Fall From Ruin—The Image
This was the only image(s) in the Journey collection taken in Colorado and started life as “A Drive Down Shelf Road”. This was also the first image taken for the Journey and remains one of my most popular. This is what I believe a triptych should be, three separate images that compliment each other so well it’s easy to mistake them for one image. I did take these images from the same spot on the road positioning the camera first vertically, then horizontally, then vertically again for each shot, all within a few feet of each other.
This is in Cripple Creek Colorado (that’s Cripple Creek on the left image). Cripple Creek is a famous gold mining area and gold was discovered here in 1890. The area was unique in that there was no placer/surface gold and needed to be dug up. This digging and the subsequent extraction of the gold through destructive mining techniques obliterated the countryside. Mines were everywhere and nothing was spared in the search. 100 years later the mines are owned by one large conglomerate and the landscape largely left to heal and reclaim most of the surface it was driven from. People come from all over the world to view the Aspen leaves during the fall and wildlife can be found in abundance.
That is what I love about this set of images—the story of healing and growth from mass destruction. The old mines are still there with their rotting timbers and large gaping holes but are now tucked in amongst gorgeous rock outcroppings and beautiful forests. No longer “scars” upon the land but curiosities with a beauty all their own drawing the attention of photographers like me.
In my own journey of brokenness, hope, healing and contentment this is where I spend most of my time now. It is hard but it is necessary. There are those who see this as destructive, turning my back on what they value. Others see the scars and, unwilling to confront their own brokenness, turn away. A few see the beauty (among other things) and a few see nothing at all. I do not dwell on any of that. This is my journey and I have learned to embrace it. This is my journey and I can either take it or not. This is my journey, it is my only journey, I can not trade it or return it. This is my journey.
Sometimes the only thing keeping me moving forward is an incurable curiosity to see where the road leads. It’s a weakness I’ve had all my life, just ask my hunting partners who’ve had to wait for me back at the truck after dark thinking I’ve gotten myself lost again only to find out that I kept walking for too long to see what was right around the next corner or over the next hill. Then again, it’s also a strength when I can find no other reason to keep going but that stubborn insistence to see what’s next. “I’ve come this far so why not?” should be carved on my tombstone.
I will keep going. I have specific reasons to believe that I have been put on this earth on purpose and since I don’t know what that purpose is my curiosity has kicked in to high gear and with the noon sun still at its peak there’s plenty of time left to cover some ground. Maybe our paths will cross as we explore the wilderness of life and if so I’ll smile and wave and offer to share my lunch with you. You can take my invitation or keep walking down your own path, that’s your decision and either one is fine because that is your journey.