Rebecca M. Douglass, Author

A couple of weeks ago I spent a few days visiting friends in the Methow Valley on the east side of the Cascades. We were in the grip of some serious winter, but the snow wasn't deep so we went out for some little "hikes" in the beautiful powder (made me wish I were a skier!). Photography was a little challenging but I got a few cool shots, no narrative needed. Driving out over Blewett Pass Winter trails Critters in the snow Another critter in the snow Pearrygin Lake Winter sundown Hope you enjoyed this little tramp in the snow! ©Rebecca M. Douglass, 2024  As always, please ask permission to use any photos or text. Link-backs appreciated. Don't miss a post-- Follow us !    

Notice the name change? I think the "Photo Friday" feature is more realistically my weekend photo feature, and I shall call it that whichever day or hour it comes out. This weekend's feature is a stunning day hike I did last fall up Granite Mountain in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The hike is just under 8 miles RT, with nearly 3700' of gain and--more to the point as far as my knees are concerned--loss. It's a popular hike, but not really for the faint of heart. In early October, it also offered some of the best fall color I saw this year.    We started from the trailhead at 8:15 in the morning, beating the crowds and warm temperatures. The climb begins almost at once, through thick conifer forests. Fog at the trailhead gave way gradually to sunshine above. Avalanche chutes are filled with vine maple and other plants turning color. Once we left the big trees, we climbed for a long way mostly among the vine maples. Halfmoon framed by vine maple leaves Eventually we

In keeping with the lag between when I do a trip and when I have the photos ready to share, this Friday post is late. If we're lucky, it's still Friday. Back in October, I flew back to Maine for my more or less annual visit to a good friend and the autumn color. I nailed it for fun times with friends; the color was less inspiring. We may have missed the peak by a week, but it also just wasn't a very good year for it.  The bulk of my visit was spent in a wonderful cabin on Webb Lake, near Mt. Blue State Park (we stayed there last year, too). The weather was a bit unsettled, but there was still opportunities for nice hikes, and dawn and dusk on the lake were worth it all by themselves. One of dozens of sunrise shots from the dock. One thing I like about spring and fall trips: I don't actually have to get up early to see the sunrise. Over in the State Park we found a tranquil forest and modest color.     We also found running and falling water. And we were practically dive

While I realize I owe you all several more trip reports from fall activities, and a whole bunch of lovely fall color, I'm just not organized enough to do that this week. So what you get today... is a bunch of random photos I just kind of like. Don't look for any sense or any theme here!   Last light of the old year. Giving "neighborhood watch" a new meaning. In Chico, CA's Bidwell Park, reminders that the Upper Park is wildlands. I love pikas, and am sad to think how much climate change is shrinking their habitat. My happy place--halfway down the Grand Canyon Indian Paintbrush   Thanks for stopping by!   ©Rebecca M. Douglass, 2024  As always, please ask permission to use any photos or text. Link-backs appreciated. Don't miss a post-- Follow us !