CARVED BY NATURE SUNFLOWER I started up the steep

I started up the steep trail at 5:15 am to catch the sunrise at the lake and the Continental Divide

An ocotillo cactus is front and center along with a few saguaro cacti n this desert southwest scene at Saguaro National Park

I stop at this bridge overlooking the South Fork Kishwaukee River with a peachleaf willow tree standing behind and winter elderberry bushes in the foreground to take it all in and admire the view while snapping off a few shots

I arrived at Scott Lake early in the morning in late September to a fresh blanket of snow

(713-5067)

CARVED BY NATURE SUNFLOWER I started up the steepA beautiful closeup view of a frozen wildcat canyon falls. With the extreme cold temperatures of January and February, waterfalls form as the afternoon sun begins to melt the snowfall from the previous day only to have that snow and water freeze overnight as the temperatures drop to 9F to 0F creating impressive and colorful waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park. (687 3584)