Hot Creek in Mammoth Lakes is a pretty popular location for photographers visiting the area. I wanted to find a way to make it a little more unique. I know I wanted the grass along the creek to be green, with snow still remaining on the mountains. I also wanted to have the core of the milky way perfectly aligned while having the very first alpenglow on Laurel Mountain, which usually starts about 55 minutes before sunrise This particular lineup with alpenglow is only possible for a few days a year.