Tag: San Luis Valley

Horses, Favorite Photos This Week. 04-05-2023

Geraint April 5, 2023 22 Comments

Greetings from the San Cristobal, NM. This week some of my favorite images of horses.

It was fun to revisit the extensive folder of horse photos dating back to the first shot below, which I made on a 6-megapixel Canon Rebel in 2005.

I hope you enjoy the following gallery of horse pictures as much as I do.

As it is spring, why not include a couple of images of foals. This mare and her foal were on the road to Chaco Canyon.

Shots like the next two, fascinate me. I have quite a collection of this type of image.

I titled this image, “Old Blue Eye”. He had one blue eye. He made the cover of a local visitors guide, magazine.

The guy smelled bad but his friend was classy looking. Too much time on his hooves roaming in the wild.

This sweet mare stood motionless in the snow storm only blinking occassionally at a snowflake.

These three came running as fast as you can say apple. My friend always carried apples for the horses should we find them out there.

The Ranchos Valley has some high vantage points. There are many fields with horses to photograph.

This image was taken on a photo workshop in the San Luis Valley. I usually post it in black and white.

Band of Wild horses — Band in the San Luis Valley.

My friend Dwain, who passed too soon was happy around horses, dogs, and kids. He was a hiker, camper, fisherman, and a fabulous sculptor.

I posted the photo below on Facebook. It found a few homes with collectors. Click here if you are interested in a print.

Some fun facts about horses on Wikipedia.

I want to thank everyone for all the well wishes. I’m out of my big restrictive boot and into a comfortable pair of “Hoka” walking shoes. I had no idea how comfortable these shoes were. Lucky me.

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

Big Birds, Happy Healthy World. 03-29-23

Geraint March 29, 2023 30 Comments

Greetings from the San Cristobal, NM. This week a series of images of some of the big birds that frequent our area.

I hope you enjoy the following gallery of big birds.

Some of the largest birds in the area are the Sandhill Cranes that pass through on their migratory route. I photographed the two below in the Bosque del Apache.

Sandhill Cranes big birds in flight — Sandhill Cranes, the big birds.

The Turkey Vulture below is about to return to our area. They are known as the harbingers of Spring. If you are interested, you can read more here.

I chose these images below out of a collection of photos that showed up when I searched my hard drives for large birds. It was hard to decide which to include, so I picked the ones I distinctly remember taking the shot. I went for feeling more than anything. I hope you like them. Click on an image to enlarge it.

Always remember the birds at the zoo like this Flamingo. I had a stunning picture of a captive eagle in the Albuquerque Zoo published in Raptors of New Mexico.

As always, thank you for looking. Keep looking up you may be surprised by what’s above and around you. G

Iconic Ute Mountain, The Plateau, New Mexico. 03-09-2023

Geraint March 8, 2023 24 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal. This week some views of Ute Mountain.

“Ute Mountain is a free-standing, Dacitic, extinct Pliocene volcanic cone”. That’s a mouthful. Besides being one of my revered peaks, it is also set in one of my favorite areas, the Taos Plateau Volcanic Field and the San Luis Valley. The mountain also lies within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

The images below encompass a span of almost twenty years.

On the home front, I feel the surgery on my foot will make my photo treks much more enjoyable for years to come.

Ute Mountain clouds — A localized weather pattern over Ute Mountain.

Road to Ute mountain — Road to the mountain.

Old sheep corral with Ute Mountain — Old sheep corral out on the plateau.

Ute Mountain on the Taos Plateau — A view from Guadalupe Mountain across the Taos Plateau.

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Do you recognize the peak back there?

The image below is the one that initiated my fascination with this iconic landmark. Often, I will take a drive north, a pilgrimage of sorts, to visit the mountain. Click here if you want to see more images.

Near Costilla NM — Near Costilla, New Mexico.

Lastly, a couple of shots from closer to home.

Moon rise, San Cristobal — The moon rise this week from the deck in San Cristobal, NM.

