Death Canyon: Teton National Park

Death Canyon: Teton National Park, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Following the trail into Death Canyon on a cold and sleeting afternoon. Massive U-shaped valleys such as this one (and most others in the Tetons) were carved by glaciers during past ice-ages.

Moss Covered Canyon Walls

Moss Covered Canyon Walls, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Taken at the flood damaged canyon of Parfrey's Glen.
Full set: http://flickr.com/photos/crisp_air/sets/72157606728548586/

Portrait Amongst The Corn

Portrait Amongst The Corn, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Your's truly at Indian Lake County Park, Dane County, Wisconsin.

Mammatus Lake Cover

Mammatus Lake Cover v.2, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

A spectacular view across Yellowstone Lake under cover of thick mammatus clouds. Mount Chittenden is visible miles away under the rainbow and cast in the suns final light.

Jenny Lake: Inspiration Point

Jenny Lake: Inspiration Point, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Grand Teton National Park, Cascade Canyon

Jenny Lake: Grand Teton National Park

Jenny Lake: Grand Teton National Park, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Badlands National Park: South Dakota

Day 2: Fire-Orange Sunset, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Please visit this set at the link below, which covers a road trip and camping in and through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Devil's Tower National Monument, Cascade and Death Canyons, Big Horn Mountains, and more!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/crisp_air/sets/72157606036642501/

Northwoods Reflections

Northwoods Reflections, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Shot at sundown on a spring fed lake in northern Wisconsin.

Grand Canyon of The Yellowstone

Grand Canyon of The Yellowstone, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

"The canyon below the Lower Yellowstone Falls was at one time the site of a geyser basin that was the result of rhyolite lava flows, extensive faulting, and heat beneath the surface (related to the hot spot). No one is sure exactly when the geyser basin was formed in the area, although it was probably present at the time of the last glaciation. The chemical and heat action of the geyser basin caused the rhyolite rock to become hydrothermally altered, making it very soft and brittle and more easily erodible (sometimes likened to baking a potato). Evidence of this thermal activity still exists in the canyon in the form of geysers and hot springs that are still active and visible. The Clear Lake area, which is fed by hot springs, south of the canyon is probably also a remnant of this activity. According to Ken Pierce, U.S. Geological Survey geologist, at the end of the last glacial period, about 14,000 to 18,000 years ago, ice dams formed at the mouth of Yellowstone Lake. When the ice dams melted, a great volume of water was released downstream causing massive flash floods and immediate and catastrophic erosion of the present-day canyon. These flash floods probably happened more than once. The canyon is a classic V-shaped valley, indicative of river-type erosion rather than glaciation. Today the canyon is still being eroded by the Yellowstone River." -Wikipedia

Pheasant Branch Nature Conservancy

Pheasant Branch Nature Conservancy, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

A quick snap on a bike ride around the Pheasant Branch Nature Conservancy on May 28, 2008

After the Rain

After the Rain, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

A blanket of fog rolled in following a surprise bout of afternoon rain showers.
-Chequamegon National Forest Region; Northwoods Wisconsin

Slim Pickin's

Slim Pickin's, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Two Canadian geese feeding on a breakwater pier in Milwaukee harbor.

Grand View

Grand View, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Looking West towards Devil's Lake on a perfect day from the The Ice Age Trail National Scenic Trail on the Eastern part of the Baraboo Range.

Countryside Rays

Countryside Rays, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Taken enroute to Governor Dodge State Park in the driftless zone of southern Wisconsin. Note the stands of three different tree species along the bottom of this shot.

This sunny Friday was particularly humid due to warm temperatures and excessive snow meltoff, which produced well contrasted rays of light beneath the clouds.

Stephens Falls

Stephens Falls, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Stephens Falls is one of the few natural waterfalls in Southern Wisconsin.

-Governor Dodge State Park

Helena Unit Lower Wisconsin State Riverway

Helena Unit Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Helena Unit Lower Wisconsin State Riverway viewed from the Shot Tower and Smelter House at Tower Hill State Park.

The Spring Green water tower is visible on the opposite side of the Wisconsin River on the left-hand side of this photo.

