A Hike NE Of Elk Lake

The summer of 2010 will definitely go down as the 'Summer Of The Hike'! I have enjoyed some fabulous hikes both around the lodge, in the Centennial Mountains, and even into the Madison Range and the Lion's Head Mountains. All of these hikes were easy to do from my home base at the lodge. Furthermore, each one (as is normal with a good hike) offered its own unique aspects to treasure and return to as the snowy weather begins to shut down my hiking for the year.

Over the course of the next few months without doubt I will be sharing my experiences in photo and word. Thus, as I enjoy a different kind of outdoor recreation - one which requires different modes of recreation (snowshoes, skies, or a snowmobile) - I will also share the summer treasures I enjoyed using a simpler form of transportation - my feet!

Some of the nicest hikes I enjoyed this year were around Elk Lake. However, because I have hiked so much of this country (and because I am easily bored :-), I enjoy exploring new areas or at least semi-new areas. The hike I chose for this mid-September afternoon was into country I had traversed on a snowmobile - and minimally coverd on foot a few years back. In spite of those prior excursions, I had never really explored the area.

Typically I hike in the mornings (as either morning or evening are the best times to see wildlife - at least on a normal day - and the best lighting for photos). However, on this particular sunny fall day, the morning had passed without a hike so I jumped at the opportunity to venture out during the afternoon.

Parking my car at the north end of Elk Lake, I headed across the meadow / marshy area at the lake's mouth. This time of year the ground is dry and thus the walk was easy - as well as beautiful.

From here I headed up the old jeep trail. For those of you who are not aware, there is an old jeep trail at the north east end of Elk Lake. It heads up the mountain and into Antelope Basin and dates back to the resort's early years. When Faye and Edna Selby started the resort back in 1933, there was no road into our valley. The Selbys built the road to the resort using a team of horses. Rumor has it they lost one team into the lake's cold waters as they worked to scrape a way around the lake's south-west shore.

Once completed, the road allowed the Selbys and their guests to access the resort grounds via vehicle, but the land beyond that point was accessible only by foot, horseback or boat. To overcome this obstacle and provide access to the already famous waters of Hidden Lake, the Selby's drove an old car across Elk Lake's frozen surface to the north end. They installed a wooden dock on the lake's north-west shore, and come summer, they began offering what became a large part of their income - a motorized trip to Hidden Lake via boat and car! For the privilege of accessing and fishing Hidden Lake, I have heard guests paid up to $20 per person! Considering we are talking about the 1940's and 1950's, that is a major testimony to the quality of Hidden Lake's fishing (then and now).

Some folks, however, were not willing to pad the Selby's pockets quite so heavily. On the other hand, they weren't interested in walking in (an option from either Elk Lake or Cliff Lake). Thus the old jeep road came into existence.

I have no idea who discovered and developed the route, but from the depth of the ruts which remain today, it obviously received plenty of use. Granted, it was not for the faint of heart, but it was definitely a thorn in the Selby's side!

The old jeep road meanders mostly east and a little south into Antelope Basin. However, my goal was the ridge to the north (and a little east) of Elk Lake so partway up the hill I turned in a more northerly direction. I soon reached the open meadows above the trees and began enjoying some spectacular views of Elk Lake and the Centennial Mountains. This ridge certainly offered a nice look at the lake's north end.

Climbing the hill, I was amazed to hear wolves howling in the distance. They appeared to be somewhere to the west of Hidden Lake. I have heard them howl in the past, but I had never heard them in the middle of the day before.

As I topped the ridge, a several birds riding the updrafts soared above. While they surely were well above me, they seemed mere feet overhead. At first I thought I they were hawks, but on closer inspection I found they were buzzards.

In some parts of the world buzzards are a regular visitor. However, in the Greater Yellowstone Eco-System they are rarely seen. Thus seeing several soaring on the wind made me wonder what dead animal I was about to stumble across.

