As I drove home Thursday night in 15 degree weather in a fog layer so dense that I could barely see to drive, I was pretty sure that the Pike National Forest surrounding my home would be clothed in a mantle of magnificent white in the morning. I knew it would be well worth my time to get up early and grab the camera for my morning hike on the north ridge of Ute Pass with the puppies.
As I strode through the woods in the early morning solitude, the sun’s first light began to hit the tall pines and I could see that the day would not disappoint! The trees were covered in thick white frost, as if some unseen hand had sprayed them with that snow aerosol spray people use on their artwork. The fog from the night before was not quite as dense, but was still prevalent enough to add a mystical mood to the scene and the light shining through the mist was perfect for photography. Just enough to light the scene without blowing the highlights.
The doggies were a bit impatient with my constant stops, but soon learned that today was going to be done differently than our usual romp through the woods. They were quite happy to find that we weren’t going to stop at the usual turnaround though! As we climbed higher I noticed that the fog was becoming thinner. My hope was that if we continued climbing towards the top of the ridge, I might be able to climb above the fog and see a magnificent fog layer at the base of 14,115 foot Pikes Peak.
My instincts proved correct and as I made my way through the fog I noticed the very top of the mountain occasionally peeking through the mist. Then finally, the reward. I burst through the fog and got a clear view of the peak and a valley filled with mist. A truly magical scene! A scene that would lift my spirits after a winter of disappointment and injury. A scene befitting of the good news to come later, that a home on two acres in the woods had become available within the budget of my loan qualification. A scene befitting of new hope that 2017 would bring new adventures, ascents to new 14,000 foot Colorado Peaks… and a summer not quite as filled with hardship as were recent summers past… “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5
Steve Krull is a prolific sports and nature photographer selling prints and stock images online as S.W. Krull Imaging at various sites and agencies. Click this link to view all the products and services offered by Steve Krull and S. W. Krull Imaging. Additional services include, wedding photography, portraiture and model portfolios, and event photography. Additional products include fine art stock imagery, prints and gift items
