Posted by Ken Bachman on August 30, 2009 at 12:47 PM
I stopped by the Grasslands on my way to Colorado last week to visit for the first time. I had always wanted to see the area but never considered it a destination, but it was very interesting to visit. The history of the area includes the longest remnant of the Santa Fe Trail on public lands as well as the founding of the Grasslands when the Government bought up farm land after the Dust Bowl and re-established the native grasses.
This flower was prominent at Point of Rocks, an historic landmark on the Santa Fe Trail. I believe it is Mentzelia decapetala also known as Chalk Lily or Evening Starflower. I liked the way the flower stood out against the green valley below and the Earth's shadow on the horizon.
Thanks for looking and for any comments or suggestions.
Posted by Ken Bachman on August 30, 2009 at 12:52 PM
This is sunrise the next morning.
Posted by Ken Bachman on August 30, 2009 at 12:53 PM
...and in keeping with the theme of Sunflowers....
WOW! It looks like you had a great trip! I was impressed by the Chalk Lily or whatever it is and then you had more images. All keepers! I like the way your flowers stand out too! Great find.
Posted by Daniel Loomis on August 30, 2009 at 4:37 PM
Fine images of an under-appreciated natural wonder. The first image is clearly the standout, with the rocky outcrops almost pointing the way to the prairie.
Posted by Darren Huski on August 30, 2009 at 8:02 PM
Some nice ones. I like that first one alot. Like getting to see osme of the big open country.
Posted by Scott Bean on August 30, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Great shots Ken, I really like the first one. Fantastic job of showcasing some of Kansas' diversity in landscape.
Ken it looks like you had a nice trip. The sunset in #2 is really nice. Kansas has some of the best sunsets. I have always wanted to check this place out, Thanks for the preview.
Posted by Bill Dark on August 31, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Love the first one, Ken. I can't help but wonder what this plant looks like right now. Those pods below the top look like they could have popped open any time. Great work!
Posted by Rob Graham on September 1, 2009 at 11:20 PM
well done, Ken, I'm jealous of the weather you got :)
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on September 6, 2009 at 9:11 AM
Wonderful images Ken, love the way you composed the first one. Another Kansas location that I'd like to see one day. Thanks for sharing!
Discussion
10 repliesThis flower was prominent at Point of Rocks, an historic landmark on the Santa Fe Trail. I believe it is Mentzelia decapetala also known as Chalk Lily or Evening Starflower. I liked the way the flower stood out against the green valley below and the Earth's shadow on the horizon.
Thanks for looking and for any comments or suggestions.