Tag: Colorado

Photo Tour, New Mexico, Colorado. 04-10-2024

Geraint April 10, 2024 5 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal and beyond. This week a two-day photo tour around northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Nature and the elements gave up some wonderful photo opportunities, beginning with Taos Mountain and the iconic grove of cottonwoods.

Photo tour, Taos mountain cottonwoods, El Prado, NM — On a photo tour of Taos and northern New Mexico.

The next stop on the photo tour was in Questa at an old house off the highway set back amongst some trees. I checked with a friend who said he would try and find me some information on this charming building and quiet setting.

House, Questa, NM — House in Questa, NM.

Following a couple of stops en route, to photograph some wild horses, we wound up at this lake in the San Luis Valley. Moody and brooding skies were the order of the day.

Lake tree, San Luis Valley, Colorado — Lake Tree, San Luis Valley, Colorado.

Speaking of the skies. Highway 142 crosses the Rio Grande in Colorado between the old town of San Luis and Heading west to Manassa home of Jack Dempsey, the “Manassa Mauler”.

Sky over Highway 142, Colorado. — The sky over Highway 142, Colorado.

Continuing the photo tour, there is also a stark view of a very subdued Rio Grande from the road bridge as it crosses the river.

Rio Grande, San Luis Valley Colorado — The Rio Grande from Highway 142, Colorado.

I came across some of last year’s milkweed pods enduring against the elements. Did I mention the frigid cold winds? My guests were admirably brave, and filled with enthusiasm for whatever conditions confronted us.

Milkweed plants are a favorite subject of mine. Consider this image.

On the second day, we encountered a troupe of young Bighorn Sheep in the Orilla Verde area of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument walking on the road ahead of us.

Bighorn sheep Orilla Verde, NM — Bighorn Sheep Orilla Verde, NM.

We parked the car and followed uphill and enjoyed watching and photographing them in their prime, natural environment. I can’t help but think that the one in the middle is telling them to “gather round” and show us their best side!

Bighorn sheep gathering Orilla Verde, NM — Bighorn Sheep gathering Orilla Verde, NM.

There were many more picture opportunities. I had to stop at some point. If you are planning to be in the area this year, join me on a photo tour/workshop and I’ll show you around.

As always, thank you for looking. Have a great week. G

Zapata Falls, Colorado, Wild Horses. 04-03-2024

Geraint April 3, 2024 17 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week the Zapata Falls in winter with a lot of ice. I heard someone was ice-climbing in here a week ago, and some wild horses on the road home. I love it out here.

As you can see from the lack of photos, I didn’t make it to Chaco. I’ve camped at high altitudes in winter and never feared the cold or snow, however, I preferred to cancel this time and make a couple of local trips.

The Zapata Fall s freeze heavily in winter, which makes for a slot canyon/ice cave experience. You’ll need microspikes if you go in winter or check out the falls in summer wearing your boat shoes! I was here two years ago with my friend, John, and his dog, Kiki. A dog in the shot gave scale to the place. Kiki is also on notecards at Cids, a local store.

Zapata Falls in winter — Zapata Falls, Colorado.

As you can see in the entrance there is a dog who happily showed up to give the scene scale. Grateful for fortuitous moments.

Entrance and exit to the falls — Entrance and exit to the Zapata Falls with a dog for scale.

After checking out the ice falls we stopped in at the Great Sand Dunes National Park, but the wind was blowing sand and it didn’t look like this, so we left and went home to our dog and a warm fire.

On the way home, we spotted several bands of the somewhat elusive wild horses. Only one band was conveniently placed with the Blanca Massif as a background. This band remained static against the ferocious west wind gusts that carried my hat out into the sage brush.

We also visited two of my favorite locations in the San Luis Valley, the old homestead, and the red barn. I’ve added two images from previous shoots. The buildings are a litle more decrepit, with bits missing, but still enduring.

San Luis Valley homestead — Old abandoned homestead and a fence ghost, San Luis Valley, Colorado.

Red Barn San Luis Valley — Red Barn in black and white, San Luis Valley, Colorado.

