I arrived at Elk Island National Park, in central Alberta, just as darkness took over the landscape. I was hoping to hone in on some Milky Way photography, knowing that the lake and islands would provide some valued interest to the photo. With great anticipation and in the darkness of night, I set out with a my camera gear on my back, bear spray in hand and my puppy Arlo by my side. With the assistance of a headlamp, I walked to Astotin Lake and hiked along the northern lakeside trail. As I walked I noticed some strange noises that seemed to be following me and I could hear some bugling elk and howling coyotes in the distance (admittedly, it was a bit unnerving!). I told myself, “It’s just rabbits and birds, scouring about and the animals are so far away”..... I didn’t linger (lol). Unfortunately though, by the time I got to the spot where I knew the islands, lake and with the Milky Way would align, it had clouded over. All was not lost however because I did get this spectacular photo. In this photo, both the city lights of Edmonton and the blue of evening falling, were very faint but there was just enough light for a 30 second exposure. The addition of these two lovely young ladies (who just happened to be there) added a much needed focal point. I asked if they wouldn’t mind standing still for 30 seconds, and they enthusiastically agreed (I was thrilled, and thankful!). Back in my RV, I enjoyed a hot cup of tea and I reflected on my day. Happiness is truly in the accumulation of micro-moments and with that thought, I enthusiastically planned my next day!
This is one of my all-time favorite photos, in all regards. Forest scenes are generally busy, in that there are so many trees and distractions. That said, Mother Nature made this composition, I just had to see it. Trampling through the forest looking for compositions is not easy but I don't have any complaints because I finding one is truly like being on an Easter egg hunt! I particularly LOVE this photo because it has so many of the compositional elements that I look for, and the light perfect (soft, not harsh). I particularly love the lead in line and how your eye goes around (and around) the tree and not out the frame. I also love this photograph's balance in that it's weighted equally with the central tree being the anchor. There's also a great sense of perception; notice how the background drops off. I named this photograph "Embraced" because the tree appeared to be embraced by the forest and because of the embracing circular path around it. I too noticed that it was flourishing, more so than the other trees, so Mother Nature must be embracing it too. May we all feel, (like this tree) "Embraced".
Tofino, and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of British Columbia, are characterized by the wild natural scenery; ancient rain-forest, vast sandy beaches (which offer year-round surfing), many hiking trails, a paved 43 km. (26 mile) paved biking trail and many fine shops, hotels and restaurants. I spent 5 days in Tofino, in hopes of shooting some stormy sea and sky photos. Although the storms never developed, on this day there was a high surf advisory, so off I went in search of some waves. Not being very familiar with the ocean, I was somewhat intimidated by its mighty strength and roar. I spotted these ocean birds (called Brandt's Cormorants) silhouetted on this rock from quite a distance, noting their sleek necks and rounded bellies as I walked towards them. I climbed the boulders to get to this view (with one eye on the ocean!). Once I found my composition, I was waited for the "big" wave; I keeping one eye on the ocean so I wouldn't be swept in. Using my 100 to 400 Sony zoom lens I was able to capture this photograph. As I waited, I remembering comparing my fear of the ocean to theirs and envied their agility. That said, fear got the best of me and once I got this shot, I was out of there! Quick Brandt's Cormorants facts: They are expert divers and can swim more than 200 feet in pursuit of fish and shellfish. They're an aggressive bird. They migrate each year from Alaska to Mexico and are very common and widespread. Brandt's sports a vivid cobalt-blue throat patch and eyes during breeding season. They have wispy white feathers on the head, which you can't see in this photo.
As a beginner, I use to give composition very little thought, and most of my photos were grand scenes but now, I find myself finding great pleasure in finding and composing more intimate scenes, like this one. Although this type of photography isn't for everyone my photographic journey is for "me"; my soul and my healing. I'm in my element when I'm out exploring, and all my worries disappear. There, I'm at one with Mother Nature and I know she means me no harm. That said, I'm also there to represent her through my photography for all to see, experience and (hopefully) inspire in some way. I often think of those of you whom (because of your physical limitations), can't experience her, and for that I am sorry but I hope that just for a moment, you're there with me. Yes, it's (tearfully) lonely at times but I don't feel nearly as lonely when I'm out on the open road, and exploring Mother Nature. I named this photography "A Graceful Descent" because it represents my journey. We fall, we get up and we grow again! :-)
While in Tofino, British Columbia, I stayed in my RV at an ocean front RV resort and had the pleasure of enjoying this beautiful beach. On this blustery morning, I decided to stay close to my RV home and while out for my morning stroll with Arlo (my Aussiedoodle), I managed to capture this shot. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and old-growth rain-forests, Tofino attracts surfers, nature lovers, campers, whale watchers, hikers, bikers, boaters and fishermen alike. Whether you want to get close to nature, or be pampered, Tofino has it all. There are many fine restaurants, hotels, gift stores and many fantastic art galleries too (being an art lover, I went in them all!).
