Unexpected Beauty

A few weeks ago, I had a fabulous quick adventure when I took an impromptu trip to the mountains for a couple of days. Threw my backpack, camera, and some snacks in the car and hit the road (my favorite thing to do!)

Windows down, music up, singing along to Willie Nelson, Green Day, the Bee Gees, Frank Sinatra, Queen - never know what shuffle will bring up from my music mix. Giggling while enjoying the drive.

Reach the higher elevations and have to roll up the windows as I start to see a little snow here and there by the side of the road and in the shady areas. Start to see more and more snow, and I get completely distracted because I am seeing the most beautiful scenery and photo opportunities everywhere! AAAHHH! There's no safe place to pull over! My camera waits patiently on the passenger seat.

Wait! Are those deer by the side of the road?? Yes! AAHHH! I can't see anywhere to stop. Continue driving on - Wait! Are those horses?? Yes! AAAHHHH! Still no place to stop. My camera is STILL waiting patiently on the passenger seat.

Now I'm seeing beautiful lakes, start to get mad, and then what do I see? A small strip of asphalt by the side of the road! YES! Slam on the brakes and pull over - woohoo!!! Grab my camera and jump out of the car. Oh wait, need to turn the car off.

Me, giggling, running around on the side of the road with my camera as traffic is zipping by...

Not sure exactly how long I was running around with my camera (time stands still when I'm shooting). Realized it was actually pretty cold outside, I'm wearing a light jacket, I'm now being pelted by rain that has drifted over from a distant cloud, and my nose is starting to run - time to get back in the car. Laughed and sang the rest of the way.

Arrived at the property where I was staying and went out to shoot the gorgeous day. The pond on the property when I arrived:

The pond the next day:

Just a little bit of snow fell during the night. I did not have breakfast on the balcony as this is what greeted me in the morning.

But I did throw on some clothes and spend a few freezing minutes outside.

You might guess that my car was not very happy with me.

It ended up snowing on and off all day, and it was stunning to watch. So, how does a desert girl who loves warm weather spend a snowy day?

Absolutely beautiful couple of days - I love a random adventure. On the drive home, the scenery was a stunning winter wonderland, with the lakes I had photographed before covered with ice - BUT I COULD NOT PULL OVER TO TAKE ANY PHOTOS because snow was piled on the roadside.

Did slow down at one point and get one parting shot on my phone.

All in all, a pretty perfect couple of days.