And a view across the plateau and beyond to Cerro Pedernal (not a volcano but very much resembles one), “flint peak” near Abiquiu, NM. Immortalized by the artist Georgia O’Keeffe it can be seen from a vantage point behind our home. In the photo, Cerro Pedernal is probably 65-70 miles as the crow flies. The views out west extend a hundred miles or more on clear days. The vistas open like nowhere else, and the skies go on forever.

As always thank you for looking and visiting. And thank you for all the continued well wishes, comments, and compliments.

If you want the name of a wonderful foot and ankle specialist I can give you a recommendation! G

Powerful Wolf Moon Rising, Colorado. 01-11-2023

Geraint January 11, 2023 28 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM.

Last week, on January 5, 2023, was the 99 percent full wolf moon. I spent a fabulous full-day photo tour with Richard. When we departed Taos, we had high expectations of catching the January “wolf moon” rising over the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mountains in southern Colorado. We did not expect the vast cloud cover that occurred midday.

As is often the case in the west, the weather changes rapidly and dramatically. There is a saying, ‘if you don’t like the weather wait five minutes”. On this day, following six hours of intermittent cloud cover everywhere except the mountains, where the sky remained full of clouds, they finally dissipated to reveal the Sangres in all their glory! Click on images to enlarge.

Wolf Moon rising over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Colorado.

In the images below, you can see what the rest of the day brought for us. The first is the Rio Grande looking north upstream to Blanca Peak.

Rio Grande ice with Blanca Peak, Colorado — Ice on the Rio Grande with the Blanca Peak Massif.

Standing on the Lobatos Bridge bridge to get this image, we could hear the ice cracking around the bridge pillars and along the cliffs. Some of the sounds were like thunderclaps deep down below. Other sounds were like the far of moaning of a person in pain.

I’m not usually one to show both versions of a shot, but I like both equally for different reasons. The black-and-white image has a more dramatic impact. The color of the grasses sprouting up amongst the volcanic rocks in the second version is pleasing and captures the softness of nature and light I experienced there.

Lobatos bridge with Blanca Peak and the Rio Grande Colorado, black and white — Lobatos bridge in black and white.

Lobatos bridge with Blanca Peak and the Rio Grande.

Below, the cactus thrives in this lava rock environment.

Cactus, lava rocks rio grande gorge, colorado — Cactus, lava rocks Rio Grande, Colorado.

I first saw the Eastdale post office many years ago when the plaque with the zip code and roof was intact. Alas, things change, and vandals continue to pilfer whatever and from wherever they can.

Eastdale, Colorado Post Office — Eastdale, Colorado US Post Office.

A few days earlier in San Cristobal, the waxing moon rose, followed by the sunset on our local peaks in the Columbine Hondo Wilderness.

Moon rise, San Cristobal, NM — Moon rise, from San Cristobal, NM.

Sunset, mountains from San Cristobal, NM — Sunset, the last light on the mountains from San Cristobal, NM.

Greetings to all my friends in California. Stay safe!

As always, thanks for looking. G

San Luis Valley, Horses, Birds, Sunset, 01-04-2023

Geraint January 4, 2023 16 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal. I had a lovely time shooting in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, which always makes me smile, followed by some random images around the area this holiday season. You may recognize this scene. I visit it often on photo tours and workshops in southern Colorado.

Blanca peak and wild horses san luis valley, Colorado — Blanca Peak with wild horses in the San Luis Valley, Colorado.

Wild Horses, San Luis Valley — Wild Horses and crows.

Corraled by the creek, and then the escape. I opened the car door to get out, and the horses, surprised, jumped the fence. I missed that! The payoff came in the following two images.

Wild Horses running through fields in Colorado — Wild horses running through fields in Colorado.

Wild Horses running, San Luis Valley — Wild horses, southern Colorado.

One mild morning last week, my son Dylan and I walked through the Fred Baca Park Wetlands and Rio Fernando Park. There wasn’t a lot going on, which was very nice. I did take a camera and caught a shot of a Townsend’s Solitaire being solitary in a bare tree. A peaceful walk surrounded the muted colors of winter.

