alpine loop scenic byway, utah.
october 2011
(left: arriving into utah, right: leaving utah)
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Would you believe me if I told you this was the first time I experience real snowfall? Because it was. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen snow on the ground, and I have even experienced seeing snow falling from the sky, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen snow falling and having it stick to the ground & plants & trees & other delightful things! You should’ve seen me — I was dancing around like a kid in the candy store! I know this sounds like total crazytalk to some of you who grew up living in the snow-filled winters, but living in California, you rarely experience snow unless you a) live in the mountains or b) visit said mountains. And I grew up totally sheltered, so to see this was a total delight for me!
Apparently this was the first snowfall of the season in Utah too, where I was attending a photography workshop (the Film Is Not Dead Workshop, which I will be sharing about another time) at the time. This was the last day I was there, and was due to fly out in only a few hours, so I needed to kill some time and what a better way to do that than to explore the area? The weather had turned into a total stinker – it was raining pretty heavily, so I was limited in what I could do. I knew about the Alpine Loop from others at the workshop, and the front desk at the hotel told me that it was a beautiful drive, but discouraged me from driving it in this weather. When I got into my car to decide I sat there for a good minute and thought, yes, I’m going to do it. And I am so glad I did because magical snow awaited!
Coincidentally, fall/early winter is my absolute favorite time of the year — I always feel so inspired and in awe much more than any other time of the year. So to see this was like drinking a cup of the most refreshing thing ever — it totally filled me up.
What is your favorite time of the year and why? Do you love fall/winter as much as I do? Or do you love to bask in the summer sun like so many others that I know? I always feel like I’m alone with my love of this season (except for other photographers, that is)! I mean, come on, who can’t love weather that allows me to wear my cute coats, scarves, gloves and socks that I hoard up all year long?! ;)
I’m definitely a Spring person, but you make winter and snow look so beautiful!
These are really, really beautiful images! I live in CA too, so I know what you mean about rarely experiencing snow. Your photos are beautiful!
Fall is especially beautiful here in the Pacific NW but, as a gardener, I’ve come to love spring even more. I love looking for the signs of new life in the garden and then seeing everything bloom!
You know I think this is magic, even despite loathing winter. :)
these are beautiful. every. single. one. :)
the first snowfall is pretty exciting…even if you are used to snow (and/or hate winter). ;)
Amazing, truly.
I’m definitely a spring/summer person, but even that, I think these are absolutely stunning winter images!! In fact, there are many here that I think would look so amazing on my walls :)
We went up to the top of San Jacinto a few years ago when it was raining down in Palm Springs, and I could not get over the magic of the snowing fall amongst the pines. This captures exactly how I felt that day. So beautiful.
ANDREA — thank you! i am quite the sucker for fall/winter, honestly!
ORCHID — thank you! i am pleased as punch you stopped by!
MEL — i do love me some new growth in the spring! and all the loveliness the rain brings! i think i don’t say spring because my allergies hated me in the spring back home
JASMINE — magic magic!!
TINA — thank you, my dear! yes, there is some special wonder in the first snowfall. :)
KRISTY — thank you, lovely!
KARLEEN — oh my goodness, thank you! i am considering selling some of these for prints :)
SHARI — oh, you have no idea how much joy it gives me to bring you back to those wonderful memories!
killer set. I’m a film guy for all my personal work. This hit home. Love it, start to finish.
Susan, fellow finder. Wonderful work here irrespective of what camera you used btu can i ask your camera and film?