Authentic Reflections: A Story of 100 Lakes and Finding Clarity

Finding Authenticity Scenic Reflections Collection

Fantastic Scenic Reflections VRGetaway

A few years ago, my husband Todd picked up fishing with a goal: to catch a fish at 100 different lakes. It was a way to get us out exploring and for him to master a new skill. For me, with my 360 camera always ready, it became a quest to capture the beauty of these quiet moments. This video was born around the time we hit lake number 50. It was also a turning point for me, a time when I was finally figuring out how to make my 360 videos shine on YouTube and seeing my work find an audience beyond Oculus. In the midst of all this, I read a book that spoke about authenticity as a key to joy, and it clicked. A true, clear reflection on the water is like a moment of pure authenticity—undistorted and real. This post is the story of that journey, a collection of my favorite scenic reflections and a meditation on what they can teach us.

The Golden Nugget 🌟

Don't Miss This: Maroon Lake, Colorado. While many of the best reflections are found on quiet, secret lakes, the iconic view of the Maroon Bells reflected in this lake is world-famous for a reason. Go at sunrise for the calmest water and the most breathtaking, authentic reflection you will ever see.

TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO A MOMENT OF CLARITY

This is my most stunning collection of scenic reflections in nature, designed to relax your mind and fill your soul. Beyond the gorgeous lakes, you'll be delighted with cloud timelapses, stunning wind patterns on the water, and beautiful moments of paddleboarding. Grab your VR headset and transport yourself on this fantastic journey today!

"...I really connected with how reflections are so similar with and parallel authenticity."

Locations: Maroon Lake Colorado, Trout Lake Colorado, Pine Lake Utah, Haviland Lake Colorado, Red Pine Lake Utah, Grand Tetons Wyoming, Utah Lake, Lake Powell Utah, Bandon Oregon, Cedar Breaks Utah, Rocky Mountain National Park, BYU Arboritum Utah, Kauai Hawaii, Lake Mary Utah, Uintas Utah, Echo Park Dinosaur National Monument, Flaming Gorge Utah, Kings Pass Reservoir Utah, Great Basin National Park, La Push Beach Washington, Kushmann Lake Colorado, North Cascades National Park, Canyonlands Needles Utah, Red Fleet Reservoir Utah, Alta Lakes Colorado, Beaver Lake Colorado, Lake Shannon Washington, Strawberry Reservoir Utah, Amethyst Lake Utah, Lake Blanche Utah, Cecret Lake Utah, Utah Lake, Hug Point Oregon, Lees Ferry Arizona. Silver Lake Flat Utah,

Adventure at a Glance

🏞️ Locations: A grand tour of the American West! (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii & more)
🚶‍♀️ Activity: Fishing, Hiking, Paddleboarding, Relaxing
⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
☀️ Best For: Finding moments of peace, photography, scenic relaxation.
⏳ Best Time: Early mornings or calm evenings when the wind is still.
🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: Grand Tetons, Maroon Lake, Oregon Coast, Lake Powell.

The Story of 100 Lakes

Todd's goal to catch a fish at 100 different lakes has taken us to so many incredible places we never would have discovered otherwise. As anyone who fishes knows, it's not always easy, which means we've visited far more than 100 lakes on this quest! But with every cast, I was there, seeking my own prize: a perfect, glassy reflection. This video is a celebration of that journey. It features shots from all over, including Trout Lake in Colorado, Red Pine Lake in Utah, the iconic Grand Tetons, the serene Oregon Coast, and the majestic North Cascades, just to name a few.

Reflections and Authenticity

As I was collecting these shots, I was also on a personal journey, inspired by a book called "Life After Death." The first step it outlined for living a more joyful life was Authenticity. The parallel struck me as so profound. For a perfect reflection to appear on water, the surface must be calm, still, and free of disturbance. It perfectly mirrors what it sees. It’s authentic. This collection of videos became my visual exploration of that idea—finding those moments of calm and clarity in nature that reflect the beauty of the world as it truly is.

Your Guide to Finding Perfect Reflections

♦️ Go Early, Stay Late: The best time for glassy, reflective water is almost always early in the morning before the wind picks up, or in the evening as things calm down.
♦️ Seek Shelter: Even on a windy day, you can often find perfect reflections in small coves or on the leeward (downwind) side of a lake, where the shoreline provides protection.
♦️ Gain Some Height: Sometimes the best reflection shots are found by hiking a short way up a hill overlooking a lake. The higher perspective can reveal incredible patterns.
♦️ Patience is Key: Nature is unpredictable. Sometimes you just have to sit and wait for the wind to die down. These moments of quiet waiting are often part of the reward.

Conclusion

This collection started as a fan request and grew into something deeply personal. It's a testament to a fun family challenge, a celebration of creative breakthroughs, and a visual journey into the meaning of authenticity. A clear reflection in nature is a gift—a fleeting moment of perfect peace and clarity. I hope that by sharing these moments, you can find a little piece of that calm and inspiration for yourself.

Sending Love and Positive Vibes,

Shauna from VRGetaways