New Year’s Eve found me spending the better part of the afternoon camera in hand to enjoy some nature photography. Wandering through a frozen countryside, I hiked back and forth along the Snake River, watching hawks and other birds soaring above me and taking pictures of chunks of ice floating down the river.
I love the different seasons, and winter feels magical to me. I’m not sure if it’s the way the snow glistens in the sunlight or the way the snow seems to absorb sound waves, but everything feels peaceful and silent. Or this brings memories back from my childhood of magical reindeer, snowmobile trips to the mountains and roasting hot dogs, blizzards that would cancel school and make me shout for joy, or sipping hot chocolate by the warm fire. Whatever the reason, I find it beautiful.
Only now, my afternoon developed a specific purpose other than just getting out and enjoying the fresh air. As evening drew closer, I began to feel pressure to create a unique image for the end of the year. As I thought about a subject, the idea came to me: Lone Trees. Lone Trees are inspiring because they represent strength, perseverance, and overcoming the odds. As I thought about a good location, I knew exactly where to go.
The Menan Butte in Winter
The Menan Butte is truly a fascinating place to explore. It was formed by volcanic explosions that erupted through the waters of the Snake River, forever changing the river’s course and leaving behind exciting landmarks. Because this is the only place in the United States where a volcanic explosion occurred in fresh water, the Menan Butte is a designated National Natural Landmark.
I began hiking with my mission to seek out lone trees and find compelling ways to photograph them. In summer, the 3-mile loop trail is challenging enough with 1000 feet of elevation gain. In winter, with knee-deep snow in places, virtually no path, and the temperature hovering around 0 degrees, I kept a keen eye out for any excuse to stop and catch my breath and take some pictures. Then as if being led to a single tree in the distance, one tree catches my eye.
As I got closer, I knew this was the tree I had been searching for. It perched on the edge of a cliff above a deep bowl on the southwest side of the Butte. There were no other trees nearby, and the snow around was pristine. I was careful; I knew I couldn’t tromp around in the snow and mess up a nice clean shot. For that reason, I methodically started far away, working my way from the bottom of the bowl to the top of the cliff. I slowly got closer working every angle until I was standing next to it.
A Valuable Lesson
As I have reflected on this experience, I believe there is a lesson that applies to photography and life. I struggled to create good images as I wandered along the river without a purpose or goal. I was only “playing” with my camera. It was an escape or a break from the routine we all need now and then. Finally, when I set a goal for myself and set out with a mission in mind, I had the willpower to hike to the top through deep snow and bitter temperatures and persevere, working from all angles until I could stand next to my goal. May your New Year be filled with purpose and perseverance.
Planning an Adventure to the Butte?
Are you planning a visit to the Menan Butte in southeast Idaho? I included links to trail information on my previous morning sunrise post from the Butte. I hope you have a grand adventure and let me help you bring adventure home with nature wall art from my landscape photography gallery. Thanks for reading and go ahead and keep in touch by joining my email list!
