Welcome, July!

July is here and we have had some unseasonably cooler temperatures over the past few days. It seems that folks here in the Ozarks are happy for the early break from the heat. We can thank several storm systems that blew through the area last week along with strong north winds for the break in the humidity, but the storms didn't pass through without leaving a scar. I took the following pictures yesterday when Mark and I went to the Finley River Greenways Trail here in Ozark.

Overcast skies, a creepy old building, and downed trees from the storm gave a spooky feeling to the afternoon.

More fallen trees.

Trees like this one could be seen all over Oz.

A pile blocking the trail. Looks like the bench was broken by a falling branch.

We saw a family of gophers off of the trail and although I got pretty close to what I assume was the father he finally scurried beneath a bush before I could get a picture. I did get a few nature shots while we walked. With the lack of sun and my iphone being the camera I use they aren't the best but I hope they can convey a little bit of the beauty that is summer here in Oz. 

On the ledge of a bridge Mark spotted this wee little grasshopper.

On the same bridge I found this little one right on the ledge, ready to take flight.

I love the white and red displayed in these diverse plants.

Wildflowers all along the river banks.

A calm Finley after the storms.

Mark noticed these and said they looked like grass wound up to resemble flowers.

We both found it interesting how the new leaves grow out from this trees branches.

We also spent some time walking a trail at Springfield Lake late last week. It was another cool, overcast day that didn't make for the greatest photo shoot but I snapped away nonetheless. 

The pink fiber optic looking flowers on this tree are something out of Wonderland.

Many flowers thriving near the lake.

Look closely at the top of the hill and you can see a small deer. She was one of four we saw that day and the only one who would let her picture be taken.

I noticed some cacti that seemed out of place here in Missouri and was impressed to see them alongside the native plants.

It gets hot and humid way down here in Southern Missouri (temps in the triple digits are not unusual) but the return is all of the natural beauty that thrives here. One of the things I enjoy and that brings back fond childhood memories is driving through the Ozark Mountains during the summer. It is like driving through an ocean of green but instead of fish the landscape is dotted with soaring hawks, golden eagles, and turkey vultures. The visuals remind the heart of the wild freedom of youth that summer brought with it. A sense of adventure and an excitement at the possibilities the longer days and warmer nights offer. 

What does summer in the Ozarks (or wherever you live) mean to you? How does it make you feel and how do you like to spend your free time? I'd love to hear from you. 

~ Love & Light ~