Towering Jacob's Ladder and a HoverflyTowering Jacob’s Ladder and a Hoverfly – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

Yesterday I mentioned that I had D.W.B. (Dreary Weather Blues) and after a nice email from a friend last night who reminded me that it is only 7 weeks until the spring equinox I now have the D.O.T.S, better known as Dreaming Of The Sun.

My first purely photographic journey to Utah was in 2008 and during that trip I made my first trip up the Big Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway. Coming back to the mountains after living four years in Florida was pure elation for me. It was June and hot in the valley but I delighted in seeing the temperatures drop in the higher elevations. In Florida it was hot, humid and the start of hurricane season (HHH) but June in the Wasatch Mountain Range was a delight. Crisp air, fluffy white clouds and every where I looked there were wildflowers dancing in the breeze. And sunshine, ample sunshine.

I photographed this Towering Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium  foliosissimum var. alpinum) that day and was happy to also capture a Hoverfly in flight in this frame. Towering Jacob’s Ladder is blue/purple in other areas but it was white there.

I have a feeling today that my D.O.T.S. will fade today and become a reality because there is sunshine in the forecast. Sure, it will be a while before the first of the spring wildflowers are in bloom but it won’t be long.

Happy first day of February!

Mia