A Christmas Eve Sunrise

The view from the hill above our house on Christmas Eve morning.
Some sights are worth pulling over for.

Denver Dressed for the Holidays

For me, the holiday season in Denver officially begins when the lights on the City and County Building are switched on. It's an annual tradition to go see the grand old building dressed in its festive best.

A wide panorama from Civic Center Park,
showing the full "Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year" display.

The Calm Before the Lights

Sometimes getting the perfect shot means doing a little homework. The official lighting of the Denver City and County Building is a huge event, and I wanted to be prepared. So, the night before, I went downtown to scout out the best vantage points for the main event.

The Zucchini Bread Critic

This Black-billed Magpie gives my
zucchini bread fail two wings up.

Sunrise Departure from MCO

After a whirlwind trip to Florida, it was time to head home. As I've said before, I always love flying early in the day; you get ahead of the potential for cascading delays and the journey feels much smoother. The reward for that early alarm clock is often a beautiful, quiet moment before the chaos of travel begins.

The pre-dawn glow at Orlando International (MCO).
The quietest moment of the day at any airport.

A Little Hotel Drama

What's a hotel stay without a little bit of drama? I had just turned in for the night, ready to call it a day, when the unmistakable blare of the fire alarm filled the halls.

Watching the moon and clouds while waiting for the "all clear" from the fire department.

Petrified Wood?

You don't often pay much attention to the art on a hotel room wall, but this piece caught my eye.

A Trip with a Purpose

The view from the United Club
as the sun begins to rise over Denver International Airport.

Blue Skies Over Golden

When you get an unexpected afternoon off and the Colorado sky is a brilliant, cloudless blue, you have to take advantage of it. We decided on a two-part hike around Golden to do some exploring and photography.

Looking south toward Green Mountain,
with some beautiful mountain wave clouds forming.

Black and Gold

You can't even tell that I spent most of yesterday raking leaves, can you?

Sunrise Departure

There's always a touch of melancholy when a lovely visit with family comes to an end, but it's mixed with the quiet comfort of heading home. After a wonderful trip to Minnesota, it was time for an early morning flight back to Denver.

The pre-dawn quiet at
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

A Minnesota Reunion

 The main event of the day was a wonderful get-together for the Korkowski Cousins' Luncheon at The Old Mill in Urbank, but the journey there and back was an adventure in itself. We took a road trip through the heart of Minnesota, soaking in the gorgeous autumn colors.

A Day with Family

A great lunch catching up with my
brother Denis (left) and my cousin Shawn (right).

A Long Day's Journey into Light

The day begins at "butt ugly early o'clock"
on the way to the airport.

The Annual Autumn Drive: Day Two

 Day two of our annual drive required a strategy: leave Steamboat Springs at "butt ugly early o'clock." The goal was to get ahead of the weekend crowds on Trail Ridge Road, and we were about to find out just how smart that decision was.

The day started in the pre-dawn darkness in Steamboat Springs.

The drive into the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park is a sobering experience now, passing through the vast burn scar of the 2020 East Troublesome Fire. 

The first hint of twilight as we hit the road.

The layers of the mountains revealing themselves at dawn.

Entering the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park,
the landscape is now defined by the 2020 burn scar.

A stark but powerful landscape, showing the scale of the fire.

The road ahead. Even in the burn scar,
the scenery is dramatic and compelling.

Gaining elevation and looking back
down at the Kawuneeche Valley.

It’s a stark landscape, but beautiful in its own resilient way. As we climbed, the scenery transformed, rising above the treeline into the breathtaking alpine tundra. The views of the Never Summer Range were spectacular under a perfect blue sky.

The incredible, sweeping view of the
Never Summer Range from Trail Ridge Road.

The morning frost still clinging to the reeds along the water's edge.

It was great to see signs of life thriving in the area's waterways.

A little synchronized swimming to start the day.

A moment of perfect, glassy reflections in the crisp morning air.

After crossing the summit, we descended the eastern side, catching the last remnants of fall color. And then we saw it: a miles-long backup of cars waiting to get into the park from the Estes Park entrance. Our early start had paid off in spades. It was a spectacular finale to our annual color pilgrimage.

Above the treeline, the world opens up
into a vast expanse of rock and sky.

A close look at one of the park's remnant glaciers,
clinging to the shadows.

Looking back toward the high peaks
along the Continental Divide.

Descending the eastern side of the park,
we found the last holdouts of the fall color.

A few beautiful pockets of aspen gold
with Longs Peak in the distance.

And the payoff!
This was the miles-long backup waiting to get in the east entrance.
Our early start was definitely the right call.

Wherever you are today, I hope an early start brings you a peaceful and beautiful journey.

Don Bergquist – 08 October 2024 – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA

The Annual Autumn Drive: Day One

The journey begins, heading into the
mouth of the Cache la Poudre Canyon.

The Harvest is In!

There's a special kind of satisfaction that comes from gardening, and it's never more apparent than on harvest day. After a summer of growth, my pumpkin harvest is finally in!

This year's pumpkin harvest!
A sure sign that autumn is officially here.

It's not a massive haul, but these two beauties are the result of a season of sun, water, and patience. The vibrant orange one is ready for classic jack-o'-lantern duties, while the dark green one might have a future as a pie. Whatever their fate, seeing them ready to be picked is one of the true markers that autumn has arrived.

