THE BIG PICTURE...

...and these were taken three weeks BEFORE the projected "peak"!

Figueroa Mountain (Los Padres National Forest), Sierra Foothills, and Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve -- nothing short of spectacular this year.

LILLY...

...of the Canadian roadside.

GNARLY!

The ancient Bristlecone Pines, found in the White Mountains of California, are considered by some to be the oldest living organisms known to man. In an undisclosed location in these mountains is a Bristlecone Pine, nicknamed "Methuselah" by the Forest Service, thought to be almost 5,000 years old. To protect it from vandals, its location is hidden.

Standing next to these ageless treasures gives me goosebumps and shivers!

And in the far far background, the Eastern Sierra can just barely be seen across the Owens Valley.

GOSSAMER...

...the humble dandelion exists in the wild so faeries can make wishes. And if you're human, and if you believe in faeries, you can wish upon a dandelion too.

SPRING SOUTH OF THE BORDER

DID SOMEONE SAY "SPRING"?

YEAH, WELL I'M NOT TOO BIG ON MONDAYS EITHER, BUDDY!

WELCOME, SPRING!

SUNSETS IN BAJA

Never saw a sunset I didn't like, and they are especially vivid and "passionate" in Baja. These photos have not been modified; they appear exactly as they emerged from my camera.

AND A HAPPY ST. PADDY'S DAY TO YE!

Nope, these boats have nothing to do with snake hunting on the Emerald Isle! They just make me wish I was back in Baja.

HAPPY DAY BEFORE HUMP DAY!

Playa Tecolote, BCS, where Mexican children are dressed to the nines. And immaculate in their Sunday best. Watching this frolicking little boy was joyous!

BALLENAS GRISES, BAJA CALIFORNIA NORTE

These are the gentle giants of the sea -- curious, graceful and thrilling.

This newborn has no scratches, scars or barnacles -- yet

Like its mom!