The Western Red Cedars of “Ancient Forest National Park”, typically grow along the northwest coast of North America,. Oddly enough though, these were located in the interior of BC! Many of the enormously tall trees are well over 1000 years old; thanks to the perfect weather and soil conditions, and the ability to survive past droughts, storms, insect outbreaks and fires too. Knowing that the early morning fog would add “mood” to the overall composition, I arrived before sunrise, The little bit that was there however quickly dissipated but I did manage to capture this moody shot. That said, it's very indicative of what I felt; all alone, at peace and at awe with nature. As I meandered along the manmade boardwalks through the forest, I could feel myself depart from the world outside, in both in time in space. I certainly was in my element and for a moment, I was a child again, without a care it the world. I hiked around with my camera gear on my back and with my puppy Arlo by my side for almost 5 hours. He's only five months old but I started training him early to sit and be still when I set up my tripod. Although he can't go on all of my photo shoots, he’s such a good puppy and great companion. What I love about this photo is its overall sense of mood and when I look at it, I feel a sense of mystery, yet I feel the tranquility and calm too. I actually saw this scene from quite a distance so I carefully chose where to positioned myself and then I changed my lens and camera settings… and so on, and so on! I remember thinking that photography is a lot like golf! Just as there is a lot to consider and remember before you swing, well, there’s a lot to consider before you press the shutter button too! Do this, do that, don’t do this… and so on, ha ha! As I neared the end of my hike, Arlo (with an alert stance) came to a dead stop…. hmmm, this was a first! Suddenly I heard what he heard; a rustling noise but it was a noise that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. As I stood in the stillness the strange sound slowly got louder, and louder. When I looked up, I realized a strong wind was blowing above me (only) and the noise was from the thousands of leaves blowing in the wind. I chuckled…. and breathed a sigh of relief (lol).
“Bridge Together”, our connection to Mother Nature. When I’m embraced by Mother Nature, I feel a refreshed, grounded and in the moment; I’m at peace. In these trying times, Mother Nature's beauty is so refreshing and her spirit is infectiously calming. There's something therapeutic in meandering in her presence and although I can't truly capture her in my photographs, I try to capture both her essence and my connection. She is vast and choosing what to include in a photograph is a uniquely personal decision however as a photographer, I have a lot to consider. What’s the focal point? Where should I place the focal point. What’s taking my eye away from it? That said, choosing what not to include is more important than choosing what to include. I made a conscious decision to omit the forest on the left side of this frame. Together with the lead in angle of the trees, your eyes are led across the bridge and out of the photograph; which makes you wonder, “What’s on the other side of the bridge?”. Even though we don’t know what’s on the other side of that bridge we know it serves a purpose, to unite (hence this photo's name, “Bridge Together”).
Each time I take a photo I consider it’s composition, which simply put is the arrangement of the elements in the viewfinder. Unlike a fine art painter, a photographer doesn’t have the luxury of moving that tree, or that mountain so considering all compositional aspects before I press the shutter button, is extremely important. There are many compositional grids and guidelines but generally speaking most use “the rule of thirds”. In this photograph however, I used a diagonal grid guideline and it’s actually that pattern that drew me to this scene! Take a moment to notice the many triangles in this photo (including the trees). Then notice too how I placed the two prominent trees in dead center, and how many of the triangular lines lead your eyes to those trees. It’s not very often that such a unique composition will present itself; Mother Nature did a great job composing this shot for me…. all it took was noticing it. :-) “Beauty can be seen in all things. Seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph”.
