Frying Pan Lakes, Hunter-Frying Pan Wilderness

I think this is one of my best photographs of the year.  We were having lunch a few feet from the upper Frying Pan Lake when I thought these rocks would make great foreground elements for a landscape photo.

The first time I did this hike was only four weeks ago. It's unusual for me to return to the same trail twice in a season, let alone so quickly. Despite the snow (on the trail and in the air), we got some good photos that first time up here. Still, we were determined to return soon and see what it was like with more green. We were not disappointed. The skies weren't too cooperative this time, but the wildflowers were in abundance, including more columbines than I had ever seen before.

I took many photos of the water (including several of fish and some partially submerged rocks), because the polarizing filter was doing such a good job of cutting through the surface glare. This landscape looked great on my pc, and I'm posting it here to see it with a black background.

petulant

Okay, this is neither a wildflower nor a shot from the backcountry.  This petunia was one of many on my deck that got drenched by the overnight rains.  I had to take my camera and tripod outside to photograph the flowers and grasses with all the fabulous water beads and droplets.

panoramic view

This panorama was stitched together in the newest version of photoshop.  I used three photos to get this view of approximately 150 degrees.

On the left side of the frame you can see the back of the Maroon Bells.  One of the most photographed icons in Colorado, most people aren't familiar with this view.

Click on the photo to see it larger.