Big Blow, a photo from Montana, West

Photographer's Note

This image conveys well the nature of a "ground blizzard", as they are called in this region. This occurs when the winds pick up fallen snow, ice, a bit of dust and redistributes it, at times creating whiteout conditions. Sometimes you can only see a few feet in front of you (that is if you can keep your eyes open).

This is another of the abandoned homesteads that seem to be in every corner of this region. I may have said it before, but it pains me to think of the blood, sweat and tears that were expended building these homes; for them to now be left with cold hearths and to die alone. I can't help to think if a home could talk, what questions they might ask. Where did my children go? Where did my animals go? Why did my family leave? What did I do wrong? Why does nobody love me anymore? :(

This is my first attemp at a large post, I would be very pleased to hear what you think.

cxxl, Coyote, nwoehnl, sulucas, mcclurec has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

cxxl (2684) 2004-03-26 19:08

Excellent capture Ned. It looks very cold and wild. Well done.

edji (1368) 2004-03-26 19:23

Très bien réussi. Ce paysage semble subir une température assez difficile. Juste à voir l'image, j'ai froid.

richtersl (3546) 2004-03-26 21:56

It looks COLD there, Ned. The blowing snow and the abandoned homes really give this photo an aura of despair.

didcreole (962) 2004-03-27 7:03

Great picture, it looks like north pole. Is it a stitching of several photos ?

Coyote (457) 2004-03-27 13:37

This shot really shows why I love the west and couldn't live anywhere else. The stark reality of life, raw nature, and the intestinal fortitude of those who lived here are depicted rather well. It gets worse than this, as you know- but you can't take a shot, nothing but white shows. Harsh world, I'll add to your thread about the post- you did good.

nwoehnl (122) 2004-03-27 13:45

A stunning shot, Ned, and just about one of the coldest-looking I think I've seen on TE. The large version made me take a hefty sip of the cup of tea I have on my desk right now ;-) The abandoned homes, the wires hanging down from the electrical poles, and the snow really make this a great capture of the raw force of nature. Thanks for posting this and for writing up a fine note with it.

sulucas (229) 2004-03-28 1:06

This is an excellent capture! The disrepair, the isolation, the cold, the wind...
And your note is a perfect acompaniment to decribe the emotion one feels when looking at this picture.
Thanx!