Snow-covered Mountains

Yes, snow-capped mountains are possible in Southern California. Heavy rain storms in December brought a white Christmas to the mountains near my family's home in the San Gabriel Valley. Between storms, we enjoyed our view of blue skies and snow-covered mountain tops. [sigh]

A Photographer's View

Unbeknown to my friend, as she photographed the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, I photographed her. As a general rule, I keep people out of my nature photography since they can be a distraction or noise in the image. However, at times allowing 1-2 people to be a part of a landscape photograph can add an interesting and compelling element to the overall composition. Including my friend in this panorama gave the viewer the chance to visualize the true size and scope of the valley and its mountains. Plus, it's always an unique moment to capture a photographer in the wild.

Oh Shenandoah

My parents, who did not grow up in the United States, felt it was important for their children to understand and appreciate being American. Growing up, they would take us to visit U.S. historical places, read books about famous American stories and fables, watch movies and documentaries about U.S. history and even listen to traditional American folk songs and music. As a child, one of our favorite music albums featuring American folk music was by Wee Sing. It wasn't until I started traveling around  the country that I learned the significance and back story for many of our favorite childhood songs.

When I visited the Shenandoah National Park a few years ago, I couldn't help but recall one of the folk songs connected to this region:

Oh Shenandoah,
I long to see you,
And hear your rolling river,
Oh Shenandoah,
I long to see you,
Away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri.

Oh Shenandoah,
I love your daughter
Away, you rolling river.
For her I'd cross,
Your roaming waters.
Away, I'm bound away,
Cross the wide Missouri. 

'Tis seven years since last I've seen you,
And hear your rolling river,
'Tis seven years since last I've seen you,
Away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri.

Oh Shenandoah,
I long to see you,
And hear your rolling river,
Oh Shenandoah,
I long to see you,
Away, we're bound away
Across the wide Missouri. 

According to historians, while many in Virginia presumed that the song was referencing the Shenandoah Valley or River, it was actually in reference to an native American chief. Regardless of its basis, one can't deny that the majestic vista of the Shenandoah Valley and its Blue Ridge Mountains could inspire songs in its tribute.

Lake Tahoe in Winter

Here's another image from last year's trip to Lake Tahoe in Northern California. Lake Tahoe offers photographers a combination of elements in one vista which is usually not possible in other locations. In one image, you can capture the sky, mountains, water, beach and forest. In January, I was also able to add snow to the Lake Tahoe laundry list of natural elements. I would love to visit again, but next time go in summer when the lake is a crisp blue and the mountains green. I'm sure that combination is just as breathtaking as this panorama here.

Stop and Enjoy the View

Instinct is an important human GPS navigation tool. Last year while visiting family in Los Angeles, I went out to complete an errand and instinct suggested taking a detour from the usual route. As a result, I ended up facing Mount Baldy on this deserted road at sunset. The panorama view was breathtaking. The mountains were so crisp and not obstructed by smog and pollution. I love that the stop sign is in this image. It's a subtle reminder that sometimes we must stop and listen to that inner voice, because who knows what adventures we miss if we keep following the same old route.

San Gabriel Valley

The best part about getting my own room as a kid was the view of the "Foothills." I went from sharing a bedroom with a view of the front yard to my sister and I moving to our own rooms on the second floor of our family home with views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

On a clear day (meaning no smog), the view from my bedroom window was incredible. A few years ago on a visit home, I got to experience another one of those days. So, I traveled up to the winding roads of Covina Hills to take this photo of San Gabriel Valley with my beloved Foothills in the background. It was one of those days that made it hard to image living anywhere else.