Monochrome

Cradled

Oregon・USA

The pinnate fronds of a western sword fern swaddle a salmonberry sprout in a protective gauntlet as if guarding it in its infancy--ironic, given salmonberry's thorny mature form that's a stinging nuisance to part-time bushwhackers like myself, while sword fern, despite its imposing name, proves a trusty handhold on steep slopes where stable footing might be in short supply.