It’s Milky Way season. Here’s one from San Cristobal a few years ago. I’ll be out watching again from the deck this season.

As always, thank you for looking. Have a greta week. G

Wolf Moon Rise, Truchas, Red Barn, Horses. 01-31-2024.

Geraint January 31, 2024 12 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, last week’s Wolf Moon rising over the Sangre de Cristo foothills, Truchas, the red barn, and snow horses.

As I mentioned last week, I was heading out to capture the wolf moon rising. The moon’s appearance lasted about ten minutes between the fast-moving clouds. I made several images during that time, and the scene below was fleeting as the sun came and went behind the clouds. I got lucky. I came away with three pictures where the elements came together. I’ll take what I can get from what presents itself.

Wolf moon rising, Arroyo Seco, NM — Wolf Moon rising, Arroyo Seco, NM

And a close-up of when I first spotted the moon from the highway heading home.

White Homestead, Mountain Peak, Shutters. 01-24-2024

Geraint January 24, 2024 8 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week a white homestead in Colorado, a mountain peak, some old shutters, and a hiking trail I look forward to being on in a couple of weeks.

I love this stand alone scene near the Great Sandunes in southern Colorado. Join me on a photo tour/workshop and I’ll take you there. Winter or any other seeson here doesn’t disappoint.

White homestead ruin Colorado — White homestead in a white field, Colorado.

Take a look here at another pictuer of this homestead. There are many of these old and abandoned homesteads in the San Luis Valley.

Vallecito Mountain is a favorite peak in the southern Rocky Mountains of New Mexico. I shot this on a drive into Taos yesterday. I can’t complain about the commute or the scenery. There’s a nearly full (98%) moon tonight. If the clouds lift I’m going to head out and get some shots of the Wolf Moon rising above this peak. I hope you get to see it where you are.

I came across this image below by chance. It’s from many years ago. I’m certain they are gone now but I will look next time that I’m in Ranchos de Taos. I shot them even longer ago in the 1980’s. After living in one place for so long, I get to see, and often document the changes. My earlier original image was shot on Kodachrome in 1989.

Ranchos de Taos wooden shuttters — Wooden Shutters, Ranchos de Taos.

In about two weeks, snow and mud permitting, I’ll be hiking up here above our village. The mountain in the distance, with snow, is Taos Mountain, and the views to the west are perfect for watching a sunset. The area burned in May 1996. You can see that regrowth is slow. Scrub oak is resilient and prolific so these hills turn many shades of rust in the autumn.

San Cristobal ridge road — The ridge road in San Cristobal.

As always thank you for looking, and for all the well wishes for my right foot. It has healed faster that the left one did, for that I am grateful. I promise to shut up about it from now on and only post pictures from my hikes and trips with my two new feet. Best wishes. G

A Heart, Ute Mountain, Raptors And More. 01-10-2024

Geraint January 9, 2024 4 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal and beyond. This week a tree with heart. You’ve got to love a heart wherever you find it, Ute Mountain, Raptors, and more.

We came across this tree a few years ago. Pami and I stopped here again on our first New Year drive of 2024.

I liked how the tree is isolated from the distant background, so I made another picture of it, always having to remove the two powerlines that cross directly over the tree. I think it is worth it. After all, the power company put them in my way!

Heart tree, Costilla, NM — A tree with a heart, Costilla, NM.

You might recognize this location with the road to Ute Mountain. It’s usually the last stop on the way home.

Ute Mountain road, NM — The road to Ute Mountain, NM.

The Red-tailed Hawk had no intention of leaving its perch, so we watched for a while. We moved on before it did. I enjoy watching them wherever they choose to sit. Powerpole sitting is natural to them. Any high vantage point suits them very well. I’ve often seen them drop in from a pole onto an unsuspecting vole or garter snake.

Red -tailed Hawk, Mesita Colorado — Red-tailed Hawk, Mesita, Colorado.

Two days ago I went for a drive in the clearing snowstorm and spotted a bald eagle perched on a dead cottonwood snag in Arroyo Seco, NM.

Red barn, Colorado in black and white — Red barn in black and white, Colorado.

Sometimes a thing catches my eye and I have to run with it.

