Introduction
This past weekend marked the summer solstice for the northern hemisphere. Local sunrise was 5:57 am. I rose at 5:30, grabbed my camera, and took a 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) walk. Here are some highlights:
Milkweed Seed Head
Sadly, I have not seen a monarch butterfly in years.
Peaches
In Utah peaches “come one” in very late August through mid September. When I was a child, adults used the phrase “come on” instead of “ready for harvest.” I don’t hear the phrase anymore, but I like the sound of it. I am guessing it goes back to northern England. Utah is the only state in the USA with a majority of English ancestry.
Sugarhouse Substation for Rocky Mountain Power
This substation is about 115 years old and still distributing electricity. My computer is likely using some of its power as I write. Here the solstice dawn illuminates the array. Because the Wasatch Mountains are so close to the eastern edge of the Salt Lake City area, the sun’s actual rays are delayed by as much as an hour after official sunrise. I love the blue sky usually reserved for high altitude settings such as Utah.
The Pond at Fairmont Park
I am facing due west with the solstice rays just clearing the mountain crest from behind my right shoulder.
A Stand of Trees in Fairmont Park
The side lighting riveted me to this scene.
Yellow Leaves
I could not resist the yellow leaves against the blue sky.
Ornamental Stalks
In contrast to the solstice sky.
Grass Shadows on the the Sidewalk
I have noticed such shadows as I run or walk in early morning. This is the first time I have ever taken a photo of the shadows. Frankly, the task was more difficult than I had imagined. I do like this shot, however.
Solstice Sunset
I took all the other pictures within 90 minutes of sunrise except this one, of course. I almost missed it. As is our custom, we were drinking tea and watching some previously agreed on streamed television show just before bedtime. I wanted to stay up and watch a sitcom, and my spouse wisely vetoed that suggestion. She wanted us to be rested for a run the next morning. So, I walked out on my front porch to “check the perimeter” and discovered this display.
Endnote
If you like this post, you may consider looking at two previous posts: Questing for Wonder on Winter Solstice Day and Questing for Wonder in Utah during a Summer Solstice Dawn.
As always I am very grateful for your kind attention,
Best regards,
Dr. Michael
Very good read, as usual !
Thank you for reading and the comment!
I like that in the ‘grass shadows on the sidewalk’ the sidewalk looks like sand and not concrete.
Thank you for noticing the Grass Shadows. It does look like sand. I like your comment because I often try to find wildland scenes in urban settings.