Hike Mt. Shasta

The rising sun sets the clouds around Mount Shasta aglow.

This morning was the final sunrise of November 2018 and it was magnificent. The forecast had indicated that there would be a chance that the storm would clear so I made sure to be ready to go before sunrise and head to one of the nearby spots that I like to capture images of the mountain from. I had my oldest son with me as well. He, like his dad, is an early riser and loves going out in the morning with his old man to watch these incredible events.

When we arrived at my chosen spot the color was just starting to deepen and get really vivid. One of my favorite morning configurations was present on the mountain, the clouds filling Avalanche Gulch and then capturing all the warm light from the rising sun. This really sets the monuments around the rim of the gully apart, highlighting their massiveness and their jagged features. This morning was no different and Thumb Rock, Sargents Ridge and Casaval Ridge were all quite striking in contrast to the glowing canyon beneath them.

It really is encouraging to see the mountain truly white again. This was a great year in many ways but the fires and smoke leave an ominous feeling, portending future destruction in some unfortunate, and as yet unknown, location. Nonetheless, the mountain endures, the snows have come and beauty still abounds, and with it hope. I am grateful to be a witness to it.

Click to enlarge:

I almost forgot to mention that the morning light was hitting Mount Eddy too! That mountain is overshadowed and underrated but it deserves recognition too!