Topping the ridge I was rewarded with some beautiful views of Horn Mountain and Antelope Basin to my east.

To my west the road to Hidden Lake looked quite a bit further down than I expected. In fact, the height of the ridge and the steep drop off came as something of a surprise. From the valley floor it does not look nearly this impressive!

Fall is an interesting time of year in the Centennial. Sometimes it comes and goes so quickly it seems the leaves are barely gold before the wind strips the branches bare. Other years the leaves shimmer gold and red for days on end. Other years fall comes in waves - a pocket of gold here and there while in other spots green rules. This was one of those years. Thus while in some areas the leaves showed no sign of succumbing to fall's frosty nights, others were gloriously red and gold.

Along this ridge I found spots of gold and spots of green as well as flashes of red and purple and yellow and orange among the other foliage.

Yet, in spite of winter's warning call, some flowers still persisted in showing forth their own glorious colors!

Perhaps the best part of this hike was the Elk Lake landscape as seen from the top. The steep drop off allowed me to enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding countryside. And, while my hike was truncated due to the passing time, I know I will be back - for there is much to explore along this ridge. And, if I can find a large enough chunk of time, I have little doubt further up the ridge the views will only get better and better!

Lady of the Lake

Birds In Paradise

Please note: All of the photos in this post are the property of David Slaughter, one of our favorite guests. He has kindly shared them for your enjoyment. Please understand, however, they are his property and cannot be copied.

Earlier this summer I posted a blog about birds - specifically birds which call Elk Lake home, at least part of the time. Part of the photos used in that blog were from generous guests who are well-equipped and quite experienced in bird photography. At the end of that post, I promised to revisit the subject in a later blog. I am finally keeping that promise.

Black-Headed Grosbeak - The last couple of years a Black-Headed Grosbeak has visited our feeder in the early summer. This year he brought a mate. While I am not sure whether they nested in area, I did spot the pair up Narrows Creek a few weeks after they had ceased hanging around the resort.

Reading up on Grosbeaks I learned an interesting tidbit about the female. While in many bird species the male helps little (perhaps not at all) in raising the brood, the Grosbeak pair share in this responsibility. However, the female Grosbeak has a unique way of encouraging her mate to contribute more freely to nest duty - she mimics the male’s song thus making it appear an intruder has entered his territory. The male’s instinctive response is to return to the nest which the female leaves in his tender-loving-care while she takes a siesta or pursues a tasty morsel at her leisure. Pretty sly bird!

Chipping Sparrow - A common little bird seen and heard regularly around Elk Lake, unlike so many of the ‘little brown birds’ which frequent the area, the male Chipping Sparrow has a very identifying mark - his bright red cap.

While to modern eyes, even bird lover’s eyes, these little fellows appear ‘common’, those from years past were not as unwilling to laude their beauty. I love the almost poetic words written in 1929 by Edward Forbush. He described the Chipping Sparrow as “the little brown-capped pensioner of the dooryard and lawn, that comes about farmhouse doors to glean crumbs shaken from the tablecloth by thrifty housewives.”

Cliff Swallow - While I must admit I do everything in my power to keep these pretty birds from nesting on the cabins and lodge, it is not because I do not appreciate them. While their voice is obnoxious to my ear, their voracious appetite for insects makes them a welcome addition to Centennial Valley summers.

The primary reason I do not want these useful birds making their homes on our buildings is they nest in colonies - sometimes big colonies! In fact, I’ve read they have been known to have up to 3,700 nests in one spot! Can you image that mess!

One interesting tidbit I learned about Cliff Swallows is their uncanny ability to help each other find food - intentionally or otherwise. When food sources are poor, birds will often watch one another then follow a successful feeder to the food source. When one bird finds an exceptionally well-stocked table, he will often ‘call’ the other birds to join in his meal.