Wherever you are today, I hope you get to enjoy the fruits of your season's labor.

Don Bergquist – 05 October 2024 – Lakewood, Colorado, USA

Testing the New Glass

The first test shot: a wider view of the
Denver skyline around 200mm.

Buying New Glass

Every photographer knows the feeling: that moment of deliberation at the camera store, weighing the pros and cons of an upgrade. That was me today at Mike's Camera in Wheat Ridge.

Moonrise Over Lakewood

Some sights are so reliable, you could almost take them for granted. But then, on a clear night, you step outside and there it is, impossible to ignore.

The full moon rising through the trees over Lakewood.

An Evening in Florida

My sister Mary and her husband Corey, enjoying a warm evening out.

 

Wednesday's Unscheduled Light Show

 It started as a quiet, ordinary morning. I was getting ready for the day when I noticed a strange and brilliant glow fill my office. The entire room was bathed in a warm, orange light that you just don't see every day. That was my cue. 

It's not every day the sky tells you to stop what you're doing and come outside.
This was the view from the front yard this morning.

When the sky puts on a show like that, you don't hesitate. I grabbed my camera and stepped out into the front yard to find the neighborhood painted in these incredible, fleeting colors.

Wherever you are today, I hope you find a moment of unexpected color on your path.

Don Bergquist – 21 August 2024 – Lakewood, Colorado, USA

Backyard Birdwatching

 One of the simple joys of being home is watching the steady stream of visitors to our backyard bird feeders. We make an effort to keep them stocked with a good variety of seeds, nuts, and suet, and our feathered neighbors seem to appreciate the buffet.

Meanwhile, Back in the Garden

 After a busy stretch, it's nice to have a quiet morning at home to appreciate the simple things.

Florida Trip: The Epilogue

And just like that, the Florida trip has come to a close. It was a wonderful week, packed with everything a great vacation should have: reconnecting with my mentor, catching up with dear friends, and spending priceless time with family.

One Last Florida Morning

 An early start this morning marks the end of my Florida adventure.

An early moon for an early start home.

One More Morning at the Pool

Sometimes the best parts of a vacation aren't the big adventures, but the quiet moments in between.

More quality pool time.
This morning it was with my grandnephew, Paxton.

Paella and Pool Time in the Florida Sun

 

Waking up under a different kind of canopy.

From Poolside to Park Rides

 After a few relaxing days, it was time for a bit more adrenaline.

The Scenic Route to Ruskin

 

The conditions must have been perfect along the bay.
This kiteboarder was getting some serious air.

A Blustery Sunrise at the St. Pete Pier

 This morning, I was up well before the sun, drawn by the promise of a spectacular dawn over Tampa Bay.

The walk to the pier in the pre-dawn darkness was magical,
with the city's parks still lit up from the night.

A Dockside Dinner with a Dear Friend

After a busy morning in Orlando, I hit the road and headed west to St. Petersburg. The change of scenery was immediate and welcome, swapping inland academia for the salty air of the coast.

A Day of Birds and Broadcasting

I spotted this family of Sandhill Cranes shortly after I arrived in Orlando yesterday
—a pleasant surprise and a great welcoming committee.

Good Mentor and Great Company

 I've just kicked off a week-long trip to Florida to catch up with some very important people in my life. The plan is to start in Orlando before heading over to the west coast to visit my sister and her family.

It was so wonderful to spend the evening with my
advisor, friend, and mentor Dr. Tom Morgan, and his wife, Karen.
A fantastic start to my Florida visit.

💛🖤A Proud Place of Honor 🖤💛

 

🖤💛 Go Knights! 💛🖤💛 Charge On! 💛🖤

The Victory Knight has finally arrived! After being carefully shipped from UCF in Florida, the award for the 2024 Dean's Celestial Alumknight is now safely here in Colorado. 

Colorado Snow Dogs

Waking up to a fresh blanket of snow is always a bit of a surprise in late April, but it's classic Colorado.

The backyard was covered in a surprise spring snow this morning,
and these two couldn't have been happier about it.

UCF Day of Giving is Tomorrow

 Just a quick note for all my fellow Knights out there: tomorrow, April 11th, is the annual UCF Day of Giving.

Eclipse Trip: Journey's End

Home. After a very long day on the road, it's a welcome sight.

Crossing the Great Plains

The long drive back from Arkansas continues.

The modern landmarks of the Great Plains.

...And the Long Drive Home

After the incredible spectacle of the eclipse, there was only one thing left to do: the long drive home. 

Totality in Arkansas: The Complete Experience

The plan for the day, according to the app. 100% obscuration.

The Calm Before the Shadow

After two long days of driving and a full day of anticipation, eclipse day has finally arrived.

Eclipse morning. The sunrise looked promising for a clear day.

Setting Up Camp at the Crow's Nest

We've arrived!
All set up and ready at the Crow's Nest Campground.

Day Two of the Eclipse Trek

After a restful night at my brother's home, it was time to hit the road again for the next leg of our eclipse adventure.

Another early start. On the road again, heading south.

From Dust Storms to a Calm Sunset

After the intense drive through the Kansas dust storm, the weather finally broke, and the sun reappeared, which was a welcome relief. The clear skies guided us through the last part of Kansas and across the border into Missouri.

Across the Plains on I-70

The sky put on quite a show as we crossed into Kansas.