To produce a well crafted photo that has meaning and conveys a feeling, can be a challenge; yet that is what I strive for. That said, many elements have to be in alignment for that to happen, and it's a lucky day when they do. When it comes to “moody” photographs, soft light and fog are definitely my friends. I love how the soft, diffused morning light reduces the highlights, softens the darks, opens up the shadows and yet make the colors pop. The fog not only adds depth to the scene but it definitely creates a sense of mood or mystery. This photograph was taken while I hiked a trail that started at the Stamp River Provincial Park (14Km’s/8.5 miles north of Port Alberni, on Vancouver Island). The park features moss covered rain forests, rapids, a waterfall and a substantial fish ladder (which allows half a million Coho, Sockeye and Chinook salmon to pass the falls). I parked my RV there for the night and was on the trail well before sunrise; I wanted to get out there before the fog would burn off. Their was a cool and misty breeze that followed the river, and the smell of decaying salmon was noticeably strong. This was bear country, and I knew they’d fattening up for their long winter’s nap so my bear spray was close at hand. What I love about this photograph is it’s sense of mystery and how the cool and warm colors are in harmony throughout the scene. I too love the focal point; the tree and how it’s leaning over the cliff’s edge.
“Art, is in the eye of the beholder”. The "art" in photography is much more than capturing what I see, it's truly in the art of observing. The way in which light interacts with the scene can make a mundane scene, absolutely exquisite. That said, I’m always searching beyond my first glance for the unique and prized image, such as this one. I love abstract art but not necessarily just the typical obscure type. It’s the photographic pieces created by Mother Nature that I love and when it comes to composing, I don't just consider placement but light, form, colors and textures too.
My recent travels included a visit to my late husband's family in Mission, BC. and being an early riser I set out before sunrise to explore the many back-roads behind Mission and Deroche, BC. I didn't have my Jeep with me (I often pull it behind my RV) so I cruised around in the comfort of my RV. I sit quite high in it, so I see so much more than most in their vehicles do; including this silhouetted fisherman. There were well over 100 people fishing on the shores of the Nicomen slough, and they all seemed to constantly reeling in their lines with catches.... Hmmm? Being curious, I stopped to chat with a gentleman and he proceeded to tell me that they're all fishing for Coho Salmon and that their limit (government enforced) was two. "I got my two", he said. I then asked him, "Being that they're spawning, are they any good to eat?", to which he replied, "The Coho are fine, but you don't want to eat the Chum salmon, we release them". This photo was a bit tricky to take and to process (raw file) because the scene is both brilliant and dark. I enjoyed the challenge, and love the result! We can learn much by exploring, asking questions and stepping outside my comfort zone. Where to next!?
I recently went on a photo shoot to Vancouver Island, with plans to explore the northern section of the island. Mother Nature however had a different agenda; snow and ice (in November!). Vancouver Island is well known as the warmest place in Canada. The province’s capital city Victoria for example, enjoys an average temperature of 10°C, of 50°F. So, to have below freezing temperatures made traveling more challenging; ultimately, I had to change my plans. Not only did my RV need new tires (which I got during my travels) but I also had to consider that my RV wasn’t winterized. Who would have thought I’d have to worry about that in November! That said, I had to winterize my RV before I headed inland, and home. I captured this, my last photo of my trip, on my way home (an hour before I winterized the RV) outside of Abbotsford, BC. I had captured another photo here once before (see "Morning Ballet), so I purposely stopped to see if I could find another composition. The fog was starting to lift so time was of an essence. It was a bit of a scramble (yikes!) but fortunately, I came across this view immediately. I was however tempted to keep exploring but in the end I decided to stay, set up my gear and wait for the sun to (hopefully) illuminate the scene. My wait was worth it! Notice how the sun's rays are merely kissing the scene; it was exactly what I was waiting for. I love this photo; it’s mood, the subtle colors and it’s composition too.
Here’s an interesting question. Does a photographer create a photograph, or is it the scene that presents itself? I think it’s a combination of both. What do you think? Granted, some scenes just happen to present themselves and are easy to photograph, while others require research, time, patience and praying for the right weather and light conditions. More often than not however, as I approach a beautiful scene, I find that trees and plants obstruct my prized composition, and that's when I have to dig into my creative self. Sometimes, I walk away empty handed. Although landmark photography is generally easy to shoot, it’s the more difficult and unique scenes that I’m drawn to. That stated, getting off the beaten path is always my choice destination and create the most amazing memories (and captures too!). It was late in the day when I stopped and followed a tributary to the Athabaska River; just east of Jasper, and within Jasper National Park. I hoped to capture some reflective and silhouetted river scenes but by the time I got to the river, storms were forming and started to circle the valley around me and after some hiking around, this riverscape developed! Yes, one could say this scene presented itself and had nothing to do with the photographer but skill, know how, an eye for composition and patience was required. I suppose resilience to rain is also required, because I got soaked to get this shot (but it was so worth it!).