Dusky Flycatcher - Since I am not 100% certain this is the right name for this little fellow, I am willing to stand corrected. However, I believe Dave’s photo is of a Dusky Flycatcher. These flycatchers are busy little fellows in the spring and summer around Elk Lake. While I suspect many people take them for just another sparrow, these handy little birds are another welcome summer addition as their diet is made up strictly of insects.

Green-Winged Teal - This is one of the prettiest birds to grace our lake. While not as vocal as another colorful favorite, the Red-Necked Grebe, I have seen these pretty fellows numerous times over the years - and have enjoyed taking a closer look at their brilliantly feathered heads.

However, I have never really taken the time to obvserve them closely. Perhaps the reason is they are just that ‘little’. They are the smallest of our North American ducks. However, they are very adaptable - capable of wintering in the far north. Thus their range encompasses a large area and their numbers are strong.

House Wren - I must be one who prefers the ‘common’ guy. I thoroughly enjoy Tree Swallows which many who consider themselves ‘true birders’ dislike because they often confiscation bluebird houses. While I enjoy the Tree Swallow for their voracious bug appetite and their graceful flight, no bird provides me with more listening pleasure than the common House Wren.

These little birds are quick to vocalize and their singing rivals the finest soprano in the world (at least in my opinion). In addition, they are bold birds which seem to have an attitude similar to the smallest domestic dog. While I prefer big dogs, I am often forced to admire the sheer determination of the smallest who, if you watch, are only small on the outside!

The same holds true with the House Wren. They are not afraid to try and steal a Tree Swallow nest (and Tree Swallows can be quite territorial) or move in on a Sapsucker. Both birds make the little House Wren look like a midget.

I often enjoy these little birds’ songs as I walk between the cold room or the clothes line and the lodge. There are at least three which nest in that area, and since their songs have to do with their territory, it is no surprise they sing. However, I like to think they are singing to remind me to rejoice as well.

Junco - This little bird is perhaps the most hardy I’ve seen. Not only is it visible in the summer and fall, it is not uncommon to see several of them feeding in areas in front of the lodge where the snow succumbs to the sun’s warmth revealing small patches of soil.

Considering their small size and the fact that they nest on or near the ground, it is amazing they have thrived in what most birds obviously consider inhospitable climate. Not remarkable for their songs or their striking plumage, these birds are still a delight - especially in the dead of winter when it seems every other feathered friend has deserted us.

Spotted Sandpiper - A bird common to Canada and North America, Spotted Sandpipers are regularly seen on the shores of Elk Lake. During breeding season the adults are extremely persistent in seeking to catch our attention and divert us from their ground nest which, obviously, is not far away.

These shore dwellers are a bit unique. While the male Yellow-headed Blackbird, another bird who makes its summer home at Elk Lake, may mate with more than one female and rarely helps raise any of his young, the Spotted Sandpipers are just the opposite. The female of this species will often mate and lay the eggs in the nest, then leave the incubation, feeding and raising to the male while she runs off with another man and repeats her performance.

White Crowned Sparrow - These birds are another common visitor to Elk Lake. While they seem to appear later than many of our other birds, they always stay long after most of our small birds have headed for a warmer climate.

These birds are less flighty than many who frequent the willows and aspens around the lodge. Perhaps those which spend time in our neighborhood winter in a more populated area thus acclimatizing them to the presence of humans. Whatever the reason, their more relaxed behavior has allowed me to capture several nice pictures of them around the lodge.

One interesting piece of trivia: These birds are known for their natural alertness mechanism which allows them to stay awake for up to two weeks during migration. In fact, scientists have been studying these birds for clues which might help humans - particularly those who work the night shift.

Yellow Warbler - Sometimes I catch a flash of yellow flitting across the yard from one shrubby willow to another. Most often, if I can get close enough for further inspection (a feat I rarely accomplish), I find myself looking at a bright yellow bird.

