THE STORY BEHIND THE IMAGE

Scenic Crossing: Stillwater Historic Lift Bridge Across St. Croix Bridge
Have you ever stood at the foot of a towering structure and wondered about the stories it could tell? The Stillwater Historic Lift Bridge spans the St. Croix River. It offers just such a scenic crossing and captivates anyone who pauses to admire its unique charm. As I...

The Dandy Gobbler: Capturing the Splendor of Turkey Plumage
What secrets of nature does the bronze beauty of the wild turkey feathers reveal as it confidently walks through the picturesque scene? I still remember the excitement when I saw this magnificent turkey for the first time. The way its feathers shone in the sunlight...

Summit Achievement: Reaching the Pikes Peak Summit Sign
What drives us to the highest peaks? Is it the excitement of climbing, the difficulty of reaching high places, or the amazing view you get from the summit? For me, it's the sense of summit achievement, the profound satisfaction of reaching the Pikes Peak Summit sign. ...

Whale’s Leap: The Breaching Whale Statue at Heisler Park, Laguna Beach
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to stand at the edge of the world and see a whales leap into the bright blue sky? That's exactly how I felt when I saw the whale statue at Heisler Park in Laguna Beach. It felt like I was watching a real whale jump out...

Seascape Succulents: Barbary Fig Cactus Enhancing the Laguna Beach
Have you ever thought about how one plant can completely change how a place looks? The Barbary fig cactus does exactly that in Laguna Beach. It adds life and color to the already beautiful scenery there. This special cactus is famous for being strong and colorful, and...

Picacho Peak Cactus Party: Saguaro Cactus Surrounded by Wildflower
Amidst Southern Arizona's landscape is Picacho Peak State Park, one of the jewels of the Arizona Park system, a spectacle of blossoming majesty unfolds as the Saguaro cactus, surrounded by a vibrant carpet of wildflowers, stands tall. This scene isn't just a random...

Pretty Picacho Peak: Saguaro Cacti and Wildflowers Amidst Picacho Peak
As the desert welcomes new life, the area around Arizona’s Picacho Peak State Park, just west of Tucson, Arizona, bursts into a vibrant display of peak blossoms. The Saguaro cacti and wildflowers amidst Picacho Peak are not just background characters in the desert’s...

Spring has Sprung in Organ Pipe: High Big Rocks and Wildflowers Organ Pipe Cactus
Arizona’s Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument displays a remarkable mix of life that survives even when things are tough. It’s not just a place; it’s a living canvas painted with the vibrant colors of countless desert blooms. This unique national monument, located in...

Cactus Cousins: Ocotillo and Jumping Cholla in Organ Pipe Cactus
In the midst of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, 31 different species of cacti breathe life into the desert landscape, their muted hues adding a gentle vibrancy. These cactus varieties, spread out like stars against the backdrop of rough mountains and thick cacti,...

Skyward Splendor: Picacho Peak State Park
Picacho Peak State Park in central Arizona is a symbol of both natural wonder and history. Its famous peak, shaped like a ship's sail, attracts visitors from all over who want to hike its trails and see its beauty throughout the year. The real hero of our tale today...