I arrived at the “Ancient Forest National Park” (in the interior of British Columbia) before sunrise, hoping for fog. The little bit that was there however quickly dissipated but I did manage to capture capture a couple moody shots. The calmness in the forest was very indicative of what I felt; all alone, at peace and at awe with nature. As I meandered along the man-made boardwalks through the forest, I could feel myself depart from the world outside, in both in time in space. I certainly was in my element and for a moment, I was a child again, without a care it the world. It’s there, in those “all alone” moment in nature, that I recognize just how much I value my lifestyle, while recognizing (respectfully) that it isn’t (or can’t be) for everyone. That said, I hope you can get lost in my photos too :-) What I like about this photo is it’s perspective, which was hard to find in the darkness of this ancient forest. I did however stumble across this scene where the light coming in from the background, combined with the darkness in the foreground, gave this photo depth. Without depth, this photo would have been flat. You’ll also notice that I used a shallow depth of field, which I chose to help draw your eye to the large tree on the right.
The difference between taking a photo and making a photo is the intent, the vision and passion (or in my case, sometimes my obsession, lol!). A lot of effort that goes into a photo-shoot, yet sometimes I don’t get single shot. That’s the reality of the photography but I enjoy the challenge, and the rewards. Often times, my capture just doesn't seem match my vision, while other times my it exceeds my expectations (that's always a bonus!). There are many types of thought-provoking photography but lately I’ve been aspiring to more expressive photography, that have an emotional attachment. Bright, warm and colorful images are generally happy, gleeful images that put a smile on your face, while the more dreary, foggy and cool images are more calming and peaceful. On the other hand, many dark images evoke a sense of melancholy or even dread (which I’m not a fan of). This photo was taken at Little Qualicum Falls, on Vancouver Island, and although it was beautiful, I found it difficult to find a composition. It was raining, and I thought I got skunked until I came across this smaller, more intimate scene. The highlighted green moss caught my eye first, and then the cool mist; which adds depth and a calming and mysterious mood to the overall image. This image belongs to Mother Nature; it's her composition, just waiting to be noticed. 🙂
In the spring, a grizzly bear’s diet consists of approximately 70% grass, to replenish their lack of proteins during hibernation. This is why you often see bears along roadways, where grass grows in abundance. Knowing this, I had my camera at the ready as I traveled along this (somewhat) remote logging road in the interior of British Columbia. I travel this road often and I see black, brown and cinnamon bears on a regular basis but this was the first time that I came across a grizzly bear. Grizzly bears come in many sizes, and this female (her cub was nearby) was relatively small. I once saw a grizzly that was at least 3 times larger (it was incredibly massive!) so I now have a sincere fear of them. I stayed with these grizzlies for approximately 10 minutes, and they didn’t seem to mind my presence. As I watched and gazed into their eyes, I felt at peace with them but I know those seemingly calm eyes are very deceiving and they deserve respect; I kept my distance. In this photo, she lifted her head to watch a vehicle drive behind me. Frightened by the noise of a bouncing utility trailer it was pulling, she and her cub scurried into the forest. Although I was disappointed that my photo session came to an abrupt end, I knew that this (my last photo) was going to be a keeper! Yay! I felt VERY fortunate by this opportunity. It's now a great memory and I’m thrilled to add it to my photography portfolio and here on my website.
"Bison Country" Elk Island National Park in Alberta is most known for its acres of roaming bison and elk, birds and ponds. While touring the park, I came across a group of bison; I enthusiastically followed and watched them for quite some time. At one point, I chuckled when I saw them roll playfully around in patches of well worn dirt (the patches had obviously been used many times). That said, unfortunately I didn't get a great shot of the humorous behavior but I'll know to watch and be prepared for it next time. I equate photographing this bison to taking a photo of a black dog in that their black fur, dark eyes and shaded crevices require good lighting illuminate and see their features. Just like the studio portraits I've done, I always look for defining highlights, soft frontal lighting and that sparkle in the eyes.
