Yesterday the forecast was for solid rain all morning and at least through 1pm followed by windy, overcast, 50 degrees and light rain thereafter.
I understand that most people consider these conditions to be awful for going on a photo-hike. But for the life of me I cannot understand why. The beauty of the cool, wet, windy and gray day just absolutely beats the snot out of what you get when it is warm and sunny.
Oh well, at least I knew I would not have any problem finding parking at Miller Woods. Normally this trail is among the best for parking. Unfortunately the main lot is closed due to unsafe conditions on a pedestrian overpass and the only parking is at the trail head with just barely enough room to fit 4 cars. But on this day I was confident I would have no problem. I had to wait in the car for an hour after I arrived before the rain let up enough to head out. This is one of my favorite trails for wet weather hiking as it is very sandy and drains fantastically well. No muddy slog here. Which was great because the weather absolutely did not disappoint, it was a great day to collect some really cool images.
Surface tension and refraction lead to some of the most beautiful phenomena in nature. Surface tension is what causes water to bead up into drops like these. Refraction is what allows each drop to hold within itself an image of the world around it. Click on the image to bring it up to full size and look closely at the individual drops.
Another beautiful example of refraction in action. The droplet at the tip on this flower contains a striking image of the nearby foliage.
Big and small, top and bottom. This leaf is covered with water.
The rich vibrant spring greens covered in perfectly shaped droplets contrasts wonderfully with the violet and purple colors of the young Lupine.
Not too often you get to see how the lily pad is attached to the bottom of the pond.
The top of the lily pad with a pseudopod of water flowing out along its surface.
A beautiful way to end a great hike.