Purple Mountains Majesty & the Slippery Slope

A few weeks ago we went for a family drive up the canyon. I was sure that we would find some gorgeous fall leaves that I could take pictures of. I was a little disappointed to find green trees, or completely naked trees with the leaves blown off by a recent storm. I also didn't count on the snow! There was even ice on the road. My disappointment quickly turned to apprehension.

We hit a couple of icy patches, but nothing too terrible. We even saw three cyclists heading down from the top of the canyon, which we thought was pretty incredible (and cold!).

Then we hit a large icy patch going uphill, around a corner. The problem wasn't really the ice... it was the car stopped on our side of the road putting on their chains. We couldn't get around them and so we started sliding backwards down the hill. It was so scary! There were cars behind us and oncoming cars trying to go around the stopped car in front of us. Needless to say it wasn't a good situation.

We weren't sure anyone could make it up and around the icy corner. Some of the cars turned around (with Honey Daddy's assistance). Eventually the car blocking the road moved and we decided to give it a try. I think I had my eyes closed and my hands clenched... and was so relieved when we made it!

Then I was having one of those moments where I felt like my fun family idea had turned into something of a nightmare. It was starting to get dark and we hadn't had very much fun... much less taken any nice photos.

But then we found some spectacular scenery at the top.

Can you see why I love living near the mountains?

Even though I went back up the other side of the canyon a week later and got some gorgeous fall photos, I still really love these. Maybe it's because I feel that I earned these photos.... maybe it's because they redeemed what could have been a horrible trip... or maybe it's just because they are lovely.

Hosted by Cecily and Emily