Banff Mountain Photography Competition 2003

"This photo was taken in the town of Jiri, where the road ends and the trail to Sagarmatha National Park begins. Travel to this town was delayed and made difficult by an unforeseen tragedy that affected many Nepalese people. After two days sitting atop a bus, hiking roads and riding in the back of a truck, it was a relief to freely walk around the town and the surrounding hills, the road now behind me. The personal appeal of this image is in its calm and tranquil quality, which was further heightened by the chaos of the previous days. The photograph was taken at the end of the day under the fading light and in the still air which offer a peaceful transition to the oncoming night."

Dan Rafla was born in 1975 on Île de Montréal. At 18, he moved to Halifax in order to pursue a degree in marine biology. Upon completion, Dan set his sights on the Canadian Rockies, which he considers home. Away from the Rockies, he may be found in the cold Bering Sea, checking to see where all the fish have gone. When the joyous day arrives and he disembarks from the boat with wobbly legs and a deep-sea stare, he heads to the mountains in order to roam and make new travel plans. Dan uses the camera to express himself, interpret his experiences and simply help his memory.
danrafla@yahoo.com