Baling wire Colorado — Baling wire for the fun of it, Colorado.

This snowplow was still making passes at the snow accumulations on monday around 11 am on our way to town. It was nice to wake up to a decent amount of snow for a change. Here in San Cristobal today temperature was -1º F (-18º C) at 7am. It finally warmed up to 27º F (-2.8º C) at 3pm.

Snow Plow, Highway 522 Taos, NM — Snow Plow, Highway 522 north of Taos, NM.

As always, thank you for looking. I hope you had a good week. Stay warm where you are. G

San Luis, A Beautiful Sunday Drive, 12-06-2023

Geraint December 6, 2023 7 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week a Sunday Drive around the San Luis Valley.

Well, I’m able to walk upright and without a scooter or crutches now! I feel good about that.

It was a beautiful sunny day last Sunday, with snow on the peaks and intermittent cloud cover, so we drove north to San Luis in Colorado and made a leisurely drive home, visiting some of the usual locations, which I’m sure you will recognize.

The shrine of the stations of the cross is situated on a mesa above the town of San Luis, reputed to be the oldest town in Colorado. The sign, made out of white-washed rocks, says so!

In this shot, I liked the juxtaposition of the cell phone and communication towers. Perhaps a direct line to the universe?

Stations of the cross shrine, and cell towers, sunday drive to San Luis Colorado — Stations of the cross shrine, and cell towers, San Luis Colorado.

The next stop on our Sunday drive route was the old homestead, photographed by me a hundred times. One day I’m sure I’ll have the last photo of this building standing before its final demise.

On the road a sign proclaiming “Jesus 2024” with what appears to be the faded colors of a Ukrainian flag. I didn’t know Jesus was running in the upcoming election. May the best man win.

Jesus is running 2024 Sunday drive San Luis CO — Jesus is running in 2024.

A seasonal creek running north-south through the lower valley. If you zoom in you can just make out the 14,000+ foot peaks of the Blanca massif.

Ice, San Luis valley, Colorado — Ice on a seasonal creek, San Luis Valley, Colorado.

The crows are back congregating every morning in our mostly dead cottonwood tree. I shot this image on Saturday. I’m happy to be up and fairly mobile and getting some fresh images again.

American crows, San Cristobal cottonwood tree — American Crows.

I do love a Sunday drive with no agenda attached.

As always thanks for looking and for all the well wishes. G.

First Snow, Winter Flashbacks. 11-22-2023

Geraint November 22, 2023 14 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM, and a Happy Thanksgiving. This week we had the first snow on our local peaks and in the valley.

Not too much snow. It’s a late start to winter where we are this year. I see from our weather forecast that temps will drop next week. It’s all good for me as I’m in a foot brace again on my right foot this time, and with my leg elevated, I still have a lovely view out the windows and from the deck.

This was the scene from the kitchen window this week after the clouds lifted, leaving a few stragglers behind to fill in the little valleys.

First Snow San Cristobal — First Snow, San Cristobal.

With my right leg elevated, I’m revisiting the archives again. Pretty much a repeat of last February, when my left leg was elevated. This time next year I look forward to hiking up and down the hills in the first photo.

Early snow, Taos — First snow, Taos, 2011.

Great Blue Heron and Mallards, Rio Grande, Pilar, NM.

Red-winged Blackbirds, Arroyo Hondo, NM.

Horse, Ranchos de Taos — A horse taking shelter in Ranchos de Taos.

Vintage truck in the snow, Taos — Vintage truck in the snow, Overland Ranch, Taos.

Lastly, a picture I came across, edited on my iPhone, from last year.

As always, thank you for looking. Happy Thanksgiving. G

A Golden Eagle. A Leaf. A cloud. 11-15-2023.

Geraint November 15, 2023 16 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week a Golden Eagle in flight. A lone cottonwood leaf and an unusual cloud formation over the San Cristobal Valley.

Golden Eagle in flight, southern Colorado.

There’s a little wetlands in Taos I often take a walk there. This cottonwood leaf, bigger than my hand, was asking to be photographed. I was happy to oblige.

