Millions of people have visited the Skagit Valley tulip fields over the years, but after the tulips have been topped and the tourist crowds have diminished, the valley is transformed. When the sun comes out - as it did the past two weeks - farmers work from dawn till well past dusk, prepping and planting the fields to take advantage of our very short growing season.

I am always impressed at the precision and artistry with which the farmers tackle this job. Their fields are organized, level, beautiful. The valley looks like it's been groomed for a special occasion, all spit and polished to the hilt. When the sun is low in the sky, their artistry is most evident. No wonder this place attracts so many painters. Who ever made dirt look so good?

A few scenes shot between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. last week:

Skagit Valley Afternoon-1

A couple on a tandem bicycle happened to ride past just as I was shooting some pictures of the Bitters barn and fields. Talk about serendipity - his shirt even matched the flowers.

Skagit Valley Afternoon-5 Skagit Valley Afternoon-3 Skagit Valley Afternoon-7 Skagit Valley Afternoon-8 Skagit Valley Afternoon-10

Rows of allium and freshly tilled fields. Rows of old poplars and clear skies. With the long shadows of the setting sun, the patterns left by the tractors make the Skagit Valley farmland look absolutely enchanted.

Skagit Valley Afternoon-11