big trees and butterflies

To escape the heat (even though it's not "hot" yet, AND it just so happens to have cooled down somewhat), Bird Nerd and I went up in elevation to check out the big trees yesterday.

Inside a big tree, looking up.

Roots.

Tiny tree. Well, technically... fern.

Outside a big tree, looking up.

After deciding (pathetically, like the wimps that we are) that it was too cold at that elevation, we headed back down the Sierras into the Kern Canyon to look for butterflies.

The bluest of skies.


Melissa Blue (male - we thought perhaps he should be called Melvin?)


Why it's called that.


Horny Toad. Or was that... Horned Toad?

All in all it was a great day!