Frailejon

Larger view available. Please excuse my absence from PN. We have

been traveling in Colombia, and I've needed time to process images.

I highly recommend Colombia as a travel destination. Frailejones are

plants that grow in the páramos or high moors in Colombia. Elevation

here is about 12,800 feet, and only plants able to survive in harsh and

cold climates survive. Although Colombia is a tropical country, we

needed to wear winter clothing up at this elevation. This image is in

Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados in the central Andes. Your

comments are appreciated and valued. Larry

First off welcome back Larry, secondly what an interesting and beautiful ( in a subtle way) image to return with. I like the foggy background and you are totally right about most people thinking strictly in terms of tropical temps and foliage in Colombia, (that and the drug cartels). Thanks for sharing this image with us.

Best Regards, Holger

Holger,

Thanks so much for your quick reply on this image.  It was tough photographing up here due to the light, haze, and fog; so, I only got a few decent images.  Colombia is a safe country in the cities and in the remote areas, as long as one stays away from the Amazonas bordering Venezuela and Brazil.  The zika mosquito is in these border regions as well, but was not an issue anywhere we went.  Thanks again for your reply.  Larry

Good to see you again.  A unique plant and an excellent shot.  I like the foggy background... Mike

Despite the colder temperatures this plant remains looking stubbornly tropical and exotic!  It's a most interesting spectacle to see amongst the misty backdrop. 

Compliments and Best Regards 

Alf 

Cheers

PDE

Mike,  Thanks for your input.  With little time up at this elevation, I struggled to capture images that were not totally engulfed in fog and haze.  Thanks again.  Larry

Alf,  The vegetation in the páramos surprised us too.  The plants up here resemble desert vegetation in spite of the high elevation.  The reason is because there is little that can grow up here, and what does tends to be either dwarfed or takes years to grow.  Thanks for the comment, Alf.   I value your input.   Larry

Pierre,  I appreciate the compliment.  It is nice connecting with you.   Larry