Cottonwood Leaf and a sun star — Cottonwood leaf and a sun star

The cloud below screamed out for a picture. It first appeared much like any other lenticular cloud forming, but quickly grew a tail. Moments after, just like that, it became one with all the other particles.

Cloud formation, lenticular — Lenticular cloud formation.

I was sure it was going to become a Bottlenose D olphin… almost!

As always, thank you for looking. Have a great week and if I miss you next week, Happy Thanksgiving. G

Black And White. 11-08-2023

Geraint November 8, 2023 20 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week more black and white images. I had some time over the last few days to wallow in the hard drives, throw a virtual dart at the folders, and see what showed up.

I wanted to convert this color image to black and white after I posted it in color a few weeks ago. Over the years, I have created a large collection of images from the San Luis Valley. I’ll add this one to the black-and-white folder. You can download a PDF file I made on the San Luis Valley here.

The tree is long gone but the flat top peak, Cerro Pedernal, stands like a beacon and can be seen from multiple locations around northern, NM.

Cerro Pedernal and tree Rio Chama road, NM.

Many places in the southwest US are deteriorating and ultimately wind up going back to earth. How quickly they reach their demise, depends on the materials they are made of. Adobe, wood, and tin seem to get there quicker than the plastic one sees everywhere these days. I shot the image below in November 2017.

Adobe building ruin, Villanueva, NM — Adobe ruin, Villanueva, NM.

Wandering through the files from a trip to Britain in 2013 with Pami, I came across this image shot on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, on the Northumbria Coast of northeast England. I’m guessing this boat, which wasn’t sea-worthy back then, has probably been overturned and is now used as a storage shed.

Lindisfarne, Holy Island, Northumbria, England.

An overturned fishing boat was reclaimed and made into a storage shed.

Overturned fishing boat, Lindisfarne, England — Beach shed and Lindisfarne Castle, England.

I always shoot a scene in color but sometimes a scene cries out for black and white. Sometimes the day and lighting inspire me to shoot for a later conversion.

I shot the picture below in color and converted it to black and white. It was taken on the Thames Embankment in November 2013.

Gulls over Westminster, London, UK — Someone was feeding the gulls.

As always thank you for all the kind words comments and compliments. Have a great week. G.

Solar Eclipse, Aspens, Autumn Continues. 10-18-2023.

Geraint October 17, 2023 20 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal in northern New Mexico. This week, the solar eclipse from the deck. Our perspective at this latitude gave us 80% coverage. We could have gone to Albuquerque for totality but decided to put our feet up, play with the dog, shoot a few pictures, and save on a tank of gas. The photos below were shot using a tripod with a Sony camera and lens. I purchased a couple of pairs of eclipse glasses that worked very well. They’ll come in handy for the total eclipse next April. I hope you saw the solar eclipse where you are.

Solar eclipse, October 14, 2023, San Cristobal, NM.

In the image below, I opened up the exposure to get the clouds that were surrounding the event. There is some refraction from the use of two neutral density filters but you get the idea.

October 14, 2023 solar eclipse. San Cristobal, NM — October 14, 2023, solar eclipse. San Cristobal, NM.

The aspen groves continued to delight with colors at their peak in many areas. There is still a lot more peaking to come. I’ll be on a five-day photo tour during the coming week. It’s safe to say I’ll probably post more images.

Aspens sun star, New Mexico — Aspens and a sun star, Hopewell Lake, New Mexico.

Aspens near Hopewell Lake, NM — Off the beaten path near Hopewell Lake, NM.

No trip in the area is complete without a stop at the Red Barn. It was a beautiful sunny day in the San Luis Valley, however, the barn looked a little forlorn later in the day under the brooding sky. I plan to keep documenting it until…

On the climb up the Cumbres Pass, the road crosses over the state line from New Mexico into Colorado. The picture below looked much more appealing in black and white during the midday sun. The type of clouds in the picture looked like this all day long. The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway also crosses the pass. If we are lucky, we sometimes meet the train there.

Black and white near the Cumbres Pass, New Mexico.

We visit the location below numerous times throughout the year. Fall is my favorite.

As always thank you for looking. Have a great week. G