Racing out into the darkness with an exciting charge as if being powered by the storm itself. The excitement and thrill of reading the storm trying to get a feel for its next move so you can get into the right spot. 

Finally set with camera rolling when the storm unleashes its fury upon the land. One flash in time then another captured before the storm rolls off into the night. 

This ordinary scene made extraordinary for two brief instances then returned to darkness. 

Never to be repeated.

Twin Bolts

The Decagon is the infinitely evolving, always unique, and eternally open membership token of the Decaverse. Designed by Kjetil Golid.

Decagon #2685

Alpine Lifer

There are few places I am more familiar with than Wells Gray Park. I have seen it in good and bad, warm and cold, winter and summer. 

On this night I was set up along the Murtle River on a bend that curves to the north just above Dawson Falls. The Murtle river empties out of the south end of Murtle lake and over its 36 km length drops over 7 named waterfalls. 

It was a night of strong aurora and inclement weather. I had already been soaked by a shower and freaked out by fresh bear scat near the trail. However the aurora danced while the clouds ebbed and flowed only giving a small taste of the show above before snuffing it from view. I waited patiently for the privilege of seeing the show, capturing what I could when the sky opened. 

Dancing Along the Murtle River

Alpenglow  
On an early season ski camp into the mountains of central British Columbia we were treated to this incredible alpenglow. It was an amazing feeling to bask in this warm light before the cold grip of darkness took ahold of the land. 

1/1 NFT Photograph  
Photographer: Dave Markel

Extended Editorial License: 
Can be used to display privately, or non-commercial settings, or in groups with an unlimited number of participants. The License includes unlimited use and display in virtual or physical galleries, documentaries, and essays by the NFT holder. Provides no rights to create commercial merchandise, commercial distribution, or derivative works.

Alpenglow

The majesty of a bald eagle. Iconic symbol of strength and freedom. 

The bald eagle is common along the Thompson river. Wide open grasslands and plenty of ponderosa pines to nest and hunt from. With the run of sockeye salmon each fall the area is a haven for bald eagles. 

This eagle is perched in the tree near its nest. It returns with its mate year after year to raise their young in this tree on the north rim of Kamloops lake. 

I return to this spot whenever I can because it allows me to shoot from a concealed spot above the ravine. It is important to me to photograph wildlife without disturbing them and this local is ideal. 

Now being offered as an edition of 10.

Extended Editorial License:  
Can be used to display privately, or non-commercial settings, or in groups with an unlimited number of participants. The License includes unlimited use and display in virtual or physical galleries, documentaries, and essays by the NFT holder. Provides no rights to create commercial merchandise, commercial distribution, or derivative works.

Majestic

As the sun sets in a blaze of fiery hues, the tranquil scene unfolds before our eyes, painting a breathtaking tableau of nature's wonders. A serene lake stretches across the foreground, its mirrored surface capturing the radiant sky above. Lush blades of grass sway gently in the evening breeze, their verdant hues accentuated by the warm, golden light.

A double rainbow arcs gracefully across the heavens, its ethereal bands of color vivid against the canvas of twilight. The first rainbow, vibrant and bold, stands closer to the sun, while the fainter, second rainbow hovers delicately above it, a spectral phenomenon that seems almost magical.

Amidst this captivating display, the rain descends like a shimmering veil, creating golden virga as droplets catch the last rays of sunlight. The entire landscape exudes a sense of tranquility and awe, as if time has momentarily stood still to showcase the harmonious dance between light, water, and the world's natural beauty.

Golden Sunset

While on a solo hike into a spot to glass for wildlife I was startled by a deer bounding towards me. It got about 20m in front of me before it noticed me and bounded off into the forest to my left. Behind it was this beautiful black wolf in pursuit. 

Once it saw me it immediately turned and started off in the other direction. I had my camera shouldered while walking and was able to get it ready while closing in on the spot I last saw the wolf. I noticed is in this clearing still trying to put distance between us (wolves are persecuted in British Columbia and a fearful of humans). I let out a sharp whistle and it stopped and looked, just briefly. I let off a burst of shots while crouched with my camera in hand. 

This was one of the images from that burst. In 90 seconds it was over. I was emotionally shook and trembling by what had just happened. 

