It was frigid this morning—11 degrees F (minus 12 C) when I first got into my car—and windy, but I was out at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge and captured these images as the sun was rising. It was wonderfully tranquil, with the silence broken periodically by the sounds of cracking ice and the creaking trees.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Aren’t you brave, weathering that cold to greet the day!
I was all bundled up and even had a balaclava style mask that covered most of my face. It wasn’t bad, except when I was walking through an open field when the wind was howling.
That cracking sound from water always amazes me! Stay warm 😉
Stunning photos, Mike. Thanks for braving the elements for us.
I am so impressed that you braved the cold and happy to benefit from it by seeing your beautiful pics .
Wow, your photos show that the bitter cold was definitely worth it!
Well done you for braving the great outdoors today. I had to run loads of errands today and even walking from door to car and back I was perishing.
Thanks Mike! Brrrrr… but I enjoyed these photos so much!
Beat images Mike! Love seeing sunrises!
Wow! It was supposed to be – beautiful images but seemed to change after I hit Post!!
Gorgeous sunrise images, Mike, and wow for getting out there in that cold and wind.