View from the road in Ashley National Forest, Daggett County, UtahView from the road in Ashley National Forest

Two years ago today was cloudy and sometimes gray much like today but I was not in Salt Lake County then instead I was on a journey in the Ashley National Forest.

I can guarantee that my views that day will be far better than the views I will see today. The light two years ago wasn’t terrific for photographing Ospreys at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir but the clouds did make for some drama over the forest, mountains and alpine lakes.

Cloudy skies and red rocks at Ashley National Forest, Daggett County, UtahCloudy skies and red rocks at Ashley National Forest

I love these clouds as the back drop for the red rocks and the conifers sturdy enough to grow on the slopes. This photo shows the Sheep Creek Canyon Geological Area.

Browne Lake perhaps? Ashley National Forest, Daggett County, UtahBrowne Lake perhaps?

I think this is Browne Lake but it might also be Sheep Creek Lake, I only know that I didn’t get to Spirit Lake that day because the roads to it were still mushy from the snow melt.

On a clearer day that the lake would have been a more crystalline blue instead of the dull color shown here but I thought it was beautiful just the same.

Wet mountain meadow in Ashley National Forest, Daggett County, UtahA wet mountain meadow in Ashley National Forest

After a bit the sun did break through the clouds and lit up this mountain meadow and at that point my only wish was for a moose to show up. It was a wonderful morning despite the weather.

It occurred to me as I was writing this that some lawmakers scoundrels in Utah are trying to take lands like this National Forest from the federal government which is a natural treasure that belongs to us all and should be forever. We can’t let them succeed.

Life is good.

Mia