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Silence and Solitude

The silver lined clouds and rich red hues on Notchtop Mountain last only a few fleeting minutes. Not a breath of wind disturbs the waters this morning. It was as if all the living held its breath during this sacred moment of reflection.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

Pursuit of Perfection

A small pool of water holds the glowing reflection of Andrews Peak as a long day comes to a close. So much energy is poured into many of these photos, but the rewards and joy of being present witnessing moments of the finest light make the effort worthwhile. It’s not just the view or coming away with a photo, but even more, how over miles hiked the landscape speaks and tends to me with whispers of grace, acceptance and peace. The longer the hike, the richer and fuller the nourishment. It is very rare that I do not come out of the wilderness with a cup that is overflowing and a contented heart.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

Remember the Light

The freedom and peace of wandering in solitude through the high country. The long hikes and the fresh air. I wish I could recall these times with greater ease and speed, able to bring myself more readily back to the moments. Times of great treasure. Moments of peace and refreshing when hope and genuine ease pour over us. In a breath, they are gone. And yet, they eternally exist in those who experience and take them in.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

Marigold Morning

What will happen from moment to moment as life unfolds through pages of time? We have some influence, but no control. Often our emotions are thrown into a cyclone of disorder when life reads differently than the script we’ve prepared. Expectations are the enemy of peace. They steal the gifts of the day’s offerings before we are seated at the table. Be present and lay down your script, with eyes wide open to see anew once more.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

Mesa's Hearth

An iconic scene of the American west, Mesa Arch glows from beneath with an intensity that unseen with my own eyes seemed fictitious. The forecast was for completely overcast conditions and rain starting in the early morning hours and throughout the day. However, a small break in the clouds out east appeared and it was all that was needed to light the fires below. The glow underneath the arch was beyond what I deemed possible for any natural light to do.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

Fall's Sanctuary

It’s the first day of October, and the air is crisp, cold and still. I hike alone in the darkness. The trail is damp and quiet. My breath is visible, making small clouds of condensation revealed by the light of the headlamp. I arrived at this location a little earlier than expected and try to take in the beauty of this moment. The way all the elements came together as the first sun rays touched the mountain tops was completely humbling. We have no control over any of this other than to prepare and make the most of what’s given.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

Flourish

A fleeting moment of dramatic light illuminates an enduring juniper as it seemingly grows out of rock. What is more remarkable than a life flourishing in its given conditions? It’s as if this tree has moved beyond acceptance of what is to wholeheartedly embracing and celebrating where it has taken root. Not dreaming of what could be but singing of what is.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

Expectations

The anticipation of expectations realized runs through my mind nearly every time I head out with the camera. Every once in a while, all the elements align. One small, lonely cloud drifts into the center of the sky in frame about 15 minutes before sunset. Then a most unexpected and dramatic change occurs. The single cloud started to expand in all directions like a fisherman’s net expands as it slowly sinks in water. As the last rays of light became rich in color, that single cloud continued to engulf the sky, catching beautiful golden and then red, pink and purple light.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

Dream Pillows

Air so cold, I watch as the lake water turns to ice before my very eyes. As Dream Lake pulls up its winter blanket, I recompose this scene a few times over the hour, chasing pockets of the reflecting Flattop Mountain. Despite wearing many winter layers, it’s difficult to keep warm. Although this bone-chilling weather causes me pain, I cannot pull myself away from the fullness of the winter’s glory, taking in as much of its splendor as I can. The minutes seem eternal, but the entirety of the experience passes in an instant.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

Winter's Release

Early May at Dream Lake is one of the best times to photograph this popular location, in my opinion. The paper-thin, intricately formed ice subtly clings to the rocks in the shallows, creating an artfully broken reflection of Hallet and Flattop Mountain. Spring is breaking through as winter begins to relent. The melting snowpack is quickly filling the nearby streams to the brim, nurturing the wildflowers still nestled warmly in the grounds of the surrounding banks. The world of black and white, browns and grays will soon give way to a world bursting with color.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

A Story to Tell

A weathered evergreen tree sits perched on the banks of a rushing stream. This tree has so much character that it reminded me of an Ent from the popular book and movie series, “The Lord of the Rings.” On a cool summer morning, I sat on a rock in the stream, letting my imagination run, wondering what stories this tree would tell if it could indeed speak.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

Snow Covered Spires

The spires of Flattop Mountain as seen approaching Dream Lake are stunning under any circumstances. However, they are nothing but extraordinary in the wake of the season’s first significant snow storm. The mountain exhales the crisp, frigid air glowing under the golden light of the setting sun, surrounded by the brilliance of snow saturated trees and snow pillows.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako