural Bridges NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cottonwood-narrows/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180708_0179.jpg Cottonwood Narrows The most spectacularly photogenic area along the Cottonwood Canyon Road. Often referred to as Candyland due to its white and red rocks and pinnacles, you can easily spend an hour walking and photographing this 0.3 mile stretch the road. Grand Staircase-Escalante https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blackstone-morning-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150705_0154.jpg Blackstone Morning Morning light strikes the eastern slopes of Mt. Boyle near Tombstone Territorial Park. Mount Boyle is a small mountain on the southeast corner of the Blackstone Range. It's also just southwest of the Dempster Highway. Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/polychrome-pass/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150901_0446.jpg Polychrome Pass A Brown Bear walks in the brightly colored autumn tundra near Polychrome pass in Denali National Park, Alaska. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stickwan-creek-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150831_0401.jpg Stickwan Creek This lovely little creek, flowing below striking striped hills and snowcapped mountains as it approaches Old Denali Highway, is surrounded by luxurious vegetation in glowing fall color Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stickwan-creek-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150831_0401.jpg Stickwan Creek This lovely little creek, flowing below striking striped hills and snowcapped mountains as it approaches Old Denali Highway, is surrounded by luxurious vegetation in glowing fall color Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ruby-beach-sea-stacks_gs-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_110710_0051_2.jpg Ruby Beach Sea Stacks At low tide in the evening sea stacks are battered by the surf along the rugged Washington coast. A fellow photographer waded into the surf near the left-most stack and is working on his composition. Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/glow-and-flow-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180706_0088.jpg Glow and Flow Low angle, late afternoon light emphasizes the textures and colors of the rock formations of White Pocket. White Pocket, Vermillion Cliffs https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/glow-and-flow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180706_0088.jpg Glow and Flow Low angle, late afternoon light emphasizes the textures and colors of the rock formations of White Pocket. White Pocket https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/little-rincon-mountains-sunset-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140921_0137.jpg Little Rincon Mountains Sunset Late afternoon sunlight over Saguaro NP paints the nearby Little Rincon Mountains and overhead Monsoonal clouds various orange and yellow hues and tones. Saguaro NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lollipop-rock-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140911_0048.jpg Lollipop Rock Lollipop Rock shows it colors in afternoon light White Pocket https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/twin-towers-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140915_0054.jpg Twin Towers Unnamed spires at the end of a fin glow in the late afternoon sun as shadows from the mountains to the west rise from the valley floor New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/laudable-pinnacle/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_090502_0157.jpg Laudable Pinnacle Strong sun breaks through a layer of clouds, races up Monument Canyon in Canyon de Chelly to illuminate its best known feature, the 800+ feet tall sandstone pillar known as Spider Rock, and cast its dark shadow on the east wall of the canyon. Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/escalante-escarpment-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_070419_0158.jpg Escalante Escarpment Warm, low-angle sun strikes the escarpment at Wide Hollow near Escalante Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/commanding-view/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_200705_0054.jpg Commanding View The relatively steep descent from Mt. Tamalpais to Stinson Beach provides a commanding view of the California coastline, extending south to the entrance to the Golden Gate and beyond. Even with a relatively low camera position the foreground Greenschist outcroppings, trees and undulating terrain do not obstruct the view. Mount Tamalpias SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/golden-larch-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191026_0772.jpg Golden Larch Larches, commonly known as tamarack, are conifers in the family Pinaceae. They're the same genus, larix, but different species. Western Larch is Larix occidentalis, while Tamarack is Larix laricina. Growing from 20 to 45 m tall, they are native to much of the cooler temperate northern hemisphere.The tree is easy to identify in the fall, when the needles turn golden-yellow. In the winter, it easy to identify because it is the only deciduous conifer and will have no needles at that time of year. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ostentatious/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191026_0770.jpg Ostentatious A small grouping of western larch, growing among pines, attract a great deal of attention. Larches are different from most conifers because they're deciduous—their needles change color and are lost each fall. Only western larch (Larix occidentalis) and subalpine larch grow in the Pacific Northwest. These native Larches grow in the same forests as Ponderosa Pine and grow just as tall at high elevations east of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon & Washington, Northern Idaho & Canada. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1995/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140915_0038_GS.jpg Plaza Blanca Local artist Georgia O'Keeffe, made these landscapes famous in a valley of the Rio Chama hills near the village of Abiqui. She made a series of paintings about the places she called "The White Place", or in Spanish "Plaza Blanca." This area of New Mexico is now on the grounds of the Dar Al Islam education center and mosque. Although private land the center welcomes visitors who wish to hike and view the awe-inspiring landscapes which may be known from O'Keeffe's paintings or the many motion pictures which have used it as a backdrop. For the Plaza Blanca itself the area is all about contrast and textures so naturally early or late in the day provide the best chances to capture that in an image. It's hard to say when the exact right time will be of course as too early in the morning and the sun will not be bringing light into the valley, while too late and it has disappeared. In Winter, the best time to visit, you'll want to be there by 8AM if you go in the morning, while for the afternoon session by 6PM shadows are becoming long and you'll find the contrasts too high. Due to the forms and textures the location lends itself to B&W photography. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/owachomo-bridge-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190908_0720.jpg Owachomo Bridge Morning light strikes across the south face of Owachomo Bridge, the smallest and thinnest of the three natural bridges in Natural Bridges NM and is commonly thought to be the oldest. Natural Bridges NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/owachomo-bridge-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190908_0720.jpg Owachomo Bridge Morning light strikes across the south face of Owachomo Bridge, the smallest and thinnest of the three natural bridges in Natural Bridges NM and is commonly thought to be the oldest. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/owachomo-bridge-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190908_0720.jpg Owachomo Bridge Morning light strikes across the south face of Owachomo Bridge, the smallest and thinnest of the three natural bridges in Natural Bridges NM and is commonly thought to be the oldest. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rose-gaedwn-hill-safari-route/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190904_0564.jpg Rose Garden Hill Safari Route Below the snow-capped La Sal mountains, Rose Garden Hill Safari Route (BLM 105) cuts across the Richardson Amphitheter. It is a popular high-clearance 4x4 road that leads to some otherwise inaccessable areas up tp Fisher and North Beaver Mesas Professor Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1990/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190901_0321.jpg Sunrise, Fall River Valley Sunrise over Chapin Mountain begins to flood the Fall River Valley below Fall River Pass. The old Fall River Road is highlighted just below the notch in the mountain where the sun is rising. Colorado https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/disuse/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191025_0750_CS.jpg Disuse Small herdsman's cabin suffering from disuse and lack of maintenance in the Little Salmon River Valley near New Meadows, Idaho Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/summer-view/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_200705_0059_GS.jpg Summer View View of the Pacific from atop Mt. Tam. Coast shoreline, shrouded in fog that extends across the horizon, is just visible. Greenschist outcroppings, encrusted with lichens, protrude through the golden foreground grasses, guiding the viewer's eyes to the forested middle ground of the composition. California https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lost-battle/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_200705_0057_GS.jpg Lost Battle An aged oak succumbs to the rhythms of nature on a rocky hillside shared by other, vibrant trees in Mount Tamalpais State Park California https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1986/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_200705_0058.jpg Expansive Views The rolling hills of Mount Tamalpais State Park, high above the Pacific Ocean, are dotted with outcrops of stone, oaks and a variety of other trees. The most desirable feature of the park are the beautiful views. California https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1985/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_200708_0072.jpg Flow and Glow Sunset colors saturate the clouds and fog, rolling in from the Pacific coast, as they flow over the Northern Oregon Coast Range, the western boundary of Nehalem Bay. Nehalem Bay https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1984/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_200707_0065_GS.jpg Testament Clearlake Oaks is a small town in Lake County, California. This old barn is a testament to the more recent history of the area when agriculture displaced luxurious resorts as the economic base of the region. Clearlake Oaks https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1983/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_200705_0054_GS.jpg State Rock Outcroppings of green Serpentine, the state rock of California, are found all along the trails covering Mount Tamalpais, especially the Rock Springs Trail, pictured here. Mount Tamalpais SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/breach/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0562.jpg Breach Morning direct light, breaking through dense but irregular clouds, catches a lineup of tufa spires in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/full-bloom/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_200412_0080.jpg Full Bloom Maple catkins in full bloom stage, after fully emerging from their flower buds. Seattle https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/emerging-leaflets/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_200410_0061.jpg Emerging Leaves leaves, emerging from their leaf buds, are surrounded by spent blooms. Interestingly, a flower bud is actually a modified leaf. Some flower buds may be fruit buds as the flower will result in a fruit. Mixed buds contain both the immature leaf structure and flower parts. Leaf buds are often more plump and pointed than flower buds. Seattle https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/early-bloom/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_200408_0001.jpg Early Bloom Maple catkins in early stages of blooming, emerging from their flower buds Seattle https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/salmonberry-blooms/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_200405_0001.jpg Salmonberry blooms Salmonberrries (Rubus spectabilis) is a species of brambles in the rose family, native to the west coast of North America. This day's blooms are radiant in mid-morning light. Located right outside my front door, these are a seasonal reward for living on the edge of a woods. Three-image focus stack, one for each bloom and its immediately located leaves and stems. Seattle https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1977/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_160710_0001.jpg Barred Owl The barred owl (Strix varia), also known as northern barred owl or hoot owl, is a true owl native to eastern North America. Adults are large, and are brown to grey with barring on the chest. Barred owls have expanded their range to the west coast of North America, where they are considered invasive. This individual lives in Llandover Woods which is adjacet to my home. Seattle https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-theater/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180707_0110.jpg Morning Theater Beneath leaden skies stretching to Utah, the first direct rays of sunrise strike some of the taller formations at the White Pocket of the Paria Plateau in Arizona. The lower elevations remain in shadow with a slight glow of reflected light warming the lightest portions of some brain rock in the foreground. White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/early-dawn-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190904_0525.jpg Early Dawn Early dawn begins to peek over the horizon, with the sky still very dark with heavy clouds, along the White Rim Trail near Airport Campground in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands NP CanyonLands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wooden-shoe-arch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190907_070.jpg Wooden Shoe Arch One of the last places you would expect to find a wooden shoe is here in Utah at Canyonlands National Park. As the morning sun casts long shadows across Squaw Canyon in the Needles District, it quickly became apparent that the Wooden Shoe Butte is one uniquely shaped rock formation in the park. Needles Nistrict, Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/early-dawn-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190904_0520.jpg Early Dawn Early dawn begins to peek over the horizon, with the sky still very dark in Canyonlands NP along the White Rim Trail in the Island in the Sky Section near Airport Campground. Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/petrified-sand-dunes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190906_0628_GS.jpg Petrified Sand Dunes A field of petrified sand dunes, located near the entrance to the Needles district of Canyonlands NP, show the distinct layers of sedimentation. Tipped on their side by upheavel and folding, the layers of varying thickness and hardness, develope distinct patterns and erosion accentuating their curvatures, made even more distinct by low angle light at the ends of each day. Needles District, Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tsunami-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190906_0626_GS.jpg Tsunami The wave-like form of this eroded rock face looks much like a cresting Tsunami before it crashes onto the land Needles District, Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/divide-mountains/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190831_0254_GS.jpg Divide Mountains Mounts Terra Tomah, Julian and Ida, prominent peaks along the Continental divide, rise high above Big Thompson River in Big Forest Canyon, Rocky Mountain NP Rocky Mountain NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/continental-divide/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190831_0226.jpg Continental Divide The view from Gore Range near the highest point on the Trail Ridge Road, looks across Big Forest Canyon toward the Continental Divide Rocky Mountain NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/into-the-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0280.jpg Into the Light Hikers along a shadowed wash in the badlands below Zabriskie Point break out into direct sunlight near the intersection with Golden Canyon Trail which loops up from, and then back down to Badwater Road through Gower Wash. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/black-mountains-reflection/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0131.jpg Black Mountain's Reflection Afternoon light on the flanks of the Black Mountains is reflected in a pool in Bad Water Basin, Death Valley NP Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/black-mountains/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0291.jpg Black Mountains This section of the Black Mountains along the Artist Palette Drive features an extraordinary combination of fractured hard rock and eroding softer rock. A passing rain storm soaked the landscape enhancing the saturation of the colors within the rock. A fellow photographer was left in the image to provide a sense of scale. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/winter-dusting/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190227_0006.jpg Winter Dusting Although the road was impassable the previous night because of heavy snowfall, morning revealed only a light dusting on the Trout Creek Mountains near Fort McDermitt, NV. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/artists-palette-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0320.jpg Artist's Palette Artist Drive rises up to the top of an alluvial fan fed by a deep canyon cut into the Black Mountains. Artist Palette is an area on the face of the Black Mountains noted for a variety of rock colors. These colors are caused by the oxidation of different metals (iron compounds produce red, pink and yellow, decomposition of tuff-derived mica produces green, and manganese produces purple). Death Valley, NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/abandoned-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170603_0107_GS.jpg Abandoned I encountered this derelict building, clearly having outlived its usefullness, in a magnificent setting—Meadows Valley. Deep in the heart of Idaho is the beautiful Meadows Valley surrounded by mountain peaks and the Payette National Forest with 2.3 million acres of unlimited recreation area. Bordering to the east is the Frank Church Wilderness area, covering another 2.4 million acres. To the north is the Salmon River Canyon and to the west is the Snake River in Hells Canyon; two of the deepest canyons in North America. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/inevitable-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191026_0787_GS.jpg Inevitable A derelict building continues along its route to ineviable collapse. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/succumbing/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191026_0781_GS.jpg Succumbing Amidst the rolling hills near Ferdinand, Idaho, a small farm outbuilding sucumbs to neglect Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/neglect/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191025_0761_GS.jpg Neglect A group of neglected farm buildings in the Little Salmon River Valley near New Meadows, Idaho Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-case-of-the-blues/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180712_0334_GS.jpg A Case of the Blues An abandoned building deteriorates at the base of the Upper Blue Hills near Hanksville, Utah Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/its-the-setting/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170605_0114_GS.jpg It's the Setting I encountered this derelict building near Craigmont, Idaho. It is far from being in as bad shape as some of my other derelict subjects. However, the setting was one I could not pass up—rollimg hills, fluffy clouds, spring green leaves on the willows and lovely magenta blooms scattered throught the foreground—all contrasting with the older, faded barn. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/unneeded-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170604_0015_GS.jpg Obsolete I encountered this derelict barn in the palouse area of Washington. The contrasts of fresh, green wheat against an old, dull, dilapidated building are striking. Is the old building being allowed to fall into disarray because its intended use no longer exists? Have new machines and technologies rendered it unncessary? Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/collapse-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170602_0192_GS.jpg Collapse In the Spring Valley of Nevada, below Fortification Range, a log cabin succumbs to the elements—it's roof collapsed and logs of the walls displaced from their orderly stacks. Nevada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/heavy-damage/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170514_0412_GS.jpg Heavy Damage A small cabin near Cannon Gulch in Salt Point SP, California, lies demolished on the ground with only the chimney and an adjacent wall remaining upright. The damage appears to have been caused by heavy winds water coming down the mountainside from the right. California https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/engulfed/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170422_0015_GS.jpg Engulfed Derelict building in Long Valley, Utah is being engulfed by sage Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cycles-of-life-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170415_0006_GS.jpg Cycles of Life Under cloudy skies, with light rain falling, morning sunlight casts shadows from a leafless poplar on the face of an old barn, sitting atop a hill covered with the season's early growth of grain. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/edson-barn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150625_0406_GS.jpg End In Sight An as-yet still functioning barn encountered near Edson, Alberta, Canada that is nearing the end of its usefulness. Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/krummholz-trees--clouds/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_090815_0009_GS.jpg Krummholz Trees & Clouds Near Point Arena, cumulus clouds, driven by onshore winds, sail past trees shaped by those same, relentless winds. California https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/long-slow-collapse/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_090508_0777_GS.jpg Long, Slow Collapse Row of derelict buildings showing various stages of disrepair in Clark Valley, Utah Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/well-leave-the-light-on/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_080320_0132_GS.jpg We'll Leave The Light On A partially open door on a derelict building, constructed by the CCC in the 1930s near Abiquiu, catches late afternoon light, highlighting the textures of the boards. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1947/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_070414_0010_GS.jpg Days Gone By An abandoned building in Long Valley, Utah, near the turnoff to Bryce Canyon Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/work-implements/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_060807_0021_GS.jpg Acquiescence Derelict building surrounded by unused work implements on a ranch in the Elk River Valley, near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. One can only guess why this building, and the tools surrounding it, are being allowed to deteriorate. Based solely on the design of each it can be surmised that they have been here for an extended period of years. Colorado https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/anderson-butte/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_161213_0001_GS.jpg Anderson Butte Anderson Butte breaks through early morning clouds while fog and mist persist on the flanks of the mountains below the peak as well as above the valley of Ermine Creek, formed by those mountains, as it flows into mist-covered Baker Lake. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dawn-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_200201_0001.jpg Dawn Glow Dawn lights up the sky as it streams past the hills above the Snake River Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-day-in-the-sun/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_200126_0001.jpg A Day in the Sun On a windless day in Wyoming a stand of leafless aspen, their light shapes accentuated by the sun and rendered more visible with the dark conifers behind them, appear radiant with pristine snow surrounding their boles Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/salmon-sunrise/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_200112_0002.jpg Snake Sunrise As viewed from atop Devil's Slide Trail, morning sunlight breaks under the clouds over the foothills in Lewiston, Idaho, casting a warm reflection on the Snake River as it wends through Hell's Gate State Park. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-high-one-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150901_0454_GS_pan.jpg The High One Morning sun on the East Face of Mt. Denali across the snow covered Muldrow Glacier as viewed from above Park Road near the Eielson Visitor Center Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/old-faithful/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190829_0113-_GS.jpg Old Faithful Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone NP begins its eruption with a plume of super-heated water spewing up to 185 feet into the cloudy sky. The geyser's frequency of eruption is every 82 minutes with each eruption lasting from 1.6 to 5.1 minutes Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/worthington-glacier-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150713_0265.jpg Worthington Glacier Rain clouds obscure the peaks of the Girls Mountain with Worthington Glacier sliding out between them Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/southern-arctic-foothills/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150708_0044.jpg Southern Arctic Foothills The Phillip Smith Mountains are a subdivision of the Brooks Range. The southern Arctic Foothills, below the Antigun Gorge, flank the Smith Mountains and Dalton Highway to the East as it follows the Sagavanirktok River on the North Slope. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/clearwater-fall-color/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191027_0818.jpg Clearwater Fall Color Under cloudy, foggy skies, Fall colors are exaggerated by low-angle morning light—breaking through below the leaden sky—on the lower flanks of the surrounding hills and the deciduous trees and shrubs lining the bank of the Clearwater River. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fiery-tongues/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191026_0806.jpg Fiery Tongues The red leaves of Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra L.) in the Fall are like pointed fiery tongues juxtaposed against the soft yellow-oranges of the surrounding grasses and low-growing shrubs along the Wawawai River Road in Idaho Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cottonwood-cluster/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191026_0801.jpg Cottonwood Cluster A small cluster of Cotttonwood trees form a dazzling display with their brilliant Fall colors Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/inevitable/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191026_0787.jpg Inevitable Surrounded by spectacular Fall colors, a derelict building continues along its route to inevitable collapse. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/golden-larch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191026_0772.jpg Golden Larch Larches, commonly known as tamarack, are conifers in the family Pinaceae. There are two varieties, Western Larch (Larix occidentalis) in the West, and Tamarack (Larix laricina) in the East. They're the same genus, larix, but different species. Growing from 20 to 45 m tall, they are native to much of the cooler temperate northern hemisphere.The tree is easy to identify in the fall, when the needles turn golden-yellow. In the winter, it easy to identify because it is the only deciduous conifer and has no needles then. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/curtain-call/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_191025_0763.jpg Curtain Call Near the confluence of Salt Creek with the Salmon River below the eastern foothills of the Wallowa-Whitman NF, a lone cottonwood in blazing Fall color, illuminated by a shaft of sunlight, glows against a backdrop of dark conifers. Oregon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cold-and-alone-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190323_0979_GS.jpg Cold and Alone An old barn, surrounded by snow, has not had visitors for a very long time Lewiston Highway, Oregon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cold-to-the-bone-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190323_0977_GS.jpg Cold to the Bone An old barn and farming implement remain stuck in the pristine snow Lewiston Highway, Oregon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/losing-the-battle-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190323_0966_GS.jpg Losing the Battle Derelict building encountered along the Lewiston Highway Oregon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/trees-aglow-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190323_0963.jpg Trees Aglow Morning sun highlights barren Cottowood, willows and various evergreens on the shore of Grande Ronde River encountered along the highway in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest of the Blue Mountains. Blue Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/needles-in-the-evening/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190906_0635.jpg Needles in the Evening Splendid evening light on a segment of the eponymous formations in the Needles section of Canyonlands NP Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/little-bridge-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190903_0496_GS.jpg Little Bridge This side canyon to the Colorado River, as it courses its way through Canyonlands NP, has a natural bridge across a smaller side canyon. Formerly known as "Little Bridge" it is now know as Musselman Arch. The bridge is 5 feet thick, six feet wide, 187 feet in length, and it's 300 feet down to the canyon floor below. Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/little-bridge/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190903_0490_GS.jpg Little Bridge This side canyon to the Colorado River, as it courses its way through Canyonlands NP, has a natural bridge across a smaller side canyon. Formerly known as "Little Bridge" it is now know as Musselman Arch. The bridge is 5 feet thick, six feet wide, 187 feet in length, and it's 300 feet down to the canyon floor below. Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/little-bridge-canyon-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190903_0502_GS.jpg Little Bridge Canyon This view down the Little Bridge Canyon in late afternoon light, features some unique formations as well as a spectacular view of mesas across the river, one of which is reminiscent of the West Mitten in Monument Valley. Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/canyon-shadows-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190903_0489_GS.jpg Canyon Shadows Afternoon light casts shadows in side canyons along the Colorado River as it passes in the still strongly-lit main channel. High above the channel is Dead Horse Point, towering 2000 feet above. Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1921/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190830_0180_CS.jpg Electric A midday electrical storm passes over a field along Lane 14, near Thermopolis, Wyoming Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/castle-valley-ridge-sunbath/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190905_0578.jpg Castle Valley Ridge Sunbath The ridge forming the eastern boundary of Castle Valley catches early morning sunlight along its entire 3.5 mile length. The ridge has a series of named formations atop it, from left to right: Castleton Tower, The Rectory, Priest and Nuns, Mother Superior and The Convent. Beyond Castle Valley Ridge and also bathed in light are Parriott Mesa and Porcupine ridge. Professor Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1919/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190902_0343.jpg Guardian of the Gate Gravity-defying boulders, tunnels carved of stone and red-rock canyons within a canyon define this sheer-walled landscape of Colorado National Monument, situated between Fruita and Grand Junction. To visit the monument requires climbing up to the top of the plateau on roads carved into the sides of the wall, including some tunnels. Colorado NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/daybreak-color/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190901_0311.jpg Daybreak Color First light of morning strikes the crest of the cirque at Fall River Pass with the earth's shadow lingering in the sky beyond Rocky Mountain NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/taiga-tarn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190831_0218.jpg Taiga Tarn Morning sunlight crests the Gore Range illuminating a small tarn and surrounding taiga with soft warm light Rocky Mountain NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-burn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190831_0216.jpg Morning Burn The warm light of sunrise streams across Sprague Lake and sets the shoreline grasses, willows and trunks of the conifers ablaze Rocky Mountain NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/quietude/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190831_0200.jpg Quietude The quietness of dawn allows its spectacular colors to be perfectly reflected on the undisturbed surface of Sprague Lake Rocky Mountain NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1913/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190830_0194_GS.jpg Bright Spot This dilapidated horse barn is near Steelman's Bright Spot, a "watering hole" for cowboys and anyone else with a thirst for the old west, and maybe a cold one Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/buffalo-bill-reservoir/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190830_0176.jpg Buffalo Bill Reservoir The mountains of the Absaroka Range dominate the scenery that surrounds Buffalo Bill Reservoir. Shoshone Canyon, the location of the dam, is framed by Rattlesnake Mountain to the north and Cedar Mountain, also known as Spirit Mountain, to the south. Further west, along the north shoreline, is Logan Mountain. The north and south forks of the Shoshone River are divided by Sheep Mountain while prominent on the southern skyline is Carter Mountain. Wyoming https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/no-watching/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190829_0158.jpg No Watching Large male Bison (Bison bison) stares intimidatingly at the camera after approaching a female, checking her state—estrous or not—to make it abundantly clear he was not going to tolerate any uninvited audience to his dalliance. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/saturday-bath/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190829_0152.jpg Saturday Bath Small group of bison (Bison bison) indulge in a dust bath on a Summer afternoon Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/golden-dawn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190829_0096.jpg Golden Dawn The golden hue of dawn finds a small raft of waterfowl paddling across a side channel of the Yellowstone River with the main channel shrouded in heavy fog. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pastel-pink-dawn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190829_0090.jpg Pastel Pink Dawn The pastel pink of dawn finds a single waterfowl paddling across a small side channel of the Yellowstone River with the main channel shrouded in heavy fog. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/late-dawn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190829_0088.jpg Late Dawn Late dawn finds a pair of waterfowl paddling up the Yellowstone River in Hayden Valley. Heavy fog fills the sky and hovers over the river. The rich oranges and yellows are reflected and refracted by the fog and reflected off the river's surface. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/early-dawn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190829_0076.jpg Early Dawn Early dawn finds a pair of waterfowl paddling down the Yellowstone River in Hayden Valley. Heavy fog fills the sky and hovers over the river. The rich reds and oranges are reflected and refracted by the fog and reflected off the river's surface. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/gooseneck-bend/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190903_0485.jpg Gooseneck Bend The Colorado River, 2000 feet below Dead Horse Point SP, forms a gooseneck bend near the Shafer Trail in the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands NP Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/monumental-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190903_0477.jpg Monumental Morning Soft morning light floods Monument Canyon—a region of the Colorado Plateau characterized by a cluster of vast sandstone buttes, the largest reaching 1,000 ft above the valley in Colorado NM—highlighting its impressive features Colorado NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/side-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190903_0459.jpg Side Light Soft morning light floods a side canyon of Monument Canyon in Colorado NM Colorado NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grand-mesa/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190903_0446.jpg Grand Mesa View of Grand Mesa's silhouette at dawn as seen from Colorado NM Colorado NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/independence-monument/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190902_0439.jpg Independence Monument Independence Monument, glowing with the warm light of dusk, is perhaps the most impressive rock formation found in Colorado National Monument. Pictured here, the huge slab rises up 450 feet from the floor of Wedding Canyon, with the city of Fruita and the Book Cliffs behind it, is one of the most popular stops on Rim Rock Drive. Colorado NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grand-view/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190902_0435.jpg Grand View Late afternoon light floods the entrance to Monument Canyon in Colorado NM with the Book Cliffs in the background, forming what is kmown locally as the "Grand View." Colorado NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dont-bug-me/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190902_0362.jpg Don't Bug Me Morning backlight highlights this ewe's coat as she forages along the Rim Rock Drive. The animals here in Colorado NM are very habituated to vehicular traffic and the humans who are associated with it. Colorado NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/do-i-know-you-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190902_0358.jpg Do I Know You Morning backlight highlights this ewe's coat as she forages along the Rim Rock Drive and pauses to assess the photographer. The animals here in Colorado NM are very habituated to vehicular traffic and the humans who are associated with it. Colorado NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/glowing-convent/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190905_0567.jpg Glowing Convent The Convent is a 5,955 foot sandstone summit located in Professor Valley. It is situated northeast of Parriott Mesa and southwest of the Fisher Towers area. The Convent is a 1,000 feet wide, and 3,000 feet long northwest-to-southeast trending butte with 400 ft vertical Wingate Sandstone walls. The nearest higher peak is Sister Superior 0.91 miles to the southeast. Further southeast along the connecting ridge are Priest and Nuns, The Rectory and Castleton Tower. Professor Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/onion-creek-road/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190904_0564_GS.jpg Onion Creek Road Below the snow-capped La Sal mountains, Onion Creek Road (BLM 128) cuts across the Professor Valley. It is a popular high-clearance 4x4 road that leads to some otherwise inaccessable areas up to Fisher and North Beaver Mesas Professor Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/afternoon-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190904_0559.jpg Afternoon Glow Under heavy cloud cover, late afternoon light streams across Professor Valley to wash Fisher Mesa, exaggerating the intensity of the red, orange and yellow colors of its sandstone Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dappled-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190904_0538.jpg Dappled Light Dappled morning light forms areas of lighter and darker shades on portions of fins and walls extending from the floor of the valley along the White Rim Trail near Airport Campground in the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands NP. Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/intense-dawn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190904_0528.jpg Intense Dawn Intense early dawn light pours over the mesas forming the horizon onto the under surface of heavy cloud coverage in the skies over the Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands NP, along the White Rim trail Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/moonburst/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190903_0519.jpg Moonburst Airport Tower is silhouetted by the fading Blue Hour light of dusk with the moon glowing brightly, backlighting the clouds in the sky. Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/last-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190903_0518.jpg Last Light With the canyon before it in shadow, this spectacular formation was rendered in fiery reds, oranges and yellows by the last light of the sun, knifing between the clouds and the horizon, before it dropped below the horizon. Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/quintessence/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190903_0514.jpg Quintessence The quintessential view of Canyonlands NP that exemplifies the name of the park. Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/behind-the-rocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190906_0614_GS.jpg Moab Rim Cliffs The land "Behind the Rocks" is an elevated area south of Moab bounded roughly by the Moab Rim cliffs (depicted here) and the rim of Kane Springs Canyon. The rock layers behind the Moab Rim slope downward, and a virtually impenetrable area of Navajo Sandstone domes and fins is in view most of the time. Behind the Rocks Wilderness Area https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stark-contrat/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190905_0609_GS.jpg Stark Contrast With light waning quickly a single tree stands out in stark contrast against the sky with only a few highlights remaining visible on the rock bearing the tree. Manti-La Sal NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/steadfast/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190905_0607.jpg Steadfast This large striated boulder, basted with warm afternoon light, is located along Sand Flats Road near Mill Creek Canyon in the Sand Flats Recreational Area of Utah. It is reminiscent of Bonsai Rock in Zion NP with a tree growing steadfastly on its surface of inhospitable stone. Manti-La Sal NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dinosaur-track/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190905_0604_GS.jpg Dinosaur Track Dinosaur Track SP in Utah is adjacent to the Fisher Valley Overlook. There are numerous trails within the park, each featuring numerous dinosaur tracks, like the one seen in the lower left of this image. Manti-La Sal NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/serene-beauty/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190905_0592.jpg Serene Beauty Warner Lake, at an elevation of 9,400 feet, is located high in the La Sal Mountains in the shadow of precipitous Haystack Mointain. It offers fishing, canoeing, kayaking and exploring many local trails. Manti-La Sal NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/riverside-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190905_0586.jpg Riverside Morning Dome Plateau, immediately adjacent to the Colorado River in Professor Valley, is awash with early morning sunlight, rendering it in golden tones. Professor Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sevenmile-sunrise/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190905_0582.jpg Sevenmile Sunrise Morning breaks over Sevenmile Mesa, on the east end of Professor Valley. To the extreme right of the image and still in deep shadows, are the Fisher Towers Professor Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hite-crossing-bridge/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190907_0704.jpg Hite Crossing Bridge The Hite Crossing Bridge is the only automobile bridge spanning the Colorado River. It is the only manmade object in view—like an erector set structure in a sandbox. The red rock surrounding it is as spectacular as is the bridge. The bridge informally marks the upstream limit of Lake Powell and the end of Cataract Canyon of the Colorado River. Glen Canyon NRA https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-on-the-rocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190907_0659.jpg Light, on the Rocks Wondrous early morning light on massive striateded-rock formations near the trailhead to the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers in the Needles section of Canyonlands NP Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/needles-at-sunrise/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190907_0656.jpg Needles at Sunrise Sunrise on the Needles, the southeastern section of Canyonlands National Park. Its signature features are colorful sandstone spires—hundreds of them poking up from the desert floor. There are also entrenched canyons, natural arches and sheer-walled cliffs in this vast, rugged landscape. Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/needles-at-dawn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190907_0652.jpg Needles at Dawn Dawn on the Needles, the southeastern section of Canyonlands National Park. Its signature features are colorful sandstone spires—hundreds of them poking up from the desert floor. There are also entrenched canyons, natural arches and sheer-walled cliffs in this vast, rugged landscape. Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tsunami/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190906_0626_GS.jpg Tsunami The wave-like form of this eroded rock face looks much like a cresting wave before it crashes onto the land Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hostile-environment-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190906_0620.jpg Hostile Environment Barren expanses of the Needles section of Canyonlands NP. Near the horizon is the Island in the Sky section. Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/golden-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190911_0752.jpg Golden Glow Pegleg mountain rises behind the cloud and fog laden Susan River as it traverses Hog Flat on a glorious Summer morning with the golden grasses glowing in the sun. Lassen NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/badwater-salt-pan/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190909_0742_GS.jpg Badwater Salt Pan Expansive salt pan in Badwater Basin, Death Valley, NP Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-demonstration/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190909_0740.jpg A Demonstration The brilliant colors of twilight behind the silhouete of an unnamed mesa across the expanse of Gould Wash near Hurricane, Utah, demonstrate the impact simple forms and colors can have Gould Wash https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dirty-devil-at-sunset/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190908_0736.jpg Dirty Devil at Sunset The setting sun makes the sandstone resplendent while long shadows from behind the Burr Overlook flood across the river valley Burr Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dirty-devil-from-burr-overlook-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190908_0731.jpg Dirty Devil from Burr Overlook The Dirty Devil River is an 80-mile-long tributary of the Colorado River. It flows through southern Utah from the confluence of the Fremont River and Muddy Creek before emptying into the Colorado River at Lake Powell. Burr Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dirty-devil-from-burr-overlook/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190908_0727.jpg Dirty Devil from Burr Overlook The Dirty Devil River is an 80-mile-long tributary of the Colorado River. It flows through southern Utah from the confluence of the Fremont River and Muddy Creek before emptying into the Colorado River at Lake Powell. Burr Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/owachomo-bridge/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190908_0720.jpg Owachomo Bridge Owachomo Bridge is the smallest and thinnest of the three natural bridges in Natural Bridges NM. It is about 180 feet in length, and arches about 100 feet above a side canyon. It looks much more delicate than Kachina or Sipapu Bridges and this thinness indicates that it is older and has eroded more quickly than the others. Natural Bridges NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/moose-cow-in-a-forest-clearing/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150906_0177.jpg A Bit Annoyed In a small forest clearing on a bright Fall morning a mature moose cow is caught browsing among Aspen sapplings and fireweed. Interrupted by the photographer. The positions of her ears, one forward and one back, indicate she is curious, but a bit annoyed. Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pyramid-island-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190311_0828_GS.jpg Pyramid Island The Pyramid Island tufa mound is located along the eastern shore of Pyramid Lake, below the Lake Range. It extends about 400 feet above the surface of the lake. The Paiute name for this island is Wono, meaning cone-shaped basket. Note the girdle of carbonate cement located about one-fifth up the mound which was formed when the lake was at or near its overflow point. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/crooked-creek-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190309_0602_GS.jpg Crooked Creek Crooked Creek is a stream in Mono County that helps drain Little Round Valley and feeds into Crowley Lake near its south end, below South Landing. Owens Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mt-tom-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190309_0595_GS.jpg Mt. Tom Mid-morning light floods the snow covered eastern face of Mount Tom, a large and prominent peak near the city of Bishop in eastern California. The mountain is in the John Muir Wilderness of the Sierra Nevada, east of the Sierra Crest. Owens Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/radiant-glory/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180709_0205_pan_b.jpg Radiant Glory Sunset Arch's elegant slender span and compact bulk, sweeping surroundings and ideal orientation for catching the warm golden hour light make this somewhat tortured form irresistibly beautiful. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1853/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150722_0598.jpg Kenai Sunrise The rising sun breaks through a cleft in the clouds, lighting up the Kenai River just east of the Warren Ames Memorial Bridge which crosses the Kenai River as part of the Bridge Access Road Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-and-clouds-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0459_GS.jpg Light and Clouds Late afternoon light strikes an extensive, linear tufa formation under a dramatic, cloud-filled sky, in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mt-witney/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0001.jpg Mt. Whitney Mt. Whitney, highest point in the continental US, with its distinctive needle-like neighbors to the immediate left (south) of the summit, is clearly visible, high above the Alabama Hills. California https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/montana-morning-magic-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/_DSC0316_pano.jpg Montana Morning Magic Sunrise lights up the skies and fields in Montana and basks the mountain peaks with alpenglow Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/montana-morning-magic/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/_DSC0316_l.jpg Montana Morning Magic Sunrise lights up the skies and fields in Montana and basks the mountain peaks with alpenglow Montana https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pinnacles-silhouettes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0579.jpg Pinnacles Silhouettes Early morning Blue Hour, with a New Moon provising little illumination, finds a photographer lining up his shot of the starfield with the fascinating silhouette forms of the Trona Pinnacles serving as foreground. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1845/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Owlets_4.jpg Waiting to Fledge Two owlets remain in their nest site under a bridge abutment, waiting until they are strong enough to fly, fledge Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waves--ripples/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0216_GS.jpg Waves & Ripples Sunrise's low-angle light plays on the surfaces of the Mesquite Flat sand dunes emphasizing the forms and textures of the dunes as well as the ripples on their surfaces. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/trona-dawn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0433_GS.jpg Trona Dawn Dawn highlights some tufa spires in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lewiston-clarkston-overlook/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_190601_0001.jpg Lewiston, Clarkston Overlook California Poppies flourish on the hillside overlooking the confluence of the Greenwater and Snake rivers by Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington. Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1841/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190309_0636_GS.jpg Stark Beauty Late Sierra snow storm brings flurries as it rushes across Mono Lake, accentuating the delicate form of the tufa. Mono Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/no-one-home-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190324_1008_GS.jpg No One Home A collapsing, abandoned home stands in a field near Anatone, Washington. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/golden-hour-dunes-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190301_0033.jpg Golden Hour Dunes The dunes and playa at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley at sunset, aglow with Golden Hour light. Death Valley, NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pyramid-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0652.jpg Pyramid Lake Anaho Island and Pyramid Rock are sacred to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. Nevada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/me-and-my-shadow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0552_GS.jpg Me and My Shadow Morning light casts long, deep shadows from an outcropping of tufa in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-amargosa-range-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0199B.jpg Sunrise, Amargosa Range Sunrise over the Amargosa Range in Death Valley begins to highlight the Mesquite Flat Dunes Death Valley, NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/church-rock-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170425_0011.jpg Church Rock This highly-fractured volcanic plug (diatreme) near the southern boundary of Monument Valley, resembles some architectual designs for newer cathedrals. Agathla Peak (El Capitan) is in the background. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/above-it-all-6/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0500_GS_B.jpg Above it All A tall tufa spire rises above the bed of Searles Lake in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the California Desert Conservation Area, with the Spangler Hills in the background. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-and-shadows-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0497_GS_B.jpg Light and Shadows Late evening light casts lengthy shadows of some tall tufa spires in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waning-crescent-moon-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0164B.jpg Waning Crescent Moon The waning crescent moon rises over the Amargosa Range during twilight. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/granite-point-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190324_1033.jpg Granite Point Granite Point is one of many wide spots, set aside for fishing, launching boats and camping, along the Wawawai highway as it follows the Snake River. Because of high wind and waves on the surface of the river, this afternoon photo required two captures—one with a fast shutter speed to render the vegetation motionless, and a second with a very slow shutter speed to flatten out the surface of the river. Granite Point https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/winter-calm-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190323_0996_GS.jpg Winter Calm Deep snow engulfs a fence as it passes by a young conifer in a field Lewiston Highway https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cranes-and-geese-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0935.jpg Cranes and Geese Sandhill Cranes forage in a snow-covered marshy field with some Canada geese, included in the image for size comparison. Malheur NWR https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alert-herd-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0924.jpg Alert Herd A small herd of White Tail deer cross the Blitzen Valley in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Malheur NWR https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blitzen-valley-deer-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0913.jpg Blitzen Valley Deer White Tail deer make their way across Blitzen Valley in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge with the Jackass Mountains on the west and Krumbo Ridge to the east Malheur NWR https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alvord-lake-blue-hour-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0907.jpg Alvord Lake Blue Hour Recent heavy snowmelt runoff has enlarged the lake in the floor of the Alvord Desert. Early morning Blue Hour, with the warm rays of the sun breaking through the cloud cover, forms a nice reflection of Idle Springs Rims on the calm water's surface. Alvord Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sandhill-cranes-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190321_0896.jpg Sandhill Cranes Sandhill Cranes forage in a field in the Wilcox Ditch along the Warner Highway on the way to Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. Hart Mountain NAR https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/desert-storm-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190321_0836_GS.jpg Desert Storm The Poker Jim Ridge, on the northwestern edge of Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, was experiencing precipitation at the higher elevations as well as along the front range at lower elevations near the valley floor. Hart Mountain NAR https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tubular-tufa-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190311_0809_GS.jpg Tubular Tufa Cross-sectional view of a tubular tufa on the shore at Monument Rock, a site along the northwest shore of Pyramid Lake. The outer light-colored concentric layers are composed of dense tufa; the inner radiating areas are composed of thinolite crystals. This specimen is aout 6 feet across. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/delightful-site-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190311_0796.jpg Delightful Site Morning sun highlights the snow-capped Virginia Mountains behind Monument Rock Beach, a camp site where I spent the previous night. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-needles-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0787.jpg The Needles Late afternoon Golden Hour light casts a warm glow on the Needles, a group of tufa formations at the north end of Pyramid Lake. These formations, which begin on the beach and extend out into the bay, are officially named "The Needles Rocks" but locally are called simply "The Needles." Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/last-gasp-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0682.jpg Last Gasp At the North end of Pyramid Lake the storm I had been chasing lingered over Enchanted Beach and Wizard's Cove. with the Needles Rocks seen protruding out into the lake. Because I was not directly between the sun and the rain the colors of the rainbow that formed on the cascading plume were not highly saturated. At this time the storm was passing from over the lake and into the foothills. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/colorful-cascade-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0676.jpg Colorful Cascade At the North end of Pyramid Lake the storm I had been chasing lingered over the Needles Rocks, Enchanted Beach and Wizard's Cove. Because I was not directly between the sun and the rain the colors of the rainbow that formed on the cascading plume were not highly saturated. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/written-on-the-wind-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0668_GS.jpg Written on the Wind A lone, barren Cottonwood tree stretches its branches skyward waiting for the light to signal budding while appearing to be writing on the sky with clouds. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/early-developement-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0651.jpg Early Developement Anaho Island and Pyramid Rock are sacred to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. On this morning rain was falling near these landmarks, but not onto them. I drove the 27-mile length of the lake throughout the day, pursuing the disturbance which grew in size, complexity and intensity as it moved northward. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mt-tom-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190309_0595.jpg Mt. Tom Mid-morning light floods the snow-covered eastern face of Mount Tom, a large and prominent peak near the city of Bishop in eastern California. It is in the John Muir Wilderness of the Sierra Nevada, east of the Sierra Crest. Owens Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mobius-arch-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0591.jpg Mobius Arch A favorite subject of photographers and filmmakers, the Alabama Hills Natural Arch, also known as Mobius Arch, perfectly frames Mt Whitney. A lovely contrast to the towering escarpment of the eastern Sierra Nevada, the massive boulders scattered throughout the Alabama Hills have been eroded away, often leaving impressive holes forming perfect archways. Owens Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alabama-hills-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0590.jpg Alabama Hills The Alabama Hills are a range of hills and rock formations near the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada in the Owens Valley, west of Lone Pine in Inyo County, California. Though geographically separate from the Sierra Nevada, they are part of the same geological formation. From this vantage point Mt. Whitney, the highest summit in the lower 48 states, with its distinctive needle-like neighbors to the immediate left (south) of the summit, is visible. Owens Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/first-light-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0521.jpg First Light The sun breaks over the Slate Range, heralding a new day in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-scene-from-the-past-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0518.jpg Ancient Scene Milky Way display over a trio of tufa towers in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/usual-suspects-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0516_GS.jpg Usual Suspects Morning light catches a lineup of tufa spires in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/evening-glow-6/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0502.jpg Evening Glow Late evening light plays on some tufa spires, making them glow against the backdrop of brown hills in the Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/framed-peaks-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0451_GS.jpg Framed Peaks Snow covered lower Sierra peaks are framed by some tufa spires in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fire-and-ice-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0425_GS.jpg Fire and Ice Snow covered peaks in the lower Sierras form a dramatic backdrop for tufa formations in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/below-the-storm-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0401.jpg Below the Storm On Jubilee Pass Road, the southeast exit from Death Valley to Shoshone, I encountered these sharply pointed hills near Salsberry Pass, highlighted by afternoon sun while the surrounding Greenwater Mountains were shrouded in low clouds. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/colorful-resting-place-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0366.jpg Colorful Resting Place The flattened skeletal remains of sage brush lies in a bed of colorful gravel and sand at the base of the Black Mountains in Death Valley. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/skeletal-remains-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0366_GS.jpg Skeletal Remains The flattened skeletal remains of sage brush lies in a bed of gravel and sand at the base of the Black Mountains in Death Valley. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/badwater-basin-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0336.jpg Badwater Basin As the lowest point in the United States, Badwater Basin is one of the most famous spots in Death Valley. The basin is a salt flat extending from the Black Mountains, a portion of the Amargosa Range, acoss the valley to the Panamint Range. The massive expanse of white is made up of almost pure sodium chloride—table salt. