Looking down through a lot of colorful leaves!

 

Just before sunset, after a day of showers and sunbreaks, our favorite tree stands proud in the wetlands.

 

Color in the meadow!

 

In a marvelous area of "old growth" trees at the edge of Lewis and Clark State Park, stands this huge tree. He's been there a very long time.

 

Just having some fun--- I apologize, and promise never to do it again!

 

I think the forest is telling us something. Let's listen...

 

Glowing leaves in the forest...

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Silent giants...

 

It just feels like Fall!

 

Look what I found hiding under the leaves!

 

The old waterfront area of Cathlamet-- Always the same, always different.

 

The old jailhouse was built in 1907. 116 years later the doors are locked, but the old building makes a nice backdrop for a rose garden.

 

Early in the morning, the mist floats on Coldwater Lake...

 

Nothing is ending. The leaves and the mushroom will return to the soil. They are simply changing.

 

Colorful! Very Colorful!

 

Something to crow about...

 

Mysterious today...

 

Very quiet...

 

It was a lovely day for a picnic!

A tiny little flower with a tiny little bee grabbing what it can as the season changes...

 

Suddenly the days are shorter. The Toutle Valley glows in the evening light.

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It's like a dream...

 

Among us! That Top one is at least a foot wide! (30.48CM) Remarkable Fungus!

 

Secret weapons? Nope, just a couple of sturdy-looking silos on a farm about 15 miles north of us.

 

Looking down into a small canyon and a colorful part of Coal Creek...

 

It was cooler today with the dappled afternoon sun highlighting the slight changes in colors in the forest next to the wetlands.

 

Coal Creek...

 

And in the forest, the leaves are beginning to show some color, but these little flowers are still smiling in the sunlight!

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The lily pads are withering and getting ready to fall back into the water, but the one little flower is still holding on, and lighting up a small corner of the wetlands.

Softly...

 

Suddenly September...

A large shower cloud passes over Castle Lake, near Mt. St. Helens...

 

I don't know anyone who likes wasps-- I certainly don't. But they sure do know how to decorate a birdhouse!

 

There's a hint of September...

 

And then when the fuchsias open...!

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The hummingbirds are circling-- waiting for these beautiful fuchsias to open up!

 

The forest is amazing sometimes...

 

In the glow of sunset, the little female Wood Duck stops to wonder where her mate is. The markings around her red eyes look a bit like she's wearing glasses.

 

Always the same...

Me, me, me!               NO! Me, me, me!

 

This is the spot. I'm sure of it! This is where they had their picnic that day when I went into the woods and had a big surprise...

 

The sun is spotlighting the path...

 

August will turn to September soon-- The leaves haven't started turning yet, but they're thinking about it.

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Peaceful...

 

And finally, revisiting some favorite places #50: Aside from the incredible views of Mt. St. Helens, what I've missed most about not being able to go to Johnston Ridge this year-- the wildflowers! They are nature's artwork at its finest.

 

Revisiting some favorite places #49: Wildflowers, and a wonderful view of the massive crater on Mt. St. Helens. There's a lot to see on Johnston Ridge!

 

Revisiting some favorite places #48: From Johnston Ridge, looking north across Coldwater Ridge--Minnie Peak looms under a magnificent sky.

 

Revisiting some favorite places #47: Chipper's wondering why there are no tourists giving him handouts this summer--- I really miss being able to go to Johnston Ridge. Those blown-downed trees from the blast 43 years ago make great perches for the natives.

 

Revisiting favorite places #46: I think this old blown-over tree on Johnston Ridge really loves his wildflowers!

 

Revisiting favorite places #45: Johnston Ridge is unreachable until next year due to the washed-out highway, but at least we have pictures-- lots of them! Looking northwest at the beautiful sky, the beautiful Indian Paintbrush wildflowers, and the remains of one of the thousands of trees blown down in the eruption of Mt. St. Helens over 40 years ago.

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Revisiting favorite places #44: The wildflowers on Johnston Ridge magically aglow in the golden hour light.