Mountain Memories Chris Sgaraglino Dedication This book is dedicated to the Roberts Family, Amie & Mark Anderson and the staff at Harmel's Ranch Resort (www.harmels.com) for providing us the opportunity to build life- long memories with our family and especially with our children. It truly is a blessing calling you friends. May God bless each of you in your endeavors. Chris, Brandi & Trystan Sgaraglino Introduction These photos were taken during our vacation at The Harmel's Ranch Resort in Almont, Colorado. This book is a combination of my photographs of the Gunnison National Forest, including the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area and areas in and around Crested Butte, Colorado. Many thanks to Trystan Sgaraglino and Keith Bellingham for their contributions. -- Chris Sgaraglino The wildflowers in late June are absolutely breathtaking. These Yellow Asters spread along the hillsides providing a spectacular splash of gold. Above: A scenic view taken from Taylor Reservoir- fields overflowing with the unmistakable green color of sagebrush surrounding mountain peaks with snow. Left: One of the many flowers on the deck of the restaurant. These flowers attract a wonderful variety of hummingbirds. With the Taylor River just below, it is a wonderful place for friends and family. Top: Indian Paint Brush - Trystan Sgaraglino Left: Crested Butte from the Chair Lift - Keith Bellingham The food and hospitality that the staff at Harmel's offer their guests is something that we look forward to all year long. "Bodie" Andy Dunda's better half. You know the old saying: The longer you're together, the more you start to look like your partner. It couldn't be more true! Left: Bicycle photographed in Crested Butte, CO. (Pee Wee Herman Bicycle) Above: We knew right away that we would have to photograph these ponies in the back of the truck or nobody would believe our story! Right: Aaron Bellingham loves to fish... A "splash" from the past! Rafting the Taylor 2008 This journey has come to an end, but only so we may begin the next. About the Author Chris Sgaraglino, a wildlife and nature photographer, has been capturing images since getting his first camera body in 2000, specializing in his exquisite work in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. He is noted for his creativity in the field; not only in composition and lighting, but also in his use of equipment, blinds, and knowledge of animal behavior. "My photography has come from my love of the great outdoors and exploring Colorado [and other mountain ranges] with my horses. I have been photographing the outdoors since 2000 with Film and converted to Digital in 2005. I feel that bringing God's creations to light is one way I can repay Him for allowing me the pleasure to get into country that most cannot." Chris' passion for wildlife is life-long. For more than four decades he has been exploring the Great Outdoors from Coast-to-Coast by hiking, biking, rafting, and on horseback. The conditions under which Chris works are often daunting: he climbs 4 to 5000 feet into the Colorado Wilderness where few men travel and even fewer photograph these endangered and protected lands. He treks for miles through the rugged forest to photograph herds of Rocky Mountain Elk and Big Horn Sheep. He'll spend days in a blind to photograph these majestic creatures. Chris does not view such circumstances as a hardship, being up close to wildlife in its natural environment is what he loves. Along with his son & wife, his images and the possibility of inspiring people to care about horses, hunting, wildlife and the protecting of the land are what matter to him most. "I hope that my view of life outdoors will inspire you and your children to get outdoors and enjoy what God has blessed us with!" Chris Sgaraglino For more photography and/or information about Chris, please call 719-229-1068 or visit his website at: http://www.OutdoorStudios.net.