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/artists-palette-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0315.jpg Artist Palette Artist Drive rises up to the top of an alluvial fan fed by a deep canyon cut into the Black Mountains. Artist Palette is an area on the face of the Black Mountains noted for a variety of rock colors. These colors are caused by the oxidation of different metals (iron compounds produce red, pink and yellow, decomposition of tuff-derived mica produces green, and manganese produces purple). Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/artists-drive-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0302.jpg Artist Drive Artist Drive off Badwater Road crosses the sloping mountainside below Zabriskie Point. Here you will find vibrant soil colored by rich metals. The nine-mile drive passes an area dubbed Artist Palette, which is among the unique landmarks in Death Valley. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/panamint-downpour-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0295_GS.jpg Panamint Downpour This section of the Panamint Range, opposite the entrance to the Artist Drive Road in Death Valley, captured some low clouds on its peaks which began to produce rain as the airflow dragged the clouds down the leeward slopes. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/manly-beacon-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0277.jpg Manly Beacon Manly Beacon is a towering spire that rises above the Death Valley badlands. From the Zabriskie Point vantage point, if you look towards the Northwest, you will see this impressive formation rising above the orange and yellow colored badlands. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/magic-morning-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0275.jpg Morning Magic When the morning's golden light came flooding into Gower Wash, the otherworldly scenery at Zabriskie Point took on a magical glow—soft, warm colors with equally soft shadows—while glorious clouds passed overhead and the Panamint Range, on the far side of Bad Water Basin, became accentuated with highlights. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/zabriskie-badlands-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0267.jpg Zabriskie Badlands First light of morning strikes the Panamint Range across Death Valley from Zabriskie Point which is still in twilight. The colors of the badlands below the point are soft and muted, giving only a hint of what is to be. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hot-chocolate-fudge-sundae-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0259.jpg Hot Fudge Sundae This butte-like portion of badlands in the Zabriskie Point area looks to this photographer like a hot fudge sundae with the fudge running downthe sides and troughs of ice cream. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/zabriskie-blues-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0243.jpg Zabriskie Blues Zabriskie Point is a remarkable spot within Death Valley. It looks down on the end of the Golden Canyon trail and is especially notable for its massively eroded landscape. The morning Blue Hour, the period of twilight each morning and evening where there is neither full daylight nor complete darkness, provides an opportunity to view this spot at a time considered special because of the quality of the light. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dantes-view-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0230.jpg Dante's View Death Valley is the land of stark contrasts and amazing experiences. It can be hard to appreciate fully, but, when you visit a place like Dante's View, you can't help but be blown away by how impressive this area is. Situated more than 3,000 feet above Badwater in the Amargosa Range, Dante's View gives you an almost-bird's-eye view of the valley below and the Panamint Range across from it. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/signs-of-an-intruder-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0228_GS.jpg Signs of an Intruder Delicate footprints, that appear to be from a felid, cross a small area of wind-carved sand Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rise-and-fall-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0222.jpg Rise and Fall Wind-driven sands form constantly moving ridges on the undulating surfaces of the dunes. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/out-of-darkness-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0214.jpg Out of Darkness Morning light illuminates the east-facing surface of a sand dune while the dunes behind it remain in shadow, with only the slightest hint of texture revealed. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/slipface-glow-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0202.jpg Slipface Glow Early morning sun strikes the slipface of a dune (the side of a dune without wind) in Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley as the Panamint Range in the background is just beginning to catch light. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mesquite-flat-milky-way-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0152.jpg Mesquite Flat Milky Way The Milky Way is poised over a section of the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Artificial light with a red gel filter was painted onto the dunes briefly during the long exposure of the sky. The bright section on the left side of the horizon is from the lights of Las Vegas. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/badwater-pastels-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0135.jpg Badwater Pastels As the lowest point in the United States, Badwater Basin is one of the most famous spots in Death Valley. Recent rains flodded the salt flats leaving a small pool to reflect the soft pastel colors of twilight. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/natural-bridge-trail-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0124.jpg Natural Bridge Trail The Natural Bridge trailhead is near Devil's Golf Course in the Badwater Basin. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-4-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0089.jpg Sunrise 4 Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the last of a series of images, captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights and shadows are both showing loss of detail whereas the Amargosa mountains are showing greater detail but dense shadows persist. With the best light now past a fellow photographer has begun his trek back across the dune field. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-3-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0087.jpg Sunrise 3 Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the third of a series of images, captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights and shadows are beginning to lose details whereas the highlights in the Amargosa Mountains in the background are showing more definition. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1764/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0083.jpg Sunrise 2 Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the second of a series of images, captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights and shadows are still a bit soft. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-at-the-dunes-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0076.jpg Sunrise at the Dunes Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the first of a series of images, captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights and shadows are both soft. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dawn-at-the-dunes-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0073.jpg Dawn at the Dunes Dawn is the time that marks the beginning of twilight before sunrise. It is recognized by the appearance of indirect sunlight being scattered in the atmosphere, when the center of the Sun's disc reaches 18° below the horizon. This dawn twilight period will last until sunrise, as the diffused light becomes direct sunlight. Here a fellow photographer is atop a dune taking advantage of the warm, soft indirect light. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-cathedral-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0066.jpg Red Cathedral The last half of a mile to the Red Cathedral continues uphill through the varying canyon widths. The redness of the rock gets more and more impressive as you get closer. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/end-in-sight-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0063.jpg End in Sight The official end of Golden Canyon Trail is one of two places, either Zabriskie Point or the Red Cathedral. Here the Red Cathedral is lit by strong sunlight rendering it less red, especially at the base. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/golden-canyon-trail-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0060.jpg Golden Canyon Trail The entire Golden Canyon Trail is beautiful as literally every 150 feet or so the landscape changes slightly to reflect a different aspect of Death Valley. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/labyrinth-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0052.jpg Labyrinth Accessible from Badwater Basin the Golden Canyon walk is a labyrinth landscape of golden colored hills and winding narrow canyons that truly get the golden name when the sun floods them. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/devils-golf-course-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0049_GS.jpg Devil's Golf Course Devil's Golf Course is a spectacular example of evaporation in extreme desert conditions. The salt piles are sharp and jagged that jut out of the barren landscape for as far as the eye can see, back to the Panamint Range. Only the Devil could play through. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/variations-in-texture-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190301_0020_GS.jpg Textural Variations Sand dunes, with and without finer wind-blown patterns, juxtaposed with cracked playa, rocks, live and dead vegetation and clouds, create both abrupt and subtle comparisons in texture throughout this scene at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley. Death Valley NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/granite-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190324_1033.jpg Granite Point Granite Point is one of many wide spots along the Wawawai highway as it follows the Snake River. These are set aside for fishing, launching boats and camping. Because of high wind and waves on the surface of the river, this afternoon photo required two captures—one with a fast sutter speed to render the vegitation motionless and a second with a very slow shutter speed to flatten out the surface of the river. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/no-one-home/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190324_1008.jpg No One Home A collapsing, abandoned home stands in a field near Anatone, Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/winter-calm/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190323_0996_GS.jpg Winter Calm Deep snow engulfs a fence as it passes by a young conifer in a field https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cold-and-alone/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190323_0979.jpg Cold and Alone An old barn, surrounded by snow, has not had visitors for a very long time https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cold-to-the-bone/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190323_0977.jpg Cold to the Bone An old barn and farming implement remain stuck in the snow https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/losing-the-battle/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190323_0966.jpg Losing the Battle Derelict building encountered along the Lewiston Highway https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/trees-aglow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190323_0963.jpg Trees Aglow Morning sun highlights a barren Cottowood, willows and various evergreens on the shore of Grande Ronde River encountered along the highway in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest of the Blue Mountains. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cranes-and-geese/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0935.jpg Cranes and Geese Sandhill Cranes forage in a marshy field with some Canada geese, included in the image for size comparison. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alert-herd/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0924.jpg Alert Herd A small herd of White tail deer cross the Blitzen Valley in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blitzen-valley-deer/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0913.jpg Blitzen Valley Deer White Tail Deer make their way across Blitzen Valley in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge with the Jackass Mountains on the west and Krumbo Ridge to the east https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alvord-desert-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0910.jpg Alvord Desert Alvord Lake, in the Alvord Desert, lies below Steens Mountain https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alvord-lake-blue-hour/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0907.jpg Alvord Lake Blue Hour Recent heavy snowmelt runoff has enlarged the lake in the floor of the Alvord Desert. Early morning Blue Hour, with the warm rays of the sun breaking through the cloud cover, forms a nice reflection of Idle Springs Rims on the calm water's surface. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/catlow-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190321_0901.jpg Catlow Valley Flook Lake Road intersects with Rock Creek Road in Catlow Valley, perfect habitat for Pronghorn, between Hart Mountain and Steens Mountain. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sandhill-cranes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190321_0896.jpg Sandhill Cranes Sandhill Cranes forage in a field in the Wilcox Ditch along the Warner Highway on the way to Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/desert-storm/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190321_0836_GS.jpg Desert Storm The Poker Jim Ridge on the northwestern edge of Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge was experiencing precipitation at the higher elevations as well as along the front at lower elevations near the valley floor. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pyramid-island/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190311_0828.jpg Pyramid Island The Pyramid Island tufa mound is located along the eastern shore of Pyramid Lake, below the Lake Range. It extends about 400 feet above the surface of the lake. The Paiute name for this island is Wono, meaning cone-shaped basket. Note the girdle of carbonate cement located about one-fifth up the mound which was formed when the lake was at or near its overflow point. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tubular-tufa/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190311_0809_GS.jpg Tubular Tufa Cross-sectional view of a tubular tufa on the shore at Monument Rock site of Pyramid Lake. The outer light-colored concentric layers are composed of dense tufa; the inner radiating areas are composed of thinolite crystals. This specimen is aout 6 feet across. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/delightful-site/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190311_0796.jpg Delightful Site Morning sun highlights the snow-capped Virginia Mountains behind Monument Rock Beach camp site where I had camped https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-needles/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0787.jpg The Needles Late afternoon Golden Hour light casts a warm glow on the Needles, a group of tufa formations at the north end of Pyramid Lake. These formations, which begin on the beach and extend out into the bay, are officially named "The Needles Rocks" but locally are called simply "The Needles." https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/power-and-beauty/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0685.jpg Power and Beauty The second portion of the storm I had followed this day was now perched directly over Echanted Beach, immediately behind the tufa formations, Needles Rocks and Wizard's Cove. This section of the storm had increased in size and power exponentially and its appearance was impressively dramatic and beautiful. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/last-gasp/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0682.jpg Last Gasp At the North end of Pyramid Lake the storm I had been chasing lingered over Enchanted Beach and Wizard's Cove. with the Needles Rocks seen protruding out into the lake Because I was not directly between the sun and the rain the colors of the rainbow that formed on the cascading plume were not highly saturated. At this time the storm was passing from over the lake and into the foothills. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/colorful-cascade/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0676.jpg Colorful Cascade At the North end of Pyramid Lake the storm I had been chasing lingered over the Needles Rocks, Enchanted Beach and Wizard's Cove. Because I was not directly between the sun and the rain the colors of the rainbow that formed on the cascading plume were not highly saturated. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/indian-head-rock-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0674.jpg Indian Head Rock The Indian Head Rock tufa mound is composed of interlockng spheres and barrels. Layers of beachrock are seeen adjacent to and north of Indian Head Rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/written-on-the-wind-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0668_GS.jpg Written on the Wind A lone, barren Cottonwood tree stretches its branches skyward waiting for the light to signal budding while appearing to be writing on the sky with clouds. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/early-developement-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0651.jpg Early Developement Anaho Island and Pyramid Rock are sacred to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. On this Morning rain was falling near these landmarks, but not onto them. I drove the 27 mile length of the lake pursuing the disturbance which grew in size and intensity as it moved northward. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/crooked-creek-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190309_0602.jpg Crooked Creek Crooked Creek is a stream in Mono County that helps drain Little Round Valley and feeds into Crowley Lake near its south end, below South Landing. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mt-tom-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190309_0595.jpg Mt. Tom Mid-morning light floods the snow-covered eastern face of Mount Tom, a large and prominent peak near the city of Bishop in eastern California. It is in the Sierra Nevada and east of the Sierra Crest. The mountain is also in the John Muir Wilderness. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mobius-arch-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0591.jpg Mobius Arch A favorite subject of photographers and filmmakers, the Alabama Hills Natural Arch, also known as Mobius Arch, perfectly frames Mt Whitney. A lovely contrast to the towering escarpment of the eastern Sierra Nevada, the massive boulders scattered throughout the Alabama Hills have been eroded away leaving impressive holes forming perfect archways. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alabama-hills-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0590.jpg Alabama Hills The Alabama Hills are a range of hills and rock formations near the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada in the Owens Valley, west of Lone Pine in Inyo County, California. Though geographically separate from the Sierra Nevada, they are part of the same geological formation. From this vantage point Mt. Whitney, the highest summit in the lower 48 states, with its distinctive needle-like neighbors to the immediate left (south) of the summit, is visible. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/first-light-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0521.jpg First Light The sun breaks over the Slate Range, heralding a new day in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-scene-from-the-past-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0518.jpg A Scene from the Past Milky Way display over a trio of tufa towers in Trona Pinnacles' a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/usual-suspects-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0516_GS.jpg Usual Suspects Early evening light catches a lineup of tufa spires in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/evening-glow-5/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0502.jpg Evening Glow Late evening light plays on some tufa spires, making them glow against the backdrop of brown hills in the Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/above-it-all-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0500_GS.jpg Above it All A tall tufa spire rises above the bed of Searles Lake in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the California Desert Conservation Area, with the Spangler Hills in the background. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-and-shadows-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0497_GS.jpg Light and Shadows Late evening light casts lengthy shadows of some tall tufa spires in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-and-clouds-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0459_GS.jpg Light and Clouds Late afternoon light strikes an extensive, linear tufa formation under a dramatic, cloud-filled sky, in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/framed-peaks-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0451_GS.jpg Framed Peaks Snow covered lower Sierra peaks are framed by some tufa spires in Tronas Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fire-and-ice-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0425_GS.jpg Fire and Ice Snow covered peaks in the lower Sierras form a dramatic backdrop for tufa formations in Tronas Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-fantastic-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0411.jpg Light Fantastic Afternoon light bathes a few of the more than 500 tufa formations at Trona Pinnacles, some of these fantastic formations rise as high as 140 feet from the bed of the Searles Lake basin. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/below-the-storm-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0401.jpg Below the Storm On Jubilee Pass Road, the southeast exit from Death Valley to Shoshone, I encountered these sharply pointed hills near Salsberry Pass, highlighted by afternoon sun while the surrounding Greenwater Mountains were shrouded in low clouds. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/colorful-resting-place-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0366.jpg Colorful Resting Place The flattened skeletal remains of sage brush lies in a bed of colorful gravel and sand at the base of the Black Mountains in Death Valley. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/skeletal-remains-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0366_GS.jpg Skeletal Remains The flattened skeletal remains of sage brush lies in a bed of gravel and sand at the base of the Black Mountains in Death Valley. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/badwater-basin-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0336.jpg Badwater Basin As the lowest point in the United States, Badwater Basin is one of the most famous spots in Death Valley. The basin is a salt flat extending from the Black Mountains, a portion of the Amargosa Range, acoss the valley to the Panamint Range. The massive expanse of white is made up of almost pure table salt. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/artists-palette-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0315.jpg Artist's Palette rtist's Drive rises up to the top of an alluvial fan fed by a deep canyon cut into the Black Mountains. Artist's Palette is an area on the face of the Black Mountains noted for a variety of rock colors. These colors are caused by the oxidation of different metals (iron compounds produce red, pink and yellow, decomposition of tuff-derived mica produces green, and manganese produces purple). https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/artists-drive-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0302.jpg Artist's Drive Artist's Drive off Badwater Road crosses the sloping mountainside below Zabriskie Point. Here you will find vibrant soil colored by rich metals. The nine-mile drive passes an area dubbed the Artist's Palette, which is among the unique landmarks in Death Valley. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/panamint-downpour-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0295_GS.jpg Panamint Downpour This section of the Panamint Range, opposite the entrance to the Artist's Palette Road in Death Valley, captured some low clouds on its peaks which began to produce rain as the airflow dragged the clouds down the leeward slopes. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/manly-beacon-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0277.jpg Manly Beacon Manly Beacon is a towering spire that rises above the Death Valley badlands. From the Zabriskie vantage point look towards Northwest, you will see the impressive Manly Beacon rising above the orange and yellow colored badlands. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/magic-morning-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0275.jpg Magic Morning When the morning's golden light came roaring in the otherworldly scenery at Zabriskie Point took on a magical glow—soft, warm colors with equally soft shadows—with glorious clouds overhead and the Panamint Range accentuated with highlights. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/zabriskie-badlands-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0267.jpg Zabriskie Badlands First light of morning strikes the Panamint Range across Death Valley from Zabriskie Point which is still in twilight. The colors of the badlands below the point are soft and muted, giving only a hint of what is to be. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hot-chocolate-fudge-sundae-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0259.jpg Hot Chocolate Fudge Sundae This butte-like portion of badlands in the Zabriskie Point area looks to this photographer like a hot fudge sundae with the fudge running downthe sides and troughs of ice cream. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/zabriskie-blues-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0243.jpg Zabriskie Blues Zabriskie Point is a remarkable spot within Death Valley. It looks down on the end of the Golden Canyon trail and is especially notable for its massively eroded landscape. The morning Blue Hour, the period of twilight each morning and evening where there is neither full daylight nor complete darkness, provides an opportunity to view this spot at a time considered special because of the quality of the light. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dantes-view-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0230.jpg Dante's View Death Valley is the land of stark contrasts and amazing experiences. It can be hard to appreciate fully but when you visit a place like Dante's View you can't help but be blown away by how impressive this area is. Situated more than 3,000 feet above Badwater in the Amargosa Range, Dante's View gives you an almost bird's eye view of the valley below and the Panamint Range across from it. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/signs-of-an-intruder-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0228_GS.jpg Signs of an Intruder Delicate footprints, that appear to be from a felid, cross a small area of wind-carved sand https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rise-and-fall-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0222.jpg Rise and Fall Wind-driven sands form constantly moving ridges on the undulating surfaces of the dunes. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/out-of-darkness-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0214.jpg Out of Darkness Morning light illuminates the east-facing surface of a sand dune while the dunes behind it remain in shadow, with only the slightest hint of texture revealed. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/slipface-glow-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0202.jpg Slipface Glow Early morning sun strikes the slipface (the side of a dune without wind) of a dune in Mesquite Falt Sand Dunes in Death Valley as the Panamint Range in the background is just beginning to catch light. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-amargosa-range-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0199.jpg Sunrise, Amargosa Range Sunrise over the Amargosa Range in Death Valley begins to light the Mesquite Flat Dunes https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waning-crescent-moon-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0164.jpg Waning Crescent Moon The waning crescent moon rises over the Amargosa Range during twilight. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mesquite-flat-milky-way-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0152.jpg Mesquite Flat Milky Way The Milky Way is poised over a section of the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Artificial light with a red gel filter was painted onto the dunes briefly during the long exposure of the sky. The bright section on the left side of the horizon is from the lights of Las Vegas. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/badwater-pastels-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0135.jpg Badwater Pastels As the lowest point in the United States, Badwater Basin is one of the most famous spots in Death Valley. Recent rains flodded the salt flats leaving a small pool to reflect the soft pastel colors of twilight. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/natural-bridge-trail-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0124.jpg Natural Bridge Trail The Natural Bridge trailhead is near Devil's Golf Course in the Badwater Basin. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-4-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0089.jpg Sunrise 4 Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the last of a series of images, captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights and shadows are both showing loss of detail whereas the Amargosa mountains are showing greater detail but dense shadows persist. With the best light now past a fellow photographer has begun his trek back across the dune field. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-3-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0087.jpg Sunrise 3 Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the third of a series of images, captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights and shadows are beginning to lose details whereas the Amargosa Mountains in the background are showing more definition. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1690/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0083.jpg Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the first of a series of images, captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights and shadows are both soft. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-at-the-dunes-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0076.jpg Sunrise at the Dunes Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the first of a series of images, captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights and shadows are both soft. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dawn-at-the-dunes-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0073.jpg Dawn at the Dunes Dawn is the time that marks the beginning of twilight before sunrise. It is recognized by the appearance of indirect sunlight being scattered in the atmosphere, when the centre of the Sun's disc reaches 18° below the horizon. This dawn twilight period will last until sunrise, as the diffused light becomes direct sunlight. Here a fellow photographer is atop a dune taking advantage of the warm indirect light. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-cathedral-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0066.jpg Red Cathedral The last half of a mile to the Red Cathedral continues uphill through the varying canyon widths. The redness of the rock gets more and more impressive as you get closer. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/end-in-sight-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0063.jpg End in Sight The official end of Golden Canyon Trail is one of two places, either Zabriskie Point or the Red Cathedral. Here the Red Cathedral is lit by strong sunlight rendering it less red, especially at the base. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/golden-canyon-trail-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0060.jpg Golden Canyon Trail The entire Golden Canyon Trail is beautiful as literally every 150 feet or so the landscape changes slightly to reflect a different aspect of Death Valley. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/labyrinth-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0052.jpg Labyrinth Accessible from Badwater Basin the Golden Canyon walk is a labyrinth landscape of golden colored hills and winding narrow canyons that truly get the golden name when the sun floods them. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/devils-golf-course-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0049_GS.jpg Devil's Golf Course Devil's Golf Course is a spectacular example of evaporation in extreme desert conditions. The salt piles are sharp and jagged that jut out of the barren landscape for as far as the eye can see, back to the Panamint Range. Only the Devil could play through. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/golden-hour-dunes-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190301_0033.jpg Golden Hour Dunes The dunes and playa at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley at sunset glow with the light of the Golden Hour https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/variations-in-texture-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190301_0020_GS.jpg Variations in Texture Sand dunes, with and without finer wind-blown patterns, juxtaposed with cracked playa, rocks, live and dead vegetation and clouds create both abrupt and subtle comparisons in texture throughout this scene at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/parallels-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190227_0016.jpg Parallels Snow covered bluff outside Fort McDermitt, NV. The layer of rock protruding through the snow below the summit and the layers of clouds parallel to it attracted my focus. The sun created highlights and cast shadows on the flanks providing texture and the third dimension. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/indian-head-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0674.jpg Indian Head Rock The Indian Head Rock tufa mound is composed of interlockng spheres and barrels. Layers of beachrock are seeen adjacent to and north of Indian Head Rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/written-on-the-wind-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0668_GS.jpg Written on the Wind A lone, barren Cottonwood tree stretches its branches skyward waiting for the light to signal budding while appearing to be writing on the sky with clouds. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/early-developement/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0651.jpg Early Developement Anaho Island and Pyramid Rock are sacred to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. On this Morning rain was falling near these landmarks, but not onto them. I drove the 27 mile length of the lake pursuing the disturbance which grew in size and intensity as it moved northward. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/crooked-creek/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190309_0602.jpg Crooked Creek Crooked Creek is a stream in Mono County that helps drain Little Round Valley and feeds into Crowley Lake near its south end, below South Landing. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mt-tom/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190309_0595.jpg Mt. Tom Mid-morning light floods the snow-covered eastern face of Mount Tom, a large and prominent peak near the city of Bishop in eastern California. It is in the Sierra Nevada and east of the Sierra Crest. The mountain is also in the John Muir Wilderness. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mobius-arch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0591.jpg Mobius Arch A favorite subject of photographers and filmmakers, the Alabama Hills Natural Arch, also known as Mobius Arch, perfectly frames Mt Whitney. A lovely contrast to the towering escarpment of the eastern Sierra Nevada, the massive boulders scattered throughout the Alabama Hills have been eroded away leaving impressive holes forming perfect archways. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alabama-hills/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0590.jpg Alabama Hills The Alabama Hills are a range of hills and rock formations near the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada in the Owens Valley, west of Lone Pine in Inyo County, California. Though geographically separate from the Sierra Nevada, they are part of the same geological formation. From this vantage point Mt. Whitney, the highest summit in the lower 48 states, with its distinctive needle-like neighbors to the immediate left (south) of the summit, is visible. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/first-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0521.jpg First Light The sun breaks over the Slate Range, heralding a new day in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-scene-from-the-past/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0518.jpg A Scene from the Past Milky Way display over a trio of tufa towers in Trona Pinnacles' a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/usual-suspects/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0516_GS.jpg Usual Suspects Early evening light catches a lineup of tufa spires in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/evening-glow-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0502.jpg Evening Glow Late evening light plays on some tufa spires, making them glow against the backdrop of brown hills in the Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/above-it-all-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0500_GS.jpg Above it All A tall tufa spire rises above the bed of Searles Lake in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the California Desert Conservation Area, with the Spangler Hills in the background. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-and-shadows/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0497_GS.jpg Light and Shadows Late evening light casts lengthy shadows of some tall tufa spires in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-and-clouds/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0459_GS.jpg Light and Clouds Late afternoon light strikes an extensive, linear tufa formation under a dramatic, cloud-filled sky, in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/framed-peaks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0451_GS.jpg Framed Peaks Snow covered lower Sierra peaks are framed by some tufa spires in Tronas Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fire-and-ice-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0425_GS.jpg Fire and Ice Snow covered peaks in the lower Sierras form a dramatic backdrop for tufa formations in Tronas Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the California Desert Conservation Area. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-fantastic/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0411.jpg Light Fantastic Afternoon light bathes a few of the more than 500 tufa formations at Trona Pinnacles, some of these fantastic formations rise as high as 140 feet from the bed of the Searles Lake basin. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/below-the-storm/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0401.jpg Below the Storm On Jubilee Pass Road, the southeast exit from Death Valley to Shoshone, I encountered these sharply pointed hills near Salsberry Pass, highlighted by afternoon sun while the surrounding Greenwater Mountains were shrouded in low clouds. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/colorful-resting-place/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0366.jpg Colorful Resting Place The flattened skeletal remains of sage brush lies in a bed of colorful gravel and sand at the base of the Black Mountains in Death Valley. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/skeletal-remains/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0366_GS.jpg Skeletal Remains The flattened skeletal remains of sage brush lies in a bed of gravel and sand at the base of the Black Mountains in Death Valley. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/badwater-basin/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0336.jpg Badwater Basin As the lowest point in the United States, Badwater Basin is one of the most famous spots in Death Valley. The basin is a salt flat extending from the Black Mountains, a portion of the Amargosa Range, acoss the valley to the Panamint Range. The massive expanse of white is made up of almost pure table salt. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/artists-palette/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0315.jpg Artist's Palette rtist's Drive rises up to the top of an alluvial fan fed by a deep canyon cut into the Black Mountains. Artist's Palette is an area on the face of the Black Mountains noted for a variety of rock colors. These colors are caused by the oxidation of different metals (iron compounds produce red, pink and yellow, decomposition of tuff-derived mica produces green, and manganese produces purple). https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/artists-drive/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0302.jpg Artist's Drive Artist's Drive off Badwater Road crosses the sloping mountainside below Zabriskie Point. Here you will find vibrant soil colored by rich metals. The nine-mile drive passes an area dubbed the Artist's Palette, which is among the unique landmarks in Death Valley. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/panamint-downpour/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0295_GS.jpg Panamint Downpour This section of the Panamint Range, opposite the entrance to the Artist's Palette Road in Death Valley, captured some low clouds on its peaks which began to produce rain as the airflow dragged the clouds down the leeward slopes. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/manly-beacon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0277.jpg Manly Beacon Manly Beacon is a towering spire that rises above the Death Valley badlands. From the Zabriskie vantage point look towards Northwest, you will see the impressive Manly Beacon rising above the orange and yellow colored badlands. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/magic-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0275.jpg Magic Morning When the morning's golden light came roaring in the otherworldly scenery at Zabriskie Point took on a magical glow—soft, warm colors with equally soft shadows—with glorious clouds overhead and the Panamint Range accentuated with highlights. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/zabriskie-badlands/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0267.jpg Zabriskie Badlands First light of morning strikes the Panamint Range across Death Valley from Zabriskie Point which is still in twilight. The colors of the badlands below the point are soft and muted, giving only a hint of what is to be. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hot-chocolate-fudge-sundae/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0259.jpg Hot Chocolate Fudge Sundae This butte-like portion of badlands in the Zabriskie Point area looks to this photographer like a hot fudge sundae with the fudge running downthe sides and troughs of ice cream. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/zabriskie-blues/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0243.jpg Zabriskie Blues Zabriskie Point is a remarkable spot within Death Valley. It looks down on the end of the Golden Canyon trail and is especially notable for its massively eroded landscape. The morning Blue Hour, the period of twilight each morning and evening where there is neither full daylight nor complete darkness, provides an opportunity to view this spot at a time considered special because of the quality of the light. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dantes-view/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0230.jpg Dante's View Death Valley is the land of stark contrasts and amazing experiences. It can be hard to appreciate fully but when you visit a place like Dante's View you can't help but be blown away by how impressive this area is. Situated more than 3,000 feet above Badwater in the Amargosa Range, Dante's View gives you an almost bird's eye view of the valley below and the Panamint Range across from it. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/signs-of-an-intruder/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0228_GS.jpg Signs of an Intruder Delicate footprints, that appear to be from a felid, cross a small area of wind-carved sand https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rise-and-fall/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0222.jpg Rise and Fall Wind-driven sands form constantly moving ridges on the undulating surfaces of the dunes. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/out-of-darkness/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0214.jpg Out of Darkness Morning light illuminates the east-facing surface of a sand dune while the dunes behind it remain in shadow, with only the slightest hint of texture revealed. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/slipface-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0202.jpg Slipface Glow Early morning sun strikes the slipface (the side of a dune without wind) of a dune in Mesquite Falt Sand Dunes in Death Valley as the Panamint Range in the background is just beginning to catch light. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-amargosa-range/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0199.jpg Sunrise, Amargosa Range Sunrise over the Amargosa Range in Death Valley begins to light the Mesquite Flat Dunes https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waning-crescent-moon-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0164.jpg Waning Crescent Moon The waning crescent moon rises over the Amargosa Range during twilight. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mesquite-flat-milky-way/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0152.jpg Mesquite Flat Milky Way The Milky Way is poised over a section of the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Artificial light with a red gel filter was painted onto the dunes briefly during the long exposure of the sky. The bright section on the left side of the horizon is from the lights of Las Vegas. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/badwater-pastels/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0135.jpg Badwater Pastels As the lowest point in the United States, Badwater Basin is one of the most famous spots in Death Valley. Recent rains flodded the salt flats leaving a small pool to reflect the soft pastel colors of twilight. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/natural-bridge-trail/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0124.jpg Natural Bridge Trail The Natural Bridge trailhead is near Devil's Golf Course in the Badwater Basin. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-4-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0089.jpg Sunrise 4 Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the last of a series of images, captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights and shadows are both showing loss of detail whereas the Amargosa mountains are showing greater detail but dense shadows persist. With the best light now past a fellow photographer has begun his trek back across the dune field. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-3-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0087.jpg Sunrise 3 Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the third of a series of images, captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights and shadows are beginning to lose details whereas the Amargosa Mountains in the background are showing more definition. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1638/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0083.jpg Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the first of a series of images, captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights and shadows are both soft. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-at-the-dunes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0076.jpg Sunrise at the Dunes Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the first of a series of images, captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights and shadows are both soft. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dawn-at-the-dunes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0073.jpg Dawn at the Dunes Dawn is the time that marks the beginning of twilight before sunrise. It is recognized by the appearance of indirect sunlight being scattered in the atmosphere, when the centre of the Sun's disc reaches 18° below the horizon. This dawn twilight period will last until sunrise, as the diffused light becomes direct sunlight. Here a fellow photographer is atop a dune taking advantage of the warm indirect light. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-cathedral/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0066.jpg Red Cathedral The last half of a mile to the Red Cathedral continues uphill through the varying canyon widths. The redness of the rock gets more and more impressive as you get closer. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/end-in-sight/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0063.jpg End in Sight The official end of Golden Canyon Trail is one of two places, either Zabriskie Point or the Red Cathedral. Here the Red Cathedral is lit by strong sunlight rendering it less red, especially at the base. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/golden-canyon-trail/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0060.jpg Golden Canyon Trail The entire Golden Canyon Trail is beautiful as literally every 150 feet or so the landscape changes slightly to reflect a different aspect of Death Valley. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/labyrinth/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0052.jpg Labyrinth Accessible from Badwater Basin the Golden Canyon walk is a labyrinth landscape of golden colored hills and winding narrow canyons that truly get the golden name when the sun floods them. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/devils-golf-course/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0049_GS.jpg Devil's Golf Course Devil's Golf Course is a spectacular example of evaporation in extreme desert conditions. The salt piles are sharp and jagged that jut out of the barren landscape for as far as the eye can see, back to the Panamint Range. Only the Devil could play through. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/golden-hour-dunes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190301_0033.jpg Golden Hour Dunes The dunes and playa at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley at sunset glow with the light of the Golden Hour https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/variations-in-texture-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190301_0020_GS.jpg Variations in Texture Sand dunes, with and without finer wind-blown patterns, juxtaposed with cracked playa, rocks, live and dead vegetation and clouds create both abrupt and subtle comparisons in texture throughout this scene at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/parallels/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190227_0016.jpg Parallels Snow covered bluff outside Fort McDermitt, NV. The layer of rock protruding through the snow below the summit and the layers of clouds parallel to it attracted my focus. The sun created highlights and cast shadows on the flanks providing texture and the third dimension. https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1627/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF160710_0007.jpg Hard at Work Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waning-crescent-moon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0164.jpg Waning Crescent Moon The waning crescent moon rises over the Amargosa Range during twilight. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/scene-from-the-past/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0518.jpg Scene From The Past Milky Way display over a trio of tufa towers in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/variations-in-texture/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190301_0020_GS.jpg Variations in Texture Sand dunes, with and without finer wind-blown patterns, juxtaposed with cracked playa, rocky hills, living and dead vegetation and clouds create both abrupt and subtle comparisons in texture throughout this scene at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0089.jpg Sunrise 4 Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the last of a series of images, captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights and shadows are both showing loss of detail whereas the Amargosa mountains are showing greater detail but dense shadows persist. With the best light now past a fellow photographer has begun his trek back across the dune field. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0087.jpg Sunrise 3 Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the third of a series of images, captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights and shadows are beginning to lose details whereas the Amargosa Mountains in the background are showing more definition. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1621/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0083.jpg Sunrise 2 Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the second of a series of images, captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights are brighter and shadows darker, yet both are soft, with details remaining. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alvord-desert/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0910.jpg Alvord Desert Alvord Lake, in the Alvord Desert, lies below Steens Mountain Alvord Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/granite-point-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190324_1033.jpg Granite Point Granite Point is one of many wide spots along the Wawawai highway, set aside for fishing, launching boats and camping, as it follows the Snake River. Because of high wind and waves on the surface of the river, this afternoon photo required two captures—one with a fast sutter speed to render the vegitation motionless and a second with a very slow shutter speed to flatten out the surface of the river. Granite Point https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/no-one-home-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190324_1008.jpg No One Home A collapsing, abandoned home stands in a field near Anatone, Washington Anatone https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/winter-calm-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190323_0996_GS.jpg Winter Calm Deep snow engulfs a fence as it passes by a young conifer in a field Lewiston Hwy https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cold-and-alone-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190323_0979.jpg Cold and Alone An old barn, surrounded by snow, has not had visitors for a very long time Lewiston Hwy https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cold-to-the-bone-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190323_0977.jpg Cold to the Bone An old barn and farming implement remain stuck in the snow Lewiston Hwy https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/losing-the-battle-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190323_0966.jpg Losing the Battle Derelict building encountered along the Lewiston Highway Lewiston Hwy https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/trees-aglow-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190323_0963.jpg Trees Aglow Morning sun highlights a barren Cottowood, willows and various evergreens on the shore of Grande Ronde River encountered along the highway in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest of the Blue Mountains, Oregon. Wallowa-Whitman NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cranes-and-geese-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0935.jpg Cranes and Geese Sandhill Cranes forage in a marshy field with some Canada geese, included in the image for size comparison. Malheur Wildlife Range https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alert-herd-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0924.jpg Alert Herd A small herd of White Tail deer cross the Blitzen Valley in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Blitzen Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blitzen-valley-deer-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0913.jpg Blitzen Valley Deer White Tail deer make their way across Blitzen Valley in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge with the Jackass Mountains on the west and Krumbo Ridge to the east Blitzen Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alvord-lake-blue-hour-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190322_0907.jpg Alvord Lake Blue Hour Recent heavy snowmelt runoff has enlarged the lake in the floor of the Alvord Desert. Early morning Blue Hour, with the warm rays of the sun breaking through the cloud cover, forms a nice reflection of Idle Springs Rims on the calm water's surface. Alvord Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/catlow-valley-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190321_0901.jpg Catlow Valley Flook Lake Road intersects with Rock Creek Road in Catlow Valley, perfect habitat for Pronghorn, between Hart Mountain and Steens Mountain. Hart Mountain https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sandhill-cranes-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190321_0896.jpg Sandhill Cranes Sandhill Cranes forage in a field in the Wilcox Ditch along the Warner Highway on the way to Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. Hart Mountain https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/desert-storm-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190321_0836_GS.jpg Desert Storm The Poker Jim Ridge on the northwestern edge of Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge was experiencing precipitation at the higher elevations as well as along the front range at lower elevations near the valley floor. Hart Mountain https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pyramid-island-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190311_0828.jpg Pyramid Island The Pyramid Island tufa mound is located along the eastern shore of Pyramid Lake, below the Lake Range. It extends about 400 feet above the surface of the lake. The Paiute name for this island is Wono, meaning cone-shaped basket. Note the girdle of carbonate cement located about one-fifth up the mound which was formed when the lake was at or near its overflow point. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tubular-tufa-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190311_0809_GS.jpg Tubular Tufa Cross-sectional view of a tubular tufa on the shore at Monument Rock, a site on the shore of Pyramid Lake. The outer light-colored concentric layers are composed of dense tufa; the inner radiating areas are composed of thinolite crystals. This specimen is aout 6 feet across. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/delightful-site-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190311_0796.jpg Delightful Site Morning sun highlights the snow-capped Virginia Mountains behind Monument Rock Beach camp, a site where spent the previous night. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-needles-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0787.jpg The Needles Late afternoon Golden Hour light casts a warm glow on the Needles, a group of tufa formations at the north end of Pyramid Lake. These formations, which begin on the beach and extend out into the bay, are officially named "The Needles Rocks" but locally are called simply "The Needles." Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/power-and-beauty-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0685.jpg Power and Beauty The second portion of the storm I had followed this day was now perched directly over Echanted Beach, immediately behind the tufa formations, Needles Rocks and Wizard's Cove. This section of the storm had increased in size and power exponentially and its appearance was impressively dramatic and beautiful. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/last-gasp-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0682.jpg Last Gasp At the North end of Pyramid Lake the storm I had been chasing lingered over Enchanted Beach and Wizard's Cove. with the Needles Rocks seen protruding out into the lake. Because I was not directly between the sun and the rain the colors of the rainbow that formed on the cascading plume were not highly saturated. At this time the storm was passing from over the lake and into the foothills. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/colorful-cascade-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0676.jpg Colorful Cascade At the North end of Pyramid Lake the storm I had been chasing lingered over the Needles Rocks, Enchanted Beach and Wizard's Cove. Because I was not directly between the sun and the rain the colors of the rainbow that formed on the cascading plume were not highly saturated. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/indian-head-rock-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0674.jpg Indian Head Rock The Indian Head Rock tufa mound is composed of interlockng spheres and barrels. Layers of beachrock are seeen adjacent to and north of Indian Head Rock/ Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/written-on-the-wind-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0668_GS.jpg Written on the Wind A lone, barren Cottonwood tree stretches its branches skyward waiting for the light to signal budding while appearing to be writing on the sky with clouds. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/early-developement-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190310_0651.jpg Early Developement Anaho Island and Pyramid Rock are sacred to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. On this morning rain was falling near these landmarks, but not onto them. I drove the 27 mile length of the lake pursuing the disturbance which grew in size and intensity as it moved northward. Pyramid Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/crooked-creek-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190309_0602.jpg Crooked Creek Crooked Creek is a stream in Mono County that helps drain Little Round Valley and feeds into Crowley Lake near its south end, below South Landing. Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mt-tom-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190309_0595.jpg Mt. Tom Mid-morning light floods the snow-covered eastern face of Mount Tom, a large and prominent peak near the city of Bishop in eastern California. It is in the Sierra Nevada and east of the Sierra Crest. The mountain is also in the John Muir Wilderness. Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mobius-arch-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0591.jpg Mobius Arch A favorite subject of photographers and filmmakers, the Alabama Hills Natural Arch, also known as Mobius Arch, perfectly frames Mt Whitney. A lovely contrast to the towering escarpment of the eastern Sierra Nevada, the massive boulders scattered throughout the Alabama Hills have been eroded away leaving impressive holes forming perfect archways. Alabama Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alabama-hills-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0590.jpg Alabama Hills The Alabama Hills are a range of hills and rock formations near the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada in the Owens Valley, west of Lone Pine in Inyo County, California. Though geographically separate from the Sierra Nevada, they are part of the same geological formation. From this vantage point Mt. Whitney, the highest summit in the lower 48 states, with its distinctive needle-like neighbors to the immediate left (south) of the summit, is visible. Alabama Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/first-light-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190308_0521.jpg First Light The sun breaks over the Slate Range, heralding a new day in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/usual-suspects-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0516_GS.jpg Usual Suspects Early evening light catches a lineup of tufa spires in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/evening-glow-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0502.jpg Evening Glow Late evening light plays on some tufa spires, making them glow against the backdrop of brown hills in the Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/above-it-all-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0500_GS.jpg Above it All A tall tufa spire rises above the bed of Searles Lake in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the California Desert Conservation Area, with the Spangler Hills in the background. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-and-shadows-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0497_GS.jpg Light and Shadows Late evening light casts lengthy shadows of some tall tufa spires in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-and-clouds-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0459_GS.jpg Light and Clouds Late afternoon light strikes an extensive, linear tufa formation under a dramatic, cloud-filled sky, in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the Mojave Desert. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/framed-peaks-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0451_GS.jpg Framed Peaks Snow covered lower Sierra peaks are framed by some tufa spires in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the Searles Lake Basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fire-and-ice-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0425_GS.jpg Fire and Ice Snow covered peaks in the lower Sierras form a dramatic backdrop for tufa formations in Trona Pinnacles, a National Natural Landmark in the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-fantastic-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190307_0411.jpg Light Fantastic Afternoon light bathes a few of the more than 500 tufa formations at Trona Pinnacles. Some of these fantastic formations rise as high as 140 feet above the bed of the Searles Lake basin of the California Desert Conservation Area. Trona Pinnacles https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/below-the-storm-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0401.jpg Below the Storm On Jubilee Pass Road, the southeast exit from Death Valley to Shoshone, I encountered these sharply pointed hills near Salsberry Pass, highlighted by afternoon sun while the surrounding Greenwater Mountains were shrouded in low clouds. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/colorful-resting-place-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0366.jpg Colorful Resting Place The flattened skeletal remains of sage brush lie in a bed of colorful gravel and sand at the base of the Black Mountains in Death Valley. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/skeletal-remains-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0366_GS.jpg Skeletal Remains The flattened skeletal remains of sage brush lie in a bed of gravel and sand at the base of the Black Mountains in Death Valley. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/badwater-basin-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190306_0336.jpg Badwater Basin As the lowest point in the United States, Badwater Basin is one of the most famous spots in Death Valley. The basin is a salt flat extending from the Black Mountains, a portion of the Amargosa Range, acoss the valley to the Panamint Range. The massive expanse of white is made up of almost pure sodium chloride, table salt. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/artists-palette-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0315.jpg Artist's Palette Artist's Drive rises up to the top of an alluvial fan fed by a deep canyon cut into the Black Mountains noted for a variety of rock colors. The most striking examples are found at Artist's Palette. These colors are caused by the oxidation of different metals (iron compounds produce red, pink and yellow; decomposition of tuff-derived mica produces green; and manganese produces purple). Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/artists-drive-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0302.jpg Artist's Drive Artist's Drive off Badwater Road crosses the sloping mountainside below Zabriskie Point. Here you will find vibrant soil colored by rich metals. The nine-mile drive passes an area dubbed the Artist's Palette, which is among the unique landmarks in Death Valley. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/panamint-downpour-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0295_GS.jpg Panamint Downpour This section of the Panamint Range, opposite the entrance to the Artist's Drive in Death Valley, captured some low clouds on its peaks which began to produce rain as the airflow dragged the clouds down the leeward slopes. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/manly-beacon-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0277.jpg Manly Beacon Manly Beacon is a towering spire that rises above the Death Valley badlands. From the Zabriskie vantage point look towards the Northwest and you will see the impressive Manly Beacon rising above the orange and yellow colored badlands. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/magic-morning-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0275.jpg Magic Morning When the morning's golden light came flooding into the otherworldly scenery, Zabriskie Point took on a magical glow—soft, warm colors with equally soft shadows—with glorious clouds overhead and the Panamint Range accentuated with highlights. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/zabriskie-badlands-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0267.jpg Zabriskie Badlands First light of morning strikes the Panamint Range across Death Valley from Zabriskie Point which is still in twilight. The colors of the badlands below the point are soft and muted, giving only a hint of what is to be. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hot-chocolate-fudge-sundae-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0259.jpg Hot Chocolate Fudge Sundae This butte-like portion of badlands in the Zabriskie Point area looks to this photographer like a hot fudge sundae with the fudge running down the sides and troughs of ice cream. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/zabriskie-blues-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190305_0243.jpg Zabriskie Blues Zabriskie Point is a remarkable spot within Death Valley. It looks down on the end of the Golden Canyon trail and is especially notable for its massively eroded landscape. The morning Blue Hour, the period of twilight each morning and evening where there is neither full daylight nor complete darkness, provides an opportunity to view this spot at a time considered special because of the quality of the light. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dantes-view-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0230.jpg Dante's View Death Valley is the land of stark contrasts and amazing experiences. It can be hard to appreciate fully but when you visit a place like Dante's View you can't help but be blown away by how impressive this area is. Situated more than 3,000 feet above Badwater in the Amargosa Range, Dante's View gives you an almost bird's eye view of the valley below and the Panamint Range across from it. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/signs-of-an-intruder-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0228_GS.jpg Signs of an Intruder Delicate footprints, that appear to be from a felid, cross a small area of wind-carved sand Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rise-and-fall-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0222.jpg Rise and Fall Wind-driven sands form constantly moving ridges on the undulating surfaces of the dunes. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/out-of-darkness-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0214.jpg Out of Darkness Morning light illuminates the east-facing surface of a sand dune while the dunes behind it remain in shadow, with only the slightest hint of texture revealed. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/slipface-glow-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0202.jpg Slipface Glow Early morning sun strikes the slipface (the side of a dune without wind) of a dune in Mesquite Falt Sand Dunes in Death Valley as the Panamint Range in the background is just beginning to catch light. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-amargosa-range-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0199.jpg Sunrise, Amargosa Range Sunrise over the Amargosa Range in Death Valley begins to light the Mesquite Flat Dunes Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mesquite-flat-milky-way-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190304_0152.jpg Mesquite Flat Milky Way The Milky Way is poised over a section of the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Artificial light with a red gel filter was painted onto the dunes briefly during the long exposure of the sky. The bright section on the left side of the horizon is from the lights of Las Vegas. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/badwater-pastels-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0135.jpg Badwater Pastels As the lowest point in the United States, Badwater Basin is one of the most famous spots in Death Valley. Recent rains flodded the salt flats leaving a small pool to reflect the soft pastel colors of twilight. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/natural-bridge-trail-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0124.jpg Natural Bridge Trail The Natural Bridge trailhead is near Devil's Golf Course in the Badwater Basin. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-at-the-dunes-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0076.jpg Sunrise at the Dunes Sunrise begins when direct light first hits the landscape. This is the first of a series of images captured without repositioning the camera, made to show the rapid change in light intensity and angle rendering increasingly shorter and more dense shadows as well as brighter highlights. Here the highlights and shadows are both soft. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dawn-at-the-dunes-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190303_0073.jpg Dawn at the Dunes Dawn is the time that marks the beginning of twilight before sunrise. It is recognized by the appearance of indirect sunlight being scattered in the atmosphere, when the center of the Sun's disc reaches 18° below the horizon. This dawn twilight period will last until sunrise, as the diffused light becomes direct sunlight. Here a fellow photographer is atop a dune taking advantage of the warm indirect light. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-cathedral-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0066.jpg Red Cathedral The last half of a mile to the Red Cathedral continues uphill through the varying canyon widths. The redness of the rock gets more and more impressive as you get closer. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/end-in-sight-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0063.jpg End in Sight The official end of Golden Canyon Trail is one of two places, either Zabriskie Point or the Red Cathedral. Here the Red Cathedral is lit by strong sunlight rendering it less red, especially near its the base. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/golden-canyon-trail-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0060.jpg Golden Canyon Trail The entire Golden Canyon Trail is beautiful as literally every 150 feet or so the landscape changes slightly to reflect a different aspect of Death Valley. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/labyrinth-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0052.jpg Labyrinth Accessible from Badwater Basin the Golden Canyon walk is a labyrinth landscape of golden colored hills and winding narrow canyons that truly get the golden name when the sun floods them. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/devils-golf-course-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190302_0049_GS.jpg Devil's Golf Course Devil's Golf Course is a spectacular example of evaporation in extreme desert conditions. The salt piles are sharp and jagged that jut out of the barren landscape for as far as the eye can see, back to the Panamint Range. Only the Devil could play through. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/golden-glow-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190301_0033.jpg Golden Glow Golden Hour afternoon light produces a warm glow and long soft shadows on a section of playa and dunes at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley. Death Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/parallels-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_190227_0016.jpg Parallels Snow covered bluff outside Fort McDermitt, NV. The flattened summit, layer of rock protruding through the snow below it and the layers of clouds above, all parallel, attracted my attention. The sun created highlights and cast shadows on the flanks providing texture and the third dimension. Fort McDermitt https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/navarro-beach-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_141009_0025_GS.jpg Navarro Beach Cool, cloudy, but bright morning at Navarro Beach California https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1482/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181225_0077.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1481/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181225_0074.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1480/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181225_0073.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1479/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181224_0069.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1478/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181224_0068.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1477/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181224_0067.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1476/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181224_0066.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1475/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181223_0057.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1474/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181223_0055.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/family-picnic/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181223_0054.jpg Family Picnic Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1472/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181223_0049.jpg Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1471/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181223_0047.jpg Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1470/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181222_0029.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1469/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181222_0021.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1468/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181222_0017.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1467/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181222_0015.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1466/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181222_0013.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1465/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181221_0007.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1464/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181221_0004.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1463/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181221_0002.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1462/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181221_0001.jpg Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1461/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180709_0206.jpg Tortured Beauty Sunset Arch's elegant slender span and compact bulk, sweeping surroundings and ideal orientation for catching the warm golden hour light make this somewhat tortured form irresistibly beautiful. Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1460/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF-181027_0001.jpg Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1459/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181028_0005.jpg Snow Canyon SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1458/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181027_0009.jpg Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1457/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181027_0008.jpg Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1456/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181027_0007.jpg Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1455/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181027_0006.jpg Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1454/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181027_0005.jpg Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1453/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181027_0004.jpg Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1452/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181027_0003.jpg Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1451/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181027_0002.jpg Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1450/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_181026_0001.jpg Snow Canyon SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1449/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF160525_0010.jpg Croatia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1448/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF160525_0009.jpg Croatia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1447/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF160522_0007.jpg Croatia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1446/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF160522_0006.jpg Croatia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1445/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF160521_0005.jpg Croatia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1444/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF-180607_0009.jpg Bonafacio Steps Corsica https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1443/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_2003_BW.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1442/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/IMG_1945_processed.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1441/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF-180607_0005.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1440/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF-180607_0004.jpg Corsica https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1439/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF-180606_0003.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1438/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF-180604_0002.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1437/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF-180604_0001.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1435/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180609_0006-.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1434/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180609_0004.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1433/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180608_0003.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1432/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180607_0017.jpg Corsica https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1431/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180607_0016.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1430/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180607_0015-.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1429/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180607_0013.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1428/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180607_0011.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1427/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180607_0010.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1426/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180607_0007.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1424/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180607_0001.jpg Sardinia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-glow-richardson-amphitheater/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180715_0397.jpg Morning Glow, Richardson Amphitheater As seen from Fisher Towers, morning light streams across Richardson Amphitheater in Professor Valley highlighting Refrectory Butte—its Castleton Tower, Priest and Nuns, Sister Superior and Convent Mesa formations—as well as Porcupine Rim in the distance. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alaska-range-and-monahan-flat/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150831_0273.jpg Alaska Range and Monahan Flat The view of the Alaska Range across Monahan Flat, from Milepost 103 on the Old Denali Highway, in the Fall. Denali is the peak in the center of the image. Mt. Foraker and Mt Hunter are seen in the gap between Raindeer Hills and Pyramid Peak Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pecos-pueblo-kiva/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170501_0130.jpg Pecos Pueblo Kiva The grounds of Pecos National Historical Park, a United States National Historical Park in San Miguel and Santa Fe Counties, New Mexico, include a number of Kivas—a subterranean room used by Puebloans for religious rituals and political meetings Pecos Mission https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sea-stars/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150807_0778.jpg Sea Stars Amid barnacles and kelp, purple and orange sea stars cling to each other and a rocky headland in Resurrection Bay, at a low tide Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/first-light-dragons-tail/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180707_0112.jpg First Light, Dragon's Tail First light of morning strikes the Dragon's Tail in White Pocket, Vermillion Cliffs NM White Pocket https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lower-calf-creek-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180711_0297.jpg Lower Falls Resplendent mosses thrive on the sandstone wall where washed by the falls Lower Calf Creek Falls SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-has-broken-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_171005_0038_GS.jpg Morning Has Broken Morning light on the summit of Mt. Baker as seen from Huntoon Point Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1414/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_171005_0041_GS.jpg Follow The Light Mt. Baker rises high above the Boulder Creek Valley, as seen from Huntoon Point Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/golden-hour-reflection/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_171004_0026.jpg Golden Hour Reflection Late afternon light on the flanks of Mt. Shuksun, as seen from Artist's Point, with it's reflection in a tarn Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/magic-mountain/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_130519_0002.jpg Magic Mountain Late afternon light on the flanks of Mt. Shuksun, as seen from Artist's Point, with it's reflection in a tarn Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/snow-will-come/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_130417_0001.jpg Snow Will Come Mt Shuksan towers over Mt. Baker Wilderness in afternoon light in early Fall. Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/snake-river-sunset/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180914_0001.jpg Snake River Sunset Early Fall sunset behind Clarkston, Washington, as seen from across the Snake River, producing widely-spread crepuscular rays in the sky above the clouds and brilliant reflections on the rippled surface of the river. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/camp-muir-trail/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180909_0023.jpg Camp Muir Trail Climbers usually hike to Camp Muir the day before they climb to rest and acclimate to the altitude, a little over 10,000 feet. If the shelter is full, climbers pitch their tents on the snow. The stone shelter is named to honor the naturalist John Muir who made an ascent of Mount Rainier in 1888. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hoary-marmot/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180909_0009.jpg Hoary Marmot The hoary marmot, so called because of the mantle of white fur that covers its back, is a common sight for visitors to Mt. Rainier NP. A member of the rodent family, marmots are active creatures and can be seen mostly in the alpine and sub-alpine mountain slopes where they build dens in the rocks. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/water-at-work-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180909_0008_GS.jpg Water at Work Small waterfall plummets over a cliff on the side of Mt. Rainier below a field of small glaciers Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rocks-snow-and-clouds/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180909_0007_GS.jpg Rocks, Snow and Clouds Windswept summit of Mt. Rainier, crowned by a lenticular cloud Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/shoe-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180714_0020.jpg Shoe Lake It's a 7-mile hike to Shoe Lake, but not overly difficult. Follow the well-graded Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) through cool forest and along an open craggy ridge to this pretty little lake tucked in an open alpine meadow. The wildflowers are sublime. The views are breathtaking—especially of Rainier hovering over the Hogback Ridge. And mountain goats are abundant here in this sprawling wilderness named for them. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/majestic-mountain/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180714_0005_GS.jpg Majestic Mountain Mt. Rainier as viewed from the Pacific Crest Trail South in the Goat Rocks Wilderness Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1402/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_180429_0011.jpg Birds of a Feather Flock of White pelicans rest and preen on a sandbar in the Snake Riverr Idaho https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/moonset-valley-of-fire/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180703_0004_GS.jpg Moonset, Valley of Fire Waning Gibbous moon sets over the Fire Wave formation in Valley of Fire, Nevada Valley of Fire SP, Nevada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1399/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180712_0326_GS.jpg Home Is Where You Make It Highly contorted pine tree growing in the wash below one of the walls in Capitol Reef NP Capitol Reef NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/serenity/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180724_0544.jpg Serenity A popular river for fishermen, the Dana Fork passes through this section of Dana meadows in Yosemite NP as it makes an abrupt "S" curve Yosemite NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/perseverance/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180724_0540_GS.jpg Perseverance This oft-photographed tree, growing directly from a crack between granite boulders at Olmsted Point in Yosemite NP, serves as an excellent example for anthropomorphism, the representation of objects as having human form or traits—in this case perseverance. Yosemite NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/not-so-stark/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180724_0538_GS.jpg Not so Stark Despite its foreboding name, Starkweather Lake in Devil's Postpile NM was peaceful and calm under cloudless skies Devils Postpile NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/columnar-basalt/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180724_0533_GS.jpg Columnar Basalt As basalt lava erupts from volcanic vents and cools, it shrinks and then cracks. These well-developed columns formed as homogenous lava cooled at a uniform rate. This 60-foot high shear wall was exposed during the last glaciation Devils Postpile NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fiery-reflection/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180723_0531.jpg Fiery Reflection The setting sun not only colors the clouds in the sky but also filters through the trees along the San Juaquin River by the swimming hole in Devil's Postpile NM Devils Postpile NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/motion-contrast/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180722_0517_GS.jpg Motion Contrast Silky smooth rapids, the result of a long exposure, contrast markedly with the immovable rocks in the San Juaquin river in Devil's Postpile NM Devils Postpile NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mind-bending/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180722_0514_GS.jpg Mind Bending Dizzying patterns of rapids in the San Juaquin River within Devil's Postpile NM Devils Postpile NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sierra-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180722_0511.jpg Sierra Morning Morning light floods Lake Sabrina and the Sierra Nevada mountains surrounding it Lake Sabrina https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1389/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180721_0506.jpg Faring Fairly Well Standing alone against the constant battering of natural elements, this specimen of Bristlecone Pine is notably outshining some of the other specimens in the vicinity White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1388/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180721_0503.jpg Strength in Numbers Multi-trunked Bristlecone Pine thrives in the wind-blown Patriarch Grove, well above 11,000 feet. The leeward side of the tree shows little or no loss of foliage. White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/beauty-and-age/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180721_0486.jpg Beauty and Age Blooming wildflowers cover the rocky hillside they share with a young Bristlecone Pine in the White Mountains White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-distant-past/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180721_0483.jpg A Distant Past Far below this colorful rocky formation with its lush wildflowers, ancient Bristlecone Pines stand on a desolate ridge with the Sierra Escarpment on the other side of Owens Valley to keep them company White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/being-number-one/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180721_0481_GS.jpg Being Number One With the Owens Valley and Sierra Escarpment at its feet, this Bristlecone Pine has every reason to celebrate its life as one member of the oldest living trees on earth White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cloud-watchers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180721_0478.jpg Cloud Watchers A mature and a young Bristlecone Pine have the perfect spot to watch clouds float by in the early morning light White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1383/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180721_0471.jpg Ridge Rider Maturing Bristlecone Pine stands on a ridge crest along the road to Patriarch Grove in the White Mountains of California White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/desolation/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180720_0466_GS.jpg Desolation Widely-spread Joshua Trees stud the Nevada desert below Mt. Jackson Ridge and the Cuprite Hills as afternoon sun casts deep shadows on the hills and the desert floor Mount Jackson Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/overwhelmed/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180720_0463_GS.jpg Overwhelmed The collapsing remains of an old barn and a second, smaller structure are slowly being engulfed by vegetation in Big Springs Valley, Nevada, with the Pancake Range in the background Big Springs Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/soaking-up-the-sun/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180719_0458.jpg Soaking up the Sun With a few Limber Pines, often mistaken for Bristlesone Pines, close by, a pair of ever-so-slowly dying Bristlecone Pines bask in the morning sun Great Basin NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1379/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180719_0456_GS.jpg Bristlecone Grove The Bristlecone Grove in Great Basin NP lives on a moraine below the cirque created by Mt. Jeff Davis and Wheeler Peak with Pinnacle Peak rising between them Great Basin NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/davis-wheeler-cirque-du-soliel/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180718_0446.jpg Davis-Wheeler Cirque Alpenglow Evening Alpenglow fills the cirque formed by Mount Jeff Davis and Wheeler Peak in Great Basin NP Great Basin NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lines-in-the-sand-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180717_0440Pan.jpg Lines in the Sand The rising sun lights up the face of the Barn Hills as high clouds cast long lines across the Tule Valley Hardpan Sevier Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lines-in-the-sand/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180717_0440.jpg Lines in the Sand The rising sun lights up the face of the Barn Hills as high clouds cast long lines across the Tule Valley Hardpan Sevier Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/looking-south/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180717_0436.jpg Looking South Southern view toward the gray Hills and Wah Wah Mountains as morning sun rises above the House Range and strikes a rugged rock formation in the Tule Valley Sevier Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/looking-north/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180717_0435.jpg Looking North Northern view up the Tule Valley as morning sun rises above the House Range and strikes a rugged rock formation in the valley Sevier Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunny-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180717_0426.jpg Sunny Glow The rising sun over the Wah Wah Valley gives a warm glow to the limestone and vegetation Sevier Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pastel-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180717_0424.jpg Pastel Morning Pink morning light floods the Wah Wah Valley, warming the highlights of the limestone while the shadows remain as soft, light blues. Sevier Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1371/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180717_0421.jpg Sevier Morning Sunrise over the Cricket Mountains in Utah floods the Wah Wah Valley with the colors of the rainbow—from red to violet they reflect off the surface of Sevier Lake and its white limestone shores—while casting crepuscular rays into the skies and creating glowing orange fringes along the edges of the clouds overhead. Sevier Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1370/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180716_0413_GS.jpg Aftermath After a furious storm passed through this area a path of destruction was left in its wake Salt Wash, Sevier Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fast-and-furious/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180716_0410_GS.jpg Fast and Furious This dramatic, fast-moving storm, depicted here at the far end of the Sevier Desert, was so intense that all vehicular traffic voluntarily stopped as it passed Eagle Canyon, Sevier Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/thin-and-attractive/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180716_0408_GS.jpg Thin and Attractive Landscape arch, with the longest span of all arches in Arches NP, partially collapsed in 1995, leaving a pile of rocks at the base on the right and a much more delicate arch Arches NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/shadow-and-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180715_0407.jpg Shadow and Light In the entire Colorado Plateau, you would be hard pressed to find a spot more vibrant than this one at sunset, when the dark brown and purple walls, as seen in the shadowed areas, become almost completely red Richardson Amphitheater https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/incomparable-vibrance/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180715_0405.jpg Incomparable Vibrance In the entire Colorado Plateau, you would be hard pressed to find a spot more vibrant than this one at sunset, when the dark brown and purple walls become almost completely red Richardson Amphitheater https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/intense-twilight/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180714_0394.jpg Intense Twilight Twiight above Dry Mesa and the Professor Valley Professor Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fisher-mesa-alpenglow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180714_0393.jpg Fisher Mesa Alpenglow Fisher Mesa, bathed in intense alpenglow, as are the Priest and Nuns formation atop Castle Rock in the background, commands the view of the Richardson Amphitheater near Moab, Utah, at sunset. Richardson Amphitheater https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/different-perspective/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180713_0389_GS.jpg Different Perspective A more direct view of Factory Butte, framed by boulders San Rafael Swell https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/form-and-texture/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180713_0388.jpg Form and Texture Late afternoon warm light breaks through heavy clouds to highlight the form and textures of Factory Butte, an isolated, flat-topped peak of grey sandstone, surrounded by desert lands and strange, eroded rock formations between Caineville and Hanksville, south Utah San Rafael Swell https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/capitol-reef-storm/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180713_0378.jpg Capitol Reef Storm Storm clouds over Capitol Reef along this section of Waterpocket Fold Waterpocket Fold https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/colorful-fold/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180713_0376.jpg Colorful Fold Spectacular variations in color along this stretch of Waterpocket Fold attributable to enfolding Entrada and Carmel sandstone formations Waterpocket Fold https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/halls-creek/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180713_0373.jpg Hall's Creek View of the San Rafael Desert from along the Waterpocket Fold including Hall's Creek, the Notom-Bull Frog Road and Swap Mesa Waterpocket Fold https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/artfully-familiar/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180713_0371.jpg Artfully Familiar Rock formation with distinct sand formations on its flank, often seen in promotional art for this region San Rafael Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/singular-beauty/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180713_0367.jpg Singular Beauty Beautifully stratified, erosion-rounded sandstone formation glows in morning light against dark foreboding skies in the Pedestal Alley section of the San Rafael Desert San Rafael Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/backwater/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180713_0362.jpg Backwater Small backwater on Bull Frog Bay with the Circle Cliffs of the Waterpocket Fold in the background Glenn Canyon NRA https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bull-frog-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180713_0349.jpg Bull Frog Morning Early morning light finds calm water in Stanton Creek and across Bull Frog Bay to Hall's Crossing Glenn Canyon NRA https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/approaching-storm/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180713_0338.jpg Approaching Storm Early morning storm on the horizon between Sam's Mesa and The Big Ridge in the San Rafael Desert San Rafael Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hoodoo-peakaboo/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180713_0332.jpg Hoodoo Peakaboo Two groups of hoodoos near Burro Wash along the Notom-Bullfrog Road frame a cloud-shrouded peak of the Henry Mountains in the space between them San Rafael Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sandy-creek-benches/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180712_0327.jpg Sandy Creek Benches Storm clouds over the Henry Mountains top the view across the Sandy Creek Benches San Rafael Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sentry/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180712_0318.jpg Sentry Chimney Rock stands near the entrance of Capitol Reef NP Capitol Reef NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sensational/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180711_0301.jpg Sensational Singing Canyon is a small beautiful slot canyon off Long Canyon. Beyond it's visual beauty, it is noted for its amazing acoustics. Because I was alone in the canyon I had plenty of opportunity to experience the beautiful sights as well as the sounds emanating from the simplest sources, including the sliding of my tripod's telescopic legs. Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/looking-out/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180711_0299.jpg Looking Out The view from within Singing Canyon, looking out to the wall of Long Canyon along the Burr Trail Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/oasis-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180711_0259.jpg Oasis Fed by agricultural runoff, Lower Calf Creek creates a year-round oasis along its course. This beautiful falls is a major attraction to those willing to undertake the three and one-half miles (each way) of hilly terrain in soft sand between steep rock cliffs lining the river's route that radiate baking heat all day long. Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1344/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180710_0227.jpg Stoic Chimney Rock stoically overlooks Fifty Mile Bench with Hole-in-the-Rock Road passing through the valley between them Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/timeless-observer/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180710_0226.jpg Timeless Observer Chimney Rock stoically overlooks the Straight Cliffs and Fifty Mile Bench with Hole-in-the-Rock Road passing through the valley between them Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/striking-contrasts/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180710_0223_GS.jpg Striking Contrasts Old, dead snags lie in a dry wash below some highly eroded yet generally smooth and rounded sandstone formations and the distant Straight Cliffs, forming striking contrasts between the disparate forms and textures Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-three-dwarfs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180710_0214.jpg The Three Dwarfs Fanciful and reminiscent of the Disney dwarfs, these hoodoos overlook Devils Garden Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/entrada-arch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180710_0211.jpg Metate Arch Wonderfully rounded Entrada sandstone, weathered by water, wind and sand, form delicate Metate Arch framing a single tree, in Devils Garden Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fading-memories/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180709_0191_GS.jpg Fading memories Corral that has fallen into disrepair following the last cattle drive Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/end-of-an-era/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180709_0190_GS.jpg End of an Era This cowboy's cabin has fallen into disrepair following the last cattle drive. One can only speculate what life as a cowboy was like—alone in the high desert of Escalante-Grand Staircase with the nearest town, Cannonville, Utah, miles of desolation away. Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1335/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180709_0184.jpg Pink Cliffs The Pink Cliffs of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, the top of the Grand Staircase, as seen from Slickrock Bench, includes the 11-mile stretch of Bryce Canyon's amphitheaters Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-bluff-butler-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180708_0182.jpg South Bluff, Butler Valley Between Slickrock Bench and the Cockscomb lies peaceful Butler Valley, captured here in warm afternoon light Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/north-bluff-butler-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180708_0181.jpg North Bluff, Butler Valley Between Slickrock Bench and the Cockscomb lies peaceful Butler Valley, captured here in warm afternoon light Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/variations/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180708_0176.jpg Variations Carmel formations interrupted by variations in Entrada formations Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/colorful-intrusion/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180708_0174.jpg Colorful Intrusion A fold of colorful Carmel formation is surrounded by less-colorful Entrada formation Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1329/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180708_0171.jpg Candyland This portion of Cottonwood Canyon exemplifies the characteristic alternating red-white stripes that have earned it the nickname "Candyland'" Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/between-the-rocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180708_0169.jpg Between the Rocks Badlalnds nestle in the Paria River Canyon between the Cockscomb and the Rimrocks Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/coyote-creek-drainage/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180708_0165.jpg Brigham Plains Coyote Creek drains the Brigham Plains through Coyote Canyon (below the clouds in this photo) into a broad, flat expanse surrounded by Blue Cove and Jack Riggs Bench (middle right) and the Scorpion (far right), on its way to join Wahweap Creek, ultimately emptying into the Wahweap Bay of lake Powell Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1326/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180707_0155.jpg The Grand Staircase The Grand Staircase, in order from bottom to top: Chocolate Cliffs (not seen here as I am standing atop them); Vermillion Cliffs; the White Cliffs; the Gray Cliffs and the Pink Cliffs Grand Staircase-Escalante NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alone-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180707_0119.jpg Alone in the Sun A young tree stands alone in a crevice behind a dislodged segment of brain rock in White Pocket White Pocket, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1322/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180707_0111.jpg Morning Rainbow A morning storm beyond Buckskin Mountain generates a rainbow as the sun rises above White Pocket White Pocket, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1319/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180706_0095.jpg Desert Storm Thunderstorm at sunset over Buckskin Mountain and the Grand Staircase as viewed from White Pocket on the Paria Plateau of the Vermillion Cliffs in Arizona White Pocket, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1318/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180706_0094.jpg Sunset Storm Thunderstorm at sunset over Buckskin Mountain and the Grand Staircase as viewed from White Pocket on the Paria Plateau of the Vermillion Cliffs in Arizona White Pocket, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1317/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180706_0088.jpg Glow and Flow Low angle, late afternoon light emphasizes the textures and colors of the rock formations of White Pocket. White Pocket, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lollipop-rock-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180706_0085.jpg Lollipop Rock Late afternoon light shows off the variously-colored striated layers in the well-known formation, Lolloipop Rock, in White Pocket. White Pocket, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1315/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180705_0082.jpg Friends in the Sun Numerous upwellings along the spine of White Pockets glow in the late afternoon sun White Pocket, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1314/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180705_0079.jpg Inner Glow Below the brain rock superficial layers lies the richly-colored sandstone layers which tend to glow in the warm light of late afternoon. White Pocket, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/uprising-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180705_0076.jpg Uprising A portion of brain rock in the White Pocket formation seems to be rising from the base surrounding it White Pocket, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/warm-wave/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180705_0071.jpg Warm Wave Late afternoon light warms the "Wave" section of White Pocket White Pocket, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1311/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180705_0068.jpg Colorful Layers Multiple layers of various colors and form are highlighted by late afternoon light in White Pocket White Pocket, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mt-foraker-mt-hunter-mt-denali-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150706_0024.jpg Mt. Foraker, Mt. Hunter, Mt. Denali Principle peaks of the Alaska Range in Denali NP are visible from the Richardson Highway, approximately 120 miles away Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/el-zaguan/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_080317_0020.jpg El Zaguan Ristras flank the main gate, with a pedestrian doorway (zaguan), into the walled central plaza of El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a living history museum. New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rock-art-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140930_0033.jpg Rock Art Sandstone along the trail to Mouse's Pool is decorated with petroglyphs etched into the desert varnish by the Ancients Nevada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-high-one-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150830_0099_GS.jpg The High One Near the end of the Great Gorge the 20,310 foot summit of Denali stands high above layers of clouds over the Ruth Amphitherter, Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/great-gorge/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150830_0085-_GS.jpg Great Gorge The Great Gorge, created by the Ruth Glacier, is a mile-wide, ten-mile long phalanx of mile-high towers of black-and-brown granite. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1303/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150715_0376.jpg Majestic Valley The Chugach Mountain peaks, named after the Scandinavian countries, surround Majestic Valley, as seen from the Glenn Highway Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/confrontation/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150729_0230.jpg Confrontation Two male Brown bear squabble over the right to fish in a spot below Brooks Falls in Katmai NP, Alaska. The bear on the left is defending his position and a recent salmon kill—under his left forepaw—against an interloper, all under the scrutiny of a much larger, dominant male in the background. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/maples--conifer-boles/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180501_0001.jpg Deep Within Bigleaf maples flourish at the edges of Llandover Woods Park in Seattle Seattle https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/porcupine-cove-2-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150807_0131_GS.jpg Porcupine Cove 2 The mountains surrounding Porcupine Cove are shrouded in fog. The fog helps to put the bacground in recession, allowing one of the many seastacks within the cove to garner attention. The dense fog as a background in the upper one-half of the image allows the delicate structures of the conifers to stand out. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1298/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_180410_0003.jpg Bigleaf Maple Catkins Very large Bigleaf Maple trees (Acer macrophyllum) live in the woods where I live. These trees are now beginning to bloom. With the soft light of this early morning, light rain and a soft breeze, the catkins stood out against the dark conifer boles and shadows of the woods. Llandover Woods https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1297/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_051119_0174.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1296/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_051119_0169.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1295/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_051118_0130.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1294/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_051117_0122.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1293/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_051117_0119.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1292/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_051117_0116.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1291/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_051113_0051.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1290/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_051113_0038.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1289/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_051111_0012.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1288/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_051111_0002.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1287/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF101120_0520.jpg Greece https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1286/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_130531_0020.jpg Lucca https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1285/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_130531_0019.jpg Lucca https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1284/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_130530_0016.jpg Lucca https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1283/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_130530_0015.jpg Lucca https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1282/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_130530_0012.jpg Lucca https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1281/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_130530_0011.jpg Lucca https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1280/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_130530_0007.jpg Lucca https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1279/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_130529_0004.jpg Lucca https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1278/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_130529_0003.jpg Lucca https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1277/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_130529_0002.jpg Lucca https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1276/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_130529_0001.jpg Lucca https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1275/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/woman-with-pot.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1274/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Taj-Mahal.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1273/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/snake-charmers2.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1272/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/portrait-lg.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1271/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/charmers-lt.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1270/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/camel-herder.jpg Pushkar https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1269/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/blue-homes.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1267/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_101119_0468.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1266/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_101119_0464.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1265/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_101119_0462.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1264/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_101119_0457.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1263/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_101118_0419.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1262/ 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https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_101115_0058.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1244/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_101114_0023.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1243/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_101114_0019.jpg https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/priest--nuns/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_090505_0563.jpg Priest & Nuns A brilliant sunset, with an intense magenta hue, bathes the sky, clouds and rocky formations bordering the Richardson Amphitheater in Professor Valley near Moab. Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/more-please/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF160806_0012.jpg More, Please Three Brown bear cubs look mornfully at the salmon in the stream, hoping their mother will provide them with more to eat. Meanwhile, a raven and gulls squabble over the remaining carcass the cubs have abandoned. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/feeding-feenzy/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF160806_0011.jpg Feeding Feenzy Mother Brown bear lets her three cubs feed on a hen salmon and its roe on the rocky beach of Kitoi Bay, Kodiak Island. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/orca/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF160720_0010.jpg Orca Mother Orca leads her calf through the strait between Kodiak Island and Whale Island, Alaska. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sacramento-creek/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF160417_0006.jpg Sacramento Creek With stormy skies overhead, the rugged hills on the South side of Chiniak peninsula on Kodiak frame a small rapid on Sacramento Creek as it terminates into a placid pool near Pasagshak State Recreational Site. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/castle-bluff/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF160410_0005.jpg Castle Bluff Conifers struggle for survival on the windy crest of Castle Bluff on Long Island, as viewed from Vera Bay. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Long Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/resting/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF160408_0004.jpg Resting Adult and juvenile mountain goats rest on a wide spot of the trail up Heitman Mountin, high above Womens Bay on Kodiak Island. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/solo-adult/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF160408_0002.jpg Solo Adult Solo adult mountain goat pauses on the side Heitman Mountain, high above Womens Bay on Kodiak Island, to evaluate the photographer. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wary-family/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF160408_0001.jpg Wary Family Two adult and a juvenile mountain goat, high on the flanks of Heitman Mountain, above Middle Bay on Kodiak Island. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/single-file-please/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150907_0201.jpg Single File Please Mother Brown bear leads three cubs up a stream in Geographic Harbor, Katmai NP. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Geographic Harbor https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/were-hungry/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150907_0172.jpg We're Hungry Two Brown bear cubs confront their mother to allow them to nurse while they rest in the grass along a stream in Geographic Harbor, Katmai NP. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Geographic Harbor https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/do-you-see-what-i-see/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150907_0162.jpg Do You See What I See? Young Brown bear cub peers over his mother's shoulder to see what has caught her attention. The sow is warning her cubs to be patient as she determines if it is safe to go fish. A larger sow and cubs had just moved on from this location in Geographic Harbor, Katmai NP. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Geographic Harbor https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/patty-cake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150907_0135.jpg Patty Cake One of two cubs seems to be playing patty cake while the mother and sibling rest in the grass near a stream in Geographic Harbor in Katmai NP. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Geographic Harbor https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/written-on-the-wind/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150907_0109.jpg Written on the Wind Mother Brown bear and two cubs sniff the air to pick up the scent of predators and prey in Geographic Harbor, Katmai NP. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Geographic Harbor https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-protector-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150907_0105.jpg The Protector Mother Brown bear hovers over her cub, teaching it how to fish, protecting it from older males who are in the vicinity on a river in Geographic Harbor, Katmai NP. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Geographic Harbor https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/menacing-look/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150907_0083.jpg Menacing Look The photographer is given a menancing look by a brown bear indicating he is not comfortable with her proximity. If he was preparing to charge he may lay his ears back and lower his body closer to the ground, fixing his eyes on the object of his fear. This behavior MUST be taken seriously. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Geographic Harbor https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/warning-glance/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150907_0079.jpg Warning Glance Single Brown bear takes a warning pose—head down, ears forward, listening for signals—toward other bears who are encroaching on his fishing spot. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Geographic Harbor https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/over-here/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150907_0067.jpg Over Here Young Brown bear looks to his mother while searching for salmon in a river flowing through Geographic Harbor in Katmai NP. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Geographic Harbor https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/enmdless-search/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150907_0062.jpg Endless Search Mother Brown bear and cub search for salmon along a river that flows through Geographic Harbor in Katmai NP. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Geographic Harbor https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sharing-the-hole/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150907_0053.jpg Sharing the Hole Two families of Brown bears, a mother and three cubs, and a mother with one cub, reluctantly share a fishing hole in a river flowing through Geographic Harbor of Katmai NP. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Geographic Harbor https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mother-and-child/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150907_0026.jpg Mother and Child Mother Brown bear and her cub work the shalllow streams flowing into Geographic Harbor in Katmai NP, Alaska. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Geographic Harbor https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/foraging-family/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150907_0018.jpg Foraging Family Mother and two cub Brown bears forage for clams and salmon on the beach at Geographic Harbor in Katmai NP, Alaska. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Geographic Harbor https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wary/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150905_0085.jpg Wary Otter keeps a close eye on the photographer who disturbed its rest on the rocky shore of Markar Bay in the Kodiak archipelago. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/family-portrait/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150905_0084.jpg Family Portrait Mother and young male otter pose for the photographer on the rocky shore of Markar Bay in the Kodiak archipelago. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alone/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150905_0071.jpg Alone Unaccompanied young male otter resting on the rocky shore of Markar Bay in the Kodiak archipelago. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/glorious-end-of-the-day/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150901_0068.jpg Glorious End of the Day Bathed by a glorious golden sunset, Mount Redoubt, situated about 50 miles across the Cook Inlet from Kenai, is reflected in pools of the Kenai Wetlands. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-protector/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150830_0046.jpg The Protector The Alpha male caribou maintains his vigilance over his harem of females and a couple of young males. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-closer-look/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150829_0018.jpg A closer Look An intrigued female caribou in the Kenai Wetlands boldly approaches the photographer. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/do-i-know-you/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150829_0017.jpg Do I Know You? Cautious female caribou approaches the photographer in the Kenai Wetlands. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/friend-or-foe/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150829_0014.jpg Friend or Foe Male caribou confronts the photographer in the Kenai Wetlands. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/curious-couple/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF150829_0012.jpg Curious Couple With their antlers still covered with velvet, a curious pair of the Kenai Wetlands Caribou Herd look intently at the photographer. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/great-horned-owl/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_150920_18.jpg Great Horned Owl This Great Horned Owl was encountered in the woods along the Swanson River, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/western-view/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_130609_0006.jpg Western View The southern end of Chiniak Bay, beyond the Kodiak airport, features three smaller bays—Womens Bay, Middle Bay and Kalsin Bay. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/beach-driftwood/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MRF_130608_0005.jpg Beach Driftwood Driftwood collects along the shore of a remote beach on Kodiak Island. