September 30, 2011

Deer Valley

Brilliant Quakies

Come winter, these hills will be covered with "the greatest snow on earth," a trademark for Utah and there will be skiers everywhere. For now, nights are cold, mornings are crisp and invigorating, and days are warm and heavenly beneath that deep blue sky. Deer Valley, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Park City, Utah, USA, September 30, 2011. f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 200.

Provo Canyon

Everything But Oaks

Fall is my favorite time of year! Too bad this only lasts for a brief two to three weeks here. The air is crisp and clean, nights are cool or cold, and days are warm and inviting in the sunshine and brisk in the shade. It always takes me back to my youth, fishing and hunting and camping with my father and brothers. I miss those times, but cherish those memories! Provo Canyon, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah, USA, September 30, 2011. f/6.3, 1/640 second, ISO 200.

Maples and Cottonwoods

Provo Canyon, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah, USA, September 30, 2011. f/9, 1/320 second, ISO 200.

September 5, 2011

Mahi Shipwreck

Blue-Spotted Sea Urchin

Family Diadematidae, Astropyga radiata, 95 feet deep. First and only one I have ever seen! Unlike any other urchin. Very pretty. Mahi Shipwreck, Wainae, O'ahu, Hawai'i, USA, September 5, 2011. f/5.5, 1/50 second, ISO 200.

Blue-Spotted Sea Urchin

Family Diadematidae, Astropyga radiata, 95 feet deep. This pretty reddish brown and white striped urchin is found through the Indo-Pacific and inhabits sand or rubble bottoms of at least 50 ft. or more. In other areas of the Indo-Pacific it can be found in shallow sea-grass beds. Uncommon in Hawai'i, it is rarely seen. The spineless areas of the test contain rows of iridescent blue dots that can expand and contract, sometimes disappearing altogether. Mahi Shipwreck, Wainae, O'ahu, Hawai'i, USA, September 5, 2011. f/5.5, 1/60 second, ISO 80.