Cowbirds are a natural ‘enemy’ to many of our song birds. In fact, while I enjoy a large variety of feathered neighbors, I have no use for cowbirds. Not only are they unwilling to share my feeders, they are disgustingly lazy - refusing to even rear their own young. Instead they find a song bird nest, kick out the eggs, then lay their own eggs in the nest.

Thus I was pleased to learn Yellow Warblers appear to be wise to their tactics. In appears these clever little song birds recognize a cowbird egg, and when found, abandon the nest and start a new clutch. Smart little birds!

Wilson’s Warbler - On occasion that flash of yellow turns out to be a Wilson’s Warbler. This pretty little bird, while not as brilliantly yellow as the Yellow Warbler is still a pretty, flashily colored bird. It takes its name from Alexander Wilson who first described it in 1811.

Yellow-Rumped Warbler (aka Audubon’s Warbler) - This is one of my favorite birds. In fact, one of my favorite Elk Lake memories (and one I've shared in an earlier blog) was a hiking trip to Goose Lake which found us literally surrounded at times by these colorful and curious birds.

Audubon's Warbler's color patterns and occasionally inquisitive nature make it a fun bird to watch. Furthermore, around our area it seems to be more comfortable in the open than the other two warblers - thus it is easier to observe and photograph. Perhaps another reason it seems more visible is, it is one of the first warblers to arrive and one of the last to leave.

Kingfisher - I am always amazed at Dave’s tenacity and patience - which, of course, is one of the reasons he has captured so many beautiful bird pictures. However, I have managed to at least get a somewhat blurry image of nearly all the birds whose images he has shared with us for this post. That does NOT hold true for the Kingfisher. If I had a camera in my eyeball - maybe. Otherwise, I have found these birds are extremely alert and quick to exit when I enter their ‘space’.

There are over 90 species of Kingfishers. They vary greatly in size from the smallest (4 inches) to the largest (18 inches). All have large heads and sharp beaks. Most are brightly colored with little difference seen between the males and females. Many species are seen only in tropical climates. However, I have identified what I believe to be at least two pairs like this one which typically spend their summers at Elk Lake.

While most of my feathered friends have headed for parts much warmer and more hospitable, looking at Dave’s photos and re-visiting memories of these birds brightening my day and adding brilliant color and beautiful sound to my life at Elk Lake has made me anxious to see them return next spring. Until then I’ll enjoy the photos and memories as we move into another glorious winter here at Elk Lake.

Lady of the Lake

Kayaking To The North End

Looking back I find it hard to believe I only kayaked once this summer. Granted, I prefer my own two feet, but I must admit there is something almost magical about an early morning kayak. So. . .I really cannot give a valid reason for my lack. I just didn't kayak. In fact, this seems even more odd as I puruse the pictures of the one paddle I did take - and enjoy!

It really is hard to beat a kayak excursion on Elk Lake in July. The flora and fauna (especially the young) are at their peak. And, while every trip does not reveal every species, every trip does include delights. My one trip this summer was no exception.

The day belonged to the birds. Yellow-Headed Black Birds and waterfowl predominated. Water lilies and other plants created the perfect backdrop - sometimes a very colorful one. Yet the sounds are a large part of the drama when one journeys to the lake's north end.

The birds which nest in and around this marshy area make quite a racket. Sometimes it can seem positively deafening. As I am not an expert on bird calls, I can only guess the Black Birds (particularly the Yellow-Headed Blackbirds which seem to predominate the area) dominate the air waves.

I began my trip as the pre-dawn light began to change to something more substantial. The row down was a quiet affair, just the gentle splash of the water against my craft's hull as I rowed. I must admit I was a little surprised I did not catch a doe and fawns or some other four-footed beast roaming the shoreline. Also, unlike other trips, I did not see any otters. Even with no wildlife to entertain me, the quickly lightening skies, the sunlight sliding down the hillsides, and the early-morning colors on the mountains provided ample eye-candy.