Townsend's Solitaire, Fred Baca Park Wetlands, Taos — Townsend Solitaire, Fred Baca Park Wetlands, Taos.

One afternoon a Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay and Northern Flicker, settled in our old cottonwood tree in San Cristobal.

Northern Flicker, and Western Scrub Jay San Cristobal — Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay and Northern Flicker.

Seeing out the New Year, we were watching a sunset cloud from the deck.

Sunset Cloud San Cristobal — Sunset Cloud over Taos Mountain, from San Cristobal.

Lastly, a flashback to Spring 1987, on a trip I made with four friends, Martin, Frank, Ken, and Dave. Frank and I got set up each morning and evening at our primitive campsite to capture the sunrise, or in this instance, waiting on the sunset. I took this shot of our two Rollei’s, Franks Deerdorf, and my Nikon F3.

Monument Valley cameras — Cameras set up at the Mittens, Monument Valley.

As always, Thank you for looking. Happy New Year. G

Winter Solstice Moment, San Luis Valley. 12-21-22

Geraint December 21, 2022 14 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal and beyond. Today I did what I’ve done for the past number of years on the winter solstice, I drove to the San Luis Valley to my favorite barn to catch the moment the sun shines through a hole in the roof. There are many holes in the rooftop, as you can see. This one stands out this year on the solstice, (2:48, MDT). Here’s last year’s moment in black and white at the red barn.

San Luis valley red barn, winter solstice 2022 — San Luis Valley, red barn on the winter solstice, December 21, 2022

Moving ever so slightly to the south the sun hits the pitch peak of the roof, perfectly.

San Luis valley red barn, winter solstice — San Luis Valley and the red barn on the winter solstice, 2022

And for those who celebrate Christmas…

Ho ho ho, Jingle Bells!!!

It was a long day today so I’ll keep it short.

As always thank you for looking. I hope everyone gets what you asked for. Happy Holidays whichever one you celebrate. G

Monument Valley, Taos, and San Luis Valleys. 11-16-2022

Geraint November 16, 2022 14 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal and beyond to Mounument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

This week I was digging in the archive, searching for stock images and a selection for a local photography exhibition. I got distracted and went down the rabbit hole.
An image of the shadow event in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park last spring drew me deeper down the hole. Revisiting a photo, I tend to reminisce and then often edit it to represent more of what I felt than what I initially saw.

Click on an image to enlarge.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Utah — Shadow event last spring in Mounument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

Monument Valley and southeast Utah are one of my all-time favorite areas. I’ve been there many, many times since my first trip in 1985. It did me a world of good to revisit there, although virtually this week.

Secondly, a picture of Taos Mountain from a few years ago, bathed in the last light before the sun set. I wanted to edit it again, bringing out the details in the little creek in the foreground.

A few days ago, Pami and I made a short drive to a favorite spot in the San Luis Valley, you know which one. First, we enjoyed the scene of hay trucks hauling half-ton bales down the narrow roads to one of the many pole barns scattered throughout the valley. A lot of the fields, and some equipment, were put to bed for winter. The pivot irrigator languished on its side wheels up, either for repair or ready to be dismantled and stored. It reminded me of a turtle on its back with legs in the air.

Roadside tree with hay bales, San Luis, Valley CO.

The tree above is home to nesting raptors. I’ve often photographed them in this tree in this area. Of course, no trip to the valley would be complete without a visit to the old homestead.

Old homestead, San Luis Valley, Colorado — Old homestead in snow, San Luis Valley, Colorado

As always, thank you for looking. G

Autumn in New Mexico, Eloquence of Silence. 10-12-22

Geraint October 12, 2022 8 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal and beyond. Autumn colors and clouds reflecting in Hopewell Lake and two images from my solo exhibit at Bareiss Gallery. My show is up until October 31, 2022. So far, visitors, sales, and many new collectors have made the show very successful. Thank you to all who came out, I am honored and grateful.

Click on an image to enlarge it.

The cottonwoods were peaking when we took a short walk along the lake shore.
I’m on a photo tour/workshop this week and we’ve seen some color changes on a grand scale. Hopewell Lake on Highway 64 is a go-to location, and if I go nowhere else in the fall I’ll be happy.

