After careful consideration, I decided to not take my paints with me to the land of no electricity. Instead, I gathered new experiences and information (and photos, of course) so that the time would truly feel like a vacation. (Why does one need a vacation from a wonderful life? I dunno. . . because that’s the way it’s done??)   So here are some images from that time for you to enjoy:

 

This is a flower I have never seen before – it is called Western Monkshood

 

This might be my favorite wildflower – the color isn’t right here, but it is still fabulous! It is some sort of Gentian – Explorer’s? Hiker’s?

 

 

Here is the yellow flower that seems to stand out more than any other – it has the unfortunate name of Bigelow Sneezeweed!

Here it is in its setting – doesn’t it pop??

I was graciously shown a wonderful new place – this is a view looking OUT of a cave! (No I can’t tell you where – very very top secret!)

This is a view as we were leaving the spot – despite the rain, it was a fantastic hike, an invigorating 12 miles of new visuals!

One morning I actually got up early and went in search of sunshine.