Frigid February Sunrise

Mount Shasta is in there somewhere.

We have gotten a few inches of snow over the last few days here in Mount Shasta. The sun has decided to come out for the next day or two but the temperatures have dropped down into the teens at night. I would say this might be coldest spell we have had so far thus winter. With precipitation coming back into the forecast on Thursday, we may yet get another good dose of snow in the days ahead. For now though, it is a bluebird day out there, with snow clinging to the trees in the frigid air amidst sunny blue skies.

This morning I headed out for another sunrise, hoping Mount Shasta would be visible. It was unfortunately not, ensconced in a cloudy dome. The only prominent landmark visible was Shastarama Point. It was enough to prove the mountain’s presence. The clouds also made for a fine catcher of morning light as the sun came up. The wind was howling as I stood by the camera and drifts of snowy powder flew about. I had open finger-tip gloves on and while my hands were warmish, the tips felt like they were going to fall off. Thank goodness I am not in Wisconsin!

After packing things up at my Mount Shasta vantage, I began to head home but I had to stop and capture some images of the area’s two other noteworthy peaks. Mount Eddy and Black Butte were both glowing as the suns light flooded the lower elevations. On Black Butte, I am always fascinated by the thick rime ice that develops on the trees. Through a telephoto lens they seem to me to look like movie miniatures. I can’t say why. Mount Eddy was partially obscured by clouds but the long ridge rising above the south side of Eddy Bowl was quite visible. Its icy condition and position above the clouds gave it a sense of real height and massiveness. It was all quite beautiful and I was glad to have seen it, despite the cold.

Click to enlarge: