Almost as if creating its own Christmas card, the Merced river runs slowly through boulders capped with a layer so snow on icy water below the golden monolith of El Capitan. A few breaks in the ice make for a mirror like reflection of the towering sunlit cliffs of granite. The meadow across the river lies quietly under a blanket of freshly fallen snow not yet touched by sunlight. This is a popular vista in Yosemite is a must stop on most any trip through Yosemite Valley. The extreme clear skies of winter enhanced the coolness of the image and it was indeed as cold as it looks. The icy effect adds to the beauty of the of this always stunning location.