With the lack of snow in the mountains this year, the lakes received a unique opportunity to freeze over without the ice clouding. The water in glacial fed mountain lakes is gin clear, as a result in the right conditions; the ice can form into a block that is nearly invisible. It is a surreal feeling walking onto a lake that gets to over one hundred feet deep and not even being able to see the ice you are walking on. As I walked out on the lake I was able to see fish scatter below my feet. This is a day I will not forget any time soon.
Over the years, I have developed a tremendous appreciation and now cherish the countless hours I have spent driving the countryside in the early hours of the morning. The air is fresh, animals are at their most active and the atmosphere is so quiet. This photograph is a prime example of why I love mornings.
As my family went to bed, I received an email alert for a high probability of aurora activity. The clouds finally cleared so I reluctantly headed out full well knowing that I was going to be a zombie at work the following day. I sure am glad I decided to go. The skies were lit up in one of the best displays I have ever seen. This is a composition I have wanted to do for quite some time so I am very happy to finally pull it off. I never would have expected to go out at midnight to find a rainbow in the sky.