far studio gallery

Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year where the Earth is at its greatest angle away from the sun. It is the first day of Winter. Nevertheless, it holds the promise of Spring. Even though the days grow even colder from this point onward for months, the days grow marginally longer. The sun shines longer each day.

Winter Solstice is a celebration of hope. Things will get better. You just have to remember beyond the grim storm clouds, the sun still shines.

Winter Wonderland

It snowed here at the ranch last week. On a cold year, we get a few snowy days. The snow usually doesn’t last beyond a day. However, it’s always a beautiful and welcome event to see.

Leaf Drop

Our Liquid Amber tree in the front yard was a mass of color before the snowstorm. Most of the leaves died in a blaze of glory against their white coffin.

Hold Outs

Wawona Winter

I watched the weather reports on the Internet to see how the storm would cover our area. It was kind enough to leave the high ranges around us with snow rather than with rain. So I drove up to Yosemite National Park on Monday to photograph Wawona in its winter glory. The Wawona Hotel is a historic landmark built in 1876 as a resort. There is a golf course built upon the nearby meadow which was blanketed in snow. It was post card picturesque.

After the Storm

Wawona Meadow

Meadow View

The Wawona Hotel was closed for repairs until December 18, but there were two Christmas Trees on the porch. This shows a reflection of Yosemite and the hotel.

Solstice Hope

Keep in mind the lesson of the Winter Solstice – the leaves that fall with the snow will be renewed in the Spring. Hope is evergreen.

The Last Leaf

Ever Green