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sojourners/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/_MRF7573-.jpg Sojourners Emperor geese arrive on Kodiak Island's Womens Bay early in Spring for nesting. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hunting-party/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/_MRF7328.jpg Hunting Party Sow brown bear leads her three cubs upriver in search of food. Kitoi Bay, Kodiak Island, Alaska. Photo © copyright by Michele Faucher. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/moraine-lake-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150623_0001_GS.jpg Moraine Lake Spring morning at Moraine Lake in Banff NP. Banff NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stairway-to-/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_080321_0006_GS.jpg Stairway to … A wooden ladder reaches up from the second floor roof to the third story roof of one of the historical adobe buildings forming the walls surrounding the central plaza in El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, a working historical museum in Northern New Mexico. Golondrinas, New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-has-broken/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_171005_0038_GS.jpg Morning Has Broken Morning light on the summit of Mt. Baker as seen from Huntoon Point Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/1201/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_171005_0045.jpg Fiery Cascades Low-angle, afternoon sunlight in early Fall casts long, dark shadows and makes the ferns, heathers and bearberry on the flanks of Table Mountain and along Kulshan Ridge leading to Huntoon Point resplendent in fiery reds, oranges and yellows. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/weeler-peak-cirque-pan/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170602_0262.jpg Wheeler Peak Cirque Wheeler Peak, standing at over 13,000 feet, provides classic examples of the erosional forces of glaciation. Ice pried, plucked and carried away quartzite from the cool northeast slopes of the higher reaches in the Snake Range. When the glaciers melted and receded, deep bowls called "cirques" were exposed. Also visible today are the rocky hummocks called moraines. Wheeler Peak Cirque shelters the only known remaining glacier in Great Basin NP. Great Basin NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cathedral-gorge/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170601_0144.jpg Cathedral Gorge When the morning sun rises high enough to first reach into Cathedral Gorge, the incredible badlands—with the ridges, spires other formations—have an opportunity to be captured in their best light. Cathedral Gorge SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lone-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170425_0222.jpg Lone Rock The namesake rock for Lone Rock Beach in Wahweap Bay of Lake Powell Lone Rock Beach https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/convict-lake-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170531_0495.jpg Mountain Light Morning sunshine filters through broken cloud cover to light up the mountains surrounding Convict Lake in the Sherwin Range of the Sierra Nevada in California. The lake is known for the dramatic mountains that surround it, including Laurel Mountain (center-right) and Mount Morrison (center-left) Sierra Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/desert-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140926_0030.jpg Desert Glow The setting sun casts crepuscular rays skyward lighting up the clouds and cacti Arizona https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/convict-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170531_0509_GS.jpg Laurel Mountain Convict Lake is a lake in the Sherwin Range of the Sierra Nevada in California. It is known for the dramatic mountains, including Laurel Mountain (right) and Mount Morrison (left), that surround it. Convict Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-house-and-petroglyph/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170426_0034.jpg White House and Petroglyph White House Ruins is an 80-room settlement scenically situated beneath a graceful, slightly overhanging cliff streaked with desert varnish in Canyon de Chelly. The hike down to these ruins zigzags down the flank of the canyon about a mile. It is the only area visitors are allowed to walk inside the canyon. The archaic petroglyph below the White House dates from 2500-200 BC Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/long-shadows/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170601_0164.jpg Long Shadows Late afternoon, low-angle sunlight casts long shadows on the rock faces and badlands floor of Cathedral Gorge SP Cathedral Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/salt-point-explosions/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170513_0224.jpg Explosions Spring finds explosions of wildflowers on the headlands of Salt Point SP while the relentless sea explodes against the rocky promontories Salt Point SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/integrity-preserved/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170429_0126.jpg Sheltered A small, no-longer-used shed appears to be sheltered beneath a huge cottonwood tree, prolonging its integrity Coyote Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cycles-of-life/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170415_0006.jpg Cycles of Life Under cloudy skies, with light rain falling, morning sunlight casts shadows from a poplar onto the face of an old barn sitting atop a hill covered with the season's early growth of grain. Clearwater NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/palouse-color/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170609_0184.jpg Spring Color Under blue skies dappled with clouds, the rolling hills of the Palouse in Eastern Washington glow with the brilliant Spring greens of wheat and yellows of Rapeseed (Brassica napus) flowers, often referred to as canola, an acronym for Canadian Oil Light Acid. Palouse https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/puffer-overlook/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170607_0056.jpg Puffer Overlook Puffer Butte is the high point in Fields Spring State park, where you can see incredible vistas of the Wallowa Mountains—dusted with snow in the winter or dotted with flowers in the summer. By continuing to head south from the summit on a fainter path to a point signed "Puffer" you are treated with this unobstructed view. The Grande Ronde River can be seen as it flows through the canyon below on its way to join the Snake River. Fields Spring SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/emerald-paradise/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170604_0016.jpg Emerald Paradise Spring wheat fields on the rolling hills of the Palouse as seen from Steptoe Butte Palouse https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/unneeded/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170604_0015.jpg Unneeded I encountered this derelict barn in the Palouse area of Washington. The contrasts of fresh, green wheat against an old, dull, dilapidated building are striking. Is the old building being allowed to fall into disarray because its intended use no longer exists? Have new machines and technologies rendered it unnecessary? Palouse https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stormy-palouse/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170604_0013.jpg Stormy Freshly plowed and newly sprouting hills in Washington's rolling Palouse sharply contrast with one another. The saturated color for each is exaggerated by rain. Palouse https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/abandoned/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170603_0107.jpg Abandoned I encountered this derelict bulding, clearly having outlived its usefullness, in a magnificent setting—Meadows Valley. Deep in the heart of Idaho is the beautiful Meadows Valley surrounded by mountain peaks and the Payette National Forest with 2.3 million acres of unlimited recreation area. Bordering to the east is the Frank Church Wilderness area, covering another 2.4 million acres. To the north is the Salmon River Canyon and to the west is the Snake River in Hells Canyon; two of the deepest canyons in North America. Meadows Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rocks-waves-chaos/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170603_0096_GS.jpg Rocks, Waves, Chaos This narrow channel in the North Fork Payette River, filled with boulders, creates fast moving water that crests some rocks yielding chaos yet fanciful spray patterns that can be captured with very high shutter speed North Fork Payette River https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/spring-runoff/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170603_0047.jpg Spring Runoff Heavy Spring runoff in the watershed of the North Fork Payette River results in a very high and fast-flowing river. The river stretches over 113 miles from north to south, flowing from the Salmon River Mountains to near Banks, where it joins with the South Fork Payette River to form the Payette River, a tributary of the Snake River. North Fork Payette River https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/summit-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170602_0286.jpg Summit Light With the Schell Creek Range casting a shadow across Spring Valley and up ithe west face of Wheeler Peak, only the higher reaches of its 13,063 foot summit remain lit by the afternoon sun. Great Basin NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/snake-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170602_0273.jpg Snake Valley The view from Mather Overlook on the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive looking across the Snake Valley toward the Burbank Hills in Utah Great Basin NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wheeler-peak-cirque/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170602_0206.jpg Wheeler Peak Cirque Wheeler Peak, far right, standing at over 13,000 feet, provides classic examples of the erosional forces of glaciation. Ice pried, plucked and carried away quartzite from the cool northeast slopes of the higher reaches in the Snake Range. When the glaciers melted and receded, deep bowls called "cirques" were exposed. Also visible today are the rocky hummocks called moraines. Wheeler Peak Cirque shelters the only known remaining glacier in Great Basin NP. Great Basin NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/collapse/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170602_0192.jpg Collapse In the Spring Valley of Nevada, below Fortification Range, a log cabin succumbs to the elements—it's roof collapsed and logs of the walls displaced from their orderly stacks. Spring Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wall-on-fire/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170601_0186.jpg Wall on Fire The west-facing east wall of Cathedral gorge is strongly lit by the setting sun as the shadow cast by the west wall moves inexorably across the floor of the gorge. Cathedral Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-cathedral/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170601_0137.jpg The Cathedral Morning light, as it rises over the canyon wall, lights up the east face of the central formation within Cathedral Gorge while a cloud formation above casts shadows that effectively enhance the visual separation of the cathedral from its surroundings Cathedral Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/gorge-busyness/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170601_0124.jpg Busyness When the morning sun rises high enough to reach into Cathedral Gorge the incredible busyness of the ridges, spires and other formations have an opportunity to be captured in their best light. Cathedral Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/unwilling-to-yield/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170531_0522.jpg Unwilling to Yield On a cold, cloudy, windy day with flurries of snow, this ancient tree glows momentarily when soft warm light breaks through the clouds. It is in a grove, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, in the White Mountains of the Inyo National Forest. White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/obstinate/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170531_0518.jpg Obstinance On a cold, cloudy, windy day with flurries of snow, this ancient tree glows momentarily when soft warm light breaks through the clouds. It is in a grove, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, in the White Mountains of the Inyo National Forest. White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tenacity/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170531_0510.jpg Tenacity On a cold, cloudy, windy day with flurries of snow, this ancient tree glows momentarily when soft warm light breaks through the clouds. It is in a grove, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, in the White Mountains of the Inyo National Forest. White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/afterglow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170531_0102.jpg Afterglow For a few minutes after the disc of the setting sun dropped behind the Groom Range in Nevada the skyline and clouds continued to glow with just enough reflected light in the Tikaboo Valley to discern some detail in the shadows. Tikaboo Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/light-catcher/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170531_0097.jpg Light Catcher The small, rocky peak, rising from the Mt. Irish Range bordering the eastern edge of Tikaboo Valley in Nevada, is bathed in alpenglow as the sun begins to drop behind the Groom Range to the west. The shape of the clouds, pointing toward the peak, coupled with their decreasing luminosity and the brightness of the peak makes it seem that the light is being drawn into the peak. Tikaboo Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/carson-peak-alpenglow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170530_0489.jpg Carson Peak Alpenglow Alpenglow on Carson Peak which rises majestically from the shore of Silver Lake on the June Lake Loop. Silver Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grant-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170530_0483.jpg Room to Play Despite being the largest lake in the June Lake Loop, it's easy to overlook Grant Lake. The 1,100-acre lake is more than three miles long, which allows plenty of room for all kinds of activities even on the busiest days. Mt. Lewis, Kuna Peak and Carson Peak rise above the lake on the south. A small canyon leads from Grant Lake through Aerie Crag to Silver Lake. Grant Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/green-creek/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170530_0476.jpg Green Creek Near Conway Summit, just South of Bridgeport, Green Creek flows below Eagle Peak, Twin Peaks and Whorl Mountain, through the Dunderburg Meadows to enter Bridgeport Valley. Conway Summit https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bridgeport-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170530_0472.jpg Sierra Crest The simple big-sky view from downtown Bridgeport is spectacular. Bisected by the East Walker River, Bridgeport's grassy valley spreads out flat as a cow pie, broken only by the Sierra Crest at Sawtooth Ridge, where serrated granite peaks, including the fancifully-named Matterhorn, Drag Tooth, Doodad, Sawblade and Blacksmith, soar to 12,000 feet. Bridgeport Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stump-beach-cove/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170513_0334.jpg Power Spray Powerful surf pounds the rocky headlands along Stump Beach Cove on the northern end of Salt Point SP, where the various effects of the surf's erosive forces on the stone are on display—tafoni, smoothly rounded sandstone and sharply fractured rocks Salt Point SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/salt-point-thunder/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170513_0324.jpg Thunder The relentless sea crashes thunderously against a rocky promontory along the coastline of Salt Point SP. With no scalar reference in the image it is difficult to realize the spray easily reaches over 30 feet into the air. Salt Point SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tomales-bay/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170513_0093.jpg Tidal Estuary Early morning light on the tidal estuary at Tomales Bay with the rolling hills of Point Reyes along the far shore. Tomales Bay https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sandstone-bluff-overook/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170507_0179_2.jpg Sandstone Bluff Overook Below the bluffs are the lava flows of El Malpais. To the north, is a dramatic view of Mount Taylor. Below your feet is Dakota sandstone that was deposited 200 million years ago in ancient seas. El Malpais NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/whale/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170506_0167.jpg Whale Bisti Badlands is an amazingly scenic and colorful expanse of undulating mounds and unusual eroded rocks covering 4,000 acres, hidden away in the high desert of the San Juan Basin. This formation within the Egg Factory looks like a whale approaching with its mouth slightly open. Bisti Badlands https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/service-for-four/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170506_0163.jpg Service For Four Among the many other-worldly formations in Bisti, this appears to me to be a small table with positions for four guests marked by stones. Imagination mixed with anthropomorphism can reveal almost anything in these badlands' fantastic geologic structures. Bisti Badlands https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tadpole/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170506_0154_GS.jpg Tadpole Bisti Badlands is an amazingly scenic and colorful expanse of undulating mounds and unusual eroded rocks covering 4,000 acres, hidden away in the high desert of the San Juan Basin.These unusual rocks are found in the area known as the "Egg Factory." The alignment and form of the central group is reminiscent to this photographer of a tadpole with its broad flat head, more tubular thorax and abdomen and , ultimately, its thin tail. Bisti Badlands https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/coneheads/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170502_0140.jpg Coneheads A small village of tent rocks encountered along the canyon trail in Kasha-Kituwe Tent Rocks NM Tent Rocks https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bearing-presence/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170502_0138.jpg Bearing Presence A single tent rock appears through a cleft in the rocks along the pathway leading to the top of the Monument Tent Rocks https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/safe-passage/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170502_0135.jpg Safe Passage The smooth walls and floor of a small water-eroded slot canyon are much less abrasive than the adjoining walls at it's exit Tent Rocks https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/diversity/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170427_0101.jpg Diversity Bisti Badlands is an amazingly scenic and colorful expanse of undulating mounds and unusual eroded rocks covering 4,000 acres, hidden away in the high desert of the San Juan Basin. The multilayered erosion pattern in the foreground, hoodoos in the middle ground, and dome shapes of clay in various colors and textures attest to the incredible geologic diversity in Bisti Badlands. The red/purple/black are metamorphosed rock, formed by ancient coal fires. These rocks are found as boulders and strata embedded in the lighter layers, and also as fine pebbles, scattered over the surface. Bisti Badlands https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/magic-mushroom/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170427_0089.jpg Magic Mushroom Bisti Badlands is an amazingly scenic and colorful expanse of undulating mounds and unusual eroded rocks covering 4,000 acres, hidden away in the high desert of the San Juan Basin. The color and form of this hoodo are reminiscent of the mushroom Amanita Muscaria, the magic mushroom of the 60s. Bisti Badlands https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/serpentine/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170427_0086.jpg Serpentine Bisti Badlands is an amazingly scenic and colorful expanse of undulating mounds and unusual eroded rocks covering 4,000 acres, hidden away in the high desert of the San Juan Basin. This series of hoodoos, by their alignment and shapes, appears like a serpent sliding across the surface of the badlands. Bisti Badlands https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/clam-shaped-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170427_0082.jpg Clam-shaped Rock Bisti Badlands is an amazingly scenic and colorful expanse of undulating mounds and unusual eroded rocks covering 4,000 acres, hidden away in the high desert of the San Juan Basin. This is an oblong Manila clam-shaped caprock resting atop its eroded clay base. Bisti Badlands https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/badlands-confections/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170427_0070.jpg Badlands Confections Bisti Badlands is an amazingly scenic and colorful expanse of undulating mounds and unusual eroded rocks covering 4,000 acres, hidden away in the high desert of the San Juan Basin.These sandstone caprocks on clay mounds appear, to this photographer, like candies atop cupcakes or mounds of ice cream Bisti Badlands https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rock-with-wings/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170427_0064.jpg Rock With Wings Shiprock, a diatremic monadnock, rises abruptly from the virtually level surrounding plain. Located within the Navajo volcanic field, it is a classic geologically-distinct landform of the Colorado Plateau. The landforms of the Navajo volcanic field also figure prominently in the empirical knowledge and culture of the indigenous Navajo people. Small clusters of Goldenrod and other wildflowers are found throughout the plains surrounding the rock Shiprock https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-clouds/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170427_0046.jpg Morning Clouds Shiprock, a diatremic monadnock, rises abruptly from the virtually level surrounding plain. The east face reflects morning sunlight while a wind-driven cloud clings to its 1700 foot summit. Located within the Navajo volcanic field, it is a classic geologically-distinct landform of the Colorado Plateau. The landforms of the Navajo volcanic field also figure prominently in the empirical knowledge and culture of the indigenous Navajo people. Shiprock https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-house-ruins/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170426_0028.jpg White House Ruins White House Ruins, an 80-room settlement scenically situated beneath a graceful, slightly overhanging cliff streaked with desert varnish. The hike down to these ruins zigzags down the flank of the canyon about a mile. It is the only area visitors are allowed to walk inside the canyon. Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/evening-glow-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170426_0023.jpg Evening Glow Shiprock, a diatremic monadnock, rises abruptly from the virtually level surrounding plain. The west face glows with evening sunlight. Located within the Navajo volcanic field, it is a classic geologically-distinct landform of the Colorado Plateau. The landforms of the Navajo volcanic field also figure prominently in the empirical knowledge and culture of the indigenous Navajo people. Shiprock https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/anonymous-butte/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170424_0216.jpg Anonymous Butte An unnamed butte rises above the terminus of The Brigham Plains, bathed in soft afternoon light Cottonwood Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/yellow-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170424_0215.jpg Yellow Glow These plains, bound on the west by The Rimrocks of The Cockscomb, are at the southern end of Cottonwood Canyon, below the crossing of the Paria River. The yellow flowers amidst green grasses and grey badlands appeared to shine brightly and steadily without a flame in the late afternoon light Cottonwood Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/watch-for-falling-rocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170424_0213.jpg Watch For Falling Rocks Vertical cliffs, subjected to weathering and erosion, will leave the harder top layer of rock undermined. When they become unbalanced the top rocks crash down the cliff as talus, resting on a scree field Cottonwood Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cottonwood-contrasts/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170424_0209.jpg Cottonwood Contrasts Colorful Carmel and Entrada Formations opposed in the Cockscomb along the Cottonwood Canyon. Along this particular stretch of the road the cottonwoods in Spring provide great color contrast with the reds of the Entrada Formation folds Cottonwood Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/uprising/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170424_0205.jpg Geological Fold A geological fold occurs when one or a stack of originally flat and planar surfaces, such as sedimentary strata, are bent or curved as a result of permanent deformation. Colorful Carmel and Entrada Formations opposed in the Cockscomb along the Cottonwood Canyon. Along this particular stretch of the road called the Squeeze, the rocks are mostly vertical and highly contorted. It is locally called "Candyland" for the bright colors, especially red and white. Cottonwood Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/candyland/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170424_0204.jpg Candyland Colorful Carmel and Entrada Formations opposed in the Cockscomb along the Cottonwood Canyon. The once horizontal layers of colorful sedimentary rock are now folded, bent, broken and tilted upward. Cottonwood Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-squeeze/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170424_0198.jpg The Squeeze Colorful Carmel and Entrada Formations opposed in the Cockscomb along the Cottonwood Canyon. Along this particular stretch of the road called the Squeeze, the rocks are mostly vertical and highly contorted. It is locally called "Candyland" for the bright colors, especially red and white. Cottonwood Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grosvenor-arch-formation/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170424_0169.jpg Grosvenor Arch Formation Grosvenor Arch is a unique sandstone double arch located within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It is named to honor Gilbert Grosvenor a president of the National Geographic Society. The largest arch is nearly 100ft/30m in diameter. Grovesnor Arch https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/along-the-parade-route/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170424_0140-.jpg Along the Parade Route One of the larger Entrada formations along the Grande Parade route contains a sedimentary pipe, the most distinctive features in the Park, extruding directly from within it. Kodachrome Basin SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grande-parade/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170423_0121.jpg Grande Parade Protruding sedimentary deposits of red-colored Entrada Formation, exposed by erosion and capped by Henrieville Sandstone, glow in late afternoon sunlight. Almost directly in the center of the image is a Sedimentary Pipe. The pipes are the most distinctive features in the Park. Kodachrome Basin SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sedimentary-pipe/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170423_0097.jpg Sedimentary Pipe The most distinctive features of Kodachrome Basin are the lage columns of sedimentary rock that rise from the basin floor. Approximately 67 of these sedimentary pipes have been identified in Kodachrome Basin State Park. Kodachrome Basin SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/angels-palace-view/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170423_0075.jpg View From Angel's Palace Angel's Palace Trail affords magnificent views of Kodachrome Basin, Bryce Canyon—the characteristic Pink Cliffs are seen along the horizon in this image—and the surrounding hills Kodachrome Basin SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/shakespeare-arch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170423_0067.jpg Shakespeare Arch Shakespeare Arch is the only natural arch in the park. The span has formed at the top of a line of cliffs, across a nearly vertical gully, and is well enough viewed from the path, though a short spur leads to a sandy slope directly beneath, and a more close-up perspective. Kodachrome Basin SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rosey-aquarius/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170422_0049.jpg Rosey Aquarius Sunset bathes the Aquarius Plateau a rosey hue. At over 11, 300 feet it is the highest timbered plateau in North America. Here it appears high above the twin mesas southwest of Bryce Point glowing gold and orange, in Bryce Canyon NP Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ponderosa-canyon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170422_0033.jpg Ponderosa Canyon Ponderosa Canyon retains snow through late April providing nice contrast with the deep reds and oranges of the amphitheater in Bryce Canyon NP Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lonely/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170422_0032.jpg Lonely The Paria View Overlook in Bryce Canyon receives fewer guests than its more famous cousins, only a short distance away, on the northeast side of the mesa. It offers nice contrasts in the color and form of the rocks, as well as a single pine perched on the canyon's rim, just begging for some attention. Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/back-of-the-hammer/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170422_0027.jpg Sunset Point The view from Sunrise Point toward Sunset Point shows Thor's Hammer prominently, with a conifer growing directly behind it. Visitors to the park can be seen lined along the guardrail at the top of the canyon, on the rim, and descending Navajo Trail Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunset-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170422_0020.jpg Back of the Hammer This view from Sunrise Point shows Thor's Hammer from the back side, with a conifer rising directly behind it. The traditional view of Thor's Hammer is from Sunset Point. In addition, some visitors to the park, hiking down from the rim of the amphitheater along Navajo Trail, can be seen and provide a sense of scale to the hoodoos. Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ashdown-gorge-wilderness/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170422_0001.jpg Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Sharing the western and northern borders of the desert-like Cedar Breaks National Monument, Ashdown Gorge Wilderness displays eroded, multicolored Wasatch limestone, meadows, and forestland Ashdown Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/columns/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170421_0095.jpg Columns Cathedral Gorge is a high desert park in eastern Nevada comprising 1,608 acres of spectacular geological formations—columns and pillars carved by centuries of water running over bentonite clay in a Pliocene-era lakebed. Cathedral Gorge SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/inside-the-cathedral/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170421_0092.jpg Inside the Cathedral Cathedral Gorge is a high desert park in eastern Nevada comprising 1,608 acres of spectacular geological formations—columns and pillars carved by centuries of water running over bentonite clay in a Pliocene-era lakebed. Cathedral Gorge SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/patters-of-yielding/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170421_0090.jpg Patterns of Yielding Cathedral Gorge is a high desert park in eastern Nevada comprising 1,608 acres of spectacular geological formations—columns and pillars carved by centuries of water running over bentonite clay in a Pliocene-era lakebed. Cathedral Gorge SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/patterns-on-the-land/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170421_0084.jpg Patterns on the Land Cathedral Gorge is a high desert park in eastern Nevada comprising 1,608 acres of spectacular geological formations—columns and pillars carved by centuries of water running over bentonite clay in a Pliocene-era lakebed. Cathedral Gorge SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/erosive-features/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170421_0078.jpg Erosive Features Cathedral Gorge is a high desert park in eastern Nevada comprising 1,608 acres of spectacular geological formations—columns and pillars carved by centuries of water running over bentonite clay in a Pliocene-era lakebed. Cathedral Gorge SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/columns-and-spires/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170421_0077.jpg Columns and Spires Cathedral Gorge is a high desert park in eastern Nevada comprising 1,608 acres of spectacular geological formations—columns and pillars carved by centuries of water running over bentonite clay in a Pliocene-era lakebed. Cathedral Gorge SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pyramid-peak/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170420_0069.jpg Pyramid Peak The view from Snake Valley, past the Grey Wall, up through Cave Canyon, shows Pyramid Peak rising above the front of the Snake Range. Great Basin NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/northern-snake-range/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170420_0027.jpg Northern Snake Range The view from Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive to the northeast, across Burnt Mill Canyon, to the northern extension of the Snake Range and Snake Valley in the Great Basin Great Basin NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/first-glimpse/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170420_0012.jpg First Glimpse This view from Sacramento Pass is often a visitor's first glimpse of the highest points of the Snake Range in Great Basin NP— Jeff Davis Peak, The Pinnacle and the north side of Wheeler Peak which is shrouded in a lenticular cloud in this image Great Basin NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/becky-peak/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170419_0008.jpg Becky Peak Becky Peak lays at the most northern end of the Schell Creek Range in White Pine County, Nevada Steptoe Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/schell-creek-range/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170419_0004.jpg Schell Creek Range The Schell Creek Range is a linear mountain range, extending approximately 132 miles in a north-south direction in central White Pine County, in east-central Nevada. It forms the eastern boundary of the Steptoe Valley. Steptoe Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-river-of-no-return/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170417_0034.jpg The River of No Return The Salmon River originates from and flows through the mountains of central and eastern Idaho. The river turns abruptly north at the confluence with the Little Salmon River at Riggins, a few miles west of the location shown here. The river then loops northwest and south to its confluence with the Snake River north of Hells Canyon Payette NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-bird-canyon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170417_0025.jpg White Bird Canyon White Bird Hill Summit marks the divide between the Salmon River and the Camas Prairie. The Battle of White Bird Canyon during the Nez Perce War occurred in the valley south of the summit in 1877. Chief White Bird was a respected leader of the Nez Perce tribe. Clearwater Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/seasonal-cataract/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_170416_0005.jpg Seasonal Cataract Heavy Spring runnoff reults in a seasonal cataract on the Palouse River. These falls and the canyon downstream are an important feature of the channeled scablands created by the great Missoula Floods that swept periodically across eastern Washington and across the Columbia River Plateau during the Pleistocene epoch. Palouse Falls https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/moraine-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Moraine-Lake.jpg Moraine Lake Spring morning at Moraine Lake in Banff NP. Banff NP, Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/on-to-big-kids-food-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/On-to-Big-Kids-Food.jpg On to Big Kids Food Elk calf grazes to supplement mothr's milk and begin the transition to grass as feed Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/atigun-gorge/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Atigun-Gorge.jpg Atigun Gorge Atigun Gorge, which the Dalton Highway follows after crossing the Atigun Pass in the Brooks Range, on an early morning under low cloud coverage. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ancient-survivors/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ancient-Survivors.jpg Ancient Survivors Constant winds coming off the slopes of the Brooks Range in Alaska buffet a Musk Ox pair near the Southern Arctic Foothills in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waiting-for-the-king-to-appear/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Waiting-for-The-King-to-Appear.jpg Waiting for The King to Appear As seen from Boulder Creek, a small portion of the base of Mount Baker is exposed as heavy early-morning cloud coverage begins to lift Boulder Creek, Baker Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/deep-within/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Deep-Within.jpg Deep Within South Fork of the Snoqualmie River flows through and is nearly engulfed by the dense forest on its banks. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/below-the-source/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Below-the-Source.jpg Below the Source South Fork of the Snoqualmie River flows through the dense forest below Snoqualmie Mountain. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/aggregate/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Aggregate.jpg Aggregate Snow hummocks formed over large boulders in the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River and generated an aggregate. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/suspended-animation/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Suspended-Animation.jpg Suspended Animation The 70 feet tall Franklin Falls and its splash pool, where the photographer was sitting, are frozen—suspended animation. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mt-baker/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mt.-Baker.jpg The Snow King Mt. Baker, as seen from the Southeast at Boulder Creek, is the third-highest mountain in Washington State and one of the snowiest places in the world. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/saddle-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Saddle-Rock.jpg Saddle Rock Saddle Rock is a Wenatchee landmark and a wonder to see. The real treat, though, is the panoramic views from the top—the North Cascades to the west, the Columbia River directly below, and the Columbia plateau and Rocky Reach Dam to the east and north. Wenatchee NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-layers-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Morning-Layers.jpg Morning Layers Layers of mountain ridges are engulfed in layers of clouds and fog in the early morning along Hurricane Ridge. Washington https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tetlin-national-wildlife-refuge-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tetlin-River-Valley.jpg Tanana River Valley On an early Fall morning the Tanana River Valley and Tetlin Lake, which lie within Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, are shrouded in fog with the snowy peaks of the Alaska Range rising in the background Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mt-maclaren-maclaren-glacier/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Maclaren-Summit-Maclaren-Glacier.jpg Maclaren Summit Mount Maclaren, as seen from Maclaren Summit, the second highest pass in Alaska, peeks through a hole in the clouds hanging over Maclaren Glacier and Maclaren River Valley Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/atigun-river/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150708_0033.jpg Atigun River On an early morning, under low clouds illuminated by the rising sun, the Atigun River in Alaska's North Slope flows north from Atigun Pass in the Brooks Range through the Atigun Gorge to converge with the Sagavanirktok River. The Dalton Highway and Trans-Alaskan Pipeline follow its course. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/not-worth-it/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Not-Worth-It.jpg Not Worth It Resting polar bear watches as a brazen Arctic Fox nonchalantly saunters past him. The bear has obviously determined that the energy required to catch the fox is not worth the energy such a small morsel would provide. Churchill https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lollipop-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Lollipop-Rock_GS.jpg Lollipop Rock Lollipop Rock shines in low-angle afternoon light White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/three-in-a-row/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Three-In-A-Row.jpg Three In A Row An incoming wave, parallel to the rocky shore, crashes into three bolders simultaneously, sending three plumes of water skyward Salt Point SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tafoni/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tafoni.jpg Tafoni Tafoni is an Italian word for "cavern" which refers to a honeycomb-type erosion caused by seasonal wetting and drying of the sandstone, weakening it into pits, knobs, ribs and ridges. Salt Point SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/castle-crags/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Castle-Crags.jpg Castle Crags More than 170 million years old, these 6000-feet tall granite spires in the Castle Crags Wilderness border the northwestern edge of Castle Crags State Park. Trinity Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mboma-island-sunset-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mboma-Island-Sunset_2.jpg Mboma Island Sunset A break in the clouds over the Okavango Delta allow the setting sun and blazing red sky to peek through and slightly Illuminate the shoreline on Mboma Island as well as create it's reflection in the Okavango River Okavango Delta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/earth-entrails-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Earth-Entrails_GS.jpg Earth Entrails Fantastic formations in early morning light. One's imagination can create incredible interpretations of these rocks White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dragons-tail-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dragons-Tail_GS.jpg Dragon's Tail Early morning light on the Dragon's Tail of White Pocket White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/manzanita-ribbon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Manzanita-Ribbon.jpg Manzanita Ribbon The ultra-thin outer layer of bark peels during the spring revealing the smooth, cool silky-red new bark below. The rich, reddish coloration comes from tannins and other compounds manufactured by, and deposited in, the cells of the outer bark. The curled bark is reminiscent of curled wrapping ribbon. Light reflecting from the inner and outer surfaces of the peeling bark produces myriad hues, fit for any occasion. California https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cave-creek-canyon-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140921_0115.jpg Cave Creek Canyon Morning sunlight comes under the storm clouds from the previous night to highlight the walls and plains at the entrance to Cave Creek Canyon, near the town of Portal, in the Chiricahua Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stickwan-creek/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150831_0401.jpg Stickwan Creek This lovely little creek, flowing below the strikingly striped mountains, is surrounded by luxurious vegetation in glowing fall color as it approaches Old Denali Highway Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/knob-lakes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150905_1560.jpg Knob Lakes The tops of the Chugach Mountains are obscured by clouds but the sun broke through below the clouds to light up the under surface while a few streaks caught some deciduous trees between the lakes Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/chickaloon-river/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150905_1534.jpg Chickaloon River Under cloudy, rainy skies, Fall colors cover the hillsides of the Talkeetna Mountains along the Chickaloon River where it converges with the Matanuska River. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pickhandle-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150906_0204.jpg Pickhandle Lake Swans swim in Pickhandle Lake near the Alaska Highway in Yukon Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ascent/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150901_0563.jpg Ascent Young Dall Sheep ram crosses a narrow cleft between rocky outcrops. The ultimate outcome of his climb was to ascend to the top of the outcrop to survey the surrounding territory. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mooses-tooth-massif/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150830_0164_GS.jpg Moose's Tooth Massif The distinct spectacular 5,000 foot vertical columns of the Moose's Tooth, with Bear Tooth on the right, appear suddenly on the East as one approaches the northern end of the Ruth Gorge Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/striped-hills/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150711_0093.jpg Striped Hills Evening sun breaks under early Summer storm clouds hanging over the strikingly striped hills along the Old Denali Highway in Alaska near Brushkana Creek. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rancheria-falls-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150701_0075.jpg Rancheria Falls Rancheria River splits around a small rocky island forming falls on both sides Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/on-the-rocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150624_0398.jpg On The Rocks After dropping and weaning her lamb in the lower elevations, early Spring finds a Bighorn ewe, still shedding her winter coat, works her way up the mountain following the emergence of new grasses among the rocky slopes Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/worth-a-wet-face/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150729_0405.jpg Worth A Wet Face Brown bear, Ursus arctos, below Brooks Falls with a salmon he just caught by diving in the river. Some bears, including this one, hold their breath and snorkel (stick their face under the surface) to spot the fish, then dive down to catch them. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mt-iliamna/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150819_0670.jpg Mt. Iliamna Rising from the shore of Chinitna Bay in the middleground, this dormant stratovolcano towers above the Chigmit Mountains, an extension of the Aleutian Range, on the Alaskan Peninsula. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/caldera-volcano/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150819_0662_GS.jpg Caldera Volcano A caldera volcano's circular to oval crater exceeds 1 mile in diameter. These form when so much lava is erupted (blown out) so rapidly it partially empties the underlying magma chamber. When this happens the summit of the volcanic structure collapses into the emptied magma chamber. Typically the erupted material occurs as airfall or pyroclastic flows.This is one of several dormant volcanos with it's top blown out on the Alaska Peninsula. Its sides are covered with lava, a cloud is hovering above, and the Chigmit Mountains, part of the Aleutian Range, are in the distance. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/above-the-clouds/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150819_0018.jpg Above the Clouds The surface of the Alaska Peninsula is very active. Tectonic plate movement and volcanic activities push the earth's crust up from the surrounding plains, often abruptly, suddenly and dramatically. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/clam-gulch-beach-sunset-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150731_0735.jpg Clam Gulch Beach Sunset Sunset and low tide are coincident on this late summer evening. The glow of the sun rays passing between the boulders reflects off the rivulets and pools, made by the ebbing tide, on the beach Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grewingk-glacier-icebergs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150802_0804_GS.jpg Grewingk Glacier Icebergs Icebergs from Grewingk Glacier, pouring down from the Harding Icefield in the Kenai Mountains, float in the terminus lake below the glacier. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/young-and-beautiful/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Young-and-Beautiful.jpg Young and Beautiful Young cow moose waiting for her suitor to arrive. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/yes-i-see-you/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150901_0602.jpg Yes, I See You Although he was 250 meters from the photographer, there was no doubt he was aware that he was the object of attention. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/worthington-glacier/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Worthington-Glacier.jpg Worthington Glacier Rain clouds obscure the peaks of Girls Mountain with Worthington Glacier sliding out between them Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/worthington-glacier-terminus/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Worthington-Glacier-Terminus.jpg Worthington Glacier Terminus Nice rainy, overcast day provides soft light and saturated colors, including the blue in the ice Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-hills/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/White-Hills.jpg White Hills Fireweed thrives along the west side of the Dalton Highway as it makes its way through the North Slope with the White Hills in the distance Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/were-waiting/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Were-Waiting.jpg We're Waiting Three-year-old bears reconvening on the bluff after wrestling and eating Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/watchful-mom/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Watchful-Mom.jpg Watchful Mom With her cubs snuggled up to her on her right, not visible from this point of view, the sow assumes a vigilant pose Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/watch-the-duck/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Watch-the-Duck.jpg Watch it, Duck! Mallard hen has entered the flight zone of the annoyed moose (note head-down posture, ears back, hair on the neck standing up) and is being watched closly to determine her next course of action. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/watch-and-learn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Watch-and-Learn.jpg Watch and Learn Larger bear appears to tolerate the smaller bear, allowing the smaller bear to watch him catch fish Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/do-not-disturb-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Waiting-For-Winter.jpg Do Not Disturb Black bear peering out from the den Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wait-for-it/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Wait-For-It.jpg Wait For It The larger bear appears to be watching to see if the smaller bear can do as he saw the larger one do Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/vigilant-fisher/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Vigilant-Fisher.jpg Vigilant Fisher The bears at Brooks Falls have variable fishing strategies. This bear prefers to wait at the top of the falls for the fish to come to him Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/vigilance-pays/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Vigilance-Pays.jpg Vigilance Pays Patience and vigilance pay off with a caught salmon Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/upper-skilak-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Upper-Skilak-Lake.jpg Upper Skilak Lake Captured here at dawn with sunlight breaking through a few holes in the clouds, Skilak Lake lies within the Kenai Wildlife Refuge, characterized by its diverse habitats and wildlife. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tundra-taiga-amp-muskeg/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tundra-Taiga--Muskeg.jpg Tundra, Taiga & Muskeg Brilliant Fall colors transform the muskeg in the taiga and on the tundra leading to the Chugach Mountains Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tundra-meanders/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tundra-Meanders.jpg Tundra Meanders Muskeg on the surface of tundra, with pools reflecting clouds and sky, glows orange and yellow in the afternoon light as a small river meanders through it Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/trumpeter-swan-and-subadult-cygnets/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Trumpeter-Swans.jpg Trumpeter Swan and Subadult Cygnets Mother swan and two subadult cygnets glide along the Seward wetlands Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/trumpeter-swans/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Trumpeter-Swans-Weed-Lake.jpg Trumpeter Swans Trumpeter swans often mate for life. Most pair bonds are formed when swans are 5 to 7 years old, although some pairs do not form until they are nearly 20 years old. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/top-of-the-world/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Top-of-the-World.jpg Top of the World Dramatic views from the Top of the World Highway, the link between Dawson City, Yukon and Jack Wade, Alaska Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/toolik-river/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Toolik-River.jpg Toolik River Toolik River is a fine example of a beaded tundra stream. Channels with regularly spaced deep and elliptical pools connected by narrow runs are a common form of many streams that drain Arctic permafrost foothills and lowlands. These channels are often referred to as "beaded" streams because during summer low flows, pools appear as beads-on-a-string. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/there-goes-the-neighborhood/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/There-Goes-the-Neighborhood.jpg There Goes the Neighborhood Brown bear drags his catch onto the bank of Moraine Creek very near a fishermen's tent Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-judges/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Judges.jpg The Judges Alpha male, some cows, and a few juvenile Steller Sea Lions appear to be judging the diving abilities of the individuals who have left their rocky haul-out Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-east-face/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-East-Face.jpg The East Face Morning sun on the East Face of Denali Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/thats-how-its-done/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Thats-How-Its-Done.jpg That's How It's Done Large bear makes a catch and holds it as if to demonstrate his skill to the smaller bear Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tetlin-national-wildlife-refuge/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tetlin-National-Wildlife-Refuge.jpg Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge is a dynamic landscape made up of forests, wetlands, tundra, lakes, mountains and glacial rivers bounded by the snowy peaks of the Alaska Range. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/taiga-meanders/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Taiga-Meanders.jpg Taiga Meanders Deep in the taiga a small stream meanders through the muskeg to a beaver pond with its well-maintained dam Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/taiga-meanders-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Taiga-Meanders-2.jpg Taiga Meanders Muskeg, on the surface of the permafrost in taiga, changing to fall colors with a meandering creek running through it Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/swan-and-cygnets/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Swan-and-Cygnets.jpg Swan and Cygnets Mother swan leads her young cygnets around Dot Lake searching for food and shelter Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/surveying-the-territory/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150901_0596.jpg Surveying the Territory The photographer watched this young adult Dall Sheep ram climb to the top of this rocky outcrop, then proceed to survey the surrounding territory Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stone-sheep-family/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Stone-Sheep-Family.jpg Family Outing Family of Stone Sheep (ram, ewe, two lambs) make their way up the mountain Stone Mt PP, BC https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stone-sheep-ewe-and-lamb/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Stone-Mountain-Sheep.jpg Stone Sheep Ewe and Lamb Stone sheep ewe and lamb climb to avoid the potential threat posed by the photographer Stone Mt PP, BC https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/st-elias-aspens/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/St.-Elias-Aspens.jpg St. Elias Aspens Aspen in Fall colors catch early morning sun as they stand above the Black Spruce forest with the St. Elias Mountains in the background Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunset-reflections-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Clam-Beach-Reflections.jpg Sunset Reflections Blue skies and sunlight reflecting off the bluff wall and onto the rivulets and pools made by the ebbing tide in the black sand on Clam Gulch Beach Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/quit-following-me/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Quit-Following-Me.jpg Quit Following Me One cub seems to be confronting the other Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rancheria-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Rancheria-Falls.jpg Rancheria Falls Rancheria River splits around a small rocky island forming falls on both sides Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/reflection-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Reflection-Lake.jpg Reflection Lake The north face of Denali, featuring the Wickersham Wall, with Reflection Lake in the foreground Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/resurrection-river-ice/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Resurrection-River-Ice.jpg Resurrection River Ice Resurrection River is fed by the terminus of Exit Glacier. Large boulders of ice, generated from calving of the glacier, line the banks of the river alongside moraine scree boulders. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rhinoceros-auklet/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Rhinoceros-Auklet.jpg Rhinoceros Auklet The rhinoceros auklet is a seabird and a close relative of the puffins. It is the only living species of the genus Cerorhinca. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ragged-roof/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Rugged-Roof.jpg Ragged Roof Rugged mountain tops surrounding Base Camp Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/salmon-glacier/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Salmon-Glacier.jpg Salmon Glacier The Salmon Glacier is located ~25 km north of Stewart, British Columbia, and Hyder, Alaska, just on the Canadian side of the border, in the Boundary Range. The Salmon Glacier flows from the Frank Mackie Highland Glacier Complex. British Columbia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/separating-dome/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Separating-Dome.jpg Separating Dome Towering rock formation appears like a dome that is splitting vertically Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/skookum-lake-beaver/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Skookum-Lake-Beaver.jpg Skookum Lake Beaver Interrupted in his daily routine by the photographer, this fellow spent a lot of time patrolling the nearby shore and slapping his tail to express his displeasure as well as to signal danger to his extended family Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/snack-time/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Snack-Time.jpg Snack Time Elk calf nurses while mom grazes Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sockeye-bonanza/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sockeye-Bonanza.jpg Sockeye Bonanza Moraine Creek might be one of Alaska's best fly-out fishing and photographic experiences. You can expect to see lots of non-human fishers as bears are very plentiful at this time of the year. They are here for the sockeye. After watching a bear sow and her cubs chase fish for a while I climbed up the 60 foot bank of the creek to look straight down on its main channel. It came as no surprise that I saw sockeye salmon filling the channel in Moraine Creek. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/spring-monahan-flat/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Spring-Monahan-Flat.jpg Monahan Flat Late evening light falls on this site, at mile post 103 on the Old Denali Highway, overlooking a small lake in Monahan Flat. A hint of the Alaska Range is seen, mostly hidden in the clouds, in the valley between Reindeer Hills and Pyramid Peak. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/protected-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Protected-Valley.jpg Protected Valley A small valley on the flank of Denali was protected from a snowstorm that covered everything above its elevation Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/poser/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Poser.jpg Poseur "Poseur" is a skater's pejorative term for someone who thinks they can, but simply cannot. This young bull has begun to adopt the attitude, but his immature physique belies his ambition. Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/portage-glacier/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Portage-Glacier.jpg Portage Glacier Portage was once one of Alaska's most easily viewed glaciers. Rapid recession has left a large lake in its wake Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/portage-glacier-and-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Portage-Glacier--Lake.jpg Portage Glacier and Lake Portage was once one of Alaska's most easily viewed glaciers. Rapid recession has left a large lake in its wake. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/porcupine-cove-4/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Porcupine-Cove-4.jpg Porcupine Cove The entrance to Porcupine Cove is protected by a phalanx of sea stacks with even more sea stacks inside the cove Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/porcupine-cove-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Porcupine-Cove-3.jpg Porcupine Cove Porcupine Cove has numerous sea stacks within it which give it the name Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/porcupine-cove-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Porcupine-Cove-2.jpg Porcupine Cove Porcupine Cove has numerous sea stacks within it which give it the name Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/porcupine-cove-1/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Porcupine-Cove-1.jpg Porcupine Cove Porcupine Cove has numerous sea stacks within it which give it the name Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/play-fighting/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Play-Fighting.jpg Play Fighting Three-year-old bears establishing the hierarchy Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/play-fighting-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Play-Fighting-2.jpg Play Fighting Three-year-old bears establishing the hierarchy Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/phantom-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Phantom-Rock.jpg Phantom Rock This portion of the Kenai River wetlands is an estuary. The height of the river fluctuates with the tides. This rock can be completely under water, partially out of the water, and completely out of the water on the bank at different times. Note the position of the high-water line on the shore behind the rock in this photo. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/on-the-trail/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/On-the-Trail.jpg On the Trail Early in the rut this bull moose has picked up the scent of a cow and moves in a deliberate but unhurried manner in her direction Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/on-alert-station-creek/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/On-Alert-Station-Creek.jpg On Alert, Station Creek Startled by passersby, she stops foraging and assumes full alert as noted by the head-up posture and forward tip to the ears. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ominous-orca/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ominous-Orca.jpg Ominous Orca The shape of the visible portion of this Orca was eerily reminiscent of a submarine as it approached the boat Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ok-kids-come-lie-down-with-mama/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/OK-Kids-Come-Lie-Down-with-Mama.jpg OK, Kids, Come Lie Down with Mamma Sow invites the cubs to join her for some time out Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/now/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/NOW.jpg NOW! The larger bear appears to be telling the smaller when to stretch out and catch the fish Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mountain-goats-nanny-and-kid/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Nanny-and-Kid.jpg Nanny and Kid Nanny goat, shedding her winter coat, chases after her new kid Banff/Jasper NP, Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/maclaren-river-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Maclaren-River-Valley.jpg Maclaren River Valley Heavy, low clouds and rain over the Maclaren Valley accentuate the vibrant colors and contrast on an early July morning Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/majestic-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Majestic-Valley.jpg Majestic Valley As seen from the Glenn Highway, Majestic Valley is surrounded by mountain peaks named after the Scandinavian countries—Finland Peak, Sweden Peak, Denmark Peak and Norway Peak. