Introduction
- Just as everywhere on the planet, climate change has not exempted Salt Lake City. In past winters continuous snow layers covered the valley floor, at least in patches from late November to mid February. Not so this year.
- On January 6th I was in the unfamiliar situation of having no specific tasks for a few hours. My 96-year-old father had died of COVID-19 two days earlier, and his funeral mass was not until January 8th. I had canceled my appointments for the week because in mourning I could not give my patients the undivided attention that psychotherapy demands. Given the COVID isolation orders, hanging out with siblings and extended family would have to wait. For the record my father was a remarkable person. You can read his obituary here: https://www.lindquistmortuary.com/obituary/VictorVic-DeCaria.
- So anyway, I grabbed my camera and headed to Sugarhouse Park for an outing in nature.
Parley’s Creek
This is the scene that greeted me as I arrived at the park. The creek is tame now, especially compared to the spring when the melting snow from Parley’s Canyon rushes through here.
Closeup of Parley’s Creek Bottom
A little bit of snow along the bank. It is a rare opportunity to see bare ground on a January day.
Treetops and Sky #1
Primary blue with primary yellow on the right, and primary blue with complementary orange on the left.
Treetops and Sky #2
Nature’s beauty even in the middle of an urban environment, but I had to get out of my house to find it.
Box Elder Trees #1
During the approximately 90 minutes I spent here, I bonded with these members of the maple family.
Box Elder Trees #2
Notice the play of the trunks in the foreground and the play of their shadows in the background. The drab colors contradict the bright winter sun.
Box Elder Tree Tops Against Sky #1
The ellipse shape on the left initially attracted my attention. Although my brain could isolate the ellipse, the camera could not. Please focus your attention on the ellipse and notice how the scene becomes more dimensional, like you are really present.
Box Elder Tree Top Against Sky #2
Close-up of huge horizontal branch.
Box Elder Trees #3
That horizontal branch defies gravity.
Endnote
I was surprised that bare ground in January could be so attractive.
Thank you,
Dr. Mike
I was saddened to hear about the passing of your father, Vic. My heartfelt condolences to you, Michael.
How appropriate to schedule a photo shoot amongst the trees and water of Parley’s Creek. Even though it’s winter – the rich grays and browns of sleeping vegetation provide a quiet solace and balm for the soul (at least for me). I hope that your beautiful pictures brought joy to your heart. They certainly lifted mine. My favorite: Your last image of the branches visually falling from vertical to horizontal. Very rhythmic!
Thank you for your beautiful thoughts and for your condolences about my father’s passing. I picked this spot because this is where you took Carol and me to have an open air lunch with Seth and you early fall last year. What an inspirational place in a city park! Thank you for showing the place to me.
I learned that boxelders are a type of maple. I never knew that! Nice photos as always.
According to some field guides, box elders can be a source of decent maple syrup. I am delighted that you like the photos.
I’m a younger man but I found your blog during some recent research on Fairfield, Utah. I’m sorry for your loss and I wish you and your family all the best. Thanks for sharing your experiences, it’s been a nice dose of humanity during these isolated times.
All the best,
Cade
Thank you very much for reading and commenting. I will treasure your compliment about humanity. Warm regards, Michael