Snow, Wind & Sun: Christmas in Albany, NY

[kznyc2k]

Happy Holidays, all!

This is the time of the year where I go home to Albany and capture a metric ton of photos. This year was unique because 1) we got a white Christmas for the first time in many years, and 2) it was sunny most every day I was there, which in Upstate NY in the winter is a real rarity.

So like I said, we had a white Christmas (like much of the eastern US) thanks to an overnight snowfall of a solid five or so inches, but then by noon on Christmas day the winds had really picked up (gusts well over 40 MPH) and pushed the storm clouds far out to the east. What we ended up with was a very fresh snow cover, brilliant unfiltered sunlight, and wind gusts that sent the dry, granular snow flying all over the place. It made for a very animated scene!

But first, a prologue: the Christmas morning right before opening presents view from home





And now on into Rensselaer and its riverfront parks











Enter the snow gusts



















These gusts of snow off the rooftops were pretty nuts. I don't recall seeing a skyline animated like this before





















































Aaaand now heading away from town to go be with family





Epilogue: quick trip into town the following day



























And that's it for this year!



Hope you enjoyed and happy holidays!

If this has left you clamoring for more Albany pics, may I suggest this thread of mine that I'm rather proud of: ALBANY: 50 Shades of Overcast

[OhioGuy]

Nice photos!

[Murphy de la Sucre]

By far, the most...best Albany thread ever.

[Lance]

Great tour of my hometown too. I take it your old home is on the Rensselaer County side? I live over there now and am always amazed how many great vantages there are to see he Albany skyline.

[kznyc2k]

Hi Lance. Yep, my parents are up in East Greenbush, and I've slowly but surely learned how well Rensselaer shows off the Albany skyline. It's really fun to explore.

[Lance]

I'm in East Greenbush too, I love taking walks in the neighborhood and discovering what the views are from various spots. Next time you're coming up to the area (and it's not disgustingly cold) let me know, it would be neat to get together and see some of these vantages with someone else who enjoys it.

[deja vu]

I like Albany. Neat photos.

[EastSideHBG]

Cool pics! I haven't been yet but from these pics it reminds me of Harrisburg in many ways.

[Matthew]

I always enjoy your Albany threads. You captured some of everything, including the terrain and residential areas.

[boden]

Some great shots of a city we see too little of on the forum.

[mrnyc]

ah, those albany tales.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Great stuff. I did shiver a bit, but it was well worth it. Thanks. Now time to check out the older Albany thread you mentioned.