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

Spirit of Rocky

Just above Adams Falls, on the East Inlet Trail, rests this scene. The banks of the East Inlet brims full as its reflective waters wind back into the rolling mountains and beyond to the headwaters of Grand Lake. Lush banks are flush with dappled grasses coated in morning dew under a cool blanket of fog. All of these elements melded together on this August morning, painting a sense of mystery and one that draws me in. What lies further upstream? What secrets does this particular section of the park hold? An invitation to explore, discover and behold.

© 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

Reaching for More

What is it I desire to share with the world?
Wholeness, freedom and love in all its forms. Pure and sweet like drops of morning dew at days first light on the peddles of a flower filled meadow. These I reach for. What I desire is to share this with all the world and see it multiply and utterly swallow up all the wrongs. I have lost my way on this pursuit in more ways and times then I can count. Here I go again despite my infinite failures of the past. I get up again and ask for divine strength to get it right for the first time and into eternity.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

Quiet Life

The grand landscapes of RMNP are truly world-class. More times than I can recall, I’ve been stopped in my tracks at the wide wonder of its many grand views and towering peaks. Amidst these vast sights are countless and often hidden smaller scenes. Standing in stark contrast to the grand views, these unassuming scenes attract no apparent attention. Beneath the grandeur of ancient giants, they sit with a quiet beauty of their own, waiting to be discovered.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

New Perspective

The morning light finds a small patch of open sky, illuminating Flattop Mountain shortly after sunrise. Dream Lake has been photographed by millions of visitors each year. No doubt that almost every perspective of this gorgeous, but easily hiked to, mountain lake has been captured at one time or another. I myself have also been fortunate enough to visit this beautiful location and also photograph it many, many times over. I took on the challenge of attempting to find a new vantage point at the familiar location. Although this perspective is certainly not unique at large, it is a first for me.

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako

Odessa Overlook

Taken in the initial years of my journey as a photographer, I vividly recall the early morning hike to this overlook. Every sound other than my own caused me to jump. My heart would race from more than just the physical exertion. Looking back now, these early day and night hikes bring with them great joy. I now smile when I think of my past self. It is likely the drive up to the trailhead was far more dangerous than the hike. These days were part of the journey that has shaped who I am today. For this, I am deeply grateful.

© 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

Majestic Matterhorn

Balanced precariously on a slippery log, my boots are partially submerged in the icy waters of the rushing stream. I wait patiently for first light. The appreciable order of this place is stunning. Moist, calm and cool air wake me up to be completely present to the surroundings. Just before first light, a doe makes her way down the steep banks and across the stream. She is followed by her very young spotted calf. Unaware of my presence, they are at ease. Watching the delicate and ordered epic play out, I am but a bystander within myself. Such wonder and beauty still saturate this wonderful world; how is it we do not wonder more?

© copyright by Joseph Ondrako