Field of Yellow
"The Earth Laughs in Flowers" ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
I have always thought that Ralph put to words what I feel whenever I gaze upon a field of flowers, radiating, sometimes brilliant and sometimes subtle colors, making me want to drink deeply.
Coville Columbine
Scarlet Paintbrush
Sticky Geranium
Big Sage Country
Our hike up to Cliff Creek Falls put another 12 miles onto my feet. Easy hiking and spectacular views. In big sage country, a sparkling stream bissected the fields of large yellow bursts of arrowleaf balsom root. I later learned that the root of this plant was harvested for its medicinal properties by the Native Americans.
arrowleaf balsom root
Hiker's Tip
My chubby toes did not recognize the relative ease of the walking, and proceeded to protest the expedition by developing large blisters on the inside flesh, where my toes rubbed against each other. I wrapped the reluctant toes in moleskin, hoping that they will heal fast enough to hike the Canadian Rockies when I arrive in Banff in a few days. Please send healing prayers to my toes!
Bruised and Blistered Toes, but Tough
Sparking Water
After arriving at the falls, we stopped for a rest and snack. Forest maintenance employees had left a collapsable chair. I thanked them for their thoughtfulness, reclined and enjoyed the splash of the falling water.
Enjoying Cliff Creek Water Fall
Fauna of the Day; Robin's Egg?
Robins Egg
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