So many of the photos from the ISA Photo Contest displayed awe-inspiring images of the natural world, giving us glimpses of mountains, oceans, snowy peaks, sandy beaches, and so much more! But only one photo can win the Nature’s Beauty category, and the winning photo for Spring 2017 was “Blue Lake” from University of Minnesota, Crookston, student Ryan Ratcliff. After he returned from an ISA Custom Program in New Zealand, Ryan shared with us the story behind his winning entry.
“This photo was taken while in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand. We were in the midst of doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is a 12 mile (19.4 km) hike up and back down the other side of Mount Tongariro, a volcano known for being the filming site for Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings films as well as one of New Zealand’s best day hikes. This specific photo was taken from one of the highest points we climbed, about 6 or 7 miles in, looking out at Blue Lake with another peak behind it. Though this picture may look good, it doesn’t do it nearly enough justice. We were lucky enough to have a beautiful day for the crossing, making this site, along with many others along the hike, absolutely breathtaking.”
Thank you, Ryan, for giving us a little taste of New Zealand’s natural wonder!
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