Sun and Snow in the Sangres

Been meaning to get up to S Colony lakes for weeks, but weather kept interfering, so despite knowing that the blue skies wouldnt be optimal for sunrise, i couldnt pass up a trip this weekend. Still 3-5 feet of snow from trailhead to lakes. I parked 2.5 miles from the trailhead, but a few trucks made it to the end of the road. Here's late afternoon/eve at the lower lake.

Here's sunrise--who needs clouds anyhow (right Todd?)

One more of the Needle, wish i could have cleaned up the snow, what can ya do. More this whole week at ESS!

Thanks for posting these. I've got a similar trip that I'm planning for next weekend and was wondering what conditions I might expect.

I like the composition of #1 but the blend is pretty harsh.

Mel-

Thanks for posting Stan. I really like the first shot's composition with the lake and the needle. It looks like a SWA lens is really necessary up there when you are so close to the needle.

Wow, there is a lot of snow and ice still up there right now! 3-5 feet on the trail. Did you use snow shoes or just slosh through the stuff with boots?

I think I'll wait a couple of weeks before checking it out. With all that snow I bet it wasn't too crowded yet.

Stan, I also couldn't help but notice that middle sunrise shot appears to be reflecting right on to your avatar picture. Are you sure these weren't taken around the same time? Just kidding.

Derek, there were two other parties at the lake, three trucks at the trailhead (very brave drivers) I sloshed through, using the spring trail 'shortcut', the standard route i heard was a real mess. But the snow was pretty compact especially early. Im unlear on your last comment The final shot was taken about 15 minutes after the second one.

Sorry Stan. It was just a joke.

Your avatar seems to have a sunrise color cast similar to the image you posted today. When I first met you at the shindig I was expecting you to have much brighter red hair. But I guess it was just the lighting when the shot was taken originally. Your hair wasn't really that red in person. I hope you don't take that in the wrong way though.

Thanks again for sharing your images today.

- Derek

I think I like that first one best. The light on it is rather magical. The others rock, too.

Thanks, Todd.
OK, now i got you, Derek (i thought you were referring to the posted shot, not my avatar) I manipulated the color in my avatar. In fact i was going to give myself a nose job too--far cheaper than plastic surgery

Great images, Stan. Numero uno is my fave.

Love that second shot. Good eye.

Nice! I really like the comp of #1. The Humboldt shadow on #3 is cool, too - the way it mimics the Needle.

I've been meaning to get up there too. But looks like it'll be a couple weeks, yet. Thanks for the reports on the conditions.

#2 has a great fire and ice feel - nice!

Oh yeah, #2 does it for me. And I love the quality of light going on in the bottom half of that first shot.

I really like the second image alot! Great light and comp.