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/matanuska-glacier-and-river/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Matanuska-Glacier--River.jpg Matanuska Glacier and River Fall colors develop along the Matanuska River below the glacier's terminus and on the surrounding hillsides Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/matanuska-glacier/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Matanuska-Glacier.jpg Matanuska Glacier This valley glacier in the Chugach Mountains is four miles wide and 27 miles long. Its terminus feeds the Matanuska River Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/matanuska-river/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Matanuska-River.jpg Matanuska River Chugach Mountain peaks—Mt. Sargeant Robinson and Mt. Goode—tower over the Matanuska River as morning sunlight highlights their flanks Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/may-i-join-you/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/May-I-Join-You.jpg May I Join You? Young bear seeks acceptance within the older bear's zone of security Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/me-lookin-at-you-lookin-at-me/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Me-Lookin-at-You-Lookin-at-Me.jpg Me Lookin' at You, Lookin' at Me Young moose hides in the grass but carefully monitiors the photographer to assess his threat potential Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/moose-cow-chena-river/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Moose-Cow-Chena-River.jpg Moose Cow, Chena River Moose cow, disturbed from her feeding in the Chena River, looks at the photographer to assess the possible threat he poses. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mooses-tooth/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mooses-Tooth.jpg Moose's Tooth Ramparts on Denali and the Moose's Tooth emerge through cloud cover Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/moraine-creek-fishermen/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Moraine-Creek-Fishermen.jpg Moraine Creek Fishermen Six fishermen line up in the creek while some three-year-old bears wait their turn on the bluff above them Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-drink-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Morning-Snack.jpg Morning Drink Bison calf nurses in the morning sunlight. Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mt-denali/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mt.-Denali.jpg Denali Denali rises behind the forest-lined Susitna River Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mt-drum/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mt.-Drum.jpg Mt. Drum Located at the extreme western end of the Wrangells, Mt. Drum lies just inside the western boundary of Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve. It is notable for its large local relief, standing near the low valley of the Copper River. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mud-flats-highlights/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mud-Flats-Highlights.jpg Mud Flats Highlights Light from the setting sun rakes across the mud flats highlighting the edges of the ripples in the sand as well as an isolated stone. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/muncho-lake-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Muncho-Lake-Morning.jpg Muncho Lake Morning Morning sun warms the alluvial scree on the beach as well as the hills beyond Muncho Lake Muncho Lake, BC https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/looking-for-love/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Looking-for-Love.jpg Looking for Love This magnificent bull moose was singularly focused on the rut as he wandered through the taiga following a pair of cows, completely oblivious of all other activity around him Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/little-dolomites/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Little-Dolomites.jpg Little Dolomites A popular climbing destination that reminds climbers of the Italian Alps Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/learning-by-observing/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Learning-By-Observing.jpg Learning By Observing Subadult bear watches a mature bear to learn his fishing tactics. In this case the older bear is sitting in a hole, motionless, waiting for the fish to inadvertently bump into his feet or legs, then scooping them up quickly. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/langmark-gap/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Landmark-Gap.jpg Landmark Gap Summit Lake stands at the entrance to Landmark Gap on a cloudy, rainy morning. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/kenai-river-wetlands-at-dawn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Kenai-River-Wetlands-at-Dawn.jpg Foggy Dawn Caribou cow and calf graze on lichens in the wetlands along the Kenai River, blanketed in fog, at dawn with a waning crescent moon overhead Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/kenai-range/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Kenai-Range.jpg Kenai Range With the Kenai River wetlands in the foreground, dawn light graces the overhead clouds as well as the peaks of the Keani Range that form the backbone of the Kenai peninsula. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/kasilov-beach-sunset/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Kasilov-Beach-Sunset.jpg Kasilof Beach Sunset Shortly after the sun's disc dropped below the horizon formed by the Chigmit Mountains the warm red, orange and yellow wavelengths of light persist to illuminate the sky and undersurface of the clouds Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/inhospitable/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Inhospitable.jpg Inhospitable Rugged terrain of rocks and ice coupled with frigid temperatures do not invite people to visit this couloir Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/i-think-im-catching-on/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/I-Think-Im-Catchin-On.jpg I Think I'm Catching On Young bear catches a salmon leaping up Brooks Falls Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/i-prefer-fresh-salmon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/I-Prefer-FRESH-Salmon.jpg I Prefer FRESH Salmon Brown bear foraging among the salmon carcasses lining the bank of Moraine Creek Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/horsetail-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Horsetail-Falls.jpg Horsetail Falls Horsetail Falls plunges down the wall of Keystone Canyon along the Richardson Highway, the entrance to Valdez. The forground flowers are Cow Parsnip (Pushki) the stems and leaves of which contain furocoumarins, chemicals responsible for the characteristic rash of erythematous vesicles (burn-like blisters) and subsequent hyperpigmentation that occurs after getting the clear sap onto one's skin. The chemical is photosensitive, with the rash occurring only after exposure to ultraviolet light Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/horned-puffin-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Horned-Puffin.jpg Horned Puffin Preening Horned Puffin on a rocky outcrop near its cliffside nest site Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/horned-puffin-nesting-habitat/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Horned-Puffin-Nesting-Habitat.jpg Horned Puffin Nesting Habitat Horned Puffin on a rocky outcrop near its cliffside nest site. Pelagic birds, they only come ashore to nest. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/horned-puffin-nesting-habitat-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Horned-Puffin-Nesting-Habitat-2.jpg Horned Puffin Nesting Habitat Horned Puffin on a rocky outcrop near its cliffside nest site. Pelagic birds, they only come ashore to nest. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/horned-puffin/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Horned-Puffin-2.jpg Horned Puffin The horned puffin is an auk, similar in appearance to the Atlantic puffin; this bird's bill is yellow at the base and red at the tip. It is a pelagic seabird that feeds primarily by diving for fish. It only comes ashore to nest and nests in colonies, often with other auks. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/holgate-glacier-terminus/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Holgate-Glacier-Terminus.jpg Holgate Glacier Terminus Originating from the Harding Icefield, Holgate Glacier terminates in the Holgate Arm of Aialik Bay with a one-mile wide wall of ice Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hidden-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Hidden-Lake.jpg Hidden Lake A shaft of early morning sunlight breaks over the Mystery Hills to the East and highlights this point on the opposite shore as well as the remaining mist on the surface of the lake, creating a soft reflection of the stand of aspens. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hidden-creek/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Hidden-Creek.jpg Hidden Creek Beaver have built a dam on the creek exiting Hidden Lake to create this pond. Young trout take advantage of the grassy cover and abundant aquatic larvae and flying insects. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/harding-gateway/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Harding-Gateway.jpg Harding Gateway As seen from Ressurection Bay, the Kenai Mountains, home of the Harding Ice Field, rise above the lower peaks of the Aialik Peninsula Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grewingk-glacier-moonrise/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Grewingk-Glacier-Moonrise.jpg Grewingk Glacier Moonrise Full moon rising above Grewingk Glacier on the Kenai peninsula Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grewingk-glacier-and-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Grewingk-Glacier-and-Lake.jpg Grewingk Glacier and Lake Grewingk Glacier is a 13-mile-long glacier located in the Kenai Mountains, near Kachemak Bay that empties into a terminal lake that has many icebergs, calved from the glacier, floating in it. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/gate-keepers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Gatekeepers.jpg Gate Keepers A stand of aspens along the Alaska Highway in Yukon Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/frozen-waterfall/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Frozen-Waterfall.jpg Frozen Waterfall Ice in an avalanche chute forms a frozen waterfall Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fox-creek/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fox-Creek.jpg Fox Creek Under dense cloud cover and rain, vibrant spring greens dominate the landscape along this small creek as it wends its way to join the Yukon River. Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/forlorn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Forlorn.jpg Forlorn A female moose wanders alone after the fall rut, looking as if she had not been included in the festivities Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/five-finger-rapids/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150702_0098.jpg Five Finger Rapids Described by Jack London in "Call of the Wild," this stretch of the Yukon River was particularly difficult for gold seekers to navigate. Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/exit-glacier/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Exit-Glacier.jpg Exit Glacier Exit Glacier is a glacier derived from the Harding Icefield in the Kenai Mountains of Alaska. It is one of the most accessible valley glaciers in Alaska and is a visible indicator of glacial recession. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/exit-glacier-sunset/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Exit-Glacier-Sunset.jpg Exit Glacier Sunset Light clouds and the Resurrection River reflect warm sunset colors above Exit Glacier Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dont-be-so-obstreporous/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dont-be-so-Obstreporous.jpg Don't be so Obstreporous Sow appears to be reprimanding the previously loudly-protesting cub Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dont-be-finicky-eaters/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dont-be-Finicky-Eaters.jpg Don't be Finicky Eaters Sow and cubs along Moraine Creek Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dolly-varden-lake-sunrise/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dolly-Varden-Lake-Sunrise.jpg Dolly Varden Lake Sunrise First light strikes the morning fog on the water's surface and highlights the pond grasses on a very calm morning on Dolly Varden Lake Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dixon-glacier-portlock-glacier-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dixon-Glacier-Portlock-Glacier.jpg Dixon Glacier, Portlock Glacier The Kenai Range has numerous glaciers that descend off the Harding Icefield. Some, like these two, move toward the Kachemak Bay Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dinner-with-a-view-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dinner-With-a-View.jpg Dinner with a View The environment around Moraine Creek is stunning. The Bear is a bonus. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/denali-summit-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Denali-Summit.jpg Denali Summit The South Face and summit of Denali as seen from Base Camp on the Southeast Fork of Kahiltna Glacier, easily the largest glacier in the Alaska Range Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cauldron-peak/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cauldron-Peak.jpg Cauldron Peak Caldron Peak rises to 10k feet above Peyto Lake Banff/Jasper NP, Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/clam-gulch-beach-sand/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Clam-Gulch-Beach-Sand.jpg Clam Gulch Beach Sand Patterns in the sand created by the ebbing tide Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/colorful-muskeg/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Colorful-Muskeg.jpg Colorful Muskeg Muskeg on the tundra changing to fall colors Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cornice-of-doom/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cornice-of-Doom.jpg Cornice of Doom A cornice overlooks 14,000 feet of vertical rock and ice on the Wickersham Wall Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dease-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dease-Lake.jpg Dease Lake Dease Lake is on the Cassiar Highway in the Northern Interior of British Columbia, a few hours drive south of the Yukon border. British Columbia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/diving-steller-sea-lion/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Diving-Steller-Sea-Lion.jpg Diving Steller Sea Lion Startled by the approaching boat, Steller Sea Lions began to dive from their rocky haul-out Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/caribou-on-sable-mountain/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Caribou-on-Sable-Mountain.jpg Caribou on Sable Mountain Small herd of Caribou, with its dominant bull to the right, graze high above the Sable Pass in Denali NP Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/caribou-courtship/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Caribou-Courtship.jpg Caribou Courtship Male caribou approaches a female along a ridge on Sable Mountain in Denali NP Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/can-i-join-him/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Can-I-Join-Him.jpg Can I Join Him? Young bear questions his safety in approaching the older bear Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bulldog-cove/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bulldog-Cove.jpg Bulldog Cove The entrance to Bulldog Cove, with the peaks of the Aialik peninsula towering overhead, is protected by sea stacks extending from Bear Glacier Point Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/brushkana-creek/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150831_0395.jpg Brushkana Creek This lovely little creek, flowing below the strikingly-striped hills, is surrounded by luxurious vegetation in glowing fall color as it approaches Old Denali Highway Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bridalveil-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bridalveil-Falls.jpg Bridalveil Falls Bridalveil Falls plunges down the wall of Keystone Canyon along the Richardson Highway, the entrance to Valdez. This is one of the longest, fattest, and most accessible ice climbs along Keystone Canyon. At 4.5 pitches and 800 feet of quality ice, it is remarkable not only for its size and beauty, but also for the fact that it is neatly divided into a series of pillars and terraces, with good stances or even caves at each belay. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/braided-river-and-tarn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Braided-River--Tarn.jpg Braided River and Tarn A braided river flows through the valley on one side of the mountains and a tarn lies within a valley on the opposite side of the range Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bow-wave/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bow-Wave.jpg Bow Wave Playful young Orca surfaces to breathe creating a bow wave as well as his explosive exhalation spray and the sheet of water trailing off the dorsal fin Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bow-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bow-Lake.jpg Bow Lake Bow Lake, with Bow Glacier coming down from the Columbia Ice Field in the Waputik Range Banff/Jasper NP, Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blue-moon-dixon-glacier/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Blue-Moon-Dixon-Glacier.jpg Blue Moon, Dixon Glacier Blue Moon, the second full moon in August, 2015, rises over Dixon Glacier in the Kenai Range, with its reflection streaking across Kachemak Bay Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blue-ice/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Blue-Ice.jpg Blue Ice Glacial ice crystals can enlarge to the size of a basketball. These ice crystals can transmit light, though that light is curiously modified in its passage. Long-wavelength reds and yellows are absorbed by ice, while blue wavelengths wriggle through the lattice structure just fine. Thus, though full-spectrum sunlight enters a glacier, only blue light emerges. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blackstone-range/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Blackstone-Range.jpg Blackstone Range Reflected on the surface of a tarn in the tundra, the Blackstone Range is a part of the Ogilvie Mountains Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/black-oystercatcher/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Black-Oystercatcher.jpg Black Oystercatcher The black oystercatcher is a conspicuous black bird found on the shoreline of western North America. It ranges from the Aleutian Islands of Alaska to the coast of the Baja California peninsula. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/billy-mountain-goat/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Billy-Mountain-Goat.jpg Billy Mountain Goat Early spring finds the White Goats shedding their winter coats Banff/Jasper NP, Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/big-horn-lambs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Big-Horn-Lambs.jpg Bighorn Lambs Bighorn lambs rest at the edge of the forest, high above the grazing adults, awaiting their call to join in the feeding Banff/Jasper NP, Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/big-horn-ewe/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Big-Horn-Ewe.jpg Bighorn Ewe Bighorn ewe in a prime grazing area, shedding her winter coat, nonchalantly marches past the photographer Banff/Jasper NP, Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/big-horn-ewe-and-lambs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Big-Horn-Ewe-and-Lambs.jpg Bighorn Ewe and Lambs Bighorn ewe oversees lambs in the grazing area Banff/Jasper NP, Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/big-horn-ewe-and-lamb/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Big-Horn-Ewe-and-Lamb.jpg Bighorn Ewe and Lamb Pausing to check their relative safety, Bighorn ewe and lamb climb up and away from the photographer Banff/Jasper NP, Alberta https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/big-buck/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150826_1160.jpg Big Bull Large male caribou forages in the Black Spruce shortly after having scraped the velvet from his antlers Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bear-glacier-bc/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_150908_0489.jpg Bear Glacier On the road to Stewart, Bear Glacier is the northernmost outlet glacier of the Cambria Icefield in the Coast Mountains of northwest British Columbia British Columbia https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bear-glacier/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bear-Glacier-Alaska.jpg Bear Glacier Streaming down from the Harding Ice Field, Bear Glacier terminates in a lake filled with ice in every imaginable form, jostling for space, filling the 4-plus mile gap between Callisto Head and Bullfrog Cove. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/avalanche-chutes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Avalanche-Chutes.jpg Avalanche Chutes The vertical world of ice and rock Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/augustine-island/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Augustine-Island.jpg Augustine Island Steam and clouds shroud the top of the volcanic island of Augustine in the Cook Inlet. Across the inlet, Mt. Douglas rises above the Aleutian Range on the Alaskan Peninsula. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/atmospheric-sandwich/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Atmospheric-Sandwich.jpg Atmospheric Sandwich Low clouds and dense fog in the valley give the appearance that the mountains are sandwiched between them. Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/atigun-pass-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Atigun-Pass-Morning.jpg Atigun Pass Morning Early morning light passes over low clouds shrouding the Dalton Highway as it approaches Atigun Pass via the Dietrich River Valley Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/arctic-nwr/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Arctic-NWR.jpg Arctic NWR Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, home of the Porcupine Caribou Herd, extends from the Arctic Coastal Plain into the Smith Mountains and foothills of the Brooks Range Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alpha-male/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Alpha-Male.jpg Alpha Male There is just no questioning who is the Alpha when this huge guy stands up. He really gets your full attention. Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/along-the-pipeline/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Along-the-Pipeline.jpg Along the Pipeline Dalton Highway parallels the Trans-Alaska Pipeline through the Antigun Gorge Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alaska-range-amp-muldrow-glacier-valleyalaska-range--muldrow-glacier-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Alaska-Range--Muldrow-Glacier-Valley.jpg Alaska Range & Muldrow Glacier Valley The view from the Eielson Visitors Center across the Muldrow Glacier toward the Alaska Range and Denali Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/aialik-cape/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Aialik-Cape.jpg Aialik Cape As with many coves in the Kenai Fjords NP, the entrance to Aialik Bay at Aialik Cape is guarded by a phalanx of sea stacks Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/against-the-odds/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Against-the-Odds.jpg Against the Odds Lone cottonwood among a forest of Black Spruce Yukon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/afternoon-stroll/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Afternoon-Stroll.jpg Afternoon Stroll Brown bear strolls in a high-grass meadow Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/afternoon-nap-time-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Afternoon-Nap.jpg Snoozer Male caribou dozes in late afternoon sun Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/afternoon-nap-time/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Afternoon-Nap-Time.jpg Afternoon Nap Time Sow and cubs rest atop the bluff above Moraine Creek Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-tale-of-two-rivers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/A-Tale-of-Two-Rivers.jpg A Tale of Two Rivers A glacier-melt river (white) and a snow-melt river (blue} flow down the lower flanks of Denali into a small lake, filled with waters in which particles of light-colored silt are suspended predominate. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-busy-day-at-brooks-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/A-Busy-Day-at-Brooks-Falls.jpg A Busy Day at Brooks Falls The bears at Brooks Falls all have different strategies for catching fish and claim territorial positions in the river as well as on and around the falls. There were seventeen bears in this locale on this day. Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-beautiful-day-for-a-stroll/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/A-Beautiful-Day-for-a-Stroll.jpg A Beautiful Day for a Stroll Late afternoon light floods the area around Moraine Creek as a pair of brown bears ambles along creekside, occasionaly stopping to feed on a salmon Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/superstition-range/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Superstition-Range.jpg Superstition Range Early Fall evening light on Superstition Range in the Superstition Wilderness Area to the east of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Superstition Wilderness https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cone-ridge-kasha-katuwe/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cone-Ridge-Kasha-Katuwe.jpg Cone Ridge Cone Ridge appears to be an incubator for the birth of new tent rocks. As seen across Colle Canyon, northwest from Tent Rocks Canyon, numerous formations are found in an incomplete state lining the escarpment Tent Rocks, Kasha-Katuwe https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/new-neighborhood/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/New-Neighborhood.jpg New Neighborhood Small outcropping of tent rocks situated away from the main formations. The tent rocks are cones of soft pumice and tuff beneath harder caprocks, and vary in height from a few feet to 90 feet Tent Rocks, Kasha-Katuwe https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rio-chama/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Rio-Chama.jpg Rio Chama Below Abiquiu Dam, the Rio Chama winds through Chama Canyon on its way to join the Rio Grande at Espanola Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/brewing-storm-in-the-cookes-range/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Brewing-Storm-Over-the-Cookes-Range.jpg Brewing Storm over the Cookes Range The Cookes Range is a southern continuation of the Mimbres Mountains, itself the southeast portion of the extensive north-south running Black Range. The Cookes Range is surrounded by lower elevation areas of the northwest Chihuahuan Desert. Chihuahuan Desert https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/inimical-environment/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Inimical-Environment.jpg Inimical Environment A snag of an old tree remains above a rocky cliff where it could no longer survive Valley of Fires SP, New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-brink-of-the-abyss/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Brink-of-the-Abyss.jpg The Brink of the Abyss The abyss from an ancient waterfall drops away dramatically from its brink and the river valley appears to fork and go around the background tuff formation PLaza Blanca, Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/up-the-wash/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Up-the-Wash.jpg Up the Wash Threatening skies and a trail of lava rocks and boulders lead up the wash to the main plaza of Plaza Blanca PLaza Blanca, Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sacramento-mountains-lincoln-nf/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sacramento-Mountains.jpg Sacramento Mountains Heavy, low clouds engulf the Sacramento mountains of Lincoln NF in New Mexico Lincoln NF, New Mexico https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/smith-river/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Smith-River.jpg Smith River The Smith River in Northern California is barely flowing. Normal high water levels are clearly seen where the vegetation ends on the rocky banks of the river Del Norte County https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lake-mendocino/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Lake-Mendocino.jpg Lake Mendocino The drought in California has reduced Lake Mendocino to historically low levels. Normally, where the photograph was made from would be completely under water, probably by greater than six feet, judging by the treeline on the opposite shore Mendocino County https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/navarro-beach/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Navarro-Beach.jpg Navarro Beach Cool, cloudy but bright, morning at Navarro Beach Mendocino County https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grass-art/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Grass-Arcs.jpg Grass Arcs Wind causes blades of grass to trace arcs of smooth and compacted sand around a clump Coral Pink Sand Dunes SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/twin-towers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Twin-Towers.jpg Twin Towers Portal rock glows in the late afternoon sun as shadows from the mountains to the west rise from the valley floor Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/on-the-scent/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/On-the-Scent.jpg On the Scent Red fox (vulpes vulpes) following the scent of prey Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/resplendent/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Resplendent.jpg Resplendent This magnificent male polar bear (Ursus maritimus), looking absloutely photogenic, at the first moment he focused his attention on the photographer. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/churchill-nightlights/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Churchill-Nightlights.jpg Churchill Nightlights Aurora display in the night sky above Churchill, Manitoba, Canada Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/i-know-youre-in-there/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/I-Know-Youre-in-There.jpg I Know You're in There Polar bear in pursuit of small prey Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bowl-me-over/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bowl-Me-Over.jpg Bowl Me Over Male polar bears engage in sparring activities, play fighting, to determine their relative position in the heirarchy Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/yovimpa-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Yovimpa-Point.jpg Yovimpa Point Hoodoos lining the wall at Yovimpa Point glow in the late afternoon sun Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/jug-handle-rocks-amp-stacksjug-handle-rocks--stacks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Jug-Handle-Rocks--Stacks.jpg Jug Handle Rocks & Stacks Rocks and sea stacks abound off the headlands of Jug Handle SR on the Mendocino Coast as seen in early morning light with light low clouds overhead Mendocino Coast https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/guffys-cove/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Guffys-Cove.jpg Cuffy's Cove Guffy's Cove, near the town of Elk on the Mendocino coast, is crowded with sea stacks, with a heavy layer of clouds and fog settling in Mendocino Coast https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/equinox-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Equinox-pan.jpg Equinox On the last official evening of Summer, first night of Autumn, the sun drops below the horizon due West with the supreme symbol of the American Southwest standing at attention to bid a fond farewell. This extraordinary giant cactus, renowned for the variety of odd, all-too-human shapes it assumes, inspiring wild and fanciful imaginings, thrives in one of the hottest and driest regions of the continent. Saguaro NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cavanaugh-gulch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cavanaugh-Gulch.jpg Cavanaugh Gulch Waves from the entry of the gulch and the archway intersect creating a scalloped row of sea foam on the beach Mendocino Coast https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lollipop-rock-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Lollipop-Rockv.jpg Lollipop Rock Lollipop Rock shows its colors in afternoon light White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/yucca-city-of-rocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Yucca-City-of-Rocks.jpg Yucca, City of Rocks Late afternoon light catches a lone yucca (Dasylirion wheeleri) under cloud-filled skies over the Mimbres Valley with Table Mountain to the Northeast of the City of Rocks City of Rocks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/someone-to-watch-over-me/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Someone-to-Watch-Over-Me.jpg Someone to Watch Over Me I watched this bull elk sit almost motionless for a very long time, staring intently, while the remainder of the herd rose from their beds to begin grazing. His focus remained, undaunted. Not until I noted the slightest movement in the grass where his attention was focused did I realize there was a small calf, camouflaged by the grasses, bedded near him. You can see the eye of the calf in a small opening between the grasses. Prairie Creek SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/muley-in-the-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Muley-in-the-Morning.jpg Muley in the Morning The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) is a deer indigenous to western North America. This doe was seen in the Montgomery Woods of Mendocino County on a bright Fall morning. I missed my opportunity to get the buck. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mackerricher-headlands-krummholz/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/MacKerricher-Headlands-Krummholz.jpg MacKerricher Headlands Krummholz Stunted, twisted, bent, wind-blown trees, Krummholz, sit atop the bluff headlands of MacKerricher SP as the constant winds responsible for their distortion blow the overhead clouds Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/jug-handle-thunder/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Jug-Handle-Thunder.jpg Jug Handle Thunder Thunderous pounding surf off Jug Handle SR on the Mendocino coast crashes against the many sea stacks found there Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/jug-handle-headlands/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Jug-Handle-Headlands.jpg Jug Handle Headlands The headlands of Jug Handle SR, with their krummholz, are reflected in the wet sand from receding waves on a warm morning under light cloud cover. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/island-of-life/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Island-of-Life.jpg Island of Life The drought in California has left islands on landscapes that generally would be under water. This mound of rocks and soil, heavily populated by oak trees, appears to be surviving in spite of the dry conditions. The shade reduces evaporation and the roots and rocks resist wind erosion. Sherwood Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fulfillment-of-the-dream/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fulfillment-of-the-Dream.jpg Fulfillment of the Dream Bull elk watching over his herd of cows and calves stops to admire a young cow who is obviously pregnant Prairie Creek SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/check-both-directions/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Check-Both-Directions.jpg Check Both Directions A cow and calf elk check in all directions for potential threats and opportunities as they begin their grazing in the early morning in Prairie Creek SP Prairie Creek SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bachelor-elk/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bachelor-Elk.jpg Bachelor Elk The Roosevelt elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti), also known as Olympic elk, is the largest of the four surviving subspecies of elk in North America. This young buck was grazing with a small bachelor herd on a warm Fall afternoon in Prairie Creek SP Prairie Creek SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/abalobadia-gulch-ten-mile-river-bluff/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Abalobadia-Gulch-Ten-Mile-River-Bluff.jpg Abalobadia Gulch, Ten Mile River Bluff Surf crashes against the bluff while the wave continues on into the gulch Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-moment-of-tenderness/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/A-Moment-of-Tenderness.jpg A Moment of Tenderness Cow and calf elk enjoy a moment of tenderness upon awakening from their bed on a cold morning in Prairie Creek SP Prairie Creek SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ancient-canyon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ancient-Canyon.jpg Ancient Canyon The surface of this rock, with its irregular lines and apparent shadows (left), and smoother line with the appearance of a rounded face (right), seems like an aerial view of an ancient canyon. It is, in fact, a relatively smooth surface of rock and the topographical details are illusory. Valley of Fire SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/for-mc/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/For-MC.jpg For MC M. C. Escher is known for his work that features impossible constructions, explorations of infinity, architecture, and tessellations. This small alcove, with its struts and the interplay of light on them at this moment, created that sort of mind-bending experience for me to capture. Valley of Fire SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/meatus/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Meatus.jpg Meatus In anatomy, a meatus is a natural body opening or canal. This one looks like an ear to me. Others see different canals. Valley of Fire SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/resting-place/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Resting-Place.jpg Resting Place Small stones reside within a hollow in the side of a stratified rock. Accident or artifact? Valley of Fire SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/smooth-vs-jagged/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Smooth-vs-Jagged.jpg Smooth vs Jagged The contrasting surfaces of rock juxtaposed create an interesting contrast in textures, as well the contrast in colors, variegated as opposed to solid, within the rocks, but reversed from the textures Valley of Fire SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alcove-amp-pillar-with-striaealcove--pillar-with-striae/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Striae.jpg Alcove & Pillar With Striae Striae are irregular areas that look like bands, stripes, or lines. The convolutions in the stone create the illusion that the lines are curved, when it is, in fact, the surface which is curved. Valley of Fire SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-rocks-within/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Rocks-Within-.jpg The Rocks Within A petrified log has suffered a fracture. Contained within the void are numerous small rocks. Some are fragments of the petrified log that have fallen into the void. Others have come to rest there by some other means. Valley of Fire SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/volcanic-plug-organ-pipe-cactus-nm/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Volcanic-Plug-Organ-Pipe-Cactus-NM.jpg Volcanic Plug, Organ Pipe Cactus NM This volcanic plug, flanked by palo verde, creosote, ocotillo and saguaro, juts from a landscape littered with lava rocks Organ Pipe Cactus NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/puerto-blanco-mountains/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140924_0023.jpg Puerto Blanco Mountains Organ pipe and saguaro cactus fill the landscape around the Puerto Blanco Mountains Organ Pipe Cactus NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pinkley-peak-puerto-blanco-mountains/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Pinkley-Peak-Puerto-Blanco-Mountains.jpg Pinkley Peak, Puerto Blanco Mountains This 3000 foot mountain dominates this view from the Valley of the Ajo with its abundant saguaro and other plants Organ Pipe Cactus NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/organ-pipe-cactus-amp-friendsorgan-pipe-cactus--friends/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Organ-Pipe-Cactus--Friends.jpg Organ Pipe Cactus & Friends The namesake cactus for the Organ Pipe Cactus NM, with Tillotson Peak in the background, shares its habitat with ocotillo, brittlebush, prickly pear, Teddybear cholla, creosote bush, palo verde, saltbush, mesquite and chainfruit cholla Organ Pipe Cactus NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sulpher-springs-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sulpher-Springs-Valley.jpg Sulpher Springs Valley The Sulphur Springs Valley is the large flatland to the west of the Chiricahua Massive. From north to south at the west of the valley are the Little Dragoon Mountains, the Dragoons, and the Mule Mountains. Chiricahua Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/land-of-standing-up-rocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Land-of-Standing-Up-Rocks.jpg Land of Standing Up Rocks The Chiricahua Apache called these pinnacles "standing up rocks" Chiricahua Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fire-in-the-sky/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fire-in-the-Sky.jpg Fire in the Sky Low-hanging clouds are lit up by the sun's streaming rays breaking through the distant clouds on the horizon. Superstition Wilderness Area https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/equinox/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140922_0157.jpg Equinox On the last official evening of Summer, first night of Autumn, the sun drops below the horizon due West with the supreme symbol of the American Southwest standing at attention to bid a fond farewell. This extraordinary giant cactus, renowned for the variety of odd, all-too-human shapes it assumes, inspiring wild and fanciful imaginings, thrives in one of the hottest and driest regions of the continent. Saguaro NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/afternoon-light-little-rincon-mountains/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_140922_0156.jpg Afternoon Light, Little Rincon Mountains Afternoon light warms the Little Rincon Mountains and the desert flora. Little Rincon Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-city-of-rocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sunrise-City-of-Rocks.jpg Sunrise, City of Rocks The first rays of morning light pour over the Cooke Range to the east to light up the Mimbres Valley. The large, sculptured rock columns, or pinnacles of the City of Rocks rise as high as 40 feet. City of Rocks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-city-of-rocks-boulders/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sunrise-City-of-Rocks-Boulders.jpg Sunrise, City of Rocks Boulders Morning light catches some boulders with its first rays. The "city" is a geologic formation made up of large, sculptured rock columns, or pinnacles, rising as high as 40 feet and separated by paths or lanes resembling city streets. City of Rocks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/portal-peak/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Portal-Peak.jpg Portal Peak The Chiricahua Mountains massif is a large mountain range in southeastern Arizona which is part of the Basin and Range province of the west. They are part of an "archipelago" of mountain ranges known as the sky islands that connect the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico with the Rocky Mountains. Chiricahua Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ocotillo-city-of-rocks-sunrise/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ocotillo-City-of-Rocks-Sunrise.jpg Ocotillo, City of Rocks, Sunrise First light of morning catches some of the boulders of the City of Rocks as well as a flourishing ocotillo. Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is not a true cactus, but a deciduous, drought-tolerant shrub. For much of the year, the plant appears to be an arrangement of large spiny dead sticks, although closer examination reveals that the stems are partly green. With rainfall the plant quickly becomes lush with small ovate leaves City of Rocks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/granite-peak/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Granite-Peak.jpg Granite Peak Granite Peak rises high above the surrounding hills. Cloud formations appear to parallel the topography in this image San Augustin Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/city-of-rocks-sunrise/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/City-of-Rocks-Sunrise.jpg City of Rocks Sunrise The first rays of morning sun over the Cooke Range to the east light up the surrounding desert floor to the west. The "city" is a geologic formation made up of large, sculptured rock columns, or pinnacles, rising as high as 40 feet and separated by paths or lanes resembling city streets. City of Rocks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/city-of-rocks-boulders/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/City-of-Rocks-Boulders.jpg City of Rocks Boulders Late afternoon light catches some boulders with its last rays before dropping below the adjacent hills. The "city" is a geologic formation made up of large, sculptured rock columns, or pinnacles, rising as high as 40 feet and separated by paths or lanes resembling city streets. City of Rocks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cave-creek-canyon-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cave-Creek-Canyon-Morning.jpg Cave Creek Canyon Morning Nestled in the Chiricahua Mountains of Southeastern Arizona is Cave Creek Canyon, a hidden gem with spectacular cliffs, flowing streams and an abundance of wildlife. I camped in this site under torrential rains to awaken to this view, and washed out roads. Cave Creek Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-sands-razorbacks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/White-Sands-Razorbacks.jpg White Sands Razorbacks Razorbacks are thin, flaky, preferentially cemented features along crack edges that are either supported on one side by gypsum sand, or protrude out of the dune slopes at an angle of about 50 degrees. Razorback surfaces extend up to a few centimeters above the dune slope surface and are up to a couple millimeters thick. White Sands NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-sand-amp-evening-primrose/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/White-Sand--Evening-Primrose.jpg White Sand & Evening Primrose This rainy morning at White sands found me enjoying dramatic skies, directional lighting, untracked expanses of sand interrupted by a few evening Primrose (Oenothera), a genus of about 145 species of herbaceous flowering plants native to the Americas. They are not related to true primroses. Note the burrows around the base of the flower White Sands NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/soaptree-yucca/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Soaptree-Yucca.jpg Soaptree Yucca Soaptree yucca (Yucca elata) is the state flower of New Mexico. Here the blooms are spent, the seed pods open, and the seeds dispersed White Sands NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-way-out/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Way-Out.jpg The Way Out Slot canyon that must be passed through to get back from the tent rock formations at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks, Kasha-Katuwe https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-way-in/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Way-In.jpg The Way In Slot canyon that must be passed through to get to the tent rock formations at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks, Kasha-Katuwe https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tent-rocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tent-Rocks.jpg Tent Rocks Precariously perched on many of the tapering hoodoos are boulder caps that protect the softer pumice and tuff below. Some tents have lost their hard, resistant caprocks and are disintegrating. Tent Rocks, Kasha-Katuwe https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tent-rocks-canyon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tent-Rocks-Canyon.jpg Tent Rocks Canyon The tent rocks are cones of soft pumice and tuff beneath harder caprocks, and vary in height from a few feet to 90 feet Tent Rocks, Kasha-Katuwe https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/valley-of-grandeur/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Valley-of-Grandeur.jpg Valley of Grandeur Valley of a dry river leads to Plaza Blanca's most prominent formation, under marvelous Monsoon clouds Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tuff-hoodoos/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tuff-Hoodoos.jpg Tuff Hoodoos Tuff, a light, porous rock formed by consolidation of volcanic ash. Hoodoos similar in form to sandstone hoodoos but lacking their variations in color, stand as testimonials to the geologic history of the region. Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-palace/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Palace.jpg The Palace The large formation at the end of the valley, flanked by smaller spires, has the presence of a palace Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/plaza-amp-stone-spiralplaza--stone-spiral/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Plaza--Stone-Spiral.jpg Plaza & Stone Spiral A huge stone spiral is the most prominent man-made feature in the central area at the broad end of the valley. The source of the stone spiral is not known, but it is generally interpreted by native people to stand for life, power, migration and growth. Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/piedra-lumbre/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Piedra-Lumbre.jpg Piedra Lumbre The glowing rocks of Piedra Lumbre in afternoon light with cumulus clouds overhead Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/piedra-lumbre-fin/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Piedra-Lumbre-Fin.jpg Piedra Lumbre Fin This fin, near Ojitos de Los Gatos, glows in afternoon light Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/orphan-mesa-amp-snagorphan-mesa--snag/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Orphan-Mesa--Snag.jpg Orphan Mesa & Snag Set apart from the plateau in the background, Orphan Mesa dominates the view to the south at the entrance to Ghost Ranch Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/coral-pink-sand-dunes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Coral-Pink-Sand-Dunes.jpg Coral Pink Sand Dunes Morning light on the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Coral Pink Sand Dunes SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alien-world/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Alien-World.jpg Alien World Fantastic forms suggesting unearthly, alien origins White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/big-rock-candy-mountain/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Big-Rock-Candy-Mountain.jpg Big Rock Candy Mountain The colors come from many millions of years of mineralization, caused by a complex chemical process involving Hydrogen Sulfide, steam, ground water, and oxygen. Fishlake NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/brain-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Brain-Rock.jpg Brain Rock The exposed surface of these rocks are reminiscent of the topography of the cerebrum White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/butterflake-pastry/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Butterflake-Pastry.jpg Butterflake Pastry Thin, swirling strata of stone with the appearance of butterflake pastry, but not as soft White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/celestial-volcano/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Celestial-Volcano.jpg Celestial Volcano The Milky Way appears to be erupting from the top of the rock formation White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dragons-tail/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dragons-Tail.jpg Dragon's Tail Early morning light, soft and light blue, on the Dragon's Tail of White Pocket White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/earth-entrails/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Earth-Entrails.jpg Earth Entrails Fantastic formations in soft, and a bit blue, early morning light. One's imagination can create incredible interpretations of these rocks White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/high-speed-curve/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/High-Speed-Curve.jpg High Speed Curve The flow of the rock down the grade to make this turn appears to have been at high velocity as the outside of the curve is banked up, much like a race track White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/highlights-boat-mesa/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Highlights-Boat-Mesa.jpg Highlights Sunset light breaks through an opening in the clouds highlighting the twin mesas at the southwest end of Bryce Amphitheater Bryce Canyon NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lavabo/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Lavabo.jpg Lavabo A lavabo is a device used to provide water for the washing of hands. White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mount-nebo-wilderness/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mount-Nebo-Wilderness.jpg Mount Nebo Wilderness Monsoonal clouds hang over the Mount Nebo Wilderness of Utah Uinta NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/orange-sherbet-dome/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Orange-Sherbet-Dome.jpg Orange Sherbet Dome Orange Sherbet Dome Rock with late afternoon light enhancing its color White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-river-of-stone/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Red-River-of-Stone.jpg Red River of Stone The flow of the rock formation, generated by the water which formed it, leaves the image of a river of stone White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/road-to-perdition/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Road-to-Perdition.jpg Road to Perdition The long winding path, with demonic creatures looming overhead, leads through inhospitable terrain to unimaginable depths of destruction White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sinuous-pathway/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sinuous-Pathway.jpg Sinuous Pathway The rock flows, as with all fluids, tend to meander creating sinuous paths White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sky-reflection/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sky-Reflection.jpg Sky Reflection As the rising moon begins to illuminate the foreground rocks a small pool in the shadows reflects the brighter stars in the night sky White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-monster-from-within/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Monster-from-Within.jpg The Monster from Within A monster appears to be rising from within the central formatiion with his eye intently focused on the photographer White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-vortex/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Vortex.jpg The Vortex Swirling patterns of stone formed by water over milennia White Pockets, Vermillion Cliffs NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/zion-bonsai/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Zion-Bonsai.jpg Zion Bonsai An iconic symbol of Zion NP, this pine tree has overcome the odds and survives. Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/zion-survivor/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Zion-Survivor.jpg Zion Survivor An iconic symbol of Zion NP, this pine tree has overcome the odds and survives. Zion NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/totem-pole-yei-bi-chei-amp-meridian-buttetotem-pole-yei-bi-chei--meridian-butte/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Totem-Pole-Yei-Bi-Chei--Meridian-Butte.jpg Totem Pole, Yei Bi Chei & Meridian Butte The Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei rock formations, with Meridian Butte and Rooster Rock in the background, Monument Valley Tribal Park, Arizona. Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-mittens-at-sunrise-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Mittens-at-Sunrise-pan.jpg The Mittens at Sunrise East and West Mitten and Merrick Buttes, seen here at sunrise, are distinctive geological features found within Monument Valley Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-mittens-at-twilight-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Mittens-at-Twilight-pan.jpg The Mittens at Twilight East and West Mitten and Merrick Buttes, seen here at twilight, are distinctive geological features found within Monument Valley Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-mittens-in-the-afternoon-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Mittens-in-the-Afternoon-pan.jpg The Mittens in the Afternoon East and West Mitten and Merrick Buttes, seen here in afternoon light, are distinctive geological features found within Monument Valley Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/painted-hills-valley-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Painted-Hills.jpg Painted Hills Valley The bentonite hills formed along a valley perimeter with a broad flat floor nearly devoid of vegetation. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/three-arch-rocks-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Three-Arch-Rocks-Morning.jpg Three Arch Rocks Morning Designated as the first National Wildlife Refuge west of the Mississippi River, Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge lies offshore of the community of Oceanside. The refuge consists of three large and six smaller rocks totaling 15 acres, one of the smallest designated Wilderness Areas in the country. Oceanside, OR https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tsegi-overlook/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tsegi-Overlook.jpg Tsegi Overlook Chinle Wash flowing through Canyon de Chelly, from Tsegi Overlook. Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/twisp-river-ice-shelves/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Twisp-River-Ice-Shelves.jpg Twisp River Ice Shelves Heavy snows on the banks of the Twisp River form shelves out over the moving water, some of which are ice, the result of water splashing off rocks in the riverbed and freezing. North Cascades NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/winter-storm/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Winter-Storm.jpg Winter Storm Winter snow falls on North Twentymile Peak in the Cascades above Winthrop in the Methow Valley North Cascades NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/yampa-river-pleasant-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Yampa-River-Pleasant-Valley.jpg Yampa River, Pleasant Valley The Yampa River, coming out of Stagecoach Reservoir, makes a classic omega loop meander as it passes through Pleasant Valley before dropping into Lake Catamount Pleasant Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/socked-in-sauk/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Socked-in-Sauk.jpg Socked in Sauk The Sauk River drains an area of the high Cascade Range in the watershed of Puget Sound north of Seattle. Winter snows in the Cascades limit the Sauk's accessibility. North Cascades NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/round-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Round-Valley.jpg Dry Valley Dry Valley, as viewed from Slickrock Bench, while traveling from Kodachrome Basin and Grosvenor Arch along the Cottonwood Canyon road. Cottonwood Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rhythms-amp-flowrhythms--flow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Rhythms--Flow.jpg Rhythms & Flow The repeating lines in the sides of the bentonite hills and their intense colors seem to glow in the early morning light. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/owens-valley-rainbow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Owens-Valley-Rainbow.jpg Owens Valley Rainbow An early morning snowstom passed through the Sierras. The lifting clouds allowed the sun to filter under and create a rainbow in the gap Owens River Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/olympic-mountain-range/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Olympic-Mountain-Range.jpg Olympic Mountain Range The Olympics have the form of a cluster of steep-sided peaks surrounded by heavily forested foothills and incised by deep valleys. The western slopes are the wettest place in the 48 contiguous states. Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/north-monument-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/North-Monument-Valley.jpg North Monument Valley This view of Monument Valley, from John Ford point toward the north, includes Merrick butte, Sentinel Mesa; West Mitten, Big Indian and Castle Butte Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-magic/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Morning-Magic.jpg Morning Magic First light hits the cliff banks of the Columbia River and overhead clouds near Trinidad, Washington Columbia River Basin https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/larb-hollow-overlook/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Larb-Hollow-Overlook.jpg Larb Hollow Overlook On Scenic Byway 12, this scenic overlook commands a stunning view of southeastern Utah, especially the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef National Park and the Henry Mountains. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lamar-valley-yellowstone-np/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Lamar-Valley-Yellowstone-NP.jpg Lamar Valley, Yellowstone NP The Lamar Valley is known for its wildlife viewing. Located between Tower Junction and the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City Montana, the wildlife viewing actually starts the instant you turn onto the highway at Tower Junction. Within a mile, you'll cross the Yellowstone River, and that's when "the games begin!" One of the great things about the Lamar Road is that it's open all year long. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/kilauea-lighthouse/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Kilauea-Lighthouse.jpg Kilauea Lighthouse This lighthouse on Kauai's eastern coast faces to the seemingly-endless Pacific Ocean Kilauea, Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/heitman-mountain-middle-bay-kodiak/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Heitman-Mountain-Middle-Bay-Kodiak.jpg Heitman Mountain, Middle Bay, Kodiak Heitman mountain, above the north shore of Middle Bay, Kodiak, Alaska Kodiak, Alaska https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grosvenor-arch-outcropping/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Grosvenor-Arch-Outcropping.jpg Grosvenor Arch Outcropping This outcropping contains Grosvenor Arch, a unique sandstone double arch. Cottonwood Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/food-chain/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Food-Chain.jpg Food Chain A polar bear pursues a red fox, who is in turn, in pursuit of an arctic hare Churchill, Manitoba https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/elwha-river-valley-fog/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Elwha-River-Valley-Fog.jpg Elwha River Valley Fog Morning fog fills the Elwha River Valley between Hurricane Ridge and the Olympic mountains Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/elk-river-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Elk-River-Valley.jpg Elk River Valley Elk River valley near Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a gorgeous high-country valley that is blessed with wide expanses, pasture and rolling hillsides that are covered with spruce, fir, and aspen. Steamboat Springs https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cape-mendocino/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cape-Mendocino.jpg Cape Mendocino Cape Mendocino, located on the Lost Coast entirely within Humboldt County, California, is the westernmost point on the coast of California. Lost Coast https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/buttermilk-rainbow-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Buttermilk-Rainbow-Pan.jpg Buttermilk Rainbow The Buttermilks comprise the western edge of the Owens Valley, near Bishop, in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada. On this morning the tops of the Buttermilks were strongly sidelit by the rising sun breaking through the low ceiling generated by an earlier snow storm. The result was this intense rainbow. Owens River Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bruhel-point-bluff-rocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bruhel-Point-Bluff-Rocks.jpg Bruhel Point Bluff Rocks Bruhel Point Rocks, one of the more recognizable features of the California Coastal National Monument. The exposed reef provides the habitat for a large colony of Harbor Seals that are very visible from the trail. Black Oystercatchers, a very vocal shorebird, may be seen and heard moving around the reef. Gulls and cormorants are usually present, as well. Mendocino Coast https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/book-cliffs-foothills-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Book-Cliffs-Foothills-Pan.jpg Book Cliffs Foothills Badlands foothills, near Green River, Utah, below Book Cliffs with morning light Horse Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alpenglow-sun-mountain/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Alpenglow-Sun-Mountain.jpg Alpenglow, Sun Mountain Winter first light of morning strikes the top of aptly-named Sun Mountain North Cascades NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/twilight-at-second-beach/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Twilight-at-Second-Beach.jpg Twilight at Second Beach The time of day immediately following sunset, when it is turning dark, the details of terrestrial objects become less distinct, but not to the point of becoming silhouettes Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sol-duc-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sol-Duc-Falls.jpg Sol Duc Falls Set within the thick temperate rain forest of the Olympic Mountains, the Sol Duc River creates one of the more uniquely shaped waterfalls in the northwest where it splits into as many as four channels - depending on the volume of the river - hurtling 37 feet off the side of a cliff into a narrow canyon, followed by an 11 foot flume-style drop as the river exits the canyon into a broader gorge below. Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/view-through-broken-arch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/View-Through-Broken-Arch.jpg View Through Broken Arch The sandstone fins of the Fiery Furnace are seen in the distance, approximately 1.2 miles away, as viewed through Broken Arch. The approach to Broken Arch from the Sandstone fins to the SW is accross a broad flat plain. Arches NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/twin-islet/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Twin-Islet.jpg Twin Islet Shale rocks, visible and negotiable on foot only at low tide, lead your eye from Near Island out to Twin Islet Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/turret-arch-arches-np/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Turret-Arch-Arches-NP.jpg Turret Arch, Arches NP The Windows Trail passes in front of this arch, rising from the valley floor on the west side of South Window. It is more commonly depicted framed by South Window Arches NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunshine-on-my-shoulders/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sunshine-on-My-Shoulders.jpg Sunshine on My Shoulders An old big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) sits high on the channeled scablands bank of the Columbia River with its back turned to the setting sun Columbia River Basin https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sugarloaf-ridge-sp/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sugarloaf-Ridge-SP.jpg Sugarloaf Ridge SP A manzanita grows from a rocky outcrop overlooking Sonoma Creek near the Robert Ferguson Observatory Sugarloaf Ridge SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-window-amp-juniper_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/South-Window--JUniper_GS.jpg South Window & Juniper Early in the morning a small juniper flourishes in the shadows on the west side of South Window Arches NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sherwood-valley-iii/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sherwood-Valley-III.jpg Sherwood Valley III Low-lying clouds and fog linger on the wooded hills forming the valley accentuating the layers of vegetation Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sherwood-valley-ii/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sherwood-Valley-II.jpg Sherwood Valley II Low-lying clouds and fog linger on the wooded hills forming the valley accentuating the layers of vegetation Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sandstone-fins_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sandstone-Fins_GS.jpg Sandstone Fins An entire world of monolith sandstone fins and towering narrow sandstone canyons awaits within the Fiery Furnace. Arches NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/round-rock_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Round-Rock_GS.jpg Round Rock With clouds overhead and late afternoon sun, Round Rock and its environs glow between the dappled shadows Navajo Nation https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/round-rock-amp-clouds_gsround-rock--clouds_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Round-Rock--Clouds_GS.jpg Round Rock & Clouds Cumulus clouds form over Round Rock Navajo Nation https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-canyon-spires/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Red-Canyon-Spires.jpg Red Canyon Spires The rocks in Red Canyon are eroded into the familiar pinnacles, spires, columns and hoodoos also found in Bryce Canyon a few miles to the east. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/palouse-patterns-amp-textures/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Palouse-Patterns--Textures.jpg Palouse Patterns & Textures A lone conifer overlooks the freshly cultivated rolling hills of the Palouse which form patterns and reveal textures with late afternoon sun, as viewed from Steptoe Butte Palouse https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/oasis/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Oasis.jpg Oasis Cattails flourish in an oasis in the Ancient Lakes area in Eastern Washington Quincy Wildlife Area https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/noyo-point-sea-stacks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Noyo-Point-Sea-Stacks.jpg Noyo Point Sea Stacks Sea stacks off the headlands of Noyo Point in Fort Bragg are pummeled constantly by the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/potter-valley-beauty/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Potter-Valley-Beauty.jpg Potter Valley Beauty Alone, save for a few neighboring rock outcrops, nothing can compete with the simple beauty of this magnificent old tree Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/north-window-amp-wildflowers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/North-Window--Wildflowers.jpg North Window & Wildflowers Delicate blooms of the Velvety Nerisytrenia and Narrowleaf Stoneseed greet the morning sun while protected by the shadow of the stone forming the North Window Arches NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/merrick-butte-big-indian-and-castle-butte/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Merrick-Butte-Big-Indian--Castle-Butte.jpg Merrick Butte, Big Indian & Castle Butte Icons of Monument Valley as seen from John Ford Point; perspective compressed by a long lens Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/icicle-river-icicles/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Icicle-River-Icicles.jpg Icicle River Icicles Ice and snow shelves form on the sides of rocks along the river. These, in turn, form icicles from snow melt and water splashed up from the fast-moving water flowing over rocks in the riverbed below Okanogan-Wenatchee NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/icicles/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Icicles.jpg Icicles Ice and snow shelves form on the sides of rocks along the river. These, in turn, form icicles from snow melt and water splashed up from the fast-moving water flowing over rocks in the riverbed below Okanogan-Wenatchee NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ice-queens-castle_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ice-Queens-Castle_GS.jpg Ice Queen's Castle Snow covered ice shelf, formed on the upstream side of an overhanging rock in the Icicle River, has icicles hanging off the lower edge as well as ice stalagmites forming on the upper surface. These fanciful formations remind me of scenes from a few science fiction movies, including one episode of superman. Okanogan-Wenatchee NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/high-valley-survivor/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/High-Valley-Survivor.jpg High Valley Survivor An old moss-covered oak has so few leaves, only on the topmost branches, it is perilously close to being unable to sustain photosynthesis to the level necessary for its survival Lake County https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ham-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ham-Rock.jpg Ham Rock Just east of Balanced Rock, on the road to the Windows section, lies this collection of pinnacles, spires and buttes with Ham Rock in the distance (lower left) Arches NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/goosenecks-san-juan-river/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Goosenecks-San-Juan-River.jpg Goosenecks, San Juan River Eroded by water, wind, frost, and gravity, this is a classic location for observing incised meanders. Goosenecks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/franklin-butte/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Franklin-Butte.jpg Franklin Butte Franklin Butte stands in the open valley floor of Valley of the gods, a less-visited neighbor of Monument Valley. The formations here are older and thus smaller but no less photogenic Valley of the gods https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/edmonds-marsh-estuary/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Edmonds-Marsh-Estuary.jpg Edmonds Marsh Estuary The Edmonds Marsh, seen here on a foggy morning in February, is one of the few urban saltwater estuaries remaining in the Puget Sound area. Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/contender/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Contender.jpg Contender Well above the Redwood Valley this tree contends with little water, high winds that dessicate and crack its limbs, rocky soil and exposure. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/boiler-bay-headlands/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Boiler-Bay-Headlands.jpg Boiler Bay Headlands Coniferous forests, under heavy clouds, cover the headlands above Boiler Bay Oregon Coast https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bentonite-crest/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bentonite-Crest.jpg Bentonite Crest Bentonite mound with pronounced erosion on one side appears like a cresting wave or wind-driven sand dune Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/beezley-hills-basalt/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Beezley-Hills-Basalt.jpg Beezley Hills Basalt Late afternoon light strikes a basalt butte on the eastern side of the southwest-directed Moses Coulee as a cumulus cloud passes overhead Quincy Wildlife Area https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/alcoves-amp-striaealcoves--striae/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Alcoves--Striae.jpg Alcoves & Straie Alcoves created by erosion in the base of a fin that might have grown to form an arch when the area was repeatedly inundated with flooding. Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/above-it-all/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Above-it-All.jpg Above it All This stately oak lives on a hill, high above the valleys in front of and behind it. Clouds were rising from the valley behind on the morning I made this photograph. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tranquility_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tranquility_GS.jpg Tranquility Alder trees under leaden skies line the Sauk River in a brief period of calm following a snowfall Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sun-worshiper/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sun-Worshiper.jpg Sun Worshiper A twisted big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), living in the channeled scablands along the Columbia River, reaches for the morning sun Columbia River Basin https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/struggle-to-survive/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Struggle-to-Survive.jpg Struggle to Survive The dry, braided channels formed by glacial drainage of the scablands of eastern Washington provide shelter from wind to plants which would otherwise struggle to survive in the xeric sagebrush steppe Quincy Wildlife Area https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/spider-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Spider-Rock.jpg Spider Rock The last light of day breaks under the clouds of a passing storm to light up Spider Rock and cast its shadow onto the wall of the canyon Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/spearhead-mesa/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Spearhead-Mesa.jpg Spearhead Mesa Overlooking Monument Valley from Artist Point, Spearhead Mesa derives its name because it is attached to a spire that looks like the head of spear or an arrow. Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sol-duc-torrent/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sol-Duc-Torrent.jpg Sol Duc Torrent High runoff from the Olympic Mountains swells the Sol Duc River into torrents that rush over the rocky river bottom on its journey to the ocean. Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/snag-amp-shafer-basinsnag--shafer-basin/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Snag--Shafer-Basin.jpg Snag & Shafer Basin A twisted snag and unnamed butte overlook the Shafer Basin near Dead Horse Point at sunrise Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/snag-amp-sandstone-finssnag--sandstone-fins/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Snag--Sandstone-Fins.jpg Snag & Sandstone Fins Cumulus clouds fill the desert sky at the entrance to the Fiery Furnace with a juniper snag guarding the sandstone fins that mark the portal. Arches NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/smokin/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Smokin.jpg Smokin' Late afternoon light strikes a basalt butte on the eastern side of the southwest-directed Moses Coulee as a cumulus cloud passes overhead creating the look of smoke pouring from the butte. Moses Coulee https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/painted-hills-sunrise/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Painted-Hills-Sunrise.jpg Painted Hills Sunrise First light illuminates the taller painted hills and taller grasses in the foreground while the back of the hill remains in shadow Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/potholes-coulee_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Potholes-Coulee_GS.jpg Potholes Coulee The basalt walls of the coulee reflect the early morning light Quincy Wildlife Area https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pucker-rock-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Pucker-Rock_GS.jpg Pucker Rock Unusual formations on the face of this rock, rising from Chinle Wash at White House overlook, make it appear to be puckered, leading to questions about the forces necessary to create them Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/relentless_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Relentless_GS.jpg Relentless Swells from the incoming tide crash incessantly against the flanks of the rocks exposed to the ocean Seal Rocks https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ruby-beach-sea-stacks_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ruby-Beach-Sea-Stacks.jpg Ruby Beach Sea Stacks At low tide in the evening sea stacks are battered by the surf along the rugged Washington coast Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/scorched-earth/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Scorched-Earth.jpg Scorched Earth The bentonite flanks of Red Hill, carved by the erosive forces of water, are dried and cracked by the wind and sun. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sea-of-clouds/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sea-of-Clouds.jpg Sea of Clouds The Elwha River Valley is filled with early morning fog and low clouds leaving the higher peaks of the Olympic range protruding through, as islands in a sea of clouds. Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/setting-hen-amp-eagle-mesasetting-hen--eagle-mesa/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Setting-Hen--Eagle-Mesa.jpg Setting Hen & Eagle Mesa Setting Hen is a rock formation west of Monument Pass in Monument Valley. Eagle Mesa is on the left; view is from the south Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/setting-hen/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Setting-Hen.jpg Setting Hen Setting Hen is a rock formation west of Monument Pass in Monument Valley. Eagle Mesa is on the left; Sleeping Bear on the right; view is from the south Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sherwood-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sherwood-Valley.jpg Sherwood Valley Low-lying clouds and fog linger on the wooded hills forming the valley accentuating the layers of vegetation Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hostile-environment/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Hostile-Environment.jpg Hostile Environment A huge Pacific Northwest winter storm heavily dumping snow. River levels rising fast. Not another soul in sight. Only the hardy survive. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/meringue-rocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Meringue-Rocks.jpg Meringue Rocks Sedimentary sandstone, eroded by water, has its layers exposed and exaggerated by the low angle of the afternoon sun Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/monument-valley-sunrise/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Monument-Valley-Sunrise.jpg Monument Valley Sunrise Stagecoach, Bear and Rabbit, Castle Rock, King-on-his-throne and Brigham's Tomb, as seen from the northern approach to Monument Valley, greet the morning sun. Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mount-index/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mount-Index.jpg Mount Index Mount Index appears above the Index River as storm clouds form behind her Mount Baker-Snoqalmie NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/north-window-from-the-north/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/North-Window-from-the-North.jpg North Window from the North North Window overlooks the northern view of the lower valley. On the Right is Elephant Butte. On the left is Cly Butte. Cly (Navajo name for Left), is named after a well known Navalo medicine man. He is buried at the foot of the formation. Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/olympic-sunrise-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Olympic-Sunrise_GS.jpg Olympic Sunrise The Olympic mountains, with the valley shrouded in ground fog, catch the first rays of sunshine breaking under the cloud cover, as seen from Hurricane Ridge in Olympic NP. Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blade-rock-tsegi/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Blade-Rock_GS.jpg Blade Rock, Tsegi Blade rock protrudes out from the distant canyon wall into the wash forcing the river to divert around it on a rainy early morning at the Tsegi Overlook on the Canyon de Chelly. Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/book-cliffs-foothills/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Book-Cliffs-Foothills.jpg Book Cliffs Foothills Early morning light accentuates the texture of the hills and clouds Horse Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/church-rock_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Church-Rock_GS.jpg Church Rock The volcanic plug known as Church Rock rises alongside the Laguna Creek wash Navajo Nation https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cliff-break/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cliff-Break.jpg Cliff Break Late afternoon surf crashes against the towering cliffs of Cape Kiwanda Cape Kiwanda https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/creekcicles_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Creekcicles_GS.jpg Creekcicles Icicles form on rocks and tree limbs over a flowing creek Okanogan-Wenatchee NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/crystal-chandelier/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Crystal-Chandelier.jpg Crystal Chandelier A snow hummock in the North Fork of the Teanaway river is ringed with icicles resembling the crystal pendants of a chandelier Okanogan-Wenatchee NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ebb-amp-flowebb--flow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ebb--Flow.jpg Ebb & Flow Low tide exposes sea palms on the barnacle-encrusted flanks of offshore rocks Seal Rocks https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/el-capitan/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/El-Capitan.jpg El Capitan Rising 1500 feet above the surrounding terrain, this imposing volcanic plug, a diatreme of an unusual igneous rock called minette, is one the most prominent in Navajo country Navajo Nation https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/elwha-river-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Elwha-River-Valley.jpg Elwha River Valley Morning fog fills the Elwha River Valley between Hurricane Ridge and the Olympic mountains Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/high-valley-storm/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/High-Valley-Storm.jpg High Valley Storm Afternoon thunder clouds from the east build over the hills flanking High Valley, above ClearLake, in Lake County, California Lake County https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-elephant-terrace-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/White-Elephant-Terrace_GS.jpg White Elephant Terrace Steam, water vapor, rises from the pools and cascades of the numerous thermal features within this part of Yellowstone NP Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/valley-sentinel-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Valley-Sentinel_GS.jpg Valley Sentinel Early morning light on a lone juniper overlooking the northwestern expanse of Monument Valley, away from the Navajo Tribal Park Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/unfit-for-cattle-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Unfit-for-Cattle.jpg Unfit for Cattle The badlands at the base of Book Cliffs are fenced off from the range to protect the cattle from wandering into them and becoming stuck Emery County, Utah https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/silent-city-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Silent-City.jpg Silent City A gridwork of deep ravines that some suggest may have been an ancient metropolitan area. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/signs-of-life-3/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Signs-of-Life_GS.jpg Signs of Life Prickly Pear cactus thrives in the shifting sands while the grasses submit to the harsh environment as tracks and burrows of small animals in the sand attest to their presence Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pleasant-creek-aspen/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Pleasant-Creek-Aspen.jpg Pleasant Creek Aspen A single conifer forms a stark contrast with a stand of leafless Aspens on a hillside along Pleasant Creek on Boulder Mountain Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-canyon-highrise_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Red-Canyon-Highrise_GS.jpg Red Canyon Highrise Sandstone buttes rise high above the piles of eroded sand dotted with conifers Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/box-canyon-mesa/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Rocky-Mesa-Box-Canyon-Trail.jpg Box Canyon Mesa The imposing rock walls surrounding the trail to Box Canyon on Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/schulmann-grove-icon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Schulmann-Grove-Icon.jpg Schulmann Grove Icon This marvelous specimen Bristlecone Pine has been photographed countless times yet still garners attention because of its extrordinary form White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/second-beach-sea-stack/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Second-Beach-Sea-Stack.jpg Second Beach Sea Stack Low clouds and fog surround a lone sea stack on a moonlit evening along the rugged Washington coast. Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/owens-river-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Owens-River-Valley.jpg Owens River Valley Grasses, rabbitbrush and willows line the banks of the Owens River as it wends its way south, flanked by the White mountains to the east and the Sierras to the west Owens River Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/olmstead-point-jeffery-pine/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Olmstead-Point-Jeffery-Pine.jpg Olmsted Point, Jeffrey Pine A Jeffrey Pine grows from a crack in the granite at Olmsted Point, on the east end of Yosemite Park, with Half Dome in the background Yosemite NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/north-park_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/North-Park_GS.jpg North Park Encircled by mountain ranges, North Park, near Walden Colorado, is a secluded and pristine region. North Park, CO https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/moroni-spire_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Moroni-Spire_GS.jpg Moroni Spire This spire, atop a hoodoo adjacent to the upper Navajo Loop Trail, reminds me of the angel Moroni statue atop the Mormon Tabernacle. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mono-lake-tufa/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mono-Lake-Tufa.jpg Mono Lake Tufa Skeletal remains of rabbitbrush at the foot of a tufa tower along the banks of Mono Lake catch early morning light under heavy cloud cover. Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/maroon-bells_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Maroon-Bells_GS.jpg Maroon Bells Storm clouds hang ominously over the peaks of the Maroon Bells. Yet a beam of sumlight manages to penetrate through the clouds and light up the face and valley, full of changing aspens Maroon-Bells-Snowmass Wilderness https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/kalalau-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Kalalau-Valley.jpg Kalalau Valley The valley is located in the Na Pali Coast State Park and houses the beautiful Kalalau Beach. The valley is renowned for its natural beauty. It is surrounded by lush cliffs more than 2,000 feet (610 m) high. Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grand-wash/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Grand-Wash.jpg Grand Wash Cumulus clouds form over Grand Wash in Capitol Reef NP Capitol Reef NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/freshly-fallen/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Freshly-Fallen.jpg Freshly Fallen Fresh snow accumulates on the bare branches of a Vine Maple. Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/forked-snag-amp-chimney-rock_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Forked-Snag--Chimney-Rock_GS.jpg Forked Snag & Chimney Rock The setting sun set this iconic structure, framed by a juniper skeleton, ablaze in the clear air of northern New Mexico on the fabled Ghost Ranch of Georgia O'Keefe. Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bent-aspens/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bent-Aspens.jpg Bent Aspens Aspens along the South Fork, Bishop Creek with trunks bent by years of resisting winter snowpack Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blowing-smoke/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Blowing-Smoke.jpg Blowing Smoke An interesting rock formation resembles a mouth with pursed lips. The delicate cloud passing overhead appears as smoke that has been blown out from within the rock's mouth Roxborough Park https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/carnation-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Carnation-Valley.jpg Carnation Valley The Snoqualmie River peacefully wends its way through the Carnation Valley on a morning with low clouds and fog hugging the foothills Snoqualmie Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/chimney-rock-amp-snag_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Chimney-Rock--Snag_GS.jpg Chimney Rock & Snag Filtered afternoon light on Chimney Rock Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/chimney-rock-ghost-ranch-abiquiu/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Chimney-Rock-Ghost-Ranch-Abiquiu.jpg Chimney Rock, Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu With badlands surrounding it and graced by late afternoon sun, Chimney Rock appears gloriously above Ghost Ranch, near Abiquiu. Ghost Ranch is part of Piedra Lumbre (Spanish, "Shining Rock"). Georgia O'Keeffe, intrigued by Arthur Pack's statement that the Piedra Lumbre was "the best place in the world", checked out the ranch. She fell in love with the geography, and soon split her time between living in New York and New Mexico. Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/circle-cliffs-rattlesnake-bench/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Circle-Cliffs-Rattlesnake-Bench.jpg Rattlesnake Bench Rattlesnake Bench, at the eastern end of Long Valley Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cordwood-gears/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cordwood-Gears.jpg Cordwood Gears A stack of cordwood, with heavily furrowed bark, takes on the appearance of mechanical gears. Los Luceros https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/crown-jewels_gs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Crown-Jewels_GS.jpg Crown Jewels Hoodoos typically form in areas where a thick layer of a relatively soft rock is covered by a thin layer of hard rock which protects a cone of the underlying softer layer from erosion. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/deviant-form/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Deviant-Form.jpg Deviant Form A singular rounded rock stands out among the more angular and sharper rocks in this formation in Roxborough Park Roxborough Park https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dogwood-amp-pinedogwood--pine/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dogwood--Pine.jpg Dogwood & Pine Dogwood blooms reach into an open area in a pine forest Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dymond-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dymond-Lake.jpg Dymond Lake The frozen surface of Dymond Lake, covered with recent snow, has been disrupted with snowmobile tracks. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/teanaway-thunder/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Teanaway-Thunder.jpg Teanaway Thunder Heavy runoff in the Teanaway River during the Winter produces tremendous thunder cascading over a series of rocky steps Wenatchee NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-three-arch-rocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sunrise-Three-Arch-Rocks.jpg Sunrise, Three Arch Rocks Strong first light captures the eponymous rocks and clouds above them in a spectacular display Three Arch Rocks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/icicles-icicle-river/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Icicles-Icicle-River.jpg Icicles, Icicle River Ice and snow shelves form on the sides of rocks along the river. These, in turn, form icicles from snow melt and water splashed up from the fast-moving water flowing over rocks in the riverbed below Wenatchee NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ice-shelves-twisp-river/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ice-Shelves-Twisp-River.jpg Ice Shelves, Twisp River Heavy snows on the banks of the Twisp River form shelves out over the moving water, some of which are ice, the result of water splashing off rocks in the riverbed and freezing. Wenatchee NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ice-queens-castle/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ice-Queens-Castle.jpg Ice Queen's Castle A snow covered ice shelf, formed on the upstream side of an overhanging rock in the Icicle River, has icicles hanging off the lower edge as well as ice stalagmites forming on the upper surface. These fanciful formations remind me of scenes from a few science fiction movies, including one episode of superman. Wenatchee NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hanging-out/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Hanging-Out.jpg Hanging Out A snow covered ice shelf, with icicles forming on its periphery and buttresses on its face, is protected by an overhanging boulder as it hangs out over the raging river. Wenatchee NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/earl-peak-amp-teanaway-river/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Earl-Peak--Teanaway-River.jpg Earl Peak & Teanaway River Earl Peak, the most prominent mountain in front of Mt. Stuart as you drive up the Teanaway road, forms a dramatic backdrop for the North Fork of the Teanaway River as it cascades down the valley, heading for the confluence with the West and Middle Forks before joining the Yakima near Cle Ellum. Wenatchee NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-potholes-coulee/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sunrise-Potholes-Coulee.jpg Sunrise, Potholes Coulee Potholes Coulee is flooded with early morning light Upper Columbia River Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hanging-on/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Hanging-On.jpg Hanging On Vines cling to life on the inhospitable basalt columns along Palisades Road on Billingsley Ranch Upper Columbia River Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/away-from-it-all/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Away-From-It-All.jpg Away From It All Early morning sun lights up the alder trees at a bend in the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River on New Year's Day. The reflected golden glow on the river is the reward for being out, away from the madding crowd. Mt. Pilchuck SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/leading-lines-ancient-lakes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Leading-Lines-Ancient-Lakes.jpg Leading Lines, Ancient Lakes Lines formed by the edges of the rocks and grasses lead to the wildflowers on the lower left of the image. Upper Columbia River Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/moonrise-ancient-lakes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Moonrise-Ancient-Lakes.jpg Moonrise, Ancient Lakes Waxing summer moon rises at dawn over the Ancient Lakes in Eastern Washington, near Quincy and the Columbia River Upper Columbia River Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/evening-glow-crescent-bar/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Evening-Glow-Crescent-Bar.jpg Evening Glow, Crescent Bar The setting sun floods the eastern wall of the Columbia Gorge above Crescent Bar Upper Columbia River Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/approaching-front/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Approaching-Front.jpg Approaching Front Cumulus clouds ride the prevailing winds from the west heralding an approaching front Upper Columbia River Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ancient-lake-sunrise/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ancient-Lake-Sunrise.jpg Ancient Lake Sunrise Sunrise on Ancient Lake, mid-ground, in the Ancient Lakes area near Quincy Upper Columbia River Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/crater-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Crater-Lake.jpg Crater Lake Crater Lake is a caldera lake in the western United States, located in south-central Oregon. is famous for its deep blue color and water clarity. At 1,943 feet (592 m), the lake is the deepest in the United States Cascade Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/columbia-cloudscape/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Columbia-Cloudscape.jpg Columbia Cloudscape Altocumulus clouds form over the upper Columbia Gorge. With some vertical extent they may denote the presence of elevated instability, especially in the morning. They are harbingers of change. Upper Columbia River Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/only-the-beginning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Only-the-Beginning.jpg Only the Beginning On a cold November Sunday morning snow had just begun to fall as I approached my office. I quickly ran inside, grabbed my clinical camera and made a few shots while the flakes were still individual in some areas on the maple leaves. Within minutes everything was covered with a blanket of white. Seattle https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/transition/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Transition.jpg Transition Snow came early, before all the deciduous trees had dropped their leaves Seattle, WA https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunrise-crescent-bar/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sunrise-Crescent-Bar.jpg Sunrise, Crescent Bar First light crests the Columbia Gorge to begin a new day on the river at Crescent Bar Upper Columbia River Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ominous-morning-clouds/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ominous-Morning-Clouds.jpg Ominous Morning Clouds The Columbia River meanders through the upper Columbia Gorge, flanked by rocky hills bathed in dawn's first light while storm clouds form over the Cascade foothills to the west Upper Columbia River Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dawns-early-light-columbia-river/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dawns-Early-Light-Columbia-River.jpg Dawn's Early Light, Columbia River The Columbia River meanders through the upper Columbia Gorge, flanked by rocky hills, bathed in dawn's first light while storm clouds form over the Cascade foothills to the west Upper Columbia River Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/gloaming-second-beach/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Gloaming-Second-Beach.jpg Gloaming, Second Beach The time of day immediately following sunset, when it is turning dark, the details of terrestrial objects become less distinct, but not to the point of becoming silhouettes Second Beach, La Push https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/final-reflections/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Final-Reflections.jpg Final Reflections Reflections of the sunset, breaking below the low clouds near the horizon, on the wet sands of Second Beach Second Beach, La Push https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blue-hour-by-moonlight/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Blue-Hour-by-Moonlight.jpg Blue Hour by Moonlight Under low clouds, an isolated sea stack that is surrounded by whitewater which has been exaggerated by a long exposure is lit by a full moon whose reflected light can penetrate the cloud cover, although the orb itself is out of the field of view. Second Beach, La Push https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/window-to-the-sun/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Window-to-the-Sun.jpg Window to the Sun La Push Beach is a series of beach chains called Beach one, two, and three. Second Beach is the longest and flattest of the three beaches and is the most populated. The window in the wall glows with late afternoon sunlight. Second Beach, La Push https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/twilight-second-beach/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Twilight-Second-Beach.jpg Twilight, Second Beach After the sun has dropped below the horizon the clouds remain illuminated and reflect the warm light onto the landscape. Second Beach, La Push https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/into-the-evening/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Into-the-Evening.jpg Into the Evening La Push Beach is a series of beach chains called Beach one, two, and three. Second Beach is the longest and flattest of the three beaches and is the most populated. Second Beach, La Push https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hole-in-the-wall/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Hole-In-The-Wall.jpg Hole In The Wall Low angle of the setting sun allows light to poke through this icon on Second Beach Second Beach, La Push https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/brother-can-you-give-me-a-hand/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Brother-Can-You-Give-Me-a-Hand.jpg Brother, Can You Give Me a Hand An old, moss-covered snag, seems to be pleading with the neighboring trees for assistance, who have responded with what looks like outstretched hands Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/not-one-step-closer/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Not-One-Step-Closer.jpg Not One Step Closer This black bear (Ursus americanus) was foraging in an open area when a member of a group of observers may have violated his comfort zone. His immediate change in posture was a warning sign to indicate that he felt threatened. Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/foraging-black-bear/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Foraging-Black-Bear.jpg Foraging Black Bear The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is a medium-sized bear native to North America. It is the continent's smallest and most widely distributed bear species. Black bears are omnivores with their diets varying greatly depending on season and location. They typically live in largely forested areas, but do leave forests in search of food. This bear was seen near Hurricane Ridge in Olympic NP Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/triple-the-fun/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Triple-the-Fun.jpg Triple the fun Set within the thick temperate rain forest of the Olympic Mountains, the Sol Duc River creates one of the more uniquely shaped waterfalls in the northwest where it splits into as many as four channels - depending on the volume of the river - hurtling 37 feet off the side of a cliff into a narrow canyon, followed by an 11 foot flume-style drop as the river exits the canyon into a broader gorge below. Sol Duc forest, Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/summer-squall/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_110712_0018.jpg Summer Squall A squall forms over the Olympic mountains at dawn with first-light illuminating Mount Olympus as well as highlighting the clouds and falling rain with glowing red-orange tints. Hurricane Ridge, Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hidden-refuge/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Hidden-Refuge.jpg Hidden Refuge Curving stems of vine maples in the old growth Sol Duc forest lead invitingly to a clearing flooded by sunlight Sol Duc forest, Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-storm/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Morning-Storm.jpg Morning Storm Dawn sunlight catches the tops of the Olympic range and highlights a squall while ground fog lingers in the Elwha Valley below Hurricane Ridge, Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/olympic-mountain-alpenglow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Olympic-Mountain-Alpenglow.jpg Olympic Mountain Alpenglow First light of dawn highlights the rugged Olympic mountains while ground fog hangs in the valley below. Olympic NP contains these majestic mountains as well as the rain forests and coastal environments surrounding them. Hurricane Ridge, Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/olympic-sunrise/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Olympic-Sunrise.jpg Olympic Sunrise The Olympic Range catches first light as fog lies undisturbed in the Elwha River valley below Hurricane Ridge, Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sol-duc-cascade/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sol-Duc-Cascade.jpg Sol Duc Cascade Numerous mountain streams help feed the Sol Duc River, including this cascade. Sol Duc forest, Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sol-duc-old-growth-forest/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sol-Duc-Old-growth-Forest.jpg Sol Duc Old-growth Forest Old-growth features include diverse tree-related structures that provide diverse wildlife habitat that increases the bio-diversity of the forested ecosystem. The concept of diverse tree structure includes multi-layered canopies and canopy gaps, greatly varying tree heights and diameters, and diverse tree species and classes and sizes of woody debris. Sol Duc forest, Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/twilight-triangles/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Twilight-Triangles.jpg Twilight Triangles At twilight on Ruby Beach, with the last rays of the sun augmented by the rising moon illuminating layers of sea stacks and rocks, triangles are formed with the surf rushing around the bases of the rocks Ruby Beach https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunset-reflections/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sunset-Reflections.jpg Sunset Reflections As their reflecton is cast on the wet sand at low tide at sunset, sea stacks are battered by the surf along the rugged Washington coast in Olympic NP Ruby Beach https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ruby-reflections-amp-ripplesruby-reflections--ripples/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ruby-Reflections--Ripples.jpg Ruby, Reflections & Ripples Setting sun silhouettes the sea stack casting shadows and forming reflections on the wet rippled sand at Ruby Beach Ruby Beach https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ruby-beach-twilight/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ruby-Beach-Twilight.jpg Ruby Beach Twilight A long exposure flattens the surf as twilight glows below layers of clouds hanging above the beach punctuated with sea stacks of various sizes Ruby Beach https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/round-rock-reflections/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Round-Rock-Reflections.jpg Round Rock Reflections A round rock near the edge of the surf line reflects itself in the wet sand behind it, but also the water that had crashed upon its face moments before to form a circular retreating wave. Ruby Beach https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/moonglow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Moonglow.jpg Moonglow On a calm late summer evening the nearly full moon creates a "moonstar" in a long exposure above some sea stacks at Ruby Beach along the Washington coast. Ruby Beach https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-fallen/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Fallen.jpg The Fallen A fallen leaf is nestled in the mossy ground cover as fresh snow accumulates Mt Pilchuck SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/palouse-spring/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Palouse-Spring.jpg Palouse Spring Rolling fields of new wheat and plowed earth under leaden skies following a Spring shower. Palouse https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/palouse-river-canyon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Palouse-River-Canyon.jpg Palouse River Canyon The Palouse Falls and the canyon downstream comprise an important feature of the channeled scablands created by the great Missoula Floods that swept periodically across eastern Washington and across the Columbia River Plateau during the Pleistocene epoch. Palouse https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/palouse-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Palouse-Falls.jpg Palouse Falls The Palouse Falls lies on the Palouse River, about 4 mi (6 km) upstream of the confluence with the Snake River in southeast Washington. The falls are 198 ft (60 m) in height. The canyon at the falls is 115 meters (377 feet) deep, exposing a large cross-section of the Columbia River Basalt Group. Palouse https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/madison-creek-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Madison-Creek-Falls.jpg Madison Creek Falls Madison Creek Falls is located within the Olympic National Park near the Elwha River, west of Port Angeles. The falls is about 50 feet high and has a light flow in a horsetail shape. Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bridal-veil-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bridal-Veil-Falls.jpg Bridal Veil Falls Bridal Veil Falls is a 1,328-foot (405 m) waterfall that flows from Lake Serene directly to the South Fork Skykomish River on the creek of the same name. It is a perennial 150-foot (46 m) wide drop with four tiers, two of which (350 feet (110 m) and 250 feet (76 m), respectively) are clearly visible. This image was made at the base pool of the second tier. Mt. Index https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/turtle-cove-strata/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Turtle-Cove-Strata.jpg Turtle Cove Strata Turtle Cove strata, a striking blue-green rock layer produced by millions of years of volcanic ash accumulation. Ignimbrites, which stand out in contrast, may be white, grey, pink, beige, brown or black depending on their composition and density. John Day Fossil Beds NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/story-in-stone/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Story-in-Stone.jpg Story in Stone A trail skirts above a small basin of blue-green claystone. The formation contains fossils of animals that lived here 25 to 30 million years ago. John Day Fossil Beds NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/story-in-stone-trail/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Story-in-Stone-Trail.jpg Story in Stone Trail This gravel trail ascends a small ridge to a viewpoint overlooking the John Day River Valley and a colorful rock formation similar to Cathedral Rock. John Day Fossil Beds NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cathedral-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cathedral-Rock.jpg Cathedral Rock Majestic Cathedral Rock rises above the John Day River on a rainy cloudy day.The colors you see are due to the chemicals in the layers of basalt and claystones including ignimbrites and tuff. BASALT: The top layers are dark, dense, iron-rich rock from lava flows. CLAYSTONE: Beneath the basalt layers are deposits composed largely of volcanic ash, deposited by air and water. Much of these ash deposits were worked into clay-rich soils, then buried and changed into hard rock and may be in shades of white, pale green, red or brown. IGNIMBRITE: Ignimbrites are made of a very poorly sorted mixture of volcanic ash (or tuff when lithified) and pumice lapilli, commonly with scattered lithic fragments. Ignimbrites may be white, grey, pink, beige, brown or black depending on their composition and density. TUFF: Relatively soft, porous rock that is usually formed by the compaction and cementation of volcanic ash or dust. Those in the Blue Basin area contain a rare green-blue mineral called clinoptilolite. The blue color seems to leach out in rains and wash away, leaving the greenish clay. Recent rain and overcast skies definitely saturate the colors! John Day Fossil Beds NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/promises/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Promises.jpg Promises Rolling hills bursting with buds and flowers usher in a new Spring with the promises of abundance Elk, OR https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pac-man/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Pac-Man.jpg Pac-Man Lichens on a boulder. The largest cluster reminded me of the eponymous video arcade character. Pac-Man is considered one of the classics of the medium, virtually synonymous with video games, and an icon of 1980s popular culture. John Day Fossil Beds NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/green-mud-amp-red-rocksgreen-mud--red-rocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Green-Mud--Red-Rocks.jpg Green Mud & Red Rocks Turtle Cove strata, a striking blue-green rock layer produced by millions of years of volcanic ash accumulation, when admixed with the intervening yellow strata by water erosion, produces the green water and mud. The boulders contain iron oxides which produce the red coloration. John Day Fossil Beds NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/clarno-palisades/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Clarno-Palisades.jpg Clarno Palisades The mostly grassy hillsides bordering Pine Creek are interrupted for a mile or so by a line of jagged, eroded cliffs - the Palisades - which contain a large number of plant fossils, including leaves, sticks and trunks, plus less common animal fossils, all relics of a time when this region was moist and well vegetated, unlike the arid, high desert conditions that prevail today. John Day Fossil Beds NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blue-basin-strata/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Blue-Basin-Strata.jpg Blue Basin Strata This blue-green rock layer represents millions of years of volcanic ash accumulation. Surprisingly enough, the green tint is not due to copper, but rather a complex blending of the elements hydrogen, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, potassium, calcium, iron, strontium, and barium. John Day Fossil Beds NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/three-arch-rocks-rainbow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Three-Arch-Rocks-Rainbow.jpg Three Arch Rocks Rainbow Early morning sun breaks through heavy cloud cover to light up the offshore rocks and form a rainbow against the storm clouds Three Arch Rocks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ponytail-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ponytail-Falls.jpg Ponytail Falls Shortly before making the thunderous 88 foot plunge over Ponytail Falls, Horsetail Creek is shot through a narrow crack and exploded out into a large pool in front of a deep recess, which allows a trail to pass behind the falls. Columbia Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fairy-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fairy-Falls.jpg Fairy Falls Fairy Falls is a 20-foot waterfall on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. This fan-shaped waterfall cascades through a mossy rock slide lined with ferns, until rocky ledges of basalt break the water into various lacy streams Columbia Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fairy-falls-cascade/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fairy-Falls-Cascade.jpg Fairy Falls Cascade Fairy Falls is a 20-foot waterfall on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. This fan-shaped waterfall cascades through a mossy rock slide lined with ferns, until rocky ledges of basalt break the water into various lacy streams Columbia Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fairy-falls-amp-fernsfairy-falls--ferns/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fairy-Falls--Ferns.jpg Fairy Falls & Ferns Fairy Falls is a 20-foot waterfall on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. While small, this fan-shaped waterfall cascades through a mossy rock slide lined with ferns, until rocky ledges of basalt break the water into various lacy streams Columbia Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dry-creek-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dry-Creek-Falls.jpg Dry Creek Falls This lovely falls drops through a thinner spot in a large flow of columnar basalt then wends its way through boulders, forming small cascades and pools. Although it's called Dry Creek Falls, it does not run dry, even in the warmest months of summer. Columbia Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-riot-of-hue/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/A-Riot-of-Hue.jpg A Riot of Hue The leaves of a maple all have changed to nearly the same brilliant red-orange hue Seattle, WA https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/winter-lace/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Winter-Lace.jpg Winter Lace Winter snow covers the branches of a barren alder tree creating delicate lace-like patterns Seattle, WA https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/walkway-maple/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Walkway-Maple.jpg Walkway Maple In late autumn a stately maple stands among its leaf litter as more of its colorful leaves drop to the walkway lying at its base Seattle, WA https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/vanishing-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Vanishing-Point.jpg Vanishing Point Rows of tulips appear to converge on the vanishing point in the distance Skagit Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/swells-walls-amp-troughsswells-walls--troughs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Swells-Walls--Troughs.jpg Swells, Walls & Troughs The headlands of Cape Kiwanda have troughs formed in their walls as the surf swells line up to fuel the continuous erosion Cape Kiwanda https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stronger-than-steel/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Stronger-than-Steel.jpg Stronger than Steel Dew-covered spider web on rusted chain links Seattle, WA https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stillaguamish-river-hummocks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Stillaguamish-River-Hummocks.jpg Stillaguamish River Hummocks Snow hummocks form on the exposed boulders in the Stillaguamish River as the leafless Alders along the shore bend under the pressure of the dense snow during a heavy Pacific Northwest storm. South Fork Stillaguamish River https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-fork-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/South-Fork-Valley.jpg South Fork Valley Partially frozen river with snow covered banks and hummocks meanders into the cloudy, fog-shrouded valley South Fork Stillaguamish River https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/skagit-valley-stripes/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Skagit-Valley-Stripes.jpg Skagit Valley Stripes Alternating red and yellow fields of tulips in the Skagit Valley form progressively narrower stripes of color Skagit Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/seal-rocks-surf/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Seal-Rocks-Surf.jpg Seal Rocks Surf A long exposure creates long streaks of the splashing water as heavy surf crashes on the exposed rocks at Seal Rocks Seal Rocks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/seal-rocks-sunset/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Seal-Rocks-Sunset.jpg Seal Rocks Sunset Fall waves pound against the rocks lining the coast Seal Rocks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/seal-rocks-sea-palms/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Seal-Rocks-Sea-Palms.jpg Seal Rocks Sea Palms Seal Rock State Wayside has large off-shore rock formations which are the habitat of seals, sea lions, sea birds and other marine life. The wayside includes interesting tidepools as well as excellent ocean views and a sandy beach. The sea palms in the foreground are approximately 20 inches in height. They flourish on barnacle-encrusted rocks. To capture this low-angle view it was necessary to sit, uncomfortably, on the barnacles immediately adjacent to the sea palms while waiting for the appropriate wave action to record this view. Seal Rocks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/shmoos/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Scmoos.jpg Shmoos Snow hummocks on rocks in the river take on the shapeless form of shmoos, the armless pear-shaped character introduced by cartoonist Al Capp into his daily "Li'l Abner" strip in 1948. South Fork Stillaguamish River https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rushing-back-to-the-sea/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Rushing-Back-to-the-Sea.jpg Rushing Back to the Sea Water that had been deposited on the rocks by the crashing surf falls back into the sea Seal Rocks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ribbon-candy/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ribbon-Candy.jpg Ribbon Candy A wave of bright red maple leaves washes across the field of yellow maple leaves as the tree shows different colors corresponding to different responses to temperature changes Seattle, WA https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/relentless/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Relentless.jpg Relentless Swells from the incoming tide crash incessantly against the flanks of the rocks exposed to the ocean Seal Rocks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/obstruction-pass-twilight/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Obstruction-Pass-Twilight.jpg Obstruction Pass Twilight Morning twilight view of the Cascade Range shrouded in orange in the background, across Obstruction Pass from near the town of Olga on Orcas Island. San Juan Islands https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/natural-flocking/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Natural-Flocking.jpg Natural Flocking Fresh snow accumulates on a small bough of a pine tree Seattle, WA https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/multnomah-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Multnomah-Falls.jpg Multnomah Falls The falls drops in two major steps, split into an upper falls of 542 feet (165 m) and a lower falls of 69 feet (21 m), with a gradual 9 foot (3 m) drop in elevation between the two, so the total height of the waterfall is conventionally given as 620 feet (189 m). Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon. Columbia Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mt-st-helens/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mt.-St.-Helens.jpg Mt. St. Helens This image, made prior to the May 18, 1980 castrophic eruption, captures the nearly-perfect symmetry of the volcano on a late afternoon from my vantage point on Mt. Rainier Cascade Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-rush/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Morning-Rush.jpg Morning Rush Under warm morning light the incoming tide rushes into a narrow rocky channel on the beach Seal Rocks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/merymere-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Marymere-falls.jpg Marymere Falls Marymere Falls is located in Olympic National Park near Lake Crescent. The falls are accessed by a one-mile, well maintained, dirt trail through old-growth lowland forest consisting of fir, cedar, hemlock, and alder trees. Falls creek descends from Aurora Ridge and tumbles over Marymere Falls and then flows into Barnes Creek. It has a height of 90 feet. The falls is one of the more popular attractions in the area, due to ease of access. Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/marshmallow-creme/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Marshmallow-Creme.jpg Marshmallow Creme Riverside rocks are covered with a heavy coat of recent snow making them appear as though the have been coated with marshmallow creme South Fork Stillaguamish River https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/latourell-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Latourell-Falls.jpg Latourell Falls Latourell is unique among the best-known Columbia Gorge waterfalls, in the way that it drops straight down from an overhanging basalt cliff. The rock surrounding the falls is an excellent example of columnar basalt formations. Columbia Gorge https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/kalaloch-sunset/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Kalaloch-Sunset.jpg Kalaloch Sunset Photographed from a 50-foot bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean near Kalaloch Resort on the Olympic Peninsula Olympic NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/false-falls-of-kiwanda/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/False-Falls-of-Kiwanda.jpg False Falls of Kiwanda Late afternoon sun strikes Kiwanda's headlands as the remnants of a spent wave create the appearance of a waterfall coming out of the wall. The angle of view, perpendicular to the headlands, provides the overlapping appearance of the individual bluffs giving depth to the composition as well as the surge and retreat of the waves forming a trough as a leading line to the falls, the center of attention. Cape Kiwanda https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/early-morning-reflections/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Early-Morning-Reflections.jpg Early Morning Reflections Streaking clouds overhead and their reflections in the wet sands of the beach appear to converge on the headlands Seal Rocks SP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/circle-the-wagons/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Circle-the-Wagons.jpg Circle the Wagons Heavy overnight snowfall on Christmas Eve has resulted in hummock formations on the arcing form of exposed rocks in the Stillaguamish River South Fork Stillaguamish River https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/chelan-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Chelan-Falls.jpg Chelan Falls Chelan Falls is a historically significant waterfall along the Chelan River as it drops down the final gorge between Lake Chelan and the Columbia River. The river drops 350 feet from the lake to the Columbia, the falls are thought to comprise of about 2/3 of that vertical drop. Reports from kayakers suggest the series of cascades are made up of a dozen distinct drops of up to 20 feet each. Unfortunately due to the narrow confines of the canyon, not much of the falls can be easily seen, if at all. Wenatchee NF https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/boiler-bay/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Boiler-Bay.jpg Boiler Bay Pounding surf crashes against the rocks and headland generating explosive plumes as a solitary gull watches calmly from its protected viewpoint Boiler Bay, OR https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/attack-amp-retreatattack--retreat/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Attack--Retreat.jpg Attack & Retreat An incoming wave attacks one wall of Cape Kiwanda while a spent wave retreats down the face of an adjacent wall Cape Kiwanda https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-elephant-terrace/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/White-Elephant-Terrace.jpg White Elephant Terrace White Elephant Terrace is a feature of Mammoth Hot Springs, a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine in Yellowstone NP, created over thousands of years as hot water from the spring cooled and deposited calcium carbonate (over two tons flow into Mammoth each day in a solution). The limestone from rock formations along the fault between Mammoth and Norris Geyser Basin is the source of the calcium carbonate. