Mountains

Mountain Refuge

Restless and worn, I arrive at this remote tarn. A sanctum of refuge far from the reaches of our busy society. In contrast to the modern world, this place generously pours out its strength into me. I leave that evening not as I arrived, but remade anew.

© 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

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

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

Unheld Treasures

I've daydreamed of visiting this remote location for nearly 5 years. As I take the final steps up to the lake’s edge, hiking along the outlet, I am greeted by a very large bald eagle just beginning to take flight. An unexpected gift of awe transpires as she begins to fly nearly straight at me. Moments like this will not soon be forgotten. Freely they come, and freely they go.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

Trail of Hope

High above many of the park’s trails rests one of my favorites in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Ute Trail. As the afternoon turns toward evening, a canvas of clouds spreads across the sky. A small gap opens up on the horizon. This allows the rich golden rays of last light to touch the landscape one final time, painting the sky in pinks, purples, yellows and orange. Up here above tree line, there’s nothing to hinder my view. Unimpeded, a rush of light and life saturate me to the very core!

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

Broken Reflections

What is it that is so enchanting about a mountain reflected in still waters? Something so delicate and temporal reflects something so solid, immovable and seemingly eternal. It’s easy to get lost in gazing down at a clearly mirrored mountain. The quiet waters have a way of bringing you closer to those rugged and beautiful peaks and fill your surroundings with a delicate peace.

© 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

Reflections of Helene

This image of Lake Helene was created about one month before the East Troublesome Fire caused the park to close. As winds howled on the Grand Lake side of Rocky Mountain National Park, the fire consumed a staggering 6,000 acres of forest per hour. The flames produced sparks so hot on the back of fierce winds that the fire jumped over miles of bare tundra, crossing over the continental divide to the east side of the park. At its closest point, the blaze was only 9 miles from Estes Park. There was a several day period where this entire area was nearly swallowed up, leaving nothing but black char and ash in its wake. In moments of near loss, the depths of our hearts’ appreciation are unveiled, deepening relationships and bonds. The relief that came from an unexpected snowstorm, which was responsible for settling the fire, yielded an unspeakable thanksgiving and rejoicing.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

Rushing to Daybreak

The mighty Big Thompson River begins to swell in early May as the high country grounds are just starting to warm and the mountains release their reserves of snow. We are on the cusp of another wonderful spring and summer. In just a few short months, the black and white world of winter will again burst forth with color and song as its nourishing waters from on high rush to fill the meadows.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako