mic's gallery
Hi. I published this section with a brief gallery of some of my favorite photos. I do this not because I think
my photos are the best, but because I have enjoyed seeing the works of others, and I would like to share
these photos with you in the same way. The Rocky Mountain National Park area is so rich in views and beauty
that it is always worth seeing it through the eyes of many. So in that light, I hope you will enjoy what these
pairs of eyes have seen.
Oh, by the way, . . . I am hosting another gallery section on this website where you can share and
post some of your best. Please E-mail me if you would be interested in sharing some of your photos and thoughts.
Aspen Leaf in the Snow
One early winter in 1996, a day after a really quick surprise snow storm, I took a brief hike up the Longs Peak trail.
On my way back I hiked down to what is known as the Alberta Falls trail head. The sun was starting to set - it was getting dark.
The temperature was starting to drop rapidly as well, and so I decided to turn around and go back to my car since
I wasn't dressed for an extended, cold hike. When I turned around I found myself facing a snow bank where the sun's rays
leaked through the canopy above and briefly illuminated this aspen leaf. I shot several frames of this and the second photo below
and hurried back to warmer environments. When I got my film developped, I could not believe my eyes. I decided then that
being at the right place at the right time is many times better than planning and composing an award winning photography session,
don't you think?. I could not have planned this shot in a million years! And I have looked for repeat opportunities, always failing
to have the combined set of light and objects. I witnessed what now seems to be a "once-in-a million" performance by nature!
I consider myslef very fortunate.
Aspen Leaves
This is the shot of the whole snow bank, where the aspen leaves had fallen for the winter. The sun had set, but the lighting
and composition still lended itself to beautiful scenery. Nature's cycle for the winter season had started in earnest!
Longs Peak - Haiyaha Trail
For better or worse, many are the trails and paths that exist in the Park. Then some are well traveled, others are not.
But if you want to be on a trail less traveled - and one where you are unlikely to meet other hikers, the trail to lake Haiyaha
should be high on your list. Half way up you will start to see beautiful scenes on your left. This one of Longs Peak is one of the many
possible sites. And then of course, is the view from Lake Haiyaha. Don't cheat yourself by not going all the way up!
Longs Peak - Winter Morn
Cold and crisp - so uninviting! Yet there is such a unique beauty in such scenes. And with the first rays of sun the world seems
to return to what we conceive as normal. This shot of Longs Peak was taken from just above Beaver Meadows. It was mid-winter 1998.
The Diamond Cathedral
What a contrast! From cold, uninviting winter mornings to bold and bright summer ones. Early mornings are so special for viewing
Rocky Mountain National Park and Longs Peak. I was at the base of what is called "The Diamond" or East Face of Longs Peak,
and when the sun rises the effects of it are experienced quickly. The face of the Diamond just seems to throw back the sun's brilliance
in a phenomenon called the Alpenglow. And then, as quickly as it started, it all ends. What an interlude! And what a unique way
to recieve an invitation to "climb on." And so we did, my other two partners and I. But you leave with the indelible impression
burned in your mind of what I like to call, "The Diamond Cathedral."
Hallets Peak from Dream Lake
Changing venues a bit, here is a shot from a very popular hiking trail that goes all the way to the base of Hallets Peak.
And half way along this trail is a long, beautiful lake called Dream Lake. As you can see, when the sun is almost directly overhead
the water's hugh fools the film into rendering it as a deep, black lagoon. In effect is a fairly deep rock basin that catches the still
melting snow. Very cold and brisk, the water becomes inviting only to a few ducks. Beeing just below alpine level the lodgepole pines
flourish with a deep green. And then there is the 'prow-like' monolith named after William Hallet, an early setller and guide for the
Estes Park area in the late 1800's. I would like to think that if Mr Hallet were to be standing next me in 1997 when I took this shot,
he would say that . . . "things haven't changed much up here." And I thnik he would be right.
It makes one feel like we just took a step into the past.
Fall River Spill Lake
Further down and to the north of the Park is a more daring road that a few choose to drive to the Rocky Mountain visitor center.
It is called Fall River Road. A while back an alpine lake called Lawn Lake busted through its containment walls and emptied itself down
to an area now called The Alluvial Fan. Spring run offs fill this little basin carved out by the Lawn Lake Flood and produces some stunning views
as you look up towards the road. It was a little windy that day and so the water wasn't a mirror finish, but the light was just right for this shot.