While driving back to my place in the snowstorm yesterday evening, all I could think about was how cool the snow was going to look on my local favorite place, The Colorado National Monument. The effort didn't come without a few challenges.

Ray Michaels
Ray Michaels
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I had to work today so when the sun popped out this morning I was concerned the snow would be gone before I was able to make the trip. It had melted quite a bit but I was still able to get a few pics.

Ray Michaels
Ray Michaels
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My second challenge was the short days. Sunset is at 4:52. That didn't give me much light to work with.

 

Ray Michaels
Ray Michaels
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Finally, the trip up was a bit tricky too. There wasn't much traffic on this Tuesday afternoon and some of the shady stretches of road were snow and ice covered. As we all know, if you slide off the side, there's not much hope for you. Everyone I've driven along Rim Rock Drive asks if anyone's driven over the edge, I don't know the answer to that question. I certainly don't want to be on that list.

Ray Michaels
Ray Michaels
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The highlight was the dust storm hanging over Junction. According to the experts, "a dust storm is a meteorological phenomenon common in arid and semi-arid regions. Dust storms arise when a gust front or other strong wind blows loose sand and dirt from a dry surface. Particles are transported by saltation and suspension, a process that moves soil from one place and deposits it in another" Whatever it was, it made for a cool shot. It made the trip, even with its challenges, worthwhile.

 

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