“Death Valley is all about water.” So we were told by Jay Snow, the National Park Service ranger, an Okie character with an over-the-top presentation. It’s the lowest point in the country, parts of it falling below sea-level. It would make sense that gravity would bring a lot of water to that place. And it does. It’s just below the surface of the salt flat. Fascinating! Water does not behave in ways we often assume it will. It remains mysterious, a shape-shifter. It goes from warm color droplets…
…to sharp-angled crystals…
…it will eventually dissolve and transform even rock, paper, or scissors.
Water is life, practically the very definition of it. What would we “dew” without it?
It may threaten to destroy us; at the same time, we can’t live without it.
For all of these reasons, H2O commands awe, wonder, reverence. We ought to treat it with a great deal of respect and not tamper with it in its natural state unadvisedly or lightly.
scillagrace 
Beautiful gallery!! Do you know what that first flower is? We have them here and I’ve taken many photos of them, but never remember to look them up. 🙂 The hummingbirds love them, too.
janet
That is an orange jewelweed or touch-me-not flower. It’s a native remedy for poison ivy and a member of the impatiens family. They are jewels, arent’ they?
Beautiful pictures!
Thank you so much! I appreciate your visit!
Lovely pics! 🙂
Thanks, Irene!
Here in New England, this year, water is scarce. We are reminded to hold it close, precious. Still, this can seem a distant reality.
Thank qou for this fine text and wonderful, as usual, pics!
Precious it is, Michael, and I know you practice reverence for it. Thanks for visiting this morning!
Gorgeous images. The pastels in the last photo really grab me.
Ω
Dawn on a lake in the wilderness of Northern Wisconsin. It was a magical morning! Thanks for your visit.
Exquisite photo and narrative. You are so talented.
Wow! Thank you, my friend! I’m always happy you come to visit. 🙂
😅
An inspiring gallery, I particularly love the first image of the orange jewelweed with the water droplet, hanging like a jewel.
Thanks, Jim! I had a hard time getting that one with my standard 50 mm lens. I wish I had a macro!
you succeeded…if all our shots were easy it would take away some of the “challenge”
Very nice take on the challenge, I love the black and white image in this collection.
Thanks! Monochrome is so moving and sparse. I love how it changes the mood.
Wonderful closeups. Nice work!
Thanks! I’m glad you came to visit!