Lake Sabrina is a lake created by damming the middle fork of Bishop Creek. The dam was built in 1907-8 to supply a constant flow of water to to hydraulic power plants. It is a popular recreational area with a small cafe and dock but on the day we visited there were almost no people and a lot of snow. The cafe was open but not for much more than a cup of hot chocolate. The roads were plowed and clear so as we headed back down towards Bishop we decided to visit South Lake, a short side trip. South Lake is 170 acres of 'fishing paradise' at over 9,700 feet in elevation. No surprise that it was still covered in ice and snow! Both lakes warrant a return trip later this month and again in the fall when we return to the area.

From the deck of the cafe at Lake Sabrina.  Wind was strong and the hot chocolate welcome.  We did not stay long or hike around. — From the deck of the cafe at Lake Sabrina. Wind was strong and the hot chocolate welcome. We did not stay long or hike around.

As we went up the mountain towards Lake Sabrina the snowfall was heavier.  Fortunately the snow plows were keeping it clear and we just took the road slowly, willing to turn around any time it got uncomfortable. — As we went up the mountain towards Lake Sabrina the snowfall was heavier. Fortunately the snow plows were keeping it clear and we just took the road slowly, willing to turn around any time it got uncomfortable.

We crossed Bishop Creek. a couple of times.  In several places it was really roaring. — We crossed Bishop Creek. a couple of times. In several places it was really roaring.

We drove through Aspen Glen, a nice little community with a great breakfast place that we tried out on the way back down and on our way to South Lake.

Folks in Alpen Glen have plans for the future!

One large pond made for some interesting photography.

Fishermen at South Lake.  Dedicated souls!! — Fishermen at South Lake. Dedicated souls!!

This is really South Lake, even though it looks like White Lake!

South Lake covered in ice and snow.  Very cold. — South Lake covered in ice and snow. Very cold.

South Lake from the parking lot above the lake.

Almost home!!  Wonderful day of experiencing Mother Nature in play. — Almost home!! Wonderful day of experiencing Mother Nature in play.

A major winter storm moved across Arizona on New Year's Eve. We checked out Sedona, and specifically Crescent Moon, also known by some as Red Rock Crossing, to experience a most unusual photographic opportunity.

We left with safety and caution as our guides as to how far north we would drive (note to self, remind mom we are responsible)! What really drove us was the excitement to see what might be covering those gorgeous red rocks. But first . . .

The roads were clear the whole way!  Thanks guys. — The roads were clear the whole way! Thanks guys.

Along the road north of Black Canyon City.

Fifteen shot panorama from the Ranger Station.

From the Ranger Station just outside Sedona.  Checking for park closures, maps, suggestions, etc.  It was cold and the sky was just beginning to clear up. — From the Ranger Station just outside Sedona. Checking for park closures, maps, suggestions, etc. It was cold and the sky was just beginning to clear up.

On our way to Crescent Moon. Can't complain about this scenery. Tom rode 'camera' as we drove.

There is a man walking right behind this tree.  It became a challenge to get a 'clean' shot! — There is a man walking right behind this tree. It became a challenge to get a 'clean' shot!

I like Barbara's better.  See below. — I like Barbara's better. See below.

Aren't these reflections just the coolest ever?  Yes! — Aren't these reflections just the coolest ever? Yes!

Taken before the clouds got serious about moving on.  For those asking for some EXIF and post processing information:  This image was processed using exposure blending.  It is not the same as HDR processing, rather it uses two images … — Taken before the clouds got serious about moving on. For those asking for some EXIF and post processing information: This image was processed using exposure blending. It is not the same as HDR processing, rather it uses two images (usually) to achieve a more realistic or artistic interpretation desired by the photographer. In both images: ISO 400, 70mm focal length, taken with a Nikon D600 and 24-70mm Nikkor lens. One image was shot at 0 EV and 1/750 and the other image was shot at -2 EV and 1/3000. The negative exposure compensation, achieved by the faster shutter speed, gave Tom the moody sky image he was after. The image was then processed using the 2 exposures that were layered in Photoshop and blended together to get the darker sky on one over the lighter foreground on the other, then erasing parts of the top image. While not an HDR processed image, Tom is seeking to accomplish the same goal, which is to represent a greater dynamic range in the image, while avoiding the ghosting and chromatic aberration which are common byproducts of HDR processing.

There was a lot of discussion on how to best capture snow falling, and believe me, it was falling from these over-burdened branches in big chunks.    To my knowledge, David was the only one that got a shot of it!  Kersplash!  Goo… — There was a lot of discussion on how to best capture snow falling, and believe me, it was falling from these over-burdened branches in big chunks. To my knowledge, David was the only one that got a shot of it! Kersplash! Good luck David!

While I like this photo, I like the one taken by David (below) much better.  I put this one on just to show how composition makes such a difference. — While I like this photo, I like the one taken by David (below) much better. I put this one on just to show how composition makes such a difference.

David's image, for me, captures a much better representation of the red rock, which then complements that lovely orange leaf above and the red in Cathedral Rock in the background.  He cuts out the area across Oak Creek which really does not add… — David's image, for me, captures a much better representation of the red rock, which then complements that lovely orange leaf above and the red in Cathedral Rock in the background. He cuts out the area across Oak Creek which really does not add anything to the image. It is a much tighter, more focused and interesting image than the one I took above. If you are asking what this would look like if the water was smooth and silky, you are asking a good question! EXIF: ISO 200, 16mm focal length, 1 EV, f/9 at 1/100 with Canon EOS 7D and EF-S15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens. Minimal post processing.

One of the nicest photographic opportunities at this location is, of course, to capture reflections. Usually one is restricted to reflections off Oak Creek. But, after monsoon storms or snow melts, there is one place everyone loves to check out. It is a big slab of red rock with indentations. It is located so that if you are clever, patient and work your shot, you can get some interesting reflections. On this day there was not much in any of the pools so it was a tough assignment!

Another interpretation.  Some folks like it darker!  Yep, that is me walking back and offering David an opportunity to get a sense of scale!  Actually, I was in the way!! — Another interpretation. Some folks like it darker! Yep, that is me walking back and offering David an opportunity to get a sense of scale! Actually, I was in the way!!

Another version of catching falling snow!  Just love it. — Another version of catching falling snow! Just love it.

At some point you have to leave. Right? Dang it! Tom caught some late Golden Hour shots from the car as we headed home. A full day of magic. Must admit, it was a long ride home.

Sabrina and South Lakes Trip

Snow Blankets Sedona

Index