During the 1950's and 1960's, the course of the Provo River in Utah was altered to accommodate the projected growing needs of the state. The riverbed was straitened, levees were built to guard against flooding, and in a few places the riverbed was dredged. In the process, the natural habitat was disrupted and the plant and animal life was greatly affected. In the late 1990's, the state government allocated funds to restore the river to its natural condition. Where the riverbed had been straightened, it now was allowed to return to its natural meander. The project also acquired an 800- 2,200 foot wide corridor on either side of the river. Levees were set back to once again allow occasional flooding. In all respects the river was once again returned to a natural state. It will take time for plant and animal life to fully return, but for now it is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit and explore.
I arose early Friday morning knowing that I wanted to shoot a sunrise. Since we had a storm the day before, I knew I was likely to have a few lingering clouds. I looked at the Photographer's Ephemeris and saw that the best chance I had for color in the sky without driving a long way was the Heber Valley. There is a parking area north of Deer Creek Reservoir outside the town of Charleston with access to the Provo River Restoration Area, and it was here I decided to photograph. I had a snowy drive up Provo Canyon with patches of fog around Deer Creek Reservoir. It was a cold crisp morning and the air was mostly clear by the river. When the sun began rising there were patches of mist rising off the water. I struggled to find a composition in the chaotic growth along the river until I came across this scene where the sunrise light reflected beautifully off the river's surface. The colors were rich and warm and contrasted nicely with the cool winter tones along the river's bank.
I stayed and shot for over an hour, until the color was gone from the sky and I had weekend chores calling me back to home. I live in a beautiful part of the world if I can be in a setting like this within 30 minutes of my house. Oh, that I could see all this country around me in a grand restoration project. I would dearly love to see the Mt. Timpanogos Wilderness area 100 years ago. Alas I am content to roam the hills and canyons and experience what I can and capture a few images along the way.
