An Expressive Tree

I have always been attracted to gnarled, deformed trees.  I like a tree that is scary, mysterious, and alive.  This oak was found near Lynx Creek while hiking, just north of Lynx Lake.  The arms of the tree are twisted and look like tentacles searching for a victim.  Maybe I should write fiction, it would certainly be a nice break from scholarly writing.  Perhaps the strong Spring-time winds shaped this tree? 

Aspen Creek Trail (Winter's last revenge)

This latest storm brought snow to the Prescott area, but we couldn't just sit on our duffs this weekend. I have free time on my hands! I have about another week of waiting for feedback on my thesis draft. Instead of stressing about how my reviewer may not like my writing, we just had to get outside (even if our warm spring weather was put on hold for a few days). We drove west on Copper Basin Road to the Aspen Creek Trail #48. The weather was warm enough, but the trail was squishy and slushy with snow. The trees pelted us with snowballs as we passed underneath.   After about a mile a panoramic view of the Bradshaw Mountains opens up.   A nice day to be out even if it meant getting a little wet.  Here in Arizona, I am happy to get any kind of moisture, especially if we have dry weather from now until Monsoon season.

Spring and winter blending

Moss on the North facing branches of this Alligator Juniper

Baby Ferns

Manzanita

The Bradshaw Mountains

Spring has Sprung!

Spring is in full swing in Prescott!  Despite the windy weather, the warm air and blossoming trees are sweet smells easily uplifting me out of the brown/cold winter.  Our tulips and daffodils have opened, attracting my camera and lovely butteflies.  Our pear trees in our backyard are shimmering in a white veil of blossoms, swarming with bees and attracting butterflies as well.  All this pollen and wind does wonders to my sinuses and eyes, meaning giving me a fuzzy head.  Oh well, this changing season brings with it optimism as I finalize my thesis for the goal of graduating mid-may.

Courthouse, Downtown Prescott

Pear Tree Blossoms

Daffodil, soft focus

A Tulip Chair

Tulips, photographed through a drinking glass

Tulips and water

Tulips photographed through a drinking glass

Iris and water

ready to bloom

Daffodil