Lichens: Symbiosis Set on Stone
Discover a timeless world through my lens: delve into Arizona’s Rincon Wilderness, where lichens and hedgehog cacti narrate Earth’s enduring, untold story. Join me.
Category: journalism
Rincon Flame: The Southwestern Paintbrush’s Desert Dance
Step into the Rincon Wilderness with me, where the Southwestern Paintbrush blooms amidst the ancient stones.
Discovery in the Rincon Wilderness
In the embrace of the Rincon Mountains, east of Tucson’s hum, lies the Rincon Wilderness, a tapestry of desert life and geological marvels. These mountains, one of the “Sky Island” ranges cradling the Tucson valley, are less rugged than their siblings, the Santa Catalinas and the Santa Ritas, offering a gentler invitation to explore their secrets.
Happy Valley Saddle’s Floral Jewel
Amidst the rugged beauty of Happy Valley, a hidden corner in the quilt of the Rincon Wilderness, a singular red-orange glow caught my eye. There, among the lichen-encrusted boulders, stood the Southwestern Paintbrush, Castilleja integra, its flamboyant bracts a fiery contrast to the muted greens and grays of its surroundings.
Portrait of a Parasite
This herbaceous perennial, with its soft downy coat, is a paradox, both painting the desert with life and leeching it from others as a hemi-parasite. Its roots, entwined with those of other desert dwellers, tell a tale of survival that’s as old as the hills themselves.
The Brushstrokes of Evolution
Each leaf, narrow and dusted with hairs, speaks to the adaptive artistry of nature, designed to conserve precious moisture. The flowers, with their extended blooming season and generous nectar, court the hummingbirds who dance between the blooms, pollinators in this ancient symbiosis.
A Symbiotic Canvas
The Southwestern Paintbrush, with its colorful allure, draws more than just winged admirers. Its presence among the rocks is a reminder of the complex ecological web of the Rincon Wilderness, a part of Saguaro National Park’s rich mosaic
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Copyright 2024 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved
Dawn’s Embrace: A Morning Among the Rincon Peaks
Step into the serene embrace of Happy Valley Saddle through our latest blog post, and wander with us as the dawn unfolds over the majestic Rincon Peak.
On the Road to Killen
In the early dawn, I walked the path to Killen, drawn by the legacy of my mother’s Irish youth. An abandoned hay wagon stood, a relic amidst the whispers of history and myth. Join me in uncovering the roots that intertwine family and the enduring Irish land.
Honor the Day
Morning’s first blush stirs,
Horizon whispers in gold
Day’s ancient new song.
Handheld Sailboard
catching the wind
A week after Rough Surf pounded Cocoa Beach a north wind was up, I set out on a long beach walk. Our plan was to meet at Cheri Down Park, Pam driving up with lunch.
After I emerged from under the Cocoa Beach pier, I spotted this sailboarder. At first it was the handheld sail that caught my attention, enough to capture this video. Watching the recording, I see his board is equipped with a hydrofoil. He is about a foot above the water.
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This rider has nothing on the Man O’War, of the post header image. Click this link to visit “Man O’War Beach Walk” on my blog.
Copyright 2024 All Right Reserved Michael Stephen Wills Photograph
Watching with the Willows
On a brisk day at Stewart Park, I stroll alongside Cayuga Lake, observing Canadian Geese and white willows. The tranquil, interconnected scene proves an enduring memory despite everyday worries.
The Well
In twilight’s hush, embraced by oaks,
A well of stone, with stories etched in lace,
Now table made, where others’ whispers weave,
And time’s soft hands a tapestry conceive.
Sycamore Leaves in Time
Read this blog for an understanding of how the sycamore leaf symbolizes themes such as shelter, the cycles of life and death, decay, freedom, and individuality, reflecting the intimate connection between nature and the evolving American identity.
Resilience and Beauty: The Ginkgo in Fall
Naked branches reach,
Sky braces for winter’s kiss,
Earth turns, leaves embrace.
Michael Stephen Wills Photography 