Among the Wildflowers

It's been a while since I've felt like taking pictures of, writing about, or even just thinking about flowers. For a stretch, I wasn't motivated to go out and find them, or for one reason or another, I didn't take the time to just go outside and look at them. Now, I feel like I'm ready to go forth and to dedicate some time to them like I did during the past few days off.

These blue flowers were thriving among the border of a road along the backwoods of Fort Ord, perhaps sitting atop some yet undiscovered ordinance. There are signs at the trailhead, warning hikers to avoid the various unexploded shells and explosives that are occasionally found in these parts.

This white flower was only growing in one small patch, next to some really small yellow flowers. I really love the tiny wildflowers that thrive during the spring. Perhaps I can use them as an excuse to get a better lens!

By the way, if you were wondering why I haven't been posting pictures, it's because my old lens died, and I had to search for a replacement. I found the same lens for cheap (refurbished!), but I don't think I'll be spending any more real money on this camera.

What I have learned is that, although the stock Nikon lenses work well, they are not very solidly constructed (a cool repair guy told me that they have tape holding them together inside!) and are not made for rugged conditions or heavy use. The general consensus, from the camera guys I talked to, was to go for the high-end lenses, starting from $500 to $600 bucks. I'm not sure if I would be comfortable pouring that much into my camera, as you can almost buy one new with two lenses, albeit cheaper lenses, for only a little bit more.

The bottom line is that I'm happy to have my camera working again. I intend to get into the field in the near future...