Snowy Morning

Last Wednesday morning there was a chance of snow in the forecast. Although we didn't get any snow here in Mena, I knew that the chances for snow were greater at higher elevations. When I got up that morning I read on Facebook that there was a lot of snow at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. I decided to drive up there before work.

I drove up the Talimena Drive in time to watch the sunrise at the Acorn Vista. There was just a skiff of snow on the ground.

After watching the sunrise I continued up Talimena Drive.  As I climbed in elevation there was more and more snow.

By the time I reached Grand View Vista the snow was 9 inches deep and the road was very slick.  After taking a few photos I decided that I had better make my way back down the mountain so I wouldn't be late for work.  

I made it back down the mountain and got to work just before time to open. I wish I had been able to make it up to Queen Wilhelmina State Park but I just ran out of time. William Rainey took photos of the drive and of Queen Wilhelmena State Park that you can view here.  He measured almost 13 inches of snow. Here is video that he took while walking through the woods to the Old Pioneer Cemetery.

A walk through the woods to the Old Pioneer Cemetery - Queen Wilhelmina State Park - Talimena Scenic Byway - Mena, Arkansas #arwx #winter #arkansas #arstateparks
Posted by William Rainey on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

William Rainey Photography Show

Local Mena photographer, William Rainey, is being featured at the Mena Art Gallery in a photography show from January 2nd - February 1st. My wife and I attended the reception this afternoon.

William specializes in capturing the beautiful Arkansas outdoors.  He says of his passion for photography, “It allows me to capture the natural beauty of Arkansas and share it with others. Now when I go on an outdoor adventure, I can capture what I see and bring it back with me. I don't have to rely on words to tell others what I experienced, I can show them.”

William offers private instruction for photographers as well as guided day trips to scenic spots in the Ouachita Mountains surrounding Mena and the Buffalo River area of northern Arkansas.  For more information on private instruction or guided trips go to www.buffaloriverphotos.com - The website also offers the ability to browse and purchase his photos.

I really enjoyed seeing his photos in such a large format.  They were very striking.  One of William's passions is black and white photography.  Here are a couple of his black and white photos.

If you are interested in photography take a few moments and look through William Rainey's photos and you will be able to see the beauty that is Arkansas through his eyes.