Chuckwalla and rocky textures in Death Valley

This chuckwalla lizard was hanging out near the Dante's View scenic area in Death Valley National Park. It's interesting how the texture of the lizard's skin so closely blends with the textures in the rocks. Chuckwalla's are very comfortable moving around rocks and wedging themselves into the crevices between rocks. One method that chuckwallas use to keep away from predators is to flee into a crevice, then inflate their bodies to create enough pressure that they cannot be dislodged. This one, though, was out in the open for quite a while when people were walking past and looking at the view of Death Valley and the Badwater Basin and also noticing this large lizard sunning itself.

Remember, it's not just a picture, it's a story!

Lake Helen and Mount Lassen in early summer, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Twice each year Lassen Volcanic National Park allows bikers automobile-free access to the Lassen Park Road, the 30-mile road through the heart of the park.  The first time is after the road is snow free, but before they open it to motorized traffic and the second time is just before they close the road for the winter.  The actual dates that these happen depends on the snowpack in any given year.

In 2016 we took advantage of a car-free biking day at Lassen on June 11th.  We started at the Southwest Entrance and made it as far as an overlook of Kings Creek Meadow before turning around.  Just past the high point of the road on our way back, we took a series of photos of Lake Helen and Mount Lassen, the high point just right of center, to create this panorama.  The ice and snow covered Lake Helen in the foreground is nearly surrounded by this beautiful turquoise melt water, while Mount Lassen looms in the background.

Remember, it's not just a picture, it's a story!