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-elephant-terrace-snags/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/White-Elephant-Terrace-Snags.jpg White Elephant Terrace Snags The step-like terraces form as heated water moves along the Morris-Mammoth Fault. The hot water carries dissolved calcium and bicarbonate to the surface of the terraces where pressure lessens. Carbon dioxide then escapes as gas and the carbonate combines with calcium to precipitate as travertine. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sparring-bull-bison/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sparring-Bull-Bison.jpg Sparring Partners Bison (B. bison) sometimes erroneously called buffalo, are large, even-toed ungulates in the genus Bison within the subfamily Bovinae. Bison herds have dominance hierarchies that exist for both males and females. A bison's dominance is related to its birth date. Bison born earlier in the season are more likely to be larger and more dominant as adults. Males of the same size spar to determine which will be allowed to mate. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/silaca-sinter/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Silaca-Sinter.jpg Silica Sinter Silica sinter occurs around many hot springs worldwide, and contain a host of extremophilic microorganisms. There is no evidence to suggest that any heavy metals are associated preferentially with the hyperthermophiles at the high temperature. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-rock-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Red-Rock-Point.jpg Red Rock Point Below the Lower Falls, the Yellowstone River passes Red Rock Point, a favorite place to observe and photograph the falls from. Red Rock Point is near the tall reddish pinnacle. Iron oxide is the cause of this rock's red pigmentation. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/outpouring/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Outpouring.jpg Outpouring Calcium carbonate rich water pours from the pools of White Elephant Terrace. White Elephant Terrace is a feature of Mammoth Hot Springs, a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine in Yellowstone NP, created over thousands of years as hot water from the spring cooled and deposited calcium carbonate (over two tons flow into Mammoth each day in a solution). The limestone from rock formations along the fault between Mammoth and Norris Geyser Basin is the source of the calcium carbonate. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/opalescent-pool/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Opalescent-Pool.jpg Opalescent Pool Opalescent Pool is a recently formed pool in the Black Sand Basin. It inundated a stand of lodgepole pine, creating a stand of white skeletons amidst a rainbow-colored pool. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lower-yellowstone-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Lower-Yellostone-Falls.jpg Lower Yellowstone Falls Cascading from the 590,000 year old Canyon Rhyolite lava flow, Lower Yellowstone Falls is the largest volume waterfall in the Rocky Mountains of the United States. These falls plunge 308 feet (94 m) into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/liftoff/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Liftoff.jpg Liftoff American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) taking flight. The most unique looking of all of Yellowstone's waterfowl is the American white pelican. These birds typically spend their winters down in the coastal waters of Mexico or the southern United States. When it comes time for breeding they head inland to fresh water lakes in the western US and southern Canada. They breed in large colonies on flat isolated islands in larger lakes. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/jupiter-terrace/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Jupiter-Terrace.jpg Jupiter Terrace Jupiter Terrace, part of the Lower Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. It has been dry since 1992, but when active, its color and intricate terraces make Jupiter an appealing spring. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grand-canyon-of-the-yellowstone-river/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Grand-Canyon-of-the-Yellowstone-River.jpg Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River This view is looking upstream from Artist's Point. The canyon stretches approximately 20 miles long and about half a mile wide. Just as remarkable as the canyon's terra-cotta hued cliff walls, the canyon is nearly 1,000 feet deep, and earns the title of longest undammed river in the country, meandering for more than 600 miles through Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/crackling-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Crackling-Lake.jpg Crackling Lake The name of this thermal feature in Norris Geyser Basin was proposed because of popping sounds from nearby springs on its southern shore. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cliff-geyser-amp-iron-creek/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cliff-Geyser--Iron-Creek.jpg Cliff Geyser & Iron Creek Black Sand Basin contains a small collection of jewel-like geysers. Among them is an unusual geyser formed on the bank of Iron Creek. Cliff Geyser formed a rim or wall-like ridge of sinter around its crater from which it erupts 30 to 40 feet high once or twice a day during an active period. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/clepsydra-geyser/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Clepsydra-Geyser.jpg Clepsydra Geyser This nearly constant performer splashes from several vents and its steam can be seen throughout the Lower Geyser Basin. Its name is Greek for water clock, and was given because the geyser used to erupt regularly every three minutes. Since the 1959 Hebgen earthquake, however, Clepsydra erupts almost without pause. Sometimes it quits during Fountain's eruption. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/canary-springs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Canary-Springs.jpg Canary Springs So named for its bright yellow color, Canary Springs owes its brilliance to sulfur-dependent filamentous bacteria. The colors blend here in delicate tints on the creamy rock face. This spring is part of the Main Terrace at Mammoth and is also known for its ultramarine pool. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/canary-springs-face/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Canary-Springs-Face.jpg Canary Springs Face So named for its bright yellow color, Canary Springs owes its brilliance to sulfur-dependent filamentous bacteria. The colors blend here in delicate tints on the creamy rock face. This spring is part of the Main Terrace at Mammoth and is also known for its ultramarine pool at the top of the feature seen here. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bison-cow-amp-calves/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bison-Cow--Calves.jpg Bison Cow & Calves Mother bison and two calves rest in a meadow, midday, Yellowstone NP Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bison-bull/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bison-Bull.jpg Bison Bull Bison, sometimes erroneously called buffalo, are large, even-toed ungulates in the genus Bison within the subfamily Bovinae. Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison (Bison bison) have lived continuously since prehistoric times. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/velvet-elk/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Velvet-Elk.jpg Velvet Elk Bull elk in velvet antlers rests in a meadow Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pronghorn-full-profile/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Pronghorn-Full-Profile.jpg Pronghorn, Full Profile Normally a skittish breed that bolt when approached, this pronghorn allowed me to approach and make this photograph. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pronghorn-portrait/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Pronghorn-Portrait.jpg Pronghorn, Portrait Normally a skittish breed that bolt when approached, this pronghorn allowed me to approach and make this photograph. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bison-calf/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bison-Calf.jpg Bison Calf Bison calf resting in a meadow in Yellowstone NP Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mt-rainier-from-the-air/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mt.-Rainier-from-the-Air.jpg Mt. Rainier from the Air Mt. Rainier, covered with glaciers, as viewed from a commercial jet Cascade Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/west-mitten-evening/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/West-Mitten-Evening.jpg West Mitten Evening West Mitten, one of Monument Valley's iconic rock formations, photographed with evening light. Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bryce-amphitheater-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bryce-Amphitheater-Pan.jpg Bryce Amphitheater Bryce Amphitheater under stormy skies with evening light as seen from Bryce Point. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ptarmigan-pair/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ptarmigan-Pair.jpg Ptarmigan Pair Willow ptarmigans (Lagopus lagopus) maintain their prudent attentiveness as they forage in a snowfield surrounded by willows, snow falling all about them and the photographer approaching ever-closer, trying to avoid flushing them. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tree-of-life/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tree-of-Life.jpg Tree of Life Mesquite, the Tree of Life in the desert, grows atop a badlands knoll near Round Rock Navajo Nation https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/workhorse/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Workhorse.jpg Hoss While driving through Potter Valley I noticed this beautiful draft horse, Hoss. He was resting in the shade of the huge heritage oak in the background. As soon as I stopped to make this photo he ventured out toward me. I simply waited until he was out of the shadows and turned his attention on me so that his blaze caught the full sun. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/willits-barn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Willits-Barn.jpg Willits Barn Derelict barn, along the Willits-to-Fort Bragg hiway, overshadowed by oak trees and overgrown with weeds, in afternoon light. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/verdant-mendocino-foothills/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Verdant-Mendocino-Foothills.jpg Verdant Mendocino Foothills Spring finds the new grasses and poppies flourishing beneath the oaks in the foothills. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/trinidad-headlands-arch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Trinidad-Headlands-Arch.jpg Trinidad Headlands Arch A small arch, only accessible at low tide, has formed on the headlands of Trinidad Beach. Humboldt https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/trinidad-beach-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Trinidad-Beach-Morning.jpg Trinidad Beach Morning Soft, warm morning light on the vacant beach with clouds reflecting the light while Grandmother Rock (right background) looks on. Humboldt https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sugarloaf-ridge/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sugarloaf-Ridge-.jpg Sugarloaf Ridge Lupines flourish along the trail leading to Bald Mountain. The park has 25 miles for hiking and horseback riding. On a clear day, visitors can see views of the Sierra Nevada and the Golden Gate Bridge from the 2729-foot summit of Bald Mountain, in the background. Sonoma https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/spring-valley-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Spring-Valley-Morning.jpg Spring Valley Morning Early morning light washes the rolling hills along Spring Valley Lake County https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sherwood-valley-seasonal-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sherwood-Valley-Seasonal-Falls.jpg Sherwood Valley Seasonal Falls A small waterfall forms in a creek, fed by runoff, as it passes by a moss-covered oak tree in a pasture, on a dreary, rainy day. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sherwood-valley-outcropping/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sherwood-Valley-Outcropping.jpg Sherwood Valley Outcropping A lone, old, moss-covered oak tree near a rocky outcropping overlooks the fog-shrouded valley below Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/salt-point-tafoni/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Salt-Point-Tafoni.jpg Salt Point Tafoni Tafoni are small cave-like features found in granular rock such as sandstone, granite, and sandy-limestone with rounded entrances and smooth concave walls, often connected, adjacent, and/or networked. They often occur in groups that can riddle a hillside, cliff, or other rock formation. Sonoma Coast https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/salt-point-surf/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Salt-Point-Surf.jpg Salt Point Surf Pounding surf at Salt Point Sonoma Coast https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/salt-point-headlands-tafoni/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Salt-Point-Headlands-Tafoni.jpg Salt Point Headlands Tafoni The Salt Point headlands have numerous tafoni boulders. Sonoma Coast https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/russian-river-valley-foothills/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Russian-River-Valley-Foothills.jpg Russian River Valley Foothills Verdant rolling hills, covered with oaks and grasses under blue skies with cumulus clouds and late morning sun providing shadows and highlights across the landscape. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/reeves-canyon-road/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Reeves-Canyon-Road.jpg Reeves Canyon Road Fences and oaks line the well-traveled Reeves Canyon Road. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pacific-coast-highway-mendocino/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Pacific-Coast-Highway-Mendocino.jpg Pacific Coast Highway, Mendocino The Pacific Coast Highway wends along the coastline of Mendocino County, high above the surf crashing against the sea stacks near Little River. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/life-on-the-edge-of-the-sea/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Life-on-the-Edge-of-the-Sea.jpg Life on the Edge of the Sea Starfish of numerous sizes and colors cling to the barnacle-encrusted foreground rock on Trinidad Beach while the face of Pewetole Island in the background begins to glow in morning light. Humboldt https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/krummholz-amp-cloudskrummholz--clouds/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Krummholz--Clouds.jpg Krummholz & Clouds Near Point Arena, cumulus clouds, driven by onshore winds, sail past Krummholz trees, trees shaped by those same, relentless winds. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/high-valley-spring/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/High-Valley-Spring.jpg High Valley Spring Spring arrives in High Valley, above Clear Lake, with a rush to leaf and bloom. Lake County https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grazers-at-point-cabrillo/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Grazers-at-Point-Cabrillo.jpg Grazers at Point Cabrillo Deer graze the tall grasses that surround the Point Cabrillo Lighthose facility. Sonoma Coast https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/founders-grove-redwoods/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Founders-Grove-Redwoods.jpg Founder's Grove Redwoods The road weaves its way through Founder's Grove allowing motorists the opportunity to experience the size of the world's tallest trees. Humboldt https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/flourishing-foothills/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Flourishing-Foothills.jpg Flourishing Foothills Spring finds the new grasses and poppies flourishing beneath the oaks in the foothills of Mendocino County. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/elk-mountain-road-oak/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Elk-Mountain-Road-Oak.jpg Elk Mountain Road Oak Oak trees dotting the rolling golden hills of California. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/california-poppies/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/California-Poppies.jpg California Poppies The California state flower (Eschscholzia californica) is nearly ubiquitous throughout the state. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bruhel-point-cleft/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bruhel-Point-Cleft.jpg Bruhel Point Cleft The sandstone cliff at Bruel Point, sitting on a bed of varigated rock, has a cleft, often used by surfers to gain access to the beach, seen here occupied by gulls. Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bear-valley-dawn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bear-Valley-Dawn.jpg Bear Valley Dawn A cloudy, misty day breaks on a lonely oak, high on a hill above Bear Creek Lake County https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/avenue-of-the-giants/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Avenue-of-the-Giants.jpg Avenue of the Giants The road weaves its way through Founder's Grove allowing motorists the opportunity to experience the size of the world's tallest trees. Humboldt https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/acorn-cache/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Acorn-Cache.jpg Acorn Cache An old scar from limb removal serves as a place for woodpeckers to horde their acorns for the coming winter Mendocino https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/encroaching-shadow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Encroaching-Shadow.jpg Encroaching Shadow Shadow from mounted elk antlers encroach on an exterior window at El Rancho de Las Golondrios, a living history museum El Rancho de Las Golondrinas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ready-to-ride/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ready-to-Ride.jpg Ready to Ride Old wooden saddle with rope and cinch hangs from a cross-pole in a passageway at Las Golondrinos El Rancho de Las Golondrinas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/workshop-wall/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Workshop-Wall.jpg Workshop Wall Tools of the trade for workers on a ranch hang on the workshop wall. El Rancho de Las Golondrinas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wooden-ladder-amp-shadow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Wooden-Ladder--Shadow.jpg Wooden Ladder & Shadow Wooden ladders were used by the Ancient Pueblo people to gain access to their multi-story structures. Bandeleir NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wall-amp-ovenwall--oven/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Wall--Oven.jpg Wall & Oven An outdoor wall and oven behind the garage on the property of Los Luceros Hacienda Los Luceros Hacienda https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/upper-story-entrance/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Upper-Story-Entrance.jpg Upper Story Entrance Wooden ladders were used by the Ancient Pueblo people to gain access to their multi-story structures. Bandeleir NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sheepherders-cabin/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sheepherders-Cabin.jpg Sheep Herder's Cabin Sheep were extremely important animals in colonial New Mexico. This cabin was built in southern Colorado and eventually moved to Las Golondrinas. El Rancho de Las Golondrinas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/shadow-play-taos-morada/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Shadow-Play-Taos-Morada.jpg Shadow Play, Taos Morada While making photographs of one of the shuttered windows in the walls of Taos Morada, the two photographer's shadows interacted with their subject. Taos Morada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/shadow-dancer/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_080321_0019.jpg Shadow Dancer As I was speaking with a native dancer who was taking a break between performances I noticed his shadow. Low-angle, afternoon sunlight cast his shadow on a nearby glowing adobe wall in Golondrinas. El Rancho de las Golondrinas (The Ranch of the Swallows), is an historic rancho and now a living history museum just south of Santa Fe, New Mexico. El Rancho de Las Golondrinas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/santuario-chimayo/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Santuario-Chimayo.jpg Santuario Chimayo El Santuario de Chimayo, a small church in Chimayo, N.M., probably best known for the supposedly curative powers of the "holy dirt" that's found in its sacristy. El Rancho de Las Golondrinas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/residence-window/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Residence-Window.jpg Residence Window A window into one of the residences facing the central plaza of El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, a living history museum. El Rancho de Las Golondrinas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ranchhands-barn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ranchhands-Barn.jpg Ranch Hand's Barn All the tools necessary for fence riding, buggy and living quarter maintenance are housed in this small barn on El Rancho de Las Golondrias, a living history museum. El Rancho de Las Golondrinas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/piedra-lumbre-abiquiu/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Piedra-Lumbre-Abiquiu.jpg Piedra Lumbre, Abiquiu Late afternoon sun causes these rocks to shine, giving them their name. Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/penitente-meeting-house/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Penitente-Meeting-House.jpg Penitente Meeting House On a hill overlooking El Rancho de Las Golondrinas is a reproduction of a morada (meeting house) of the penitentes, a brotherhood of flaggellates El Rancho de Las Golondrinas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pedernal-twilight/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Pedernal-Twilight.jpg Pedernal Twilight Skies blaze with late evening light on the clouds above Abiquiu Reservoir with Cerro Pedernal jutting above the horizon. Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/patio-archway/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Patio-Archway.jpg Patio Archway Patio archway at the back of the garage on the property of Los Luceros Hacienda, nestled along the Rio Grande. Los Luceros Hacienda https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/orphan-mesa-amp-gloomy-cloudsorphan-mesa--gloomy-clouds/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Orphan-Mesa--Gloomy-Clouds.jpg Orphan Mesa & Gloomy Clouds Dark, gloomy clouds move past Orphan Mesa while a break in the clouds at the horizon allows afternoon light to illuminate the mesa, surrounding hills and cliff face. Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/long-house-wall-with-shadow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Long-House-Wall-with-Shadow.jpg Long House Wall with Shadow A portion of the Long House Wall with afternoon shadows from the canyon wall on the opposite side creeping up from the bottom. Bandeleir NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/kitchen-mesa-ghost-ranch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Kitchen-Mesa-Ghost-Ranch.jpg Kitchen Mesa, Ghost Ranch Triassic and Jurassic sedimentary rocks form this cliff near the Box Canyon trail at Ghost Ranch. The brick-red Chinle Group at the base of the cliff is overlain by red, white, and yellow banded Jurassic Entrada Formation. The banding is caused by variable chemical reactions with iron within the sandstone. The cliff is capped by gray Todilto Formation. Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/horse-drawn-carts/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Horse-drawn-Carts.jpg Horse-drawn Carts Horse-drawn carts ouside the fortified walls of the central plaza of El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a living history museum El Rancho de Las Golondrinas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/gargoyle-wall-bandalier-nm/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Gargoyle-Wall-Bandalier-NM.jpg Gargoyle Wall, Bandalier NM A collection of holes in the wall at Bandelier NM including living and storage spaces as well as to accommodate vigas (beams) Bandeleir NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/el-rancho-amp-barnel-rancho--barn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/El-Rancho--Barn.jpg El Rancho & Barn The ranchhand's barn with an expansive view of El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, a living history museum. El Rancho de Las Golondrinas https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/derelict-door/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Derelict-Door.jpg Derelict Door A partially open door on a derelict building catches late afternoon light, highlighting the textures of the boards. Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/demon-cloud/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Demon-Cloud.jpg Demon Cloud A smaller cloud, with a semingly demonic face, gaping mouth and snaggled teeth, appears to be chasing a larger cloud past an unnamed rock formation illuminated by afternoon light over Ghost Ranch. Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cliff-dwellings/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cliff-Dwellings.jpg Cliff Dwellings Long House Wall with viga holes in cliff dwellings at Bandelier NM Bandeleir NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/chimney-rock-ghost-ranch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Chimney-Rock-Ghost-Ranch.jpg Chimney Rock, Ghost Ranch With badlands surrounding it and graced by late afternoon sun, Chimney Rock appears gloriously above Ghost Ranch, near Abiquiu. Ghost Ranch is part of Piedra Lumbre (Spanish, "Shining Rock"). Georgia O'Keeffe, intrigued by Arthur Pack's statement that the Piedra Lumbre was "the best place in the world", checked out the ranch. She fell in love with the geography, and soon split her time between living in New York and New Mexico. Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/chimney-rock-amp-snagchimney-rock--snag/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Chimney-Rock--Snag.jpg Chimney Rock & Snag Filtered afternoon light on Chimney Rock Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cerro-pedernal-framed/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cerro-Pedernal-Framed.jpg Cerro Pedernal Framed Cerro Pedernal, locally known as just "Pedernal", is a narrow mesa in northern New Mexico. The name is Spanish for "flint hill." In this photograph the mesa is framed by a doorway in ruins near Lake Abiquiu. Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/black-cross-taos-morada/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Black-Cross-Taos-Morada.jpg Black Cross, Taos Morada The black cross, title subject in a Georgia O'Keefe painting, stands in the afternoon shadow of the Taos Morada. Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bandelier-nm-long-house-wall-features/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bandelier-NM-Long-House-Wall-Features.jpg Bandelier NM Long House Wall Features A section of the Long House wall in Bandelier NM featuring petroglyphs, viga holes and storage spaces Bandeleir NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/badlands-amp-chimney-rockbadlands--chimney-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Badlands--Chimney-Rock.jpg Badlands & Chimney Rock Chimney Rock is seen to rise from behind a mound of badlands in late afternoon light, muted by dense clouds Abiquiu https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/victoria-falls-chasm/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Victoria-Falls-Chasm.jpg Victoria Falls Chasm Victoria Falls is approximately 1700m wide, and varies in height from 80-108 meters. It’s one and a half times wider than Niagara Falls and is twice the height making it the biggest curtain of water in the world.  Zimbabwe, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sunset-point-last-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sunset-Point-Last-Light.jpg Sunset Point, Last Light With the rest of the canyon cast in deepening shadows, a formation of hoodoos and fins catches the last light of the evening. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/khalari-last-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Khalari-Last-Light.jpg Kalahari, Last Light The stark nature of the Kalahari desert is exaggerated with the last light of day and everything terrestrial is reduced to silhouettes. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-orchids/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/White-Orchids.jpg White Orchids The orchid family, (Orchidaceae) is a diverse and widespread family of flowering plants with blooms that are often colourful and often fragrant. Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-evening-primrose/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/White-Evening-Primrose.jpg White Evening Primrose White Evening Primrose (Oenothera pallida). In the wild, evening primroses act as primary colonizers, quickly appearing in recently cleared areas. They germinate in disturbed soils, and can be found in habitat types such as dunes as in this photograph, made in White Sands, New Mexico. White Sands NM https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/water-lily/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Water-Lily.jpg Water Lily Members of this family (Nymphaeaceae) are commonly called water lilies and live as rhizomatous aquatic herbs in temperate and tropical climates around the world. The family contains eight large-flowered genera with about 70 species. Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/unique/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Unique.jpg Unique A lone yellow tulip in a field of red tulips. The tulip is a perennial, bulbous plant with showy flowers in the genus Tulipa, of which around 75 wild species are currently accepted and which belongs to the family Liliaceae. Skagit Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/thistle-cotton/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Thistle-Cotton.jpg Thistle Cotton The dried bloom of a thistle with the flower reduced to cotton. Onopordum acanthium (Cotton thistle, Scotch thistle), is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/standout/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Standout.jpg Standout A yellow tulip bloom among a field of red blooms. Skagit Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/special/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Special.jpg Special A lone red tulip in a field of yellow tulips. The tulip is a perennial, bulbous plant with showy flowers in the genus Tulipa, of which around 75 wild species are currently accepted and which belongs to the family Liliaceae. Skagit Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/silver-leaves/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Silver-Leaves.jpg Silver Leaves Bigleaf maple leaves Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/salmonberry/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Salmonberry.jpg Salmonberry Blooms Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) is a species of Rubus native to the west coast of North America from west central Alaska to California. Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rose-bud/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Rose-Bud.jpg Rose Bud Yellow rose bud. A rose is a woody perennial of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae. There are over 100 species and thousands of cultivars. Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rhodendron/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Rhododendron.jpg Rhododendron Rhodendron is a genus of 1,024 species of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae). Most species have showy flowers. Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/purple-orchid/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Purple-Orchid.jpg Purple Orchid The orchid family, (Orchidaceae) is a diverse and widespread family of flowering plants with blooms that are often colourful and often fragrant. Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/prickly-poppy/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Prickly-Poppy.jpg Prickly Poppy This White Prickly Poppy (Argemone) was photographed in Roxborough Park, Colorado. Argemone is a genus of flowering plants in the family Papaveraceae commonly known as prickly poppies. There are about 32 species native to the Americas and Hawaii. Roxborough Park https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pampas-grass/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Pampas-Grass.jpg Pampas Grass Pampas grass is a common name which may refer to any of several similar-looking, tall-growing species of grass. Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/paintbrush/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Paintbrush.jpg Paintbrush Indian paintbrush or prairie-fire (Castilleja) is a genus of about 200 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants native to the west of the Americas. This specimen was photographed in Canyonlands NP near the Monitor and Merrimac buttes. Canyonlands https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mountain-bluebell/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mountain-Bluebell.jpg Mountain Bluebell A pair of Mountain Bluebells (Campanula rotundifolia) growing on the forest floor in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Also known as harebell, it is a rhizomatous perennial flowering plant in the bellflower family native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/milkweed-pods/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Milkweed-pods.jpg Milkweed Pods Milkweed is named for its milky sap, which consists of latex-containing alkaloids and several other complex compounds including cardenolides. The pods (follicles) are open and the seeds have dispersed. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/magnolia-grandiflora/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Magnolia-Grandiflora.jpg Magnolia Grandiflora Magnolia grandiflora, commonly known as the southern magnolia. It is a large, striking, evergreen tree with large white, fragrant flowers up to 30 cm (12 in) in diameter. The tree is a nocturnal bloomer and the blooms only last one day. Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lotus/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/lotus.jpg Lotus Lotus is a genus of legume that contains many dozens of species distributed world-wide. This specimen was photographed on Kauai in a botanical garden. Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/larch-cone/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Larch-Cone.jpg Golden Larch Cone Golden Larch (Pseudolarix amabilis} cones are erect, small, 1-to-3 cm long, green or purple in the Spring. The Golden Larch is a deciduous tree and loses its leaves (needles) in the autumn. Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/katsura/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Katsura.jpg Katsura, Spring Cercidiphyllum japonicum, known as the Katsura, is a species of flowering tree in the family Cercidiphyllaceae native to China and Japan. The flowers are the inconspicuous pink-hued bodies seen here at the base of each leaf. Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/katsura-in-autumn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Katsura-in-Autumn.jpg Katsura, Autumn Cercidiphyllum japonicum, known as the Katsura, is a species of flowering tree in the family Cercidiphyllaceae native to China and Japan. The leaves turn a variety of pinks and yellows in autumn, and sometimes have a distinctive caramel scent when in fresh autumn colors. Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/jonquil/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Jonquil.jpg Jonquil Jonquil is a narcissus with clusters of small fragrant yellow flowers and cylindrical leaves. Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fuschia/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fuschia.jpg Fuschia Fuschia (fuschia sp) a genus of flowering plants that consists mostly of shrubs or small trees. There are currently almost 110 recognized species of Fuchsia. Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fringed-gentian/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fringed-Gentian.jpg Fringed Gentian A biennial herbaceous species, (Gentianopsis crinita) native to eastern USA and eastern Canada. Fringed gentian flowers open on sunny days, but generally remain closed on cloudy days. Individual plants live for only one or two years. North Park https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dandelion/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dandelion.jpg Dandelion A dandelion seed head ripe for dispersal Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/colorado-wildflowers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Colorado-Wildflowers.jpg Colorado Wildflowers A field of wildflowers near Rabbit Ears Pass, Colorado. Rabbit Ears Pass https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blue-flax/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Blue-Flax.jpg Blue Flax Blue flax (Linum lewisii) is a perennial plant in the family Linaceae, native to western North America from Alaska south to Baja California, and from the Pacific Coast east to the Mississippi River. North Park https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blue-fescue/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Blue-Fescue.jpg Blue Fescue Blue fescue seedpods Edmonds https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/barrel-cactus/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Barrel-Cactus.jpg Barrel Cactus Barrel cactus buds typically start to bloom in April with a bright yellow or orange flower. Pink and red varieties also exist but occur less frequently. The flowers only appear on the very top of the plant. As the flowers begin to wilt in early May, they may change color. A late summer desert rainstorm can produce a late bloomer as shown in this photo of the red-flowered variety. Saguaro NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/balsamroot/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Balsamroot..jpg Arrowleaf Balsamroot Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata), common to mountain fields, are perennials with fleshy taproots and caudices bearing erect stems and large, basal leaves. Atop the tall stems are showy yellow sunflower-like blooms. Like the rest of the sunflower family, its "flowers" are actually inflorescences composed of numerous tiny flowers (florets) that take up different jobs: each of the 'petals,' for instance, is actually a single floret bearing one enormous petal and a few minute ones; when taken together, these "ray florets" create the illusion of a ring of petals. Yellowstone NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Morning-Glow.jpg Morning Glow A tufa island is struck by the rising morning sun as waterfowl forage nearby Mono Lake https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/painted-hills-morning-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Painted-Hills-Morning-Glow.jpg Painted Hills Morning Glow Morning sun highlights the foreground brush and colorful bentonite hills while popcorn clouds move in from the west Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wildlife-tracks/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Wildlife-Tracks.jpg Wildlife Tracks Humans are not allowed on the bentonite but there are no restrictions for wildlife. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tops-of-the-hills/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tops-of-the-Hills.jpg Tops of the Hills Some of the Painted Hills support plant life on their summits, in the form of small grasses, shrubs and trees. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tenacity-in-the-hills/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tenacity-in-the-Hills.jpg Tenacity in the Hills A wildflower maintains its hold in a fissure in the bentonite of Oregon's Painted Hills Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sky-jellyfish/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sky-Jellyfish.jpg Sky Jellyfish On a brilliant May morning, scattered clouds drift from the west over the Painted Hills trailing light showers, whose form reminded me of jellyfish trailing their tendrils in their path. The combination of early sun and the wet bentonite created a scene full glowing, saturated color. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/singular-symmetry/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Singular-Symmetry.jpg Singular Symmetry One of the hills, set off nearly by itself, is blessed with symmetry. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rhythms-flow-amp-glowrhythms-flow--glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Rhythms-Flow--Glow.jpg Rhythms, Flow & Glow The repeating lines in the sides of the bentonite hills and their intense colors seem to glow in the early morning light. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/popcorn-skies/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Popcorn-Skies.jpg Popcorn Skies Popcorn clouds fill the sky over the bentonite hills Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/painted-hills-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Painted-Hills-Valley.jpg Painted Hills Valley The bentonite hills formed along a valley perimeter with a broad flat floor nearly devoid of vegetation. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/painted-hills-showers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Painted-Hills-Showers.jpg Painted Hills Showers On a brilliant May morning, scattered clouds drift from the west over the Painted Hills trailing light showers in their path. The combination of early sun and the wet bentonite created a scene full of glowing, saturated color. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/painted-hills-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Painted-Hills-Glow.jpg Painted Hills Glow The color-splashed knobs, hummocks and hills of bentonite are the eroded remnants of the John Day Formation. The weathering of volcanic ash under varying climatic phenomena resulted in vividly-hued layers of red, pink, bronze, tan and black. The colors are intensified when the landscape is wet and the light is soft. The Painted Hills literally glow. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-glory/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Morning-Glory.jpg Morning Glory A glorious sky filled with popcorn clouds over the Painted Hills bathed by morning light. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/flowing-forms/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Flowing-Forms.jpg Flowing Forms Erosion of the homogenous bentonite creates smooth flowing forms which contrast with the sharp demarcations of colors within the hills. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/delightful-forms/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Delightful-Forms.jpg Delightful Forms Smooth curving flows of multi-hued bentonite Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/confluence/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Confluence.jpg Confluence Sinuous valley formed by water erosin between two of the bentonite hills. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bentonite-on-fire/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bentonite-on-Fire.jpg Bentonite on Fire Morning sun on the bentonite hills makes them glow as if on fire. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bentonite-amp-brushbentonite--brush/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bentonite--Brush.jpg Bentonite & Brush Brush grows on the hillsides adjacent to the benonite hills creating a textural and biome contrast Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/breakfast/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Breakfast.jpg Breakfast One early morning a spotted Hyena was found carrying the carcass of an antelope through the savannah. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wheres-the-beef/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Wheres-the-Beef.jpg Where's the Beef? A young male lion intently running through the savannah to get to a wounded prey animal in distress that he heard from afar. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ribs-anyone/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ribs-Anyone.jpg Ribs Anyone? The spotted hyena is a highly successful animal, being the most common large carnivore in Africa. Its success is due in part to its adaptability and opportunism; it is primarily a hunter but may also scavenge, with the capacity to eat and digest skin, bone and other animal waste. In functional terms, the spotted hyena makes the most efficient use of animal matter of all African carnivores. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/zebra/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Zebra.jpg Zebra The harem stallion stops near a termite mound to check the possible threat posed by the photographer. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/young-princess/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Young-Princess.jpg Young Princess A young lioness makes her way across the savannah with the warm early morning backlight rendering her positively glowing. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/young-prince/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Young-Prince.jpg Young Prince A handsome young male lion poses at the edge of the savannah with warm morning light making him appear even more resplendent. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wildebeest/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Wildebeest.jpg Wildebeest After spending the night excavating the riverbed to gain access to the underground water a small herd of Wildebeeet moves up the dry bed of the Boteti River in the low light of morning. The wildebeests, also called gnus, are a genus of antelopes, Connochaetes. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-backed-vulture/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/White-backed-Vulture.jpg White-backed Vulture Perched in a dead tree, a White-backed Vulture has whitish back, wing coverts, neck underparts; black flight feathers. Like other vultures it is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of animals which it finds by soaring over savannah. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/warthogs/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Warthogs.jpg Warthogs Southern warthog (P. a. sundevallii) is a wild member of the pig family found in grassland, savanna, and woodland in sub-Saharan Africa. Warthogs live in groups called sounders. When disturbed they flee with their tails sticking up into the sky. This reminds me of the long aerials often used on dune buggies, seen in the deserts of the American West, intended to help others to be aware of them when they are out of sight. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waiting-for-lunch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Waiting-for-Lunch.jpg Waiting for lunch Lappet-faced, White-backed and Ruppell's vultures perch in a dead tree overlooking the savannah, waiting for lunch. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/treed-chetah/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Treed-Cheetah.jpg Treed Chetah The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) frequently seeks elevated positions to rest so that all threats and opportunities can be seen from afar. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/top-o-the-heap/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Top-O-the-Heap.jpg Top o' the Heap The dominant young lion separates himself from his band of brothers and takes the high ground as they move off to a lower position. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-payoff/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Payoff.jpg The Payoff The hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) is an Old World vulture in the order Accipitriformes, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks. It is the only member of the genus Necrosyrtes and is native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is a scruffy-looking, small vulture with dark brown plumage, a long thin bill, bare crown, face and fore-neck, and a downy nape and hind-neck. It typically scavenges on carcasses. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-great-escape/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Great-Escape.jpg The Great Escape A harem of zebras runs to safety in the trees to avoid the hunting lion pride. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-crossing/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Crossing.jpg The Crossing Bull elephant crossing the Okavango River to harass the photographer Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stalking/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Stalking.jpg Stalking A lioness hunches her head down and forward as she stalks prey across the savannah. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/something-in-the-air/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Something-in-the-Air.jpg Something in the Air A male lion sniffs the air at morning to determine who is in his territory. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/regal-bearing/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Regal-Bearing.jpg Regal Bearing Young male lion, resting on an old, unused termite mound on an early morning, srikes a pose consistent with his position in the heirarchy Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-billed-hornbill/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Red-billed-Hornbill.jpg Red-billed Hornbill The red-billed hornbills (T. erythrorhynchus) are a group of hornbills found in savanna and woodland of sub-Saharan Africa. This group of conspicuous birds have mainly whitish underparts and head, grey upperparts, long tails, and a long and curved red bill which lacks a casque. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/queen/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Queen.jpg Queen The Alpha female of the pride is quietly scanning for prey at morning twilight Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/on-the-hunt/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/On-the-Hunt.jpg On the Hunt The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a unique felid whose main hunting strategy is to run down swift prey such as various antelope species and hares. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/okavango-god-rays/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Okavongo-God-Rays.jpg Okavango God Rays Afternoon sun breaks through heavy cloud cover on the Okavango delta Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/okavango-moon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Okavango-Moon.jpg Okavango Moon Full moon rises over the Okavango delta Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/my-harem/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/My-Harem.jpg My Harem The plains zebra (Equus quagga) is the most common and geographically widespread species of zebra. The plains zebra is a highly social species, forming harems with a single stallion, several mares and their recent offspring. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-drink/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Morning-Drink.jpg Morning Drink Early morning finds two young male lions stopping at a watering hole for a drink Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-attitude/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Morning-Attitude.jpg Morning Attitude Young male lions awakening on the savannah with the sun rising behind them Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/menage-a-trois/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Menage-a-Trois.jpg Menage a Trois Two female and one male ostrich (Struthio camelus) Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mboma-island-sunset/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mboma-Island-Sunset.jpg Mboma Island Sunset Sunset over Mboma Island on the Okavango delta Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mboma-god-rays/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mboma-God-Rays.jpg Mboma God Rays Crepuscular rays form in the cloudy skies at sunset over Mboma island in the Okavango delta Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/little-bee-eater-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Little-Bee-Eater2.jpg Little Bee Eater The little bee-eater (Merops pusillus) is a near passerine bird. This is an abundant and tame bird, familiar throughout its range, much of sub-Saharan Africa. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/out-on-a-limb/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Little-Bee-Eater.jpg Out on a Limb The little bee-eater (Merops pusillus) is a near passerine bird. This is an abundant and tame bird, familiar throughout its range, much of sub-Saharan Africa. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/lilac-breasted-roller/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Lilac-breasted-Roller.jpg Lilac-breasted Roller The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus), usually found alone or in pairs, perches conspicuously at the tops of trees, poles or other high vantage points from where it can spot insects, lizards, scorpions, snails, small birds and rodents moving about at ground level. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/leo-the-king/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Leo-the-King.jpg Leo, the King Wild animals, even the top predator, do not like to make eye contact. It is very stressful. They make fleeting glances. A camera lens appears to them as a giant eye. One must be patient, prepared, waiting, and anticipating the moment the subject makes that glimpse, to make the shot. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/junior/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Junior.jpg Junior Young giraffe, alone, but never alone. Mothers with calves sometimes leave their calves with one female while they forage and drink elsewhere. Calves are at risk of predation, and a mother giraffe will stand over her calf and kick at an approaching predator. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/impala/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Impala.jpg Impala The impala (Aepyceros melampus) is a medium-sized African antelope. Only the males have the characteristic slender, lyre-shaped horns. It inhabits savanna grasslands and woodlands close to water sources. Impala are important prey animals for several carnivores. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/impla-eyes-amp-earsimpla-eyes--ears/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Impala-Eyes--Ears.jpg Impala, Eyes and Ears Male impala watching over his harem Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/i-do-not-share/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/I-Do-Not-Share.jpg I Do Not Share The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is a highly successful animal, being the most common large carnivore in Africa. Its success is due in part to its adaptability and opportunism; it is primarily a hunter but may also scavenge, with the capacity to eat and digest skin, bone and other animal waste. The spotted hyena displays greater plasticity in its hunting and foraging behaviour than other African carnivores; it hunts alone, in small parties of 2-to-5 individuals or in large groups. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/huntress/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Huntress.jpg Huntress Lying flat against the ground, the lioness surveys her prey, waiting until the animal is close enough to improve the odds of her success when she charges. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hippos-amp-oxpeckershippos--oxpeckers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Hippos--Oxpeckers.jpg Hippos & Oxpeckers Red-billed oxpeckers (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) atop a Hippo in the Okavango River. The oxpeckers feed almost exclusively on what they can collect from the skin of large African mammals. Their diet includes ixodid ticks, dead skin, mucus, saliva, blood, sweat, and tears. Although tick feeding has been the focus of much attention, the oxpecker's habit of feeding at open wounds has generally been ignored or regarded as having a negligible effect despite strong evidence that blood is the birds' preferred food. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ground-hornbill/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ground-Hornbill.jpg Ground Hornbill The ground hornbills (Bucorvidae) are a family of the order Bucerotiformes. Ground hornbills are large, ground-dwelling, unlike other hornbills, and feed on insects, snakes, other birds, amphibians and even tortoises. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/giraffe/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Giraffe.jpg Giraffe The Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) of Botswana are of the southern Africa race or commonly known as the southern Giraffe. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/end-of-the-road/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/End-of-the-Road.jpg End of the Road Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) skull Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/drink/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Drink.jpg Drink Early morning finds a young male lion stopping at a watering hole for a drink Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/crowned-plover/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Crowned-Plover.jpg Crowned Plover The crowned plover (vanellus coronatus) is easily recognized by its combination of brown and white colors, with most tellingly, a black crown intersected by an annular white halo. Adults are noisy and conspicuous. Crowned plovers prefer short, dry grassland which may be overgrazed or burnt, but avoid mountains. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/charging-bull/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Charging-Bull.jpg Charging Bull Flared ears on a charging bull elephant (Loxodonta africana) signifies he is angry and, in this case, headed straight for the photographer to emphasize his point. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/camo/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Camo.jpg Camo After making a kill this lioness dragged the antelope carcass into the grass, just a few feet from our vehicle, disappearing almost completely. Only by following the sound of the crunching bones and the occasional rumbling growl were we able to ultimately find her. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bed-head/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bed-Head.jpg Bed Head Young lions awakening Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/angry-hippo/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Angry-Hippo.jpg Angry Hippo An angry bull hippo (Hippopotamus amphibious), exiled by younger, stronger bulls, from the pond with the females, makes threatening gestures to signal his discontent. Botswana, Africa https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fountain-formation/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fountain-Formation.jpg Fountain Formation Roxborough State Park is known for its 300 million year old red sandstone Fountain Formation that tilt at a 60 degree angle. Roxborough Park https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/zen-garden/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Zen-Garden.jpg Zen Garden The Master's careful arrangement of the stones, as well as the pruning and shaping of the trees, create an esthetic reminiscent of a Japanese Zen garden Roxborough Park https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/trail-ridge-road/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Trail-Ridge-Road.jpg Trail Ridge Road Cutting across the mountain in the background, Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park's heavily traveled highway to the sky, inspired awe before the first motorist ever traveled it. You have the whole sweep of the Rockies before you in all directions Rocky Mountain NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-missing-piece/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Missing-Piece.jpg The Missing Piece The foreground rock, with a bit of imagination, looks like it could slide backwards and fill the void in the wall behind it. Roxborough Park https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sons-of-the-father/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sons-of-the-Father.jpg Sons of the Father Young pronghorn cautiously check their surroundings as the buck stands over them protectively. Rocky Mountain NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sievers-mountain/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sievers-Mountain.jpg Sievers Mountain Although its more famous neighbors garner most of the attention, this rugged peak, with changing aspens covering its base, presents pleasant contrasts in color, form and texture. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/roxborough-state-park/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Roxborough-State-Park.jpg Roxborough State Park Roxborough State Park is known for its 300 million year old red sandstone Fountain Formation that tilt at a 60 degree angle. Roxborough Park https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/roaring-fork-river-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Roaring-Fork-River-Valley.jpg Roaring Fork River Valley Early autumn morning light floods the Roaring Fork River Valley, east of Independence Pass. The willows and other deciduous foliage filling the valley floor glow in contrast to the coniferous forests lining the valley walls Independence Pass https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rabbit-ears-pass/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Rabbit-Ears-Pass.jpg Rabbit Ears Pass Rabbit Ears Pass straddles the Continental Divide at the southern end of the Park Range. The name is taken from nearby Rabbit Ears Peak, upper right, prominently visible from the east side of the pass in good weather. At an elevation of 9500 feet, Spring comes late, but in a profusion of wildflowers including Lupine, Paintbrush and Western wallflower. Rabbit Ears Pass https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pronghorn-country/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Pronghorn-Country.jpg Pronghorn country Ever-vigilant pronghorn retreat with the slightest provocation. Rocky Mountain NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/of-rocks-amp-huts/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Of-Rocks--Huts.jpg Of Rocks & Huts The roof of the foreground hut in the shadow is a contrast in textures and light with the rock formation on the hill in the background, highlited by a beam of sunlight. Elk River Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/odd-man-out/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Odd-Man-Out.jpg Odd Man Out One round, smooth, white, upright rock formation seems so out of place among the angular, sharp, tipped, red sandstone formations in Roxborough Park Roxborough Park https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/north-platte/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/North-Platte-.jpg North Platte A beguiling stretch of river running through North Park in late Spring when the grass is green and the bugs plentiful. Perfect for fishing and photography. Walden, North Park https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/north-park/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/North-Park.jpg North Park Encircled by mountain ranges, North Park, near Walden Colorado, is a secluded and pristine region. Walden, North Park https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/maroon-bells/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Maroon-Bells.jpg Maroon Bells Storm clouds hang ominously over the peaks of the Maroon Bells. Yet a beam of sumlight manages to penetrate through the clouds and light up the face and valley, full of changing aspens Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/maroon-bells-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Maroon-Bells-Lake.jpg Maroon Bells Lake Storm clouds hang ominously over the peaks of the Maroon Bells. Yet a beam of sumlight manages to penetrate through the clouds and light up the face and valley, full of changing aspens Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/interrupters/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Interrupters.jpg Interrupters Broad swaths of green and yellow aspens are interrupted by a few conifers. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/independence-pass/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Independence-Pass.jpg Independence Pass Autumn on this pass, above the treeline, and the grasses and barren mountains glow in the morning sun. Independence Pass https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/greeting-the-day/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Greeting-the-Day.jpg Greeting the Day Morning light floods the col at Rabbit Ears Pass backlighting the rising steam and Fireweed flowers Rabbit Ears Pass https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/god-rays-superior-colorado/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/God-Rays-Superior-Colorado.jpg God Rays, Superior Colorado Crepuscular rays penetrate the storm clouds and illuminate some areas on the valley floor near El Dorado Springs. El Dorado Springs https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/amorous-bull/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Amorous-Bull.jpg Amorous Bull A magnificent bull elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni) during the rut season approaches his harem from down wind in the early morning to check the estrus status of the females. Rocky Mountain NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-walk-in-the-park/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/A-Walk-in-the-Park.jpg A Walk in the Park Changing aspens line a pathway through the park, leading the visitor to the Maroon Bells Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/valley-sentinel/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Valley-Sentinel.jpg Valley Sentinel A juniper tree looks out over Monument Valley from its perch on a pile of boulders near Monument Pass. Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/morning-twilight/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Morning-Twilight.jpg Morning Twilight Heavy cloud coverage over Monument Valley takes on a soft pastel pink at morning twilight Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/west-mitten/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/West-Mitten.jpg West Mitten Late afternoon light graces West Mitten, as seen from the valley floor, with Sentinel Mesa and Big Indian in the background. Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/west-mitten-shadow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/West-Mitten-Shadow.jpg West Mitten Shadow Two days a year in the enchanting landscapes of Monument Valley a wondrous event occurs. In March and September, the West Mitten's shadow will land on the East Mitten in a perfect reversed image. A photographer's dream. Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/valley-view-from-artist-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Valley-View-from-Artist-Point.jpg Valley View From Artist Point Some of the more prominent and recognizable formations in Monument Valley as seen from Artist Point Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/totem-pole-amp-yei-bi-cheitotem-pole--yei-bi-chei/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Totem-Pole--Yei-Bi-Chei.jpg Totem Pole & Yei bi Chei The Totem Pole is a pillar or rock spire found in Monument Valley. It is the highly eroded remains of a butte. Yei Bi Chei are the surrounding spires which, when seen from the air, form an arc Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/totem-pole-amp-yei-bi-chei-vtotem-pole--yei-bi-chei-v/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Totem-Pole--Yei-Bi-Chei-V.jpg Totem Pole & Yei Bi Chei The Totem Pole is a pillar or rock spire found in Monument Valley. It is the highly eroded remains of a butte. Yei Bi Chei are the surrounding spires which, when seen from the air, form an arc Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/thunderbird-mesa/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Thunderbird-Mesa.jpg Thunderbird Mesa Yucca blooms near the road passing by Thunderbird Mesa in Monument Valley Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/three-sisters/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Three-Sisters.jpg Three Sisters In Monument Valley the Three Sisters is a formation purported to be like a Catholic nun facing her two pupils. Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-thumb/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Thumb.jpg The Thumb The Thumb is a free standing spire apart from Camel Butte in Monument Valley Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-locomotive/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Locomotive.jpg The Locomotive This formation of sandstone, with the blocks jutting out from below and the cloud appearing over the rear-most butte, reminded me of a steam locomotive Valley of the gods https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/streaming-clouds/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Streaming-Clouds.jpg Streaming Clouds Cloud cover over Monument Valley streams past the Mittens, its pattern and motion exaggerated by a wide angle lens. Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/stagecoach-bear-and-rabbit/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Stagecoach-Bear-and-Rabbit.jpg Stagecoach, Bear and Rabbit Soft warm morning light floods the Monument Valley floor and highlights the Stagecoach, Bear and Rabbit formations Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/signs-of-life/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Signs-of-Life.jpg Signs of Life New growth of wildflowers, seen at the base of the hills, serves as a clear indiction that, despite the barren nature of the hills, life does carry on. Painted Hills https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sentinel-mesa-amp-big-indiansentinel-mesa--big-indian/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sentinel-Mesa--Big-Indian.jpg Sentinel Mesa & Big Indian Late afternoon light on Sentinel Mesa and Big Indian as seen from the valley floor near West Mitten Butte Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/round-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Round-Rock.jpg Round Rock With clouds overhead and late afternoon sun, Round Rock and its environs glow between the dappled shadows Navajo Nation https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/round-rock-badlands/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Round-Rock-Badlands.jpg Round Rock Badlands Drainage into the Lukachukai Wash through the badlands forms small channels leading toward Round Rock Navajo Nation https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/round-rock-amp-cloudsround-rock--clouds/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Round-Rock--Clouds.jpg Round Rock & Clouds Cumulus clouds form over Round Rock Navajo Nation https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rain-god-mesa/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Rain-God-Mesa.jpg Rain God Mesa Late afternoon light graces the face of the Rain God Mesa in Monument Valley Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rain-god-mesa-amp-yuccarain-god-mesa--yucca/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Rain-God-Mesa--Yucca.jpg Rain God Mesa & Yucca Magnificent yucca blooms near the base of Rain God Mesa Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/north-window/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_090504_0405.jpg North Window North Window provides a different viewpoint of Monument Valley Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/north-monument-valley-in-the-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/North-Monument-Valley-in-the-Morning.jpg North Monument Valley in the Morning Brigham's Tomb, King-on-his-Throne & Stagecoach catch warm mornig light, as seen from the northeast Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/monument-valley-from-artist-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Monument-Valley-From-Artist-Point.jpg Monument Valley From Artist Point The view of Monument Valley from the base of Spearhead Mesa at Artist Point Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/merrick-butte/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Merrick-Butte.jpg Merrick Butte One of the iconic buttes, along with the Mitten buttes, Merrick Butte rises abruptly from the valley floor and is first seen from the visitor's center Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/juniper-amp-three-sistersjuniper--three-sisters/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Juniper--Three-Sisters.jpg Juniper & Three Sisters The Three Sisters as seen from across Monument Valley Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/horses-at-the-wall/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Horses-at-the-Wall.jpg Horses at the Wall Native horses graze in the valley below Comb Ridge Navajo Nation https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/evening-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Evening-Glow.jpg Evening Glow Evening light on the buttes and clouds creates a warm glow. Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/desert-reflection/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Desert-Reflection.jpg Desert Reflection A huge cumulus cloud passing near Agathla Peak has its undersurface colored by the reflection off the desert sands below Navajo Nation https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/comb-ridge/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Comb-Ridge.jpg Comb Ridge Cumulus clouds drift by the striated sandstone walls of Comb Ridge as a few native horses graze in the valley Navajo Nation https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/brighams-tomb-king-on-his-throne-amp-stagecoachbrighams-tomb-king-on-his-throne--stagecoach/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Brighams-Tomb-King-on-his-Throne--Stagecoach.jpg Brigham's Tomb & King-on-his-Throne Morning sun warms up the east faces of Brigham's Tomb, King-on-his-Throne and Stagecoach formations on the north side of Monument Valley. Monument Valley https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/agathla-peak/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Agathla-Peak.jpg Agathla Peak Rising 1500 feet above the surrounding terrain, this imposing volcanic plug, a diatreme of an unusual igneous rock called minette, is one the most prominent in Navajo country Navajo Nation https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/chinle-river-at-tsegi/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Chinle-River-at-Tsegi.jpg Chinle River at Tsegi The Chinle River makes an abrupt change in course, an "S" curve, after passsing in front of Blade Rock  Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-house/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/White-House.jpg White House White House ruins in the sandstone cliffs of the Canyon de Chelly Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-director/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Director.jpg The Director A large fin protrudes out from the canyon wall compelling the Chinle River to seek a new course Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/spider-rock-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Spider-Rock-Glow.jpg Spider Rock Glow Sunset lights up Spider Rock and the canyon wall to the east in Canyon de Chelly, the second largest canyon in the US. This feature, with it's legend and folklore carries, the ancient history of the native inhabitants and is a testimony to their resilience. Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pucker-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Pucker-Rock.jpg Pucker Rock Unusual formations on the face of this rock, rising from Chinle Wash at White House overlook, make it appear to be puckered, leading to questions about the forces necessary to create them Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/navajo-fortress/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Navajo-Fortress.jpg Navajo Fortress This imposing rock projection separates the main river channel from a short canyon to the left which houses the Standing Cow Ruin Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mummy-cave/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mummy-Cave.jpg Mummy Cave Mummy Cave, located deep within Canyon del Muerto at Canyon de Chelly National Park, contains a number of ancient structures that were built at various times in history. The central structure shown in this image is the newest in the complex, and is situated between two deeper alcoves that comprise Mummy Cave. It is likely the last pueblo the Anasazi occupied before abandoning the Canyon de Chelly region around 1300 A.D. The caves take their name from two mummified bodies, found still wrapped in yucca plant fiber, by an archeological expedition in 1882. Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/clouds-over-spider-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Clouds-over-Spider-Rock.jpg Clouds over Spider Rock Cumulous clouds move across the Canyon de Chelly at Spider Rock Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/chinle-wash/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Chinle-Wash.jpg Chinle Wash Late afternoon sun breaks through the clouds to light the rock face and river as it winds through a narrow slot in Canyon de Chelly. The Chinle River, the generator of this, the second largest canyon in the US, remains to sustain the life of the wild vegetation and crops of the native people dwelling within the confines of the canyon. Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/chinle-river/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Chinle-River.jpg Chinle River Over millenia the Chinle River has carved the Canyon de Chelly, the second largest canyon in the United States Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blade-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Blade-Rock.jpg Blade Rock Blade Rock, the prominent feature of Tsegi, dwarfs the man-made structures in the wash Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/below-antelope-house/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Below-Antelope-House.jpg Below Antelope House The canyon floor below Antelope House is used for agricultural purposes Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/antelope-house/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Antelope-House.jpg Antelope House Ancient ruins at the base of a cliff face in Canyon de Chelly Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/antelope-house-wall/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Antelope-House-Wall.jpg Antelope House Wall Desert varnish streaks the 800 foot wall above Antelope House Canyon de Chelly https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/young-and-curious/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Young--Curious.jpg Young and Curious Young otters (Enhydra lutris). like all younger animals, are curious. This individual was intent on the photographer, an intruder he may not have encountered before. The coloration of their pelage (fur) is usually deep brown with silver-gray speckles, but it can range from yellowish or grayish brown to almost black. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/troll-forest/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Troll-Forest.jpg Troll Forest Luxurious moses drape from the forest limbs, a perfect place to look for pale-green-skined creatures with thin straggly hair Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-raft/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Raft.jpg The Raft A raft of sea otters (Enhydra lutris) rests during the mid-day. It has a period of foraging and eating in the morning, starting about an hour before sunrise, then rests or sleeps in mid-day. Foraging resumes for a few hours in the afternoon and subsides before sunset, and a third foraging period may occur around midnight. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/that-feels-so-good/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/That-Feels-So-Good.jpg That Feels So Good Although each adult and independent juvenile forages alone, sea otters tend to rest together in single-sex groups called rafts. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/elbow-mountain/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_130504_0378.jpg Elbow Mountain With a sky filled with cluods, Elbow Mountain rises above Sharatin Bay, a finger of the larger Kizhuyak Bay. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/salt-meander/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Salt-Meander.jpg Salt Meander An unnamed mountain range towers over the Salt River, a tributary of the American River, as it meanders through low pastureland at the end of Middle Bay Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/relaxed-adult/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Relaxed-Adult.jpg Relaxed Adult An adult sea otter (Enhydra lutris) rests comfortably on the surface, just slightly separated from the raft. In adults, the head, throat, and chest are lighter in color than the rest of the body. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pyramid-mountain/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Pyramid-Mountain.jpg Pyramid Mountain The aptly-named mountain, immediately recognized by its shape, is a popular place to hike, as long as you're cognizant of the resident bears. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/observation-tower/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Observation-Tower.jpg Observation Tower A lone eagle sits atop a rocky stack surveying the sea for a potential meal Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/monashka-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Monashka-Morning.jpg Monashka Morning Towering above Narrow Strait, Monashka Mountain is bathed in the cool colors of the early morning Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/late-storm-kodiak/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Late-Storm-Kodiak.jpg Late Storm, Kodiak First light catches the mountain tops as a late-season storm blows through Kodiak one morning, blanketing the island with fresh snow Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/immature-bald-eagle/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Immature-Bald-Eagle.jpg Immature Bald Eagle Immature bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) have mostly dark heads and tails; their brown wings and bodies are mottled with white in varying amounts Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/glorious-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/RRF_130505_0510.jpg Glorious Morning The Marin Range is reflected on the Olds River, which heads in an unknamed lake below the Range, as it flows NE 13 miles, the last few as meanders on its way to empty into Kalsin Bay on Kodiak Island Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/filling-the-bowl/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Filling-the-Bowl.jpg Filling the Bowl A storm cloud reaches down into a bowl on the side of a mountain peak Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/emperor-geese/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Emperor-Geese.jpg Emperor Geese About 300 of the geese winter here, starting to show up with wintering ducks in late September. Perhaps the best place to find them on the road system is along Chiniak Road at the head of Women's Bay. They usually can be found along the shorelines through April and sometimes into early May. Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cotton-candy/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cotton-Candy.jpg Cotton Candy Afternoon light turns low, thin snow clouds, and the snow fields below, a delicious pink Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/clouds-over-kizhuyak-bay/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Clouds-over-Kizhuyak-Bay.jpg Clouds Over Kizhuyak Bay Pyramid, Sharatin and Elbow Mountains are dwarfed by cumulus clouds spreading over Kizhuyak Bay Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/breaking-through/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Breaking-Through.jpg Breaking Through The lower flanks of Barometer Mountain, as seen from Buskin Lake, are illuminated by the sun breaking below a late afternoon snow cloud Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/blue-amp-goldblue--gold/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Blue--Gold.jpg Blue & Gold A break in the ever-present cloud cover reveals cobalt blue skies with wisps of blowing snow over a high river valley whose exposed areas glisten in the golden light Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bleak-outlook/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bleak-Outlook.jpg Bleak Outlook A single conifer grows from a rocky outcropping Kodiak Island https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waipoo-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Waipoo-Falls.jpg Waipo'o Falls Looking down into Wiamea canyon from a helicopter above Waipo'o Falls. I asked the pilot to flip the bird over on its side as we approached the top of the falls to avoid having the landing gear visible in the image. He did! Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waipoo-falls-trail/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Waipoo-Falls-Trail.jpg Waipo'o Falls Trail Though you will not see the falls in all their splendor from this trail, this tranquil and beautiful hike will lead you along the canyon's rim giving you a unique vantage point of the canyon and Kokee Rain Forest. Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waimea-falls-trail-arch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Waipoo-Falls-Trail-Arch.jpg Waipo'o Falls Trail Arch The trail to the top of Waipo'o Falls passes a rock arch on the opposite side of the Kokee Creek canyon. To understand the size off this arch, note the palm trees growing out of the top of the arch. Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waipoo-falls-tiers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Waipoo-Falls-Tiers.jpg Waipo'o Falls Tiers Waipo'o Falls is a fantastic waterfall on Kokee Stream dropping 800 ft. in two tiers. It is located in the heart of the Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waipoo-falls-arch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Waipoo-Falls-Arch.jpg Waipo'o Falls Arch The trail to the top of Waipo'o Falls passes a rock arch on the opposite side of the Kokee Creek canyon. To understand the size off this arch, note the palm trees growing out of the top of the arch. My helicopter pilot told me he was going to fly through the arch on his last day! Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waimea-canyon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Waimea-Canyon.jpg Waimea Canyon Low clouds and fog hug the mountains along the Waimea River Canyon as sunlight breaks through higher cloud cover. Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waimea-beach/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Waimea-Beach.jpg Waimea Beach Sea foam highlighted by early morning sun and contrasting with the black sand of Waimea Beach Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/waimea-beach-foam/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Waimea-Beach-foam.jpg Waimea Beach Foam Incoming surf on the black sand foams with bubbles and reveals smooth pebbles in the sand Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/spouting-horn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Spouting-Horn.jpg Spouting Horn Spouting Horn is located in the Koloa district on the southern coast of Kauai. This area of Kauai is known for its crashing waves. These waves erode lava rocks on the coastline which can create narrow openings, as is the case with Spouting Horn. Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/puu-ka-pele-lookout/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Puu-Ka-Pele-Lookout.jpg Pu'u Ka Pele Lookout Pu'u Ka Pele lookout provides an interesting angle into Waimea Canyon through a narrow gorge. Under cloudy skies at late afternoon a rainbow rises from within the canyon. Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/na-pali-coast/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Na-Pali-Coast.jpg Na Pali Coast The pali, or cliffs, provide a rugged grandeur of deep, narrow valleys ending abruptly at the sea Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/kalihiwai-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Kalihiwai-Valley.jpg Kalihiwai Valley Just outside of Kilauea is the beautiful Kalihiwai valley, whose fertile lands are watered by the river of the same name. Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/kalalau-falls/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Kalalau-Valley-Falls.jpg Kalalau Falls Kalalau valley is renowned for its natural beauty; it is surrounded by lush cliffs more than 2,000 feet (610 m) high. Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/jurassic-park/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Jurassic-Park.jpg Jurassic Park Manawaiopuna Falls, used as the entryway into the mysterious Jurassic Park in the film of the same name Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hanakapiai-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Hanakapiai-Valley.jpg Hanakapi'ai Valley Hanakapi'ai Falls is nestled deep inside Hanakapi'ai Valley on the Na Pali coast. It'll take some effort to reach. Permits required. Kauai https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wheres-mom/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Wheres-Mom.jpg Where's Mom A young Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), perched in last year's dried up cattails, waits for its parent to return with food. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-replacement/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Replacement.jpg The Replacement A young, vibrant cottonwood grows near the skeleton of its dead relative in the sandy river bottom of Long Canyon Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-land-of-the-sleeping-rainbow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Land-of-the-Sleeping-Rainbow.jpg The Land of the Sleeping Rainbow A lengthy ridge of red Wingate sandstone that curves right to the east and forms the near edge of Capitol Reef. The rocks of Capitol Reef are mostly sedimentary rocks which are a drab off-white color unless the rocks contain small amounts of impurities which act as pigments. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tabular-cross-bedding/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tabular-Cross-Bedding.jpg Tabular Cross Bedding Tabular (planar) cross-beds consist of cross-bedded units that have large horizontal extent relative to set thickness and that have essentially planar bounding surfaces. The foreset laminae of tabular cross-beds have curved laminae that have a tangential relationship to the basal surface. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/swiss-cheese/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Swiss-Cheese.jpg Swiss Cheese Erosion patterns in the sandstone walls of Long Canyon are often referred to as Swiss Cheese Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/spring-canyon-east-from-panorama-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Spring-Canyon-East-from-Panorama-Point.jpg Spring Canyon East from Panorama Point The view down Spring Canyon east, into Capitol Reef, from Panorama Point on a late afternoon Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/slickrock-divide/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Slickrock-Divide.jpg Slickrock Divide Slickrock Divide offers a view of Ferns Nipple with afternoon sun breaking through low cloud coverage Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/remnants-of-the-past/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Remnants-of-the-Past.jpg Remnants of the Past Skeletal remnants of a dead tree, protected by a petrified sand dune Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/petrified-colors/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Petrified-Colors.jpg Petrified Colors Late afternoon sun perfuses the broken end of a large petrified log revealing the luminous depth of the exposed myriad colors. Ferric oxide (Hematite) imbues the quartz with red; iron hydroxide (hydrogoethite), with yellow and buff; chromium ions, green; cobalt ions, blue. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/planar-cross-bedding/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Paleocurrents.jpg Planar Cross Bedding The abrupt demarcation of the direction of motion of the cross-beds, paleocurrents, can show change in ancient flow or wind directions. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/meeks-mesa-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Meeks-Mesa-Glow.jpg Meeks Mesa Glow Late afternoon sun on the face of Meeks Mesa, as seen from Panorama Point Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/long-canyon-slot/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Long-Canyon-Slot.jpg Long Canyon Slot Long Canyon is a narrow, sheer-sided drainage filled with colorful fallen rock and punctuated with a few slot canyons in its walls. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/life-amp-deathlife--death/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Life--Death.jpg Life & Death Prickly Pear cactus thrives in the shifting sands while the grasses submit to the harsh environment. Tracks and burrows of small animals in the sand attest to their presence. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/head-of-the-rocks-overlook/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Head-of-the-Rocks-Overlook.jpg Head of the Rocks Overlook Head of the Rocks Overlook provides expansive views out across the Escalante Canyons where colorful slickrock stretches almost as far as the eye can see. Some 168 million years ago, these striated cream-and-red sandstone formations were sand dunes. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/grosvenor-arch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Grosvenor-Arch.jpg Grosvenor Arch Grosvenor Arch is a unique sandstone double arch towering 150ft/45m above the ground located in the north western corner of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/escalante-escarpment/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Escalante-Escarpment.jpg Escalante Escarpment Warm, low-angle sun strikes the escarpment at Wide Hollow near Escalante Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/desert-varnish/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Desert-Varnish.jpg Desert Varnish Desert varnish is the thin red to black coating found on exposed rock surfaces in arid regions. Varnish is composed of clay minerals, oxides and hydroxides of manganese and/or iron, as well as other particles such as sand grains and trace elements. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cross-bedded-wall/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cross-bedded-Wall.jpg Cross-bedded Wall Tabular (planar) cross-beds consist of cross-bedded units that have large horizontal extent relative to set thickness and that have essentially planar bounding surfaces. The foreset laminae of tabular cross-beds have curved laminae that have a tangential relationship to the basal surface. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cooks-mesa-amp-meek-mesacooks-mesa--meek-mesa/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cooks-Mesa--Meeks-Mesa.jpg Cooks Mesa & Meeks Mesa Cooks Mesa and Meeks Mesa rise 1000 feet from the lava-boulder strewn valley floor as one approaches the entrance to Capitol Reef NP Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/caprock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Caprock.jpg Caprock Caprock, or cap rock, is a harder or more resistant rock type overlying a weaker or less resistant rock type. Common types of caprock are sandstone and ultramafic rock types. In processes such as scarp retreat, the caprock controls the rate of erosion of the scarp. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/calf-creek-canyon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Calf-Creek-Canyon.jpg Calf Creek Canyon Calf Creek Canyon, as viewed from Boynton Overlook, with the Bowington Bench in the background Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/boulder-creek-at-dawn/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Boulder-Creek-at-Dawn.jpg Boulder Creek at Dawn Cotonwoods lining the banks of Boulder Creek near the Boynton Lookout glow with the backlight of sunrise Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/aquarius-plateau-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Aquarius-Plateau.jpg Aquarius Plateau The Aquarius Plateau, a tectonic uplift on the much larger Colorado Plateau landform, is the highest plateau in North America. It's distinctive Pink Cliffs loom over Bryce Canyon and the Kodachrome Basin. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ancient-witness/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ancient-Witness.jpg Ancient Witness Lava boulders on the slick rock of Boulder Mountain, which makes up half of the Aquarius Plateau, testify to the mountain's volcanic origins. Escalante-Grand Staircase https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-mountains-sunrise/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/White-Mountains-Sunrise.jpg White Mountains Sunrise The early morning sun backlights receding storm clouds filling the air above the White mountains, the eastern ramparts of the Owens Valley Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/white-mountain-delight/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/White-Mountain-Delight.jpg White Mountain Delight On a clear evening the warm glow of twilight filled the sky as the crescent moon traversed, appearing to be captured momentarily in the outstretched branches of a Bristlecone pine Schulman Grove, White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/turning-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Turning-Point.jpg Turning Point Intimate view of aspen trunks as their leaves begin to change from green to yellow to orange Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tranquility/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tranquility.jpg Tranquility Mono Lake on a windless day at dawn Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/skeleton-on-the-beach/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Skeleton-on-the-Beach.jpg Skeleton on the Beach Early morning light on a tufa with the skeleton of rabbitbrush at it's base Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/schulman-stalwart/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Schulman-Stalwart.jpg Schulman Stalwart A weathered Bristlecone Pine, from it's rocky outcropping foothold, reaches for the sky as the warm light of evening bathes the hillside Schulman Grove, White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/schulman-grove-sundown/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Schulman-Grove-Sundown.jpg Schulman Grove Sundown A pair of ancient Bristlecone pines, high in the White mountains, bask in the twilight of sundown as the waxing gibbous moon, perched here over an extended branch, traverses the evening sky. Schulman Grove, White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pastel-mono-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Pastel-Mono-Glow.jpg Pastel Mono Glow At sunrise a tufa tower is accenuated with direct, soft morning light while the sky and water reflect the warm light yielding a pastel glow. Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/owens-valley-layers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Owens-Valley-Layers.jpg Owens Valley Layers Grasses, rabbitbrush, willows and the foothills of the White mountains Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/mount-dana-face/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Mount-Dana-face.jpg Sierra Escarpment Mid-morning light catches the sheer face of the Sierra Escarpment as it towers over tufa in Mono Lake Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/monoclonal-color/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Monoclonal-Color.jpg Monoclonal Color A colony of young aspens, with their twisted trunks and uniformly colored leaves, grows along the rocky shore of the South Fork, Bishop Creek. Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/magenta-in-the-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Magenta-in-the-Morning.jpg Magenta in the Morning The sky, lake and tufas all reflect various amounts of the magenta light as the morning sun rises inexorably Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/liquid-gold/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Liquid-Gold.jpg Liquid Gold Bishop Creek Canyon holds vast, thick groves of aspen trees (Populus tremuloides). Since aspen groves are clones, they all change color simultaneously in the fall. The result is fantastic expanses of canyonsides covered in rich hues of yellow and orange, as if the countryside is aflame. The reflections of the trees on the water, just after sunrise yet prior to direct sunlight hitting the creek, creates an appearance much like molten gold. Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/krummholz-juniper-olmstead-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Krummholz-Juniper-Olmstead-Point.jpg Krummholz Juniper, Olmsted Point Krummholz is German for "twisted wood" and is a growth form exhibited by trees at locations of great environmental stress, such as high elevations and high wind. Despite the protection of an adjacent erratic, this aged Juniper, on the crest of a boulder at Olmsted Point in Yosemite NP, is severly bent over with its only foliage on the leeward side. This scene was captured with the camera resting on the stone, looking up toward the tree and sky to eliminate any background distractions, using the crack in the stone as a leading line. Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/jeffery-pine-olmstead-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Jeffery-Pine-Olmstead-Point.jpg Jeffrey Pine, Olmsted Point A Jeffrey Pine grows from a crack in the granite at Olmsted Point, on the east end of Yosemite Park Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/high-sierra-dreams/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/High-Sierra-Dreams.jpg High Sierra Dreams Low-angle light reflects off the bottom of the clouds hanging above the Sierra peaks surrounding Lake Sabrina Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fire-in-the-hole/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fire-in-the-Hole.jpg Fire in the Hole Fire scarred trunk Schulman Grove, White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fall-friends/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fall-Friends.jpg Fall Friends A pine grows in a grove of aspens in all their autumnal splendor Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/early-storm-on-mount-tom/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Early-Storm-on-Mount-Tom.jpg Early Storm on Mount Tom Snow from an early morning storm builds up on the higher elevations of Mt. Tom Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/desolate-beach/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Desolate-Beach.jpg Desolate Beach The desolate, tufa-lined shore of Mono Lake under dramatic morning light Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dividing-line/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Demarcation-Line.jpg Dividing Line A small drop in the creek marks the border between the flat water, with its golden reflection above the drop, and the white water below Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/creekside-gold/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Creekside-Gold.jpg Creekside Gold Fall color along the South Fork, Bishop Creek Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cleft-dwelling/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cleft-Dwelling.jpg Cleft Dwelling Lichens flourish in a cleft between two trunks of a Bristlecone Pine Schulman Grove, White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/clearing-morning-storm/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Clearing-Morning-Storm.jpg Clearing Morning Storm After a stormy morning in the Sierras the clouds begin to lift. The gap between the edge of the clouds and the shadow formed by the White mountains on the far side of the Owens Valley allows the base of Mount Tom to be bathed in warm sunlight as a rainbow forms. Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/buttermilk-morning/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/ButtermilkMorning.jpg Buttermilk Morning With the face of the Sierra Range covered with low clouds and fog the rising sun lights up the Buttermilks and creates a rainbow Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/buttermilk-rainbow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Buttermilk-Rainbow.jpg Buttermilk Rainbow Clouds cover the east face of the Sierras with the rising sun striking the tops of the Buttermilk Hills and making a rainbow in the mist Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bishop-creek-beauty/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bishop-Creek-Beauty.jpg Bishop Creek Beauty Trees and grasses lining the banks of the South Fork, Bishop Creek and lower slopes of the mountains of the river valley change to rich hues of yellow and orange in the Fall Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/basking-in-the-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Basking-in-the-Light.jpg Basking in the Light A large shoreline tufa structure is flooded with morning light Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/autumn-tricolor/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Autumn-Tricolor.jpg Autumn Tricolor River grasses mark the border of the reflection between the aspen-covered hillsides and sky in a calm stretch of the Bishop Creek Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/aspen-glow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Aspen-Glow.jpg Aspen Glow Young aspen backlit by late afternoon sun Eastern Sierra https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/aged-with-beauty/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Aged-with-Beauty.jpg Aged with Beauty Two bristlecone pines, their twisted and ravaged trunks and limbs exposed to the elements, exude and epitomize the qualities of graceful aging. Schulman Grove, White Mountains https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ptarmigan-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Ptarmigan.jpg Ptarmigan A lone Willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) a member of a small genus of birds in the grouse subfamily. Their white winter plumage (with a faint pink hue} helps them blend into the snowy background. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/predator/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Predator.jpg Predator A male polar bear (Ursus maritimus) runs toward the photographer with only one thing on his mind. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/overpowering/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Overpowering.jpg Overpowering Male polar bears (Ursus maritimus) engage in sparring activities, play fighting, to determine their relative position in the heirarchy Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/organized-chaos/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Organized-Chaos.jpg Organized Chaos The tracks in the snow show that each pair of combatants meet in a designated central spot, then separate themselves from the others, to carry out their sparring battles. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/miss-direction/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Miss-Direction.jpg Miss Direction Mom changes direction abruptly and junior wasn't quite ready. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/life-lessons/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Life-Lessons.jpg Life Lessons A polar bear sow (Ursus maritimus) teaches her cub how to forage for food in the kelp Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/indefatigable/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Indefatigable.jpg Indefatigable In the late afternoon a spirited Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) cavorts in the snow around the camp tempting the dogs, out of the field of view, to chase him. This game persisted until the dogs were exhausted. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/i-spy/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/I-Spy.jpg I Spy Two cubs and mother polar bear (Ursus maritimus) hide behind a snow berm, occasionally peeking up to keep an eye on me. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/hiding-in-plain-sight/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Hiding-in-Plain-Sight.jpg Hiding in Plain Sight An arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) stares out from his cover in the willows Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/follow-me/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Follow-Me.jpg Follow Me Young cubs follow their mother across a snowfield Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/focused/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Focused.jpg Focused A red fox (Vulpes vulpes), focused on a potential meal, waits patiently to strike. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fata-morgana/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fata-Morgana.jpg Fata Morgana The fata morgana mirage, where objects beyond the horizon appear to float, inverted, above it, is one that can occur only where there are alternating warm and cold layers of air near the ground or water surface. Instead of traveling straight through these layers, light is bent towards the colder, hence denser, air. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fast-food/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fast-Food.jpg Fast Food An arctic hare (Lepus arcticus) pauses briefly from his foraging to check the surrounds for threats, including the ominous large "eye" of the camera lens. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/emerging/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Emerging.jpg Emerging A massive male polar bear (Ursus maritimus) emerges from willow undercover Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dont-mess-with-me/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dont-Mess-With-Me.jpg Don't Mess With Me Dancer, the largest bear (Ursus maritimus) in the celebration makes threatening gestures to assert his dominance Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/do-not-disturb/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Do-Not-Disturb.jpg Do Not Disturb Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) sleep, but they do not hibernate, and can easily be aroused. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/cozy-dreamer/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Cozy-Dreamer.jpg Cozy Dreamer Because their fur is so good at insulating them, during all but the harshest weather polar bears (Ursus maritimus) need to maintain good surface contact with the snow to prevent overheating. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/catch-me-if-you-can/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Catch-Me-if-You-Can.jpg Catch Me if You Can An arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) cavorts in the snow under warm afternoon light, teasing the camp dogs to chase him Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/campsite/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Campsite.jpg Campsite This bear (Ursus maritimus) has found himself a peaceful place to camp out near some trees with a snow drift as a pillow Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/calf-amp-cowcalf--cow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Calf--Cow.jpg Calf & Cow Two moose (Alces alces), browsing in the willow stand, are disturbed by the noise of the helicopter overhead Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/brothers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Brothers.jpg Brothers Young polar bear cubs (Ursus maritimus) wait behind a low snowdrift while their mother searches for food. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-quick-glance/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/A-Quick-glance.jpg A Quick glance A red fox (Vulpes vulpes) pauses from his stalking to glance at me. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/ptarmigan/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Wary.jpg Ptarmigan A wary Willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) watches intently while I make my photo Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wanderer/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Wanderer.jpg Wanderer A massive male polar bear (Ursus maritimus) takes an interest in the photographer and wanders toward him. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-argument/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Argument.jpg The Argument Sparring polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have set themselves apart from the pack to resolve their dominance. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/take-that/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Take-That.jpg Take That Male polar bears (Ursus maritimus) engage in sparring activities, play fighting, to determine their relative position in the heirarchy Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sparring-partners/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sparring-Partners.jpg Sparring Partners Male polar bears (Ursus maritimus) engage in sparring activities, play fighting, to determine their relative position in the heirarchy Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/seriously/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Seriously.jpg Seriously? A disturbed bear (Ursus maritimus) appears puzzled Churchill, Manitoba, Canada https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/yovimpa-point-snow/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Yovimpa-Point-snow.jpg Yovimpa Point Snow Snow blankets the hills surrounding Yovimpa Point in Bryce Canyon Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wall-street/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Wall-Street.jpg Wall Street Towering hoodoos and walls along the Navajo Loop Trail give a perspective reminiscent of New York's Wall Street. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/turret-arch-2/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Turret-Arch.jpg Turret Arch Turret Arch overlooks Water Canyon, a shallow ravine built by early settlers to divert water from the Sevier River. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/tropic-ditch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tropic-Ditch-waterfall.jpg Tropic Ditch Tropic Ditch waterfall, in Water Canyon, a shallow ravine built by early settlers to divert water from the Sevier River, lies just below Turret Arch. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/thors-hammer/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Thors-Hammer.jpg Thor's Hammer The iconic hoodoo of Bryce Canyon Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-odd-couple/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/The-Odd-Couple.jpg The Odd Couple Two differently-shaped white hoodoos, surrounded by their red neighbors, share a moment in the morning sun. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/twilight-over-markagunt-plateau/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sunrise-Over-Markagunt-Plateau.jpg Twilight over Markagunt Plateau A crescent moon lingers above the lava field, with Long Valley Creek reflecting the vibrant skies above. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/rocks-and-trees/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Rocks-and-Trees.jpg Rocks and Trees Trees grow on the tops and alongside the hoodoos of Bryce, demonstrating their perseverance and lending a size perspective. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-canyon-highrise/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Red-Canyou-Highrise.jpg Red Canyon Highrise Sandstone buttes rise high above the piles of eroded sand dotted with conifers Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-canyon-rampart/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Red-Canyon-Rampart.jpg Red Canyon Rampart The sandstone walls at the entrance to Red Canyon glow with the backlight of morning sun Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/red-canyon-portal/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Red-Canyon-Portal.jpg Red Canyon Portal The entrance to Red Canyon is marked by this distinctive wall and hoodoos Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/queens-garden-dusting/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Queens-Garden-Dusting.jpg Queen's Garden Dusting A brief afternoon snowstorm drops a light dusting along the Queen's Garden Trail near Sunset Point. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/passing-storm/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Passing-Storm.jpg Passing Storm A late afternoon storm, positioned over the Aquarius Plateau in the background, forms a dramatic backdrop to the hoodoos and mesas of Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/navajo-lake/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Navajo-Lake.jpg Navajo Lake Navajo Lake, the source of the Virgin River in Zion NP, lies beneath snow-covered ice at sunrise Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/moroni-spire/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Moroni-Spire.jpg Moroni Spire This spire, atop a hoodoo adjacent to the upper Navajo Loop Trail, reminds me of the angel Moroni statue atop the Mormon Tabernacle. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/losee-canyon/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Losee-Canyon.jpg Losee Canyon The Arches Trail in Losee Canyon passes by several walls with windows Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/losee-canyon-arch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Losee-Canyon-arch.jpg Losee Canyon Arch One of many photogenic arches along the Arches Trail in Losee Canyon. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/looking-for-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Looking-for-Light.jpg Looking for Light A photographer positions himself on a ledge overlooking Bryce Canyon in the early "Blue Hour" of morning to be able to capture the first light of dawn on the hoodoos. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/just-between-friends/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Just-Between-Friends.jpg Just Between Friends Small clusters of neaby hoodoos share the warmth of early morning sun in Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/guiding-light/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Guiding-Light.jpg Guiding Light The top of a fin at Sunrise Point catches late afternoon light. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/glowing-hoodoos/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Glowing-Hoodoos.jpg Glowing Hoodoos The opening of Bryce Amphitheater faces East. The warm, low, light at sunrise enters the Amphitheater lighting the hoodos from the front while light that passes through the fissures between the hoodoos reflects off the rocks and sands behind them creating the appearance of the hoodoos glowing from within. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/gimmee-shelter/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Gimme-Shelter.jpg Gimmee Shelter A lone tree has found shelter surrounded by some not-so-rolling stones Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/photo/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fortress-Tower.jpg Fortress Tower This large hoodoo, part of the Silent City near Sunset Point in Bryce Amphitheater, reminds me of a castellated tower on a fortress. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/flames/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Flames.jpg Flames An isolated group of pointed hoodoos, strongly lit by early morning sunlight, glow like flames. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fire-and-ice/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fire-and-Ice.jpg Fire and Ice Early morning light makes the red hoodoos glow like fire while snow patches remain at their bases. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fairyland-hoodoo/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fairyland-Hoodoo.jpg Fairyland Hoodoo An isolated hoodoo, nestled below a wall along the Fairyland Trail and flanked by mesquite and a lone pine tree, begins to glow in the morning sun. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fairy-castle/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fairy-Castle.jpg Fairy Castle Sunrise lights up the hoodoos, the quintessential feature of Bryce Canyon, as viewed from across the canyon at Sunset Point. This particular formation appeared to me as a small, sleeping, medieval walled-village, just waking up in the early morning with the castle in the background, to the right. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/embers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Embers.jpg Embers A tight group of hoodoos are struck by strong morning light causing them to glow like embers in a dying fire. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/crown-jewels/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Crown-Jewels.jpg Crown Jewels Hoodoos typically form in areas where a thick layer of a relatively soft rock is covered by a thin layer of hard rock. Hoodoos form where a small cap of the resistant layer remains, and protects a cone of the underlying softer layer from erosion. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/contrasts/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Contrasts.jpg Contrasts Barren slopes of smooth rounded sand, vegetation growing on rocky patches and ravines, tall spires of hoodoos, all basking in early morning light, yet surrounded by the sheer, barren, shadowed walls of Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/comeuppance/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Comeuppance.jpg Comeuppance A cluster of hoodoos is struck by a small shaft of morniing sunlight causing them to glow, outshining their more famous neighbor, Thor's Hammer, with Boat Mesa in the background Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bryce-point-sunrise/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bryce-Point-Sunrise.jpg Bryce Point Sunrise The edge of the amphitheater, with layers of wooded hills in the background, is backlit by the rising sun producing a wonderful glow on the rocks. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bryce-amphitheater/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bryce-Amphitheater.jpg Bryce Amphitheater The hoodoos in Bryce Amphitheater, tall skinny spires of rock that protrude from the bottom of arid basins, rise hundreds of feet. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/broken/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Broken.jpg Broken A broken aspen in a lavaflow is lit by early morning's warm light Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Between-a-Rock-and-a-Hard-Place.jpg Between a Rock and a Hard Place A lone tree grows between two hoodoos among the sandy ridges forming the walls of Bryce Canyon Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/bears-at-the-bar/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Bears-at-the-Bar.jpg Bears at the Bar Having recently returned from Churchill where I was photographing polar bears, this group of white hoodoos looked to me like a group of polar bears, with their backs to me, seated on stools at a bar. Just look at their uplifted noses and cheeks hanging over the stools. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/aquarius-plateau/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Aquarius-Plateau.jpg Aquarius Plateau The Pink Cliffs of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, Bryce canyon and the Aquarius Plateau form the top step of the the Grand Staircase, the world's most complete sequence of sedimentary rocks. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/afternoon-with-the-ladies/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Afternoon-With-the-Ladies.jpg Afternoon with the ladies A male pronghorn keeps vigilant watch while his herd of females calmly graze in the soft, late afternoon sun. Always skittish, it took a long lens and a long wait to get the herd to settle down to be able to get this capture. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/afternoon-delight/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Afternoon-Delight.jpg Afternoon Delight A large hoodoo, with advancing shadows at its base, remains lit by the late afternoon sun. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/a-light-in-the-window/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/A-Light-in-the-Window.jpg A Light in the Window Morning light pours through a window in a fin along the Navajo Loop Trail near Inspiration Point. Bryce Canyon https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/wilson-arch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Wilson-Arch.jpg Wilson Arch With a span of 91 feet and height of 46 feet, this sandstone arch is readily accessible and easily explored Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/the-tower-of-babel/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Tower-of-Babel.jpg The Tower of Babel The Tower of Babel, bathed with early morning light, lies in the Lower Corthouse Wash Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-window/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/South-Window.jpg South Window The South Window with morning sun Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-window-v/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/South-Window-V.jpg South Window The South Window with morning sun Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/south-window-amp-junipersouth-window--juniper/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/South-Window--juniper.jpg South Window & Juniper Early in the morning a small juniper flourishes in the shadows on the west side of South Window Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/shafer-basin/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Shafer-Basin.jpg Shafer Basin Morning light rakes across the tops of mesas and buttes within the Shafer Basin Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/sandstone-fins/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Sandstone-Fins.jpg Sandstone Fins An entire world of monolith sandstone fins and towering narrow sandstone canyons awaits within the Fiery Furnace. Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/pyramid-butte/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Pyramid-Butte.jpg Pyramid Butte Seen at early morning, Pyramid Butte is the long red ridge in the middle distance. It runs parallel to the Colorado River and is a popular climbing area. Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/park-avenue/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Park-Avenue.jpg Park Avenue Queen Nephertiti Rock, ovelooking Park Avenue, basks in early morning sunlight Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/north-window-skeleton/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/North-Window-Skeleton.jpg North Window Skeleton The skeleton of a tree reaches towrd the sky through the North Window Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/north-window-amp-wildflowersnorth-window--wildflowers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/North-Window--wildflowers.jpg North Window & wildflowers Delicate blooms of the Velvety Nerisytrenia and Narrowleaf Stoneseed greet the morning sun while protected by the shadow of the stone forming the North Window Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/north-and-south-windows/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/North--South-Windows.jpg North and South Windows The North and South Windows, as seen from the East and lit by the morning sun Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/moonrise-fisher-towers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Moonrise-Fisher-Towers.jpg Moonrise, Fisher Towers With the moon rising high above, Fisher Towers glow their signature deep red with strong sidelight in the afternoon. Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/monitor-amp-merrimacmonitor--merrimac/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Monitor--Merrimac.jpg Monitor & Merrimac Monitor and Merrimac buttes, named for the Civil War warships, battle the elements forever in the sandstone of Canyonlands. Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fisher-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fisher-Valley.jpg Fisher Valley Sunset with the moon over the Fisher Valley Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fisher-towers/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fisher-Towers.jpg Fisher Towers Fisher Towers glow their signature deep red with strong sidelight near the end of the day. Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/fiery-fins-ii/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Fiery-Fins-II.jpg Fiery Fins An entire world of monolith sandstone fins and towering narrow sandstone canyons awaits within the Fiery Furnace. A juniper skeleton is a foreboding sign. Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/false-kiva/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/False-Kiva.jpg False Kiva Although this site, high above the Holman Spring Basin with a spectacular view of Candlestick Tower, does not have an underground component, similar sites with subterranean rooms are found among ruins in the American southwest, indicating ritual or use by the ancient peoples of the region including the Ancient Pueblo Peoples. Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/false-kiva-alcove/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/False-Kiva-Alcove.jpg False Kiva Alcove An alcove in the wall of the Millard Canyon Benches provides a home for a false Kiva and a spectacular view. Candlestick Tower rises in the middle distance in Holman Springs Basin, on a cloudy, late afternoon in Spring. Canyonlands NP https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/double-arch-formation/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Double-Arch-Formation.jpg Double Arch Formation Double Arch lies at the end of a much larger formation complete with windows and a connecting channel between them Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/double-arch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Double-Aech.jpg Double Arch The massive arches of Double Arch were formed by water erosion from above rather than more typical erosion from the side. The larger opening has a span of 148 feet (45 m) and a height of 104 feet (32 m). Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/delicate-arch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Delicate-Arch.jpg Delicate Arch Late afternoon sun graces the iconic arch with the Manti-La Sal Range in the background Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/dead-horse-point/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Dead-Horse-Point.jpg Dead Horse Point Morning sun highlights the White Rim and reflects off the gooseneck onto the Colorado River Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/castle-valley/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Castle-Valley.jpg Castle Valley Castle Valley, located between Adobe Mesa and Porcupine Rim, with the moon balanced above Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/broken-arch/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Broken-Arch..jpg Broken Arch The approach to Broken Arch from the Sandstone fins to the SW is accross a broad flat plain leading to this impressive opening. Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/broken-arch-view/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Broken-Arch-view.jpg Broken Arch View The sandstone fins of the Fiery Furnace are seen in the distance, approximately 1.2 miles away as viewed through Broken Arch. The approach to Broken Arch from the Sandstone fins to the SW is accross a broad flat plain. Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/big-flat/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Big-Flat-Mesa.jpg Big Flat Big Flat Mesa terminates in an unnamed spire above the Shafer Basin. Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/balanced-rock/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/Balanced-Rock.jpg Balanced Rock The total height of Balanced Rock, one of the most popular features of Arches National Park, is about 128 feet (39 m), with the balancing rock rising 55 feet (16.75 m) above the base. The big rock on top is the size of three school buses. Moab https://www.faucherphotography.com/photo/test/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/images/xl/test.jpg Test Photo Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Testville, Testikistan https://www.faucherphotography.com/news/ https://www.faucherphotography.com/contact/