I needed a walk in the prairie the other evening. There are times when I just need to change focus and think about something besides my own life, and hiking through a grassland is the perfect tonic.
Our family prairie was resplendent in golds and browns as the sun was going down. As the last light hit the fuzzy seed heads of stiff goldenrod and other late season wildflowers, the plants seemed to glow – as did the numerous thin strands of spider silk strung between the plants.
Stiff goldenrod seeds tenuously held by a stray strand of spider silk.
More stiff goldenrod seeds.
As the sun continued to sink, I kept climbing uphill – until I finally ran out of light completely. Just as the sun was dropping below the horizon, I spotted a wild lettuce plant with its beautiful wispy seeds waving in the gentle breeze. I had just enough time to capture one image before the sun disappeared.
Wild lettuce seeds at sundown. Helzer Family Prairie, near Stockham, Nebraska.
I stood up, stretched, and enjoyed my long walk back to the truck. The world looked pretty good…
The Prairie Ecologist 
Love the photos Chris! Thank you for another great post. :)
I wish more people understood how much of a balm nature can be. If they did I think the world would be a much different place.
Thanks for sharing the great photos and message!
Sometimes we look so intently for the big miracles that we completely miss the small ones right in front of us.
My friend has been forwarding your articles, which I have enjoyed very much. Your photography is incredible! Please add me to your e~mailing list. Thanks!
Thanks Angela – I’m glad you’re enjoying them. You can enter your email address in the box on the right side of the main blog page and you’ll be subscribed.
Lovely photos, as always.
Tuesday we were coming home from Lincoln and had a flat tire on Hiway 41. While we were waiting for help, I took pics of Milkweed seed pods in the lovely magic light.