So, "What's so great about Tofino?", you ask. This! Known for its sandy beaches and old-growth rain-forest, Tofino attracts surfers, nature lovers, campers, whale watchers, hikers, bikers, boaters and fishermen alike. Whether you want to get close to nature, or be pampered, Tofino has it all. There are many fine restaurants, hotels, gift stores and many fantastic art galleries too (being an art lover, I went in them all!). While in Tofino, I stayed in an ocean front RV resort, that wasn't too far from the downtown core. From there I cycled the many lengthy, paved pathways and I strolled along the resort's beach too (Arlo, my 7-month-old puppy loved it, and so did I!). Capturing an epic ocean, sunset shot was on my bucket list, so every evening I'd check the horizon for those perfect sunset cloud formations. On this evening, I noted that the clouds were be lining up and forming perfectly, however my hopes got squashed when the marine layer (clouds) formed along the horizon. I thought I got skunked but..... read on. I got a few shots of a rather boring sunset before I turned away. Walking back to my RV, someone suddenly came up from behind me and said, "You should see the sunset now!" and with that, I did an about face! Back at the beach, the sun was peeking through a small opening in the clouds, and it was just a sliver! Knowing that time was of an essence, I quickly set my camera to capture the sun's rays and started shooting in repetition. The sunset lasted seconds! For all the photos I (unfortunately) miss, I'm fortunate to get others; a photographer's reality.
The story attached to this photo has absolutely NOTHING to do with this duck (a Common Goldeneye), and EVERYTHING to do with a "crappy" situation..... literally, lol 🙂 I woke up to a beautiful morning my RV; perched and overlooking the Bow River. I was eager to head back to the pond where I had taken this photo; I was rained out the night before. I planned to leave right away, and as I was getting the RV ready for take-off, I looked down my RV toilet bowl and decided that "NOW" was the time for a quick clean, and with one quick swirl around the toilet bowl my toilet bowl brush-head fell off and down into the holding tank! "OH NO, this can't be!". Now normally, with a direct drain system, that would not have been a problem but my RV has a macerator pump attached to a 1.5 inch drainpipe. I knew the brush head would have to be removed, but how? I was sick! Now what?! I grabbed a my kitchen tongs and shoved my arm down into the toilet hole (about 3 inches in diameter) when suddenly a thought came to mind, "What if I get arm gets stuck in the toilet, in the middle of no where!" (lol). So with my phone at my side, I lathered up my arm with cream rinse and with a prayer I plunged my arm down again. Notta! I couldn't reach it! My next thought was to fill the tank with whatever water I had so that the water level rises.... and that didn't work either! Okay, now what? I knew that if I drove away, the brush head will float around and I will no longer see it from above. Pondering, I was left with no choice but to find a RV repair shop A RV department suggested I remove the macerator pump or they could remove the tank (ouch$!) "but not now, it'll be a few weeks". Knowing I didn't have a choice, I headed for my daughter's house where I knew she'd have the tools I'd need to remove the macerator pump. So, picture this scene; two women lying side by side under a RV on a gravel ground and both (obviously) using brute force to remove some clamps AND (you guessed it) when the clamp let loose there might have been a drip or two of sewage..... LOL (it's only funny now, ha ha!). With the macerator pump removed, we drove to the local sani-dump and attached a regular RV sewage hose and prayed that it would just flush out..... Notta! With a flashlight in hand, I could see the brush head sitting on the bottom of the tank. Hmmm... now what? With a garden hose, we filled the black-water tank and proceeded to flush it again.... Notta! We tried again.... Notta! So, there the brush-head sat, innocently in the residual sewage of that tank and we sat on the ground wondering, "now what?". We decided to try to grab it with a trash-picker, and (you guessed it) I had to put my arm into the tank, yet again (pee yew!) but it worked! After we showered (!), we celebrated our resilience and ingenuity with a glass of wine. This will be a mother/daughter moment we'll never forget; together we did it! "If you want to accomplish anything, you must first be able to expect it of yourself". Wayne Dyer
A female Rufous Hummingbird.