This was the first encounter I have had with a wolf since the mid 90's and I am so grateful to have a chance to see this beautiful animal in the wild.

Black Wolf

When we go skiing in the backcountry for the day we always remark on how glad we are that we aren’t spending the night. Then we decide to do a night or two and that whole mindset shifts. You go into your trip knowing you are in the sub zero temps for a couple days. You experience things much deeper. You notice the warmth of the sun and show gratitude out loud, remarking how wonderful it feels. You know the cold of night will be relentless but you have mentally prepared for the hardship and face it with laughter and of course by layering up. With the proper equipment and knowledge we have learned to thrive on a trip like this. 

Home Sweet Home is a term we often use when we have camp set up. It is a small pocket of safety and warmth in an environment not suitable for people to live. The glow of the tents make the darkness feel warmer. 

Read the full trip report on my website:
https://www.davemarkel.com/trip-reports/caligata-ski-camp-trip-report

Home Sweet Home

Abstracts in Snow

I can loose myself for hours just sitting quietly and looking at the shapes and textures of a snowy landscape. 

If you know me you know that I prefer the cold darkness of a winter landscape. I spend my free time immersed in its icy beauty. 

Abstracts in Snow

Skiing - by Dave Markel

In the summer of 2021, I was lucky to observe and photograph this pair of sandhill cranes along the Blaeberry river near Golden British Columbia. These cranes gather here while migrating and enjoy the rich supply of food. 

Golden is located in the Columbia Valley whose wetlands along the Columbia River are part of the Pacific Flyway, a waterfowl migration route which stretches from nesting areas on the Arctic Ocean to wintering grounds in South America. It is a vital migratory stop over for waterfowl. 

The Blaeberry is a tributary of the Columbia River and a spot where I grew up. I have been to this area many times as a kid and an adult. It is a treat to return as a photographer to view the range of biodiversity it sustains and photograph the animals. 

Extended Editorial License: Can be used to display privately, or non-commercial settings, or in groups with an unlimited number of participants. The License includes unlimited use and display in virtual or physical galleries, documentaries, and essays by the NFT holder. Provides no rights to create commercial merchandise, commercial distribution, or derivative works.

Sandhill Cranes

I have been fascinated by the wild animals I see while hiking and backpacking. It was only natural for me to begin photographing them. Little did I know how difficult it would be to take meaningful photographs of the wild animals that call my area home. 

This collection will feature the animals I have been fortunate enough o capture with my camera. Each photograph here was shot with ethics in mind. Ideally the animals never knew I was there but in some cases they did. My intention is to not disturb the animals in the process of capturing the shots. Ethical photography is very important to me. 

Wildlife by Dave Markel

Hiking in a place where only 15 years ago was covered in ice. The last time of visited this area near where I grew up the glacier hid these unique rock formations. 

As the glacier receded rock that has been hidden for thousands of years is now exposed to the light of day and the eyes of modern humans. In all honestly there have only been a handful of people to have seen these formations since they emerged from the ice. 

In 2009 my brother placed a geocache on the trail leading into this area and the ice still covered the area where these images were taken. The following year the access road was washed out. For 10 years it remained inaccessible before logging operations up the valley repaired it. A claim on his cache in 2019 alluded to the area seeing human visitors once again. 

In Aug 2022 we made our way in and hiked as close to the cliff below the ice as we could. It was astonishing to see such diversity of rock in such a localized area. 

All images were taken within an hour and 15 minute timespan and maybe a couple hundred meter apart. 

Cast in Stone #7

Nature by Dave Markel

We sheltered in the hut for the day as a storm blew in. We were at Scott Duncan Hut high on the shoulder of Mt Daly in the Canadian Rockies. The wind howled and the snow fell and the crow swooped in for a landing.

The Crow

Wildlife Photography by Dave Markel

There is a little known mountain range in a little known park and it is named Trophy. 

Shown here is a skier travelling across the upper meadows above Shiela Lake. The peak in the back is Trophy II, indicated the second highest of the Trophy Massif. 

Today we were a group of three and our goal was to get onto the upper ridge out of frame on the left and then traverse our way over to some good ski lines. 

Overall this area has been more of a gift than a trophy. It has given so much during the covid pandemic. When travel was limited this area was still accessible to us. 

Trophy

Mountains Mountains Mountains

Late night drive on a country road. City lights behind me and the entire universe in front. 

