Light in the Cascades is often filtered through clouds and mist. On this trip we were hiking in Washington's Goat Rocks Wilderness on a brilliant day. But then bright sun gave way to building clouds, followed by a fierce thunderstorm. After the storm, a quiet mist settled over the mountains, providing the perfect light and atmosphere for this photograph of lupines and beargrass in a subalpine meadow. The light has a mysterious quality that invites contemplation.

Earlier in the day I photographed this scene in bright sun; after comparing the sunny pictures to this one, I realized once again that bright sun may be great for my mood--but not for my photography!

Lee Rentz