The Rim Fire is pretty well contained, but the area around Yosemite still has air-quality issues. Below, two views of the blanket of smoke that settled over Confidence each morning this weekend -- strangely beautiful, and yet unnerving.
sierra nevada
Flora of the Sierra
Thistle, lavender, leaves, and other flora of the mountains.
Sierra sunset
The view from a trail in Confidence, the sun sinking beyond the trees.