As I have traveled the country and even remained at home, I have fallen in love with nature and the glorious creations of God. Despite my penchant for visiting quirky and offbeat roadside attractions, it is the wonders of nature that enthrall me on the road and even in my own home town.
Back in February I wrote a post about my favorite Animal Photos, but nature is not just about animals and birds and insects. It is also about sunrises, sunsets, trees, clouds, flowers and more. Nature gives me a better challenge to learn photography and manage my skills.
Living in Lexington, Kentucky offers me the opportunity to enjoy four real seasons…flowers in the spring, fall colors, nice summers and the occasional snows and ice of the winter. Everyday can provide a wondrous surprise.
Following are a few photos that provide a taste of nature’s glory as I have seen it through the lens of my camera.
MOUNTAINS
I love the mountains and perhaps one of the most breathtaking views I have ever had was taken in Stanley, Idaho on a beautiful spring afternoon. The Sawtooth Range and its jagged peaks epitomize the beauty of the Rocky Mountains to me.
SWAMPS
Caddo Lake is the only remaining all natural lake in the state of Texas and it is also a swamp. I had an early morning visit there one February and really enjoyed the almost spooky serenity of the swamp and the moss hanging from the trees.
I learned to play with the camera a bit and with some color adjusting, I was able to make the above view of cyprus in Caddo Lake a bit more colorful.
FLOWERS AND TREES
I love the amazing variety of colorful flowers that can be seen on the road. Driving from Weatherford, Texas to Mineral Wells, Texas in the spring, one can experience miles of flowers as seen above. A lovely experience!
I love old trees. They provide protection, shade and beauty…even when leafless. One of my favorite tree photos comes from Missouri on a lonely back road.
Trees are not the only plants out there though. I have discovered some awesome flower fields that are practically breathtaking, such as the tulip field and sunflower fields shown below.
And single flowers look nice as well, especially with bees on them!
I am also amazed at the delicate beauty of small flowers such as these below
The desert offers an amazing variety of plant life as well. I grew up around the desert never really appreciating the beauty that I now enjoy in later life. Here are a few desert photos.
THE SKIES
Way above the plant life and animal life are the skies…the moon, the sun, the clouds. These too offer some life enhancing views.

I got this moon shot on March 19 late in the evening. This was its color. It was awe inspiring. Taken in Lexington, KY

I also took this on March 19 in the morning. It is the sun behind the clouds using the blue tinted glass from inside my car. Taken in Lexington, KY
And the clouds provide more fun viewing on their own. Here are a few shots taken while I drove around town in Lexington…
I am still amazed at the formation. I wonder how these clouds could have formed these furrows so evenly.
This was one of many X photos in the sky that I have taken, but certainly one of the most defined.
I love the “Watercolor Skies” that sunrises and sunsets bring
THE FOUR SEASONS
The seasons offer a plethora of natural scenes, each with its own kind of beauty….
Winter
Spring
As winter leaves, the flowers of spring cover the ground and the trees
Summer
Summer brings the heat and humidity in Kentucky, but also the amazing shades of green and evening shadows
I love Blue Herons! They are probably my favorite bird…so graceful and majestic
Fall
When fall comes along the beautiful darker oranges, browns and yellows emerge. Like springtime, Kentucky has beautiful fall colors
A Few More Favorites
Nature is awe inspiring. I feel so blessed to experience it all!!