The late spring opening of alpine mountain roads across the upper reaches of Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington State allows me to access some of my favorite areas for landscape photography.

After scouting and setting up at one of my favorite alpine tarns, I began experimenting with compositions, always careful of disturbing early sprouting plants during my frequent moves. I like to adjust perspective with lengthening shadows, as the streaming light from this evening's close to solstice sunset was quickly vanishing over the horizon.

This particular composition appealed to me. Just the outline of Mt. Rainier peaking around the clouds reflected in a perfectly still pool of ice water. Reflecting back, it was nice to have the area all to myself—quiet, with just the sound of running water and the song of the Thrush greeting the evening.