It’s time for the monthly color theme for my Sunday Stills Photo Challenge. Our color for September is Harvest Gold or Citrine (like the gem).

Where I Found My Gold

When you live in the southwest, we don’t get leaves changing much. Definitely not going to find anything new that fits the theme this week. I’ve been in WY and now in Idaho. Both places are green and the air is, well, smokey. However, there’s definitely gold to be found around us even in Southern California. Take a look.

Cholla Cactus Blooms

Fortunately, there’s a lot of fall color to be found in our desert if you look. Joshua Tree National Park is less than 2 hours from home. As part of a girls trip, October 2020, we did the full drive through the park. My favorite stop is called the cholla garden. Watch out, they’re not called jumping cholla for nothing.

Cholla Garden

Additional Golden Finds in the Archive

From a backpacking trip in the Eastern Sierras in late summer, the colors contrast with the white boulders and dark blue lakes.

Pine Lake Trail

Of course sunsets start off gold and then can expand to the deep reds and oranges.

Two Sailboats at Sunset
Sunset Glow

One of my favorite river campsite was showing off this delicate bloom.

Sawtooth Mountain Summer Bloom

My large ash tree shading our home late in the year does show off it’s golden leafs and then delivers them all over the place!

Ash Tree at Home
Ash Leaves Surround Our Front Door & Cooper

Although this next one is actually yellow and not harvest gold, I’m including it because it always makes me smile. Who doesn’t admire colorful tulips?

Washington Tulip Festival

And, my last thought is really what do you think is golden around you?

From my backpacking pictures, it’s the wonderful experiences I have exploring with my husband.

From my sunsets, it’s that pause between daylight and dark when I can exhale and just find what was wonderful that day.

From my Joshua Tree girls outing, it is my family and friends and the joy we have just being in each other’s presence.

Joshua Tree National Park

Share where you’ve found what’s gold in your world.

About the Challenge

I stumbled across a weekly photo challenge and have participated for a few weeks now. Sunday Stills hosted by Terri on her blog, SecondWindLeisure blog, is where I found the challenge. I’ll endeavor to capture a fresh image that fits the theme and also share a few photos from our archives. For me, the photos all tie back to memories of our life and travels together. Hope you find them interesting and enjoyable. Enjoy Terri’s post “All That is Gold”.