There are many beautiful places to see in Yoho National Park but this by far is my favourite. I have seen many photographs of this area but never from this viewpoint. The only historical photograph I have ever seen is of Samuel Allen, a young Yale student and friend of Walter Wilcox, members of the Yale Lake Louise Club. The photograph pictures Samuel Allen facing Opabin Pass in 1894. Uncannily, my photograph and the one of 1894 are quite similar except the photograph of Samuel is facing the opposite direction.
Many hikers frequent this area as the trail in the lower left side of the image indicates. I had to climb up here early in the morning so that there would be no people in the photograph. In fact, this was the third morning I had climbed up here. The sky was threatening snow and it was very windy.
This was the first image I chose to represent my collection. In fact, it was this image that gave birth to the idea of the 'Gold Signature Series'. When I took this photograph I reflected on my good fortune to be able to visit such a spot. I thanked the good Lord that I was not handicapped, as some are, and it made me appreciative of the ability to climb up here. At the same time I pondered and regretted that some were less fortunate and would never be able to see this for themselves. As I had a stroke in 2003, perhaps I may join those who are unable to go these destinations themselves. Thus we have this image to enjoy forever.
Mike Montana