As I neared the north end, the morning seemed to come to life. Not only did the sun's rays reach the water - making it dance and sway - I found myself in the nursery. The waterfowl nursery, that is. Several families could been seen swimming in the sun-dappled waters. While most were too far away for me to capture on film, a Red-Neck Grebe pair with their three babies were in the vicinity. As I result, I was able to capture this photo of parent and babe.

The lake's north end is shallow, a perfect depth for the large patches of reeds and the brilliantly colored Water Lilies which predominate the area. The water lilies, at the least, provide splashes of color (although I suspect they serve a larger purpose). The reeds, on the other hand, although quite unremarkable, provide cover and nesting grounds for a variety of birds.

The bird on display today was the Yellow-Headed Blackbird. Blackbirds are not uncommon in the Centennial. I see Red-winged Blackbirds frequently along Elk Lake Road. However, the only place I can be assured of spotting a Yellow-Headed Blackbird (within my normal range of travel) is at Elk Lake's north end.

Red-Winged Blackbirds are just another black bird - until you catch the splash of brilliant red on their wings. Yellow-Headed Blackbirds, on the other hand, can never disguise themselves as just another bird. The male's brilliant yellow head and breast are anything but subtle. Not even the gloriously yellow water lily can outshine this bird.

Even the female Yellow-Headed Blackbird has distinct - and brilliant when compared to most female birds - colors. When I first spotted this little lady, I wondered if 'she' was a girl or an immature of the species.

Remember this excursion occured in July. In my mind, July is when the babies leave the nest. Of course I have lived in the Centennial long enough to have disproved that assumption. Still I had seen waterfowl with young who appeared partially grown. Thus I was not sure how far along the blackbirds were in their baby-raising. However, if you look closely at the second photo, you will see this is definitely a female as her beak is full of insects - obviously the next meal for some lucky youngster!

However, these birds - particularly that beautiful male - are not as nice as they are beautiful (isn't that too often true). Not only does the larger Yellow-Headed Blackbird dominate the prime breading grounds, driving the Red-Winged Blackbirds and Marsh Wrens from the area, but if he's lucky, he manages to attract several females to 'his' breeding grounds. Once the babies, arive, however, he only helps the first female care for their young. The other females are on their own. Perhaps that is why I managed to catch this particular female hard at work.

Leaving the birds I headed up into the lake's most northern reaches - more a marsh with just enough water to float a kayak than lake. My time was running out so I just took time to snap a shot of some interesting tiny flowers. These flowers (which have distinct white petals and a brilliant yellow center) are smaller than a dime. They grow in shallow water (no dry ground in sight). I have not identified them as yet - so if you know what they are, pass along the information, and I'll update the blog to include their name.

The sun was coming on strong, and it was time for me to get to work. However, as I came around the last bunch of reeds prepared to re-enter the open water, I came across another Red-Neck Grebe family. This time I managed to capture a picture of both parents and two young.

From here on it was a steady paddle against a moderate breeze (not enough to constitute a head wind - just enough to keep me from taking more than a few seconds breather) back down the lake. Along the way I saw a few Spotted Sandpipers skirting the shore and a Red-Headed Merganser with her young on her back. Due to the choppy water, I could not get a decent shot - a near impossibility if you AND your subject are moving! Yet, because this was such a rare sight I took a few pictures anyway. This is as 'cleaned up' as it gets:

Thus I came to the close of yet another morning in my corner of paradise!

Lady of the Lake

Centennial Sand Dunes

I know! It's about time! Where have I been? What have I been doing? Well -
- - contrary to my 'typical' plans, the end of the season has kept me hopping.
I always hope for a slow down to catch my breath and catch up. Alas, not this
year. However, I have a TON to share, so I hope to get these posts back on
track and keep them coming at you!

This week I am focusing on something any Centennial Valley visitor can see but few will bother to take the time. Sad! Of course, I cannot say much as I did not go hunting for these treasures until my seventh summer.

