The meat of an early winter storm moves across an empty valley in southern Utah.
The first snowstorm of the winter moved across the desert southwest in the past few days. When the desert gets snow, it is announced noisily beforehand by cold and wind. But like most politicians it doesn’t fulfill all its blustery promise with much of a payoff – in this case snow. The first night an inch or two came, and the second about five inches fell. That morning I woke in Capital Reef National Park and there were large flakes slowly falling in a gentle, windless snow. Beautiful.
Morning reveals new-fallen snow in the pioneer settlement of Fruita, Utah. This is the one-room school, which has been beautifully restored.
This particular storm is neither the coldest nor the snowiest I have seen in these parts. But for November its not bad. Since I can remember I’ve enjoyed weather like this. I always think it passes too quickly in the western U.S. Alaska is the only place I’ve ever lived where weather like this can hang on for weeks. This weather cay yield great pictures, but I can’t say I like messing with camera gear in cold, wet conditions. I will post a Friday Foto Talk on how to deal with this potentially damaging issue surrounding winter shooting.
As I write this the weather has returned to typical conditions for the desert southwest; that is, cloudless blue skies. Have a great week!
Goblin Valley is a hot place in summertime, but on this morning it was anything but.
Beautiful – Goblin valley, the last photo, is stunningly beautiful. I love winter photos, but unfortunately my fingers turn white, stiff and aching – so, not much of photography during winter here.
Thanks! I know what you mean. As I get older my extremities don’t handle the cold as well. Two words for you though: Hand Warmers!