As odd as most people think it is, I miss winter or cool air, so one Saturday we drove down to Tucson and then up The Catalina Highway or Sky Island Scenic Byway, rising almost 9,100′ and through six types of vegetation. At the top, it felt alpine and we spotted bright yellow and red leaves and aspen trees as well. In addition to the leaf colors, the parking area was temporary home to this colorful beauty. The scenery on the one paved road up and back is spectacular!
For “blue”, let’s hope from the mountains of Arizona to Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains. From what I’ve read online, I believe this is a butterfly rather than a moth but either way, its color sets off the blue of the flowers.
“Blue thou art, intensely blue; Flower, whence came thy dazzling hue?” – James Montgomery
This, that and the other thing 
The flowers are lovely!
They were beautiful. 🙂
Wow, that scenic route sounds amazing. You have such wonderful scenery in the US and what I love is that you have pull out viewpoints where you can stop and admire the vista. I guess that is NOT your motor in the photo? Such a shame it wasn’t blue!
True, that’s not our car and it would have been really helpful had it been blue. But how could I wish it weren’t red? 🙂 I really enjoy being able to pull out and see the views, too, because I can take photos then as well. This route really is stunning and covers so many different types of vegetation and land formations.
you’d have got the spray paint out wouldn’t you, to turn it blue!!
Aspens are gorgeous! I have to admit, I don’t mind a blast of cool air myself, Janet 🤣💕
Do you get many cool blasts there, Jo? I see you’re walking today. I’m looking forward to getting over to see where.
Only by the sea, Janet, which is why I like to be there at this time of year 🤗💕
And probably more than just this time of year, I guess.
As odd as I think you’ll think this is of me I’m gonna say anyway…I love that little Sportster in front of the yellow leafed trees!! I wonder if it’s as much fun to drive as it looks? 😀
I did the same this past weekend. I went up, up, up to the tall mountains to hike to get away from the smoke, but it followed me both days! I fear I’m stuck indoors now for the week. The air is filled with smoke I can’t see the mountains and the AQI is in the very unhealthy range. 😭
I love the car as well, Deborah. Why would I think that odd? 🙂 I bet it’s as much fun to drive or more.
So sorry about the smoke! The fire situation is very bad again this year.
That bright red car blends beautifully with the autumnal colours!
🙂 Both leaves and car are so attractive.
Lovely capture of the butterfly. Brings our the brilliance of the flower. The ride up the Catalina Highway is a great get away. I think we all love love the cooler temps, big trees, and green. (and blue)
I’ll have to try to get back there soon. It’s such a lovely place and plenty other things to see in and around Tucson. I have a tea shop I want to visit again and Sweetwater Wetlands is great too.
Always amazed by folks who can capture images of butterflies! I like the cooler weather too.
It only happens, at least for me, with the help of the butterfly. 🙂
oh I so wish I was in cool mountain air at the moment
Me too! Just got back from a walk and am wondering how long I’ll have to wait before I’ve cooled down and dried off enough to make a shower work.
us humans are not designed for heat!
That’s what sweat glands are for, but mine are complaining and asking for overtime pay today! 🙂
Hope in that shower, or at least paddle the feet!!!
Done and cooled off. 🥳
Excellent 🙂
Beautiful landscape and the car allows one’s mind to wonder as to the occupants. Gorgeous blue too.
It was a joy for me to be in that landscape as you can well imagine. I wonder whether the driver is enjoying his/her youth or trying to regain it. 🙂
The car might be red, but there is a blue hue emanating from it!
The flowers are gorgeous! The butterfly and I thank you!
The car is very cool and it was nice and cool outside as well, both of which were appreciated. I do love finding a butterfly as often as possible.
The colours and the composition on the autumn shot are really superb!
Thanks so much! We really enjoyed seeing some autumn colors high above the desert.