The hills visible in the distance mark the edge of the flat, ancient Wisconsin River floodplain which cut through the hills of the Driftless Zone over the span of several ice ages.

Light of Doom

Light of Doom, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

As the early-summer storm passed, the sky filled with an erie light.

Natures Cycle

Natures Cycle, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

We noticed this perfectly dead mouse after pausing on an overlook for water and to catch a breath. This is one of several different angles I took of the critter, trying to capture the depth of the bluffs beyond and the brilliant blue sky... I'm sure this guy became quick lunch for a crow, vulture, hawk or land carnivore.

Winter Tones

Winter Tones, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

The Baraboo Range

The Baraboo Range, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

The Baraboo Range consists of highly eroded precambrian metamorphic rock; and is about 25 miles long and varies from 5 to 10 miles in width.

The range is an example of a buried mountain range exposed through erosion, to once again undergo the forces of surface erosion. The rocks are as much as 1.6 billion years old, among the oldest exposed rocks in North America consisting mainly of pink Baraboo quartzite and red rhyolite.

The Wisconsin River, previously travelling in a north to south direction, turns to the east behind it before making its turn to the west towards the Upper Mississippi River. The eastern end of the range was glaciated during the Wisconsinian glaciation, while the western half was not, and consequently, marks the eastern boundary of Wisconsin's Driftless Area.

Positive Contrast

Quartzite Pillar, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Bright fall foliage nicely contrasts this otherwise muted and foggy afternoon at Devil's Lake. A pilar of Baraboo purple quartzite towers nearly 500 feet above the lake's surface.

Last Rays of Warmth

Last Rays of Warmth, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Winter sun set on a frozen Lake Mendota.

Prehistoric View

Prehistoric View, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Ancient Wisconsin terrain.

Final Days of Fall

The End of Fall, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

An empty expanse.

Ancient River Valley

Ancient River Valley, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

This time of year, the unique terrain of valleys and wooded hills in this region of un-glaciated Wisconsin helps draws many cross country skiers and snowshoers to this park.

Shot at Indian Lake State Park; Dane County, Wisconsin

Natures Glory

Natures Glory, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Lit by rays of the setting sun, this landscape shows the beauty to be had even in small areas of naturally preserved land.

-Pheasant Branch Watershed preserve
Middleton, WI

Setting Color

Setting Color, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

As the sun dips, the color rises.

Golden Sundog

Golden Sundog, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

22° halos form when the sky contains millions of poorly oriented ice crystals. Some of these happen to be aligned perpendicular to the sun light as viewed by one observer which produces the illuminated 22° circle, while other crystals produces the same phenomenon for other observers.

Like other ice halos, 22° halos appear when the sky is covered by thin cirrus clouds containing the ice crystals which causes the phenomenon. Small colourful coronas much nearer the sun produced by water droplets can occasionally be confused with 22° halos. -Wikipedia

Close to Paradise...

Close to Paradise..., originally uploaded by jw_creations.

.... except with a windchill of 5-degrees fahrenheit!

Cruising Along

Cruising Along, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Windswept Ice
Lake Mendota, Madison, WI

Iced Gleam

Iced Gleam, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Wisconsin Heritage

Wisconsin Heritage, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Sunset at Devil's Doorway

Sunset at Devil's Doorway, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

A Poor Day For Golf

A Poor Day For Golf, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Thanksgiving Day 2007
Maple Bluff Country Club
Madison, Wisconsin

Distant Rain

Rain in the Distance, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge State Park, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Natural Bridge and Rockshelter contains the largest natural bridge known in Wisconsin, created by wind erosion and weathering of the sandstone. The arch measures 25 feet in width and 15 feet in height on its inside dimensions. The top is 35 feet above ground level. At the base of the sandstone bridge is a rockshelter 60 feet wide and 30 feet deep. A partial excavation at the site revealed Woodfordian and Archaic inhabitant artifacts with earliest estimates of human occupation between 9000 and 8000 B.C. Animal remains identified include 15 mollusk species and 50 vertebrate species. Of special interest are the remains of passenger pigeon, turkey, elk, wolf, bobcat, fisher, marten, and mountain lion. The surrounding uplands are wooded with oak and other hardwoods. Small prairie remnants with Indian grass, little blue-stem, grama grasses, and cactus occur on the ridge tops. The shaded cliff community contains many unusual plant species including walking fern, slender lip fern, and two rare species - cliff goldenrod (Solidago sciaphila), and purple cliffbrake (Pellaea atropurpurea). Natural Bridge and Rockshelter is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1973.

