The 19th century naturalist John Muir once wrote, "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."

In this image, the Wallowa Mountains of Oregon are awaiting the coming of winter. When the sun goes down, there can be decidedly brisk winds which bring an early covering of white witnessed by the snowy owl.

I camped here - the lakes basin of the Wallowa Mountains of northeastern Oregon - when a foot and a half of snow fell. This is the panorama I woke to.

- Stephen Lyman