Not a tequila sunrise

I don’t often see sunrise. Our best window views at home are to the south and west. I’m also preoccupied at dawn getting ready for work.

But every winter, we head to the scenic Methow Valley on the eastern slopes of Washington’s North Cascades. It was on one of those visits that I witnessed this stunning sunrise.

The temperature was in the single digits. I gazed out the window contemplating a cross-country ski before breakfast. My stoke for skiing was low.

I watched the first light dimly silhouette the peaks in the distance.  Color appeared in the sky, faintly at first, but quickly increasing in saturation. The beauty of this sunrise was enhanced by the clouds.

The Kodachrome sky quickly faded and gave way to a muted winter sky.  I sipped my morning coffee, grateful to have witnessed the sunrise, and ready to embrace a new day.

Rise/Set