Paradise Divide Winter Panorama

Paradise Divide Winter PanoramaSoft clouds and jagged peaks provide an afternoon of contrast at Paradise Divide, west of Crested Butte, Colorado

I sure wish I was better at this new "social distancing" thing we're supposed to be practicing right now. The truth is, I really miss going out to breakfast. Even though the crowd is usually the same dozen people or so, it was the basis of my social life most days. So, after four days of self-isolation, I decided I had to get out of the house for a bit. Just some fresh air and to gather the mail was the original plan. But, there was some interesting light to the west.

The view to the west of Crested Butte is one of my very favorites. The soaring peaks of Paradise Divide are just the picture that comes to my mind when I think of the Rocky Mountains. A few cotton-ball clouds, some fresh snow, and some spotty, afternoon light created an interesting contrast of textures, light, and shadow. I love how the distant peaks are framed by the darker slopes in the foreground. I spent some time standing in a slushy lane waiting for sunlight to strike the peak of Cinnamon Mountain. I like to have the peak of my mountains to be in the sun or, at least brighter than the rest of the scene. That seems to be a natural place for my eyes to travel and having sunlight on the peak helps show you where I want you to look.

This is not the photo that I visualized so I'll go back and try again. We're supposed to have snow for the rest of the week and I'm hoping the dark brown spots of earth get covered for a second chance. I also hope to be at my spot a little later in the day for some warmer, sunset light. We'll see.

As I wait for the weather and the light, I'll continue to practice my "social distancing" skills, washing my hands, and taking my vitamins. Everyone stay healthy. I hope to have more for you next week.