Winter in the High DesertI had a simple goal after I read the winter weather advisory last night. If it snowed in the valley, I was going to find someplace to get a picture of it. I hoped to get at least one image that captured the progression from arid desert to snow-covered wonderland. I never counted on a mothership cloud hovering over the summit of Miller Peak or the golden shafts of early morning light that highlighted the twin high peaks of the Huachucas.

While others drove towards the mountains to chronicle in great detail the wet snow-laden branches on the desert broom and cactus, I traveled to the dry land. It was the only way I might get my shot. As I drove down Hereford Road, past the river, and around the turn, I started looking for a place to set up. I've traveled that road a hundred times, but it was only on this journey that I noticed the high ridge overlooking the Echoing Hope Ranch. It was perfect. Pulling off the road, I climbed the wet, muddy incline and found myself on a tiny plateau whose vista view took in the San Pedro River, the entire valley and the full range of the mountains.

I cannot tell you why God provides me these opportunities and locations to tell the world the story of the magic that is southern Arizona. That knowledge is beyond my limited intellect. I just know that He continues to provide me with these blessings and I humbly capture and share them. I will scribe His greatness as long as He allows me the privilege and every day give thanks for the honor.
Shoot Date: December 28, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority ¹⁄₁₂₅ sec at f/8.0 ‒ 2 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 150 mm
ISO: 100

I had a simple goal after I read the winter weather advisory last night. If it snowed in the valley, I was going to find someplace to get a picture of it. I hoped to get at least one image that captured the progression from arid desert to snow-covered wonderland. I never counted on a mothership cloud hovering over the summit of Miller Peak or the golden shafts of early morning light that highlighted the twin high peaks of the Huachucas. 

While others drove towards the mountains to chronicle in great detail the wet snow-laden branches on the desert broom and cactus, I traveled to the dry land. It was the only way I might get my shot.  As I drove down Hereford Road, past the river, and around the turn, I started looking for a place to set up. I've traveled that road a hundred times, but it was only on this journey that I noticed the high ridge overlooking the Echoing Hope Ranch*. It was perfect. Pulling off the road, I climbed the wet, muddy incline and found myself on a tiny plateau whose vista view took in the San Pedro River, the entire valley and the full range of the mountains. 

I cannot tell you why God provides me these opportunities and locations to tell the world the story of the magic that is southern Arizona. That knowledge is beyond my limited intellect. I just know that He continues to provide me with these blessings and I humbly capture and share them. I will scribe His greatness as long as He allows me the privilege and every day give thanks for the honor. 

*I had not known of the Echoing Hope Ranch before today. I looked up their website.  They are a non-profit that provides care for Autistic and developmentally challenged people. I had no idea such an organization existed way out here in the outskirts of what others call civilization. I am proud that they do. I plan on contacting them to see if there is anything we can do to help their efforts. Life doesn't get any better than when you are given an opportunity to give back. 

Winter in the High Desert
©RGallucci Photography