Spring & Summer

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

Wild Wonder

I have always been drawn to photograph areas where there are many small pockets of interesting textures, shapes and colors. What amazes me is that these accents often add up to more than just the sum of individual parts. Hidden in quiet corners of the wilderness, not thriving on the attention of others, they carry on season to season. Too much attention and fanfare will devastate them altogether. They need to remain somewhat hidden in order to thrive.

© 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