Bells Panorama

Story

I knew I wanted to create Bells Panorama. I knew what I wanted it to look like and what it would take to create. Arriving at Maroon Bells hours before sunrise, I positioned myself perfectly. Now, though, it was up to the weather. 

Like many fall days in Colorado, the day was exceptionally crisp this morning. “Crisp” is a way of saying it was far colder than expected, and I was not mentally prepared to transition from short-sleeved shirts yesterday to a heavy jacket today. Although it was still September, one can now expect snowy days. And, just the night before, a light snow fell on the mountain peaks.

Dawn broke with clear skies and a light wind as I shivered, both with cold and anticipation. The conditions could have been better for the photograph I had in mind. There was nothing for it except to do my best to stay warm and hope the scene improved. I waited, not as patiently as I could, but I waited all the same. 

Little by little, the sun continued to rise, flooding Maroon Bells, Maroon Lake, and the encompassing hillsides with light. As the light crept in, so did the color, and now the scene before me was as bright and cheery as I imagined it would be. Alas, the sky remained clear, and the wind gusts were high enough to obscure any reflections on the lake. 

At least I warmed up, so that was a plus.

Everything comes together

However, as the morning wore on, light, fluffy clouds drifted in, and the gentle breezes began to drop. The lake’s surface began to still as the clouds drifted by, and the scene before me matched the one I envisioned.

It was everything I’d hoped for and more. Bells Panorama came together as if by magic, and I no longer remembered being cold. Staying in the moment, I created the photograph. Afterward, I lingered there in no hurry and enjoyed the view for the rest of the morning.

Eventually, it was time to go. I carefully packed up, took a long final look, and waved goodbye to the mountains. I’ll be back, of course, but the memory of this spectacular morning will always be with me.