Flowers and Insects of Dana Point

California has always been on my list of places to visit. Thrilled to finally have the opportunity, it did not disappoint. I quickly became intoxicated with its beauty. God really anointed this part of the country with amazing flora and fauna, and spectacular views that are mesmerizing. It's hard to put into words the joy I felt being surrounded by so much radiance. As Lewis Hine said, "If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera." So, here is Part Deux of my journey:

Beautiful vases of flowers greeted us as we entered the Ritz Carlton.
This is a swanky place, y'all. Somehow I felt right at home there;
normally places like this make me nervous.

I must have 20 different angles, exposures, and focal lengths of this Bird of Paradise.
I could not stop photographing it!

Bee buried in bloom

You be my sunny day
I'll be your shade tree
You be my honeysuckle
I'll be your honey bee
(Honey Bee by Blake Shelton)
The only country song I know because he performed it on The Voice

Skipper on Calla

The bougainvillea was stunning.
I edited this with a lighter exposure because I felt the areas surrounding the bougainvillea was too distracting.

Someone please help me identify this flower! Is this some kind of verbena?

A blue-eyed bumble bee. Who knew?
I bet he's the Leo Dicaprio of the bee world.

Amaryllis, also known as the belladonna lily, the naked lady, or an amarillo.
Amaryllis means "sparkling" in Greek. In Greek mythology, Amaryllis was a shepherdess who loved a conceited shepherd. The shepherd said he would only love her back if she created a flower. In return, she stabbed herself in the heart in order to create a beautiful blossom.

The first honey bee to attempt planking.

This plant reminded me of gumdrops. I have no idea what this is called. It's some sort of succulent, I believe. Anyone? Bueller? 

Skipper

More bougainvillea. This is the location where I spotted the first hummingbird. 

Stay tuned for surfers and scenic views! Hope you all have an awesome day.

A HUGE "thank you" to Hilary at The Smitten Image for including my Double Trouble post in her Post of the Week! I am truly honored. If you do not read Hilary's blog, drop what you're doing right now and go have a look-see. That's Texan for "go check it out!" She's witty, warm, friendly, and has some amazing photography for your viewing pleasure. Thanks again!!!