Purple Quartzite

Purple Quartzite, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

The quartz grains that formed the original sandstone appear to have come largely from erosion of the Penokean Mountains to the north. These mountains formed about 1.85 billion years ago in the Early Proterozoic Eon, and the sandstone seems to have been laid down in the subsequent 200 million years. This was then subducted into the earth where pressure and heat transformed before after millions of years it rose to the surface as the colorful quartzite we see today.

The Colors of Nature

The Colors of Nature, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

From the East bluff trail at Devil's Lake, Lake Wisconsin is clearly visible to the east. You can view the full-size original by adding me a contact on Flickr, and then by clicking the 'All Sizes' button.

Skeleton Hauntings

Skeleton Hauntings, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

The skeleton-like limbs of leafless trees hung eerily over this moody wooded path.

Fall in Wisconsin

Good Genes, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Snow Laden Pines

Snow Laden Pines, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Perfect Day for a Picnic

Opposite Shore, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Looking down towards the South Shore at Devil's Lake State Park, Wisconsin.

South Shore

Half-way Finished!, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Devil's Lake - Baraboo, Wisconsin

Copper Falls State Park, Wisconsin

Reflection Congestion, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Rocky Arbor State Park

Rock and Wood, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Rocky Arbor State Park is a 231 acre Wisconsin state park in the Wisconsin Dells region. The park was established in 1932 to protect sandstone outcrops eroded into picturesque walls and ledges.

The region is formed from Late Cambrian sandstone deposited 500 million years ago at the bottom of shallow inland seas. Much later the Wisconsin River flowed over this tract of land, carving channels into the sandstone. The river has since changed course, now running 1.5 miles to the east, leaving the rock walls of its former gorge exposed. A small creek now flows through the park, though in the opposite direction as the river once did.

Circus World Museum

Circus World Museum, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Shot at a company anniversary party in Baraboo, WI.

Cloudy Summer Sky

Cloudy Skies, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Golf Course Reflections

Reflections, originally uploaded by jw_creations.

Maple Bluff Country Club in Madison, WI

Above the World

Above the World

Looking east from the West Bluff of Devils Lake miniaturizes beach-goers and the park pavilion. Climbing several hundred quartzite steps and hiking hundreds of feet of steep path lead to this outlook, which surprisingly is one of the lowest lookouts on this trek.

The other photos of Devils Lake were shot from the beach, below, and from the adjacent side of the lake, the East Bluff Trail.

Indian Lake State Park

Indian Lake Park lies at the edge of the un-glaciated or 'drift-less' area of southwestern Wisconsin. Here, features of both glaciated and un-glaciated land are prominent. The steep slopes of exposed rock indicate that this valley was never completely covered with ice. Yet the large boulders found in the draws and on the valley floor could only have been brought here by a finger of ice, which fanned out from the main body of the glacier.

Indian Lake is one of many shallow kettle lakes in this area, created when the glacier retreated. The out-wash plain by the lake was formed when glacial melt-water carried large quantities of silt and sand into the valley.

Plant life at Indian Lake is very diverse. The cool north-facing slope along the lake is dominated by paper birch, while on the hilltops ancient gnarled oaks are being crowded by younger hardwoods. An abundance of brambles and aspens indicate logging and grazing once took place in the woods.

For several hundred years Indians camped at the southwest end of the lake. During that period, the slopes on the hills above were quite open and covered with prairie grasses and wildflowers. Frequent fast-moving prairie fires helped keep these areas free of trees. When settlers stopped the fires, trees began to fill in the open spaces. Today only a few small patches of prairie remain on the very dry southwest-facing slopes.
- Description taken from Dane County Natural Historical Marker (see photo in set)