Cadomin is a hamlet in the west-central area of Alberta. It is quaintly nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and is approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Hinton and just east of Jasper National Park. This operating coal mine community was once home to over 1000 people but now is home to only 55. I was SO excited to be back in the Rockies and I felt very fortunate that I arrived on such a BEAUTIFUL day! That said, to say I was “excited” was an understatement! I was invigorated by the mountain air, the beauty that surrounded me and the freedom my life and RV gives me. I arrived in Cadomin just as the morning sun crested and filled the valley floor. The golden light on this pond was astonishing, and I knew it would be short lived so I had to hustle to capture it! I love the dominating fall colors in this photo but what I love the most is the lead in line and how your eyes follow the shoreline, and then settles in the vivid reflection of the pond (called “the settling point”). At day’s end I reflected upon the day; with my happy energy radiating, many wonderful things came my way. A change in one’s attitude, is golden. So, I named this photograph, "Golden Change" (as in seasons and in attitude). 🙂
*Photographer's Note: This photo is comprised of three individual photos and is a large file. This image can be blown up to a very large size. Cadomin is a hamlet in the west-central area of Alberta. It's quaintly nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and is approximately 50 kilometers south of Hinton, and just east of Jasper National Park. This operating coal mine community was once home to over 1000 people but now is home to only 55. I was SO excited to be back in the Rockies and I felt very fortunate that I arrived on such a BEAUTIFUL day. That said, to say I was “excited” was an understatement! I was invigorated by the mountain air, the beauty that surrounded me and the freedom my RV lifestyle. I arrived in Cadomin just as the morning sun crested and filled the valley floor. The golden light on this pond was astonishing, and I knew it would be short lived so I had to hustle to capture it! I love the dominating fall colors in this photo but what I love the most are the lead in lines and how your eyes follow the shoreline, and then settles in the vivid reflection of the pond (called “the settling point”). At day’s end I reflected upon the day; with my happy energy radiating, many wonderful things came my way. A change in one’s attitude, is golden. So, I named this photograph, "A Golden Life" (attitude is golden). 🙂
I recently attended an amazing photography conference in Pincher Creek Alberta, where there were a number of speakers that covered a variety of photographic topics; I was in my element! Although I was primarily there to hear Viktoria Haack and Adam Gibbs speak (two renowned BC photographers who’s style and genres I admire), I actually enjoyed all the speakers and presenters. Their work, combined with their shared wisdom, was inspiring; so much so that it inspired me (personally) to dive into some new (to me) genres. That said, I was particularly interested in the discussions that pertained to astrophotography (including aurora borealis), wildlife photography and Black & White photography; just to mention a few. When I left the conference I decided to concentrate on black and white for a while, so imagine my delight when I came across this old farmhouse (not far from Pincher Creek). At first, I was merely fixated on the old abandoned homestead but as I walked around I noticed all the amazing leading lines which added to the overall composition. Considering the subject, I knew this photograph would look amazing in black and white; by naturally adding a sense of mood, mystery and age.
This photo was taken at Bartlett Lake, a reservoir lake located north-east of Scottsdale and slightly north of Rio Verde, Arizona. Popular with anglers and campers, it’s quite unique lake with rugged mountains surrounding it and saguaros growing along its shoreline. Sometimes, we photographers have to be very persistent; I went to Bartlett Lake 4 times to get this shot! It was a 45 minute drive from my RV so I left early (in the darkness of night) so that I’d be there before the sunrise. The first time I went, I chose to go on a day when there was snow on the mountain tops but unfortunately the combination of cloud cover, rain and the (icy cold) winds made it impossible to get any kind of shot. On my second attempt I didn’t have much luck either. I was disappointed by the dark and dreary sky so I spent the morning hiking and searching for future compositions; so it wasn’t a total loss. Eventually I found this one and vowed to come back on a sunny day. The next time I went, everything was perfect until I had a run in with a *Cholla, and it won…. Ouch! So, that quickly ended that photo shoot! Regardless, I wasn’t going to give up and with visions of this pre-planned composition in mind, I head out there for yet another visit. Finally, I got the shot I was hoping for! A Chollas are a desert plant that are completely covered with barbed needles. They are also known as a Jumping Cholla, for its habit of jumping (rolling) along the ground in the wind. They easily fall off their mother plant and then have a tendency to “jump” (if you will) on to the skin or clothing of a passerby…. it’s pure 100% OUCH! I must say this was on of my most “painful” shots! LOL