Fog on Shasta Bally
by sunflower

Comment:
Our family has done most of our hiking at Whiskeytown National Recreational Area. Any time of year, this seems to be the most peaceful of the lakes near our home, with Shasta Bally towering overhead in her glorious mist. It is here that our children have followed in the footsteps of my husband and I, bringing their cameras and appreciating the natural beauty we have been so fortunate to share.

The Valley from Mt. Shasta
by sunflower

Comment:
Seeing Mount Shasta from the valley floor is exciting enough, but seeing the valley from about 6,000 feet up the mountain literally takes your breath away. The air was crisp and extremely cold, even in direct sunlight this April. I felt as if every cell in my body was vibrating.

Mt. Shasta from Bunny Flat
by sunflower

Comment:
Since I was very young I had dreamed of seeing Mount Shasta up close, though I never knew why. It was destiny that my own family one day would be living in a nearby area. Holy mountain of the Wintu Indians, the mountain draws you to it much as it draws the weather to it. We too were drawn and made it to Bunny Flat (about 6,000 feet up.)

Western Redbud
by sunflower

Comment:
I met Western Redbud when my family moved to the eastern foothills of Shasta County. It lined our half-mile dirt road. I was always amazed at the appearance of the blooms before the leaves. Redbud will always bring memories of a very joyful time in our lives when we lived in a forest and were one with nature.

Urban Poppy
by sunflower

Comment:
Being Californian all my life except for 2 short years, I've watched for these harbingers of spring with excitement. They seen to pop up everywhere, even in deserted city lots. Here's to the California Poppy, with its tenacity and beauty.

Ruins of Old Shasta Town
by sunflower

Comment:
Love the ruins of the old buildings in the town of Shasta, to not confuse it with Shasta Lake City or Mount Shasta City...The people in this little town are very proud of their past and make great efforts to teach visitors about about the history.

Whiskeytown Forest Floor
by sunflower

Comment:
Sometimes we are so busy looking up and around that we are missing the Earth beneath out feet...

Marketplace Roses
by sunflower

Comment:
I couldn't resist the blush on the roses in the market. There were many colors and varieties but the ones I love most are pale with pink edges. The aroma was quite exquisite.

Sassy and the Dog Star
by sunflower

Comment:
The thing I love about Sassy besides how well she photographs is that she has been my loyal good bud for 8 years.

After the Game
by sunflower

Comment:
I wish I could get my son to pose for me more, but it's hard to get him away from his many activities. I guess I was lucky to click off this one...