Treasures they are. These plants are small and unobstrusive and take a bit of effort to find. But, if you enjoy plants or unusual things or just a treasure hunt, you really should look them up on your next visit (particularly if you visit in late June through late July). Perhaps, however, the main reason you should take time to find these plants is they really are very rare as you will see.

The Centennial Sand Dunes are not obvious sand dunes. I do not know about you, but when I think of 'sand dunes', I think of sand. Lots of sand. Hills of sand. Sand blowing in the wind. Sand hills moving and shifting and never stable. The Centennial Sand Dunes do not really resemble this picture. In fact, except for a sandy road - a sign - and, for the close observer, a few patches of exposed sand, the Centennial Sandhills not only look little like sand dunes - the really look quite unremarkable. That is until you take a closer look.

To reach the sand dunes, one must travel the road less traveled - the north road. Several miles from where it "T's" into Elk Lake Road, the Northside Road is quite sandy. However, the hills which start just a mile or so west of Elk Lake Road, look like every other hill in the area - sage covered and, well, normal. Yet, about 9 miles west of the junction with Elk Lake Road, a little road - much like the other little roads in the area - heads off to the north.

One of the things which made this road 'the road to choose' is it travels along the edge of last year's burn. The burned land was acquired by The Nature Conservancy as part of their purchase of the 7L Ranch from the Staudenmeyer family. Because of their desire to improve growing conditions for some unique and rare species found only in the Centennial Sandhills, they chose to retain several hundred acres of the sandhills. Because studies have shown these plants do best in areas which experience regular disruptions (such as a burn every 20 to 30 years), the TNC burned their section of the sandhills (which, by the way, is only a small portion of the total dunes).

As I turned onto this side road - I noticed a distinct difference between the left and the right side of the road.

The left side of the road shows the sandhills post-burn. As you can see, the ground cover appears to be mostly sparse grass and lush lupine. While the lupine is not certainly not a 'threatened' species, it certainly is a beautiful one. Perhaps that is why the comparison to the other side appeared so stark.

The right side of the burn looks just like any other hillside in the Centennial Valley. Now, don't get me wrong, sagebrush is beautiful. In fact, I love the high desert - and sagebrush is a major part of a high desert landscape. But. . .when compared to the post-burn side, this pre-burn side looks inundated with sage. And, perhaps that best explains the fire's purpose - to clear out the heavy overgrowth and expose the ground (thus the sand) to the wind and weather - two necessary forces in the creation of 'blow outs' - areas of exposed sand so crucial to these rare and endangered species.

As I said, the sandhills are really quite unremarkable. However, considering these photos were taken in late July - they were incredibly green and had a beauty all there own. Yet, at this point, they just do not look like 'sand dunes' to me. Furthermore, I see nothing rare or unique about the plant life. However, the treasures were waiting, just up the road and around a few bends.

The flora and fauna which call these sandy hills home is quite diverese. In this photo, alone, one can observe at least 6 or 7 different species of plants - and, if you look close, you can see one of the rare species thriving among the more common plants.

The plants seen in the two photos above as well as the photo and the beginning of this post are called "Painted Milk Vetch". The tiny, delicate seed pods on the milk vetch look like a hand-painted work of art. Each one is unique. Each one is brilliantly colored masterpiece.

Each one is no bigger than the end of my eight-year-olds index finger. Yet, this little plant is considered a species of special concern. Why? Because it only occurs in the Centennial Valley Sand Dunes!

While the plant does produce a small, pea-like flower, it is the seed pod which, as you can see, is so unique. Growing on a slender, hairy stem, which reach no more than about 6 1/2 inches long, these seed pods seem to nearly float in mid-air. However, because they are so small, one has to be looking for them. Furthermore, because they prefer areas where the sand has experienced disturbance - from fire, pocket gophers, and ungulate grazing - they are not visible just anywhere. Yet, if one is willing to take the time, they are there, and they are worth the effort.

Another species of special concern which is also limited to the Centennial Sandhills is the Pale Evening Primrose. While I did not find this unique plant (thus the photo is not mine), a friend brought back some lovely pictures of these beautiful flowers growing in the same area as the Painted Milk Vetch.

These plants also rely upon sand dune disturbances for optimum growing conditions. Unlike the Painted Milk Vetch, these flowers cluster and thus appear much more substantial when seen in their natural environment. However, appearances are not everything - and these plants, too, are a rare treat to see.

As beautiful and unque as they are, Pale Evening Primrose and the Painted Milk Vetch are not the only beautiful plants growing in the Centennial Valley Sandhills. In fact, it amazed me to find a plant growing in the sandhills which, while not uncommon, I had never encountered on any of my many treks in the hills and valley around Elk Lake. However, a few minutes spent in their company made me extremely glad they were not too wide-spread.

The Brittle Prickly-Pear Cactus flowers are gorgeous, but the thorns are wicked! Low growing, these spiny plants appear in clumps all over the sand dunes. Not content to merely poke you with their thorns, the cactus 'balls' seem to jump out and attach themselves to one's pants, shoes and even skin! And, as we learned during our search for Painted Milk Vetch and Pale Evening Primrose, these things are EVERYWHERE! The sand dunes are littered with them.

Yet their flowers are as beautiful as their thorns are wicked. Deep golden yellow, each boasted a green five part nodule in its very center. The flower petals were waxy and the stamine more fuzzy. This cactus is one of the most northern-growing species. It prefers areas dominated by big sagebrush, and it is very drought tolerant. At the time of our visit, it was also very busy showing forth its beauty to any who would pause long enough to enjoy it. So, pause we did!

Still, these were not the only plant species on display that day.

I found this small yellow flower growing in the shade of some larger plants. While I cannot identify it with certainty (I should have taken more time to photograph it more carefully), I believe it is either a type of Arnica or Hawks Weed. However, I am open for suggestions. Other flowers, however, were more common and easier to identify. What surprised me, however, were the color variations I noted.

As we have seen, the lupine were abundant in the burned areas. However, they were to be found in other areas as well. While always beautiful, there was nothing different or unique about the lupine I found in the sand hills that day.

Not so with this showy yellow flower. These flowers are not uncommon. I recognized them on sight. I see them on my hikes on a regular basis. What, however, was unique was their color. All the Cushion Buckwheat which I had seen previously were white with, at the most, a hint of yellow. These guys weren't into anything that subtle. Their yellow is vivid. Nothing pale about them. It makes me wonder if the soil content or the growing conditions or something else contribute to the difference in color.

Here is a plant I've seen before (although, to date, I had never formally identified it), but, again, never this color. Typically this plant bears white flowers which, at the most, hint toward a pale pink. Not in the sandhills. Here all the Dusty Maiden I found bore a strong tendency toward a true pink.

Another 'common' plant blooming an 'uncommon' color were these Meadow Asters. Not only were they not blooming in a meadow, like the others above, they are the wrong color. While my wildflower book does say they can come in shades of lavendar, the photo in the book shows them as white. Obviously the flowers growing in the sandhills are not white. They are not even shades of lavendar. These are a striking, deep purple. Quite beautiful!

One more 'common' flower - in fact, this one grows in my yard at Elk Lake - which I found to have uncommonly brilliant colors growing in the sand dunes was the Wild Blue Flax. Again, this is a plant I see regularly. However, the depth of color displayed by the blossoms I beheld in the Centennial Sandhills surpassed anything I'd seen elsewhere.

Thus I learned, once again, there is a LOT MORE to the Centennial Valley than one might expect. Even after 7 summers exploring its nooks and crannies, every once in awhile I am reminded I have really only scratched the surface. Thus I am so glad I remain the

Lady of the Lake