Cottonwood colors northern NM — Cottonwood colors Hopewell Lake, northern NM

Two images from my show titled “The Eloquence of Silence, #1 and #2” I would welcome the opportunity to share my exhibit and new work with you. I’ll be in the gallery Saturday from 11 am -5 pm. I look forward to meeting you.

Photograph Eloquence of Silence #2 — Eloquence of Silence #2

Silence has an eloquence surpassing that of speech; creating a space in which the heart’s thoughts can resound, and deeply-felt emotion can echo with a voice profound in another’s heart, that listens in the silence. (Howard Owen Smith – My Dad).

These two images work very well together as a pair.

My solo exhibition at Bareiss Gallery here in Taos continues through October 31, 2022. The gallery will be open 9 – 2 pm on weekdays. I’ll be there on Saturdays and by appointment. Come and visit. It will be great to meet you. G

Bareiss Gallery is located at:
15 State Rd 150 Taos, NM
575-776-2284

As always thank you for looking. G

Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagle, Red Willow Winter, Crescent Moon.

Geraint March 9, 2022 26 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM

Well, we did make it to the Monte Vista NWR in southern Colorado last week, a couple of hours drive each way from home. There were plenty of Sandhill Cranes, not as many as there will be next week and the week after. My only complaint (not really a complaint) the cranes were quite far away from the accessible areas. I got this first image as they flew overhead from one marsh to another. I thank them for that! Hearing the primordial sounds the cranes make made the trip worthwhile.

Driving north from home we ran into these two creatures having a chat along the roadside. I should clarify, the raven was doing all the yacking. The eagle had nothing to say and was unperturbed by the raven or our presence. Incidentally, this is a very large raven.

Bald Eagle and a Raven on the wire in the San Luis Valley.

It’s difficult to pass by this location on the drive to the grocery store. I whipped past this time but decided to turn around and make yet another image, (I have a lot of pictures from this location). One thing, certainly not the only thing about photography, it gets me outdoors and into nature. As cold and windy as it was, any time I am out in the environment it is a good thing.

Red Willows and Cottonwood, Arroyo Hondo, NM

Below is another favorite location, the “welcome tree” greeting visitors as they crest the hill rising from the Rio Grande Gorge. The tree accompanies the massive vista of the Gorge extending as far as the eye can see, that would be Colorado. I first saw this tree when I arrived in New Mexico in 1984. The tree, sadly, is on its last legs. I keep making images when I pass and I reckon I’ll be making images until it’s gone, that’s my way of honoring its presence after all these years.

Taos "Welcome Tree" — The Taos “Welcome Tree” at the gorge overlook.

Last week this crescent moon made an appearance the day after the new moon, (no moon). It was 1-2% and difficult to spot. I found it by looking through the lens in the general direction suggested by my TPE app on the phone. The clouds gave way just enough at the right time.

As always, thank you for looking. I really appreciate all the wonderful comments and compliments. Have a great week. I’m planning on it. G

Blanca Peak, Colorado, Black and Whites

Geraint March 2, 2022 12 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal.

We’re on the road today, heading out to the Monte Vista NWR in Colorado. I’ll be looking for Sandhill Cranes on the migratory path north after wintering in the southern climates. Assuming I get what I’m looking for, I’ll post those photos next week.

The Monte Vista refuge is situated northwest in the San Luis Valley. This week’s images are of the Blanca Peak Massif visible from just about everywhere in the Valley. The mountain range can be seen from a hundred miles south at the Rio Grande Gorge rim when hiking a little south of the high bridge over the river. I’m posting three images of my favorite views today. One I shot in black and white. I liked it so much that I converted the two others into black and whites.

Click on images to enlarge.

Blanca Peak, Colorado — Blanca Peak with the Rio Grande, Colorado.

Driving north from Taos, this mountain range looms very large on the horizon for the whole drive, drawing one onwards to where the highway ends in Fort Garland, right at the foot of these spectacular mountains.

As always, thank you for looking and all the wonderful comments. G