A Moody Winter's Day

A couple weekends ago, when the Northeast (and our respective families) were getting dumped on with snow, we got some of our own winter cheer.  Over a foot of new snow fell in Forest Falls, where we have gone to church ever since moving to California.  The day had many faces to it - from tranquil evening vistas like the picture below to bright, bluebird skies to foggy, almost eery scenes.

The day started out with the sun trying to burn through the clouds but just not quite succeeding.

My hiking partner

Church was held at a local church member's home because the power was out at our church.  Yeah, we're just awesome like that!

The sun has arrived!

Our church is located in the middle right next to the road.

The fog is moving in again!

Sierra Morning

I was talking to my brother last night and he reminded me of some pictures from a trip that I took to Northern California late last summer to visit my dear friend Caitlin in Yosemite.  So I started digging around and found them!  On our way up to Yosemite, we did a quick hike into the Sierra's.  We experienced an incredible sunset on our way up into the mountains.

And then a sublime alpine Sabbath morning.  I love how morning light changes.

Alpenglow from the Hills

One of my most favorite aspects of the West (as compared to the East) is the wide open skies and tall mountains.  When these are combined, you get the perfect setting for alpenglow.  Last Sabbath we took a walk with some friends in the hills and were treated to a beautiful sunset reflecting off the San Bernardino Mountains.  The view was marred only by the power lines, but I tried to see them as additional artistic elements in my camera lens.  Did it work?

Camping in the Sierra Mountains