High on our list of 'must check out' for fall color in Colorado was Maroon Bells. We first visited the site last June when everything was green and then more green. We heard that the place was pretty spectacular in the fall. Judge for yourself.
This was the first image of my morning. There were clues along the drive in that fall colors had arrived, but I could not see anything at the end of the lake that was assuring until this photo gave some indication of color. I was stoked!
A huge smile is on my face. Frozen fingers and toes are worth it.
Must admit that at this point I considered going back to the car and warming up. But, photographers were still arriving and I would lose my precious real estate on the shoreline. I stayed put, jumping up and down and breathing into numb fingers.
When we first arrived Tom chose his spot for the sunrise at a location further around the lake. He felt it had a better vantage point. Different for sure. Better? Not so sure. One thing for sure, we were not going to be taking the same image!!
Just as it was! Once the sun hit the very top of the Bells I started taking a time-lapse. Once that is set up you have no access to your camera and just stand there (or jump around to keep warm). Tom fills in with images of the way the sun slowly descends down the Bells and will light up the trees and lake below.
While the most exciting action is taking place looking towards the mountain . . . looking backward is pretty darn good too!
Along the lake as the sun rose.
I was hoping for more 'maroon' color. The color actually changes as the sun rises. It was more maroon later.
The folks on the upper right are where Tom chose to set up initially. The long line that is free of photographers does not have the vantage point needed to get a good photograph (my opinion, of course, but apparently shared by other photographers). Behind the rocks and all the way over to the left is where the prime real estate is located. Interestingly, by this of the sunrise many photographers were already leaving!!!
By now Tom has moved all the way over to the left. You can still see photographers. He has found an interesting foreground object.
I am still trying to figure this one out! Tom loves geometric images. I am sure there must be an equation for this one.
By now the sun is up and the remaining photographers are in a festive mood. They take selfies, share gear stories, brag about how many times they have done this 'shoot', share tips, compare their images on the backs of cameras, etc.
Every one of us wanted a calm, mirror-like water surface. Then, along come four ducks and create some patterns for us.
On my way back to the car . . .
On the way out you may become part of a ritual. That is, you stop at almost any barely safe spot and capture more images. Or, you can even take a short hike to a pond, as Tom did.
Just gotta stop. Again. And again. And again.
Looking back into canyons was lots of fun as the sun bounced around leaving bright spots and deep shadows.
Pretty from afar.
Intersecting lines.
Texture everywhere.
It does not happen often. When it does it is a feeling to remember. At some point I just stand there. I cannot click any button. I cannot move. I am paralyzed by awe, wonderment and an incredibly feeling of being loved by the creator of all of it. God is more present in these places than in any church I have entered. She gives evidence that She exists. When I look at the images later on the feeling returns. My deepest wish is that all people could experience what She has created. Perhaps we could start to learn to love each other. We are one of Her creations and we too must be as awesome. Every one of us like every aspen leaf.
One launching pad still full and one shut down.
Fall fashion color.
For a just for fun comparison, this photograph was taken on June 16, 2016.