In the sun and the shade

So many interesting pictures from The Cedars, it's been hard to choose which to show!  Here's another view of a creek surrounded by the dry, rocky landscape:

 

And Sagebrush Lizards (Sceloporus graciosus) in the sun (Check out those toes!):

 

 

And back to the water, with some columbine, too:

 

More to come! 

Land of contrasts

  

The Cedars (near Cazadero) is a land of contrasts — extremely dry and rocky cliffs along with incredibly clear creeks and pools:

 

Below are examples of two orchids that grow along the stream banks.

California Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium californicum):

 

 

The amazing leaves of Purple-leaf Stream Orchids (Epipactis gigantea f. rubrifolia):

 

 

I'm so glad so many people have worked so hard to protect this beautiful landscape.