Road to the Stars

Three great reasons to mint one today

You get an amazing image to display in your gallery until a strong CME wipes out all technology and knocks us back to the stome age.

This image will act as a mint pass for upcoming aurora image launches. We are moving into the solar maximum and are seeing a lot of activity on the sun. I will be releasing more editions in the coming months. Having one from this collection will give you early access and special mint prices possibly even a free future edition.

You are supporting me in my creative journey. A lot of time goes into capturing an image like this. It may be a quick instance in time but dozens of hours and countless nights with no results are often had before being fortunate enough to get the shot.

Dave Markel Editions

This local fishing lake is beloved by families as well as campers. It is also a great place to go for photos. 

I have a connection with this spot. It is close to home and I have photographed this place in every possible condition. We have both seen each other at our best and at our worst. On this day we were both smiling. :)

Edith lake rainbow is one of my favorite photos and I have a metal print on my wall that is why the first owner of this NFT will also receive a 16x20 metal print.

EXIF: ISO 640 | 12mm | f/13 | 1/50 sec 

Pot of Gold

Foundation

On April 1, six friends and I set out on a 42km ski traverse through the Canadian Rockies. The trip would involve crossing 4 high mountain passes, crossing numerous glaciers and icefields and navigating crevasse and avalanche terrain. 

Through out the journey I was shooting with my Sony mirrorless camera, GoPro and my phone to document this remote part of the mountains. 

This is one of the images I chose to represent this journey. 

The first day we traveled from the highway to Bow hut. A relatively short 3.5 hour ski. This took us across Bow lake, through a narrow canyon before climbing into the alpine under the looming Vulture Glacier. 

The following day we travelled across the Wapta Icefield and over the Yoho Glacier to Guy Hut, the newest Alpine Club hut located on the shoulder of Yoho Peak. We spent two nights there giving us a full day to ski in the area. 

On the fourth day we travelled down the Des Poilus glacier, crossed Isolated Col before arriving at Stanley Mitchel Hut, a remote log cabin built in 1940 in the Little Yoho Valley. The following morning we departed along the Iceline Trail, crossed over Yoho pass and exited at the world famous Emerald Lake Lodge.

On the second morning we departed Bow Hut and started making our way up the headwall of the Bow Glacier in the shadow of St. Nicholas Peak, a 2970m shark fin that marks the start of the icefield. The mist gathered on the eastern side as the day warmed in the April sun. 

We were departing as a guided group was on their way and I snuck this shot as they climbed to the south of me. Giving scale to the vastness of the toe of the icefield. 

St. Nicholas Peak

On April 1, six friends and I set out on a 42km ski traverse through the Canadian Rockies. The trip would involve crossing 4 high mountain passes, crossing numerous glaciers and icefields and navigating crevasse and avalanche terrain. 

Through out the journey I was shooting with my Sony mirrorless camera, GoPro and my phone to document this remote part of the mountains. 

This is one of the images I chose to represent this journey. 

The first day we traveled from the highway to Bow hut. A relatively short 3.5 hour ski. This took us across Bow lake, through a narrow canyon before climbing into the alpine under the looming Vulture Glacier. 

The following day we travelled across the Wapta Icefield and over the Yoho Glacier to Guy Hut, the newest Alpine Club hut located on the shoulder of Yoho Peak. We spent two nights there giving us a full day to ski in the area. 

On the fourth day After leaving Guy Hut we descended off Mt Yoho and made out way to the toe of the Des Poilus glacier where we were treated to this amazing ice wall.

We took a few minutes to transition our gear and made our way south towards Isolated Col before dropping into the Little Yoho valley and Stanley Mitchell hut.

I shot this image looking back at two of our group members with the toe of the glacier in the background.

Des Poilus Ice Wall

Bow Yoho Traverse 2023

The views to the south from Guy Hut are phenomenal to say the least. While sitting down for breakfast the light started to catch the top of The President. I took the chance to shoot this impressive peak before returning to finish my meal.

The President is the tallest peak in a group rising from the Emerald and President glaciers. At 3138m it is a dominate peak in Yoho National park north of Emerald Lake Lodge.

Alpine Lifer (AlpineLifer)

Alpine Lifer (AlpineLifer)

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