Wheat wonderful wheat

Either side of Highway 11 is covered with golden blankets of wheat this time of year.

I drive up and down the roadway so much, I've seen the wheat start as little stubble, grow to golden stalks and lighten to amber waves.

I took a time out on my way back from Milton-Freewater last night to get some close-up shots of the plant in the evening light. Little lady bugs held on tight to some plants, like the one above. I also tried to get a sense of place